23 Games Like Skyrim To Play In 2024
There’s nothing quite like Skyrim, but for those looking to explore new realms, we’ve gathered a list of 23 games that capture that same adventurous spirit. Whether you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, or PC, these games bring fantasy worlds to life with intricate storylines, exciting quests, and engaging characters.
From the open-world scenes of The Witcher 3 to the detailed lore of Divinity: Original Sin II, each game offers a unique take on what made Skyrim a beloved classic. If you find yourself waiting for Elder Scrolls 6, these games will keep you engrossed, entertained, and eager for more. Let’s dive into these fantastic alternatives that promise to capture your imagination.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
In the modern era, there’s perhaps no game that comes closer to the feeling of Skyrim than Dragon’s Dogma 2. From the fantasy open-world to the unique combat system, DD2 should make any long-time Skyrim player feel right at home. While the game works differently from Skyrim, particularly with the class and pawn systems, it features plenty of the same RPG elements as well. Dragon’s Dogma 2 also features multiple endings and plenty of secrets, which only adds to its replay value.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
It’d be difficult to