30 Best Games Like Skyrim You Need To Try in 2023
The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim has been out for a while now, and it is still one of the most played games on Steam and, needless to say, one of the most popular games of all time. With so many games coming in at a steady pace, you may find yourself looking for a new one to play that feels just as rewarding and fulfilling as Skyrim was And that’s why knowing about the best games like Skyrim is important.
There is a limited number of games on the market that offer as much freedom and immersion as Skyrim does, and even if they do, the story is, more often than not, just plain bad. Luckily for you, though, we’ve done our research and found 30 great games like Skyrim. Dragons, robots, magic, pirates, monsters, ancient gods, our list has everything! Let’s take a look at our list of best games like Skyrim you definitely need to try.
Editor’s Note: This list was updated in November 2023 to included the hottest new titles!
1. Far Cry Primal
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Far Cry games are usually not similar to Skyrim except for having RPG elements, but Primal has a somewhat similar environment oriented toward survival. You find yourself in a distant albeit realistic past and…that’s pretty much as far as similarities go. Okay, it’s on the list because it has mammoths…
2. Risen 3: Titan Lords
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360
In a world forsaken by its gods and ravaged by Titans, humanity strives to recover. Amidst the encroaching darkness, your shattered life becomes a focal point as you embark on a journey to reclaim what’s lost, possibly holding the key to saving the world. Risen was never the most polished game around, and if you can go past the jankiness of it, you will discover that it has much more depth than what’s today served as “immersive roleplaying.”
3. Fable III
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360
Fable III got so much needles hate on launch, and over time, I had enough wisdom to see it as a decent game. Fable III is somewhat open-world, and don’t expect difficult combat as the game is fairly easy to master. However, what makes Fable III really stand out are your choices. The choices you will be forced to make will have tangible and visible consequences on the world around you, and for maybe the first time in gaming, you have the opportunity to literally doom the world you’re trying to save to extinction.
4. Neverwinter Nights
Platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Neverwinter Nights and Skyrim share similarities as both are action role-playing games set in immersive fantasy worlds. Both games offer extensive character customization, allowing players to shape their protagonist’s abilities, appearance, and playstyle. Additionally, they feature rich narrative-driven experiences with quests, exploration, and a variety of engaging environments.
5. Ravenswords: Shadowlands
Platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Ravensword is not the most popular game in the world and for a good reason, but despite its many flaws, the most obvious one being that the game is somewhat visually lacking, I would recommend it. Shadowlands plunges you into a chaotic world after the fall of Ravengard. As the last hope, descended from a line of kings, you must wield the lost Ravensword to restore order in the Kingdom of Tyreas, exploring a detailed world, mastering various skills, and engaging in reflex-based combat with an array of weapons and mounts.
6. Two Worlds II
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Two Worlds II takes you on a journey through Antaloor’s history as you confront the aftermath of the Dark Lord Gandohar’s manipulation following the downfall of the God of Fire, Aziraal. With dark magic threatening to engulf the land and Gandohar’s ruthless pursuit of power, a resistance emerges to challenge his tyranny and restore the delicate balance of forces in the ongoing struggle for Antaloor. Expect Eurojank mechanics.
7. Fallout 4
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
You know why it’s on this list, because Fallout 4 is Skyrim in a post-apocalyptic future. Even the animations are the same. If you haven’t had a chance to try out Fallout 4, expect to be reminded of Skyrim, a lot.
8. Gothic 3
Platforms: PC
Don’t attempt to play Gothic 3 without the community patch; you won’t have a good time. In any case, no list of RPGs can be without Gothic. Since its rocky launch it became a cult classic and one of the best RPGs of all time. In the tumultuous world of Myrtana, besieged by orc invaders and internal strife, King Rhobar makes a last stand at Vengard against the chaos. As rumors circulate about the arrival of the nameless hero from Khorinis, uncertainty prevails, leaving the fate of Myrtana hanging in the balance as alliances and loyalties teeter on the edge of transformation.
9. Dragon Age: Inquistion
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Easily all Dragon Age games can be put on this list but I decided to go with Inquisition because it’s the latest one. Both games are open-world, fantasy role-playing games that offer expansive and immersive experiences. In both games, players can create and customize their characters, explore vast and detailed landscapes, engage in complex narratives, and make impactful choices that shape the course of the story.
10. Red Dead Redemption 2
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
The setting is not quite the same, and there are no magic and fantasy elements, but the games are similar when it comes to freedom, exploration, and immersion. In Red Dead Redemption, you take on a specific role, but to reach the ultimate goal, you can play whatever and however you want.
11. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen has a massive world where dynamic action combat awaits players on an epic adventure. With three AI companions called Pawns that evolve based on each player’s actions, users can share and borrow these allies online, exchanging valuable tips and strategies to overcome enemies and tackle challenging quests.
12. Divinity II
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360
Both Divinity II and Skyrim are fantasy role-playing games that offer expansive open worlds, rich narratives, and opportunities for character customization. Players in both games can explore vast landscapes, engage in quests, and develop their characters’ abilities. Additionally, both titles provide a sense of freedom.
13. The Witcher Wild Hunt
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
Every single The Witcher title can be put on this list, but Wild Hunt is ultimately the best and most popular. There’s really nothing I can say about this game that can do it justice. It has a vast open world, amazing characters, an amazing storyline, somewhat terrible combat, and one of the prettiest worlds in gaming, yes, even today, after all these years.
14. Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor and Skyrim share some similarities as both are action role-playing games set in expansive open worlds, but they are ultimately different and take a different approach when it comes to some core mechanics and combat. Still, it’s one of the most iconic Lord of the Rings games and its worth a try.
15. Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion lead designer Ken Rolston worked on this game, so it’s very similar to Skyrim in numerous aspects. It has a massive world, action combat, customizable classes, and its overflowing with fantasy elements. The story is somewhat trashy, but is it a true RPG if it’s not?
16. God of War Ragnarök
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Both Skyrim and Ragnarok are action-RPGs, and both share a similar setting, as Skyrim was also inspired by Vikings and their culture, although in a less in-your-face way. In any case, Ragnarok might be less “open” than Skyrim, but you’re in for some intense action and wonderful storytelling.
17. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla ended up on this list due to the same reason as God of War: its setting. In Valhalla, like in Skyrim, you can explore an expansive and frozen world, collect resources, and craft, but you can also engage in Drakkar battles and experience what it’s like to be a viking, with fewer dragons, of course.
18. Baldur’s Gate 3
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Baldur’s Gate and Skyrim share similarities as both are critically acclaimed role-playing games set in expansive, detailed fantasy worlds. They offer deep narrative experiences with a focus on player choice, allowing for extensive character customization and development. Both games also feature open-world exploration, diverse quests, and rich lore.
19. Godfall
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
Godfall is a loot-powered action adventure where you, the last Valorian knight, must wield legendary armor sets and ascend through elemental realms to confront the mad god, Macros.
20. Elden Ring
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
Elden Ring and Skyrim share similarities as both are open-world action role-playing games set in expansive and immersive fantasy realms. They offer players the freedom to explore vast landscapes, engage in epic quests, and customize their characters. Additionally, both games feature rich lore, dynamic combat systems, and a sense of freedom in shaping the narrative through player choices.
21. Starfield
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Starfield’s open world has been very criticized due to its limitations, but it’s still one of the biggest out there. Besides that, the two games have completely different settings, but since the developers are the same, the game’s mechanics and approach to combat are basically the same.
22. Ghost of Tsushima
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Ghost of Tsushima and Skyrim share some similarities, particularly in their open-world design and emphasis on player exploration. Both games offer expansive landscapes for players to navigate, filled with various points of interest, quests, and dynamic encounters. Additionally, both titles provide players with the freedom to shape their character’s abilities and playstyle.
23. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Switch
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is one beautiful but frustrating game until you get the hang of it and get better. It has an incredibly detailed crafting system and a vast world to explore. The best part is that the quests can sometimes be found in the last places you would expect. But, even if it’s similar to Skyrim in theory, it takes a more realistic approach to worldbuilding and lore, as there’s not magic or other fantasy elements involved.
24. Horizon: Call of the Mountain
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Both game series present expansive and visually stunning open worlds for players to explore, filled with diverse landscapes, creatures, and quests. Additionally, both offer rich lore and narrative depth, allowing players to engage in a variety of quests and activities that contribute to a sense of agency and personalization in their gaming experience.
25. ELEX II
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
Elex and Skyrim share similarities as both are open-world role-playing games that provide players with vast, immersive environments to explore. In both games, players can engage in quests, develop their characters, and make impactful choices that influence the game world. Additionally, Elex and Skyrim feature a dynamic and living world.
26. Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Platforms: Switch
The game is set in an expansive open world, allowing players to explore diverse landscapes, solve puzzles, battle enemies, and uncover the secrets of Hyrule. It introduces a non-linear gameplay approach, emphasizing exploration and creativity, and received acclaim for its innovative design and engaging narrative within the iconic Legend of Zelda franchise.
27. Hogwarts Legacy
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
Hogwarts Legacy is an action RPG based on the Harry Potter world. It’s a fun game with lots of opportunities to explore and spellcasting. The settings are widely different, but they are similar due to the fantasy elements in both games.
28. Tales of Arise
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
Tales of Arise follows the story of two planets, Dahna and Rena, where Rena has historically oppressed Dahna. The game centers around Alphen, a Dahnan slave, and Shionne, a Renan aristocrat, as they embark on a journey to liberate Dahna from Renan tyranny. Together with a group of diverse characters, they seek to overcome the challenges and conflicts in their quest for freedom and to unravel the mysteries of their world. The game is known for its engaging narrative, dynamic combat system, and vibrant anime-style visuals.
29. Greedfall
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
GreedFall is an action role-playing game set in a 17th-century-inspired fantasy world. Players assume the role of De Sardet, a neutral human diplomat, as they navigate political intrigue and explore the mysterious island of Teer Fradee. The game revolves around diplomatic choices, exploration, and combat, allowing players to shape the narrative, forge alliances with different factions, and uncover the secrets of the island while dealing with a deadly supernatural plague known as the Malichor.
30. Arx Fatalis
Platforms: PC, Xbox
Arx Fatalis is one of the first RPG games that I’ve ever played, and the casting system completely blew my mind. In Arx Fatalis, you craft your hero for an underground adventure, allocating skill points to customize your character’s proficiency in spellcasting, weapons, armor, and stealth. The game introduces an innovative magic system, allowing you to draw runes in mid-air with the mouse and combine gestures to unleash 50 powerful spells against enemy creatures.
Have a game to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
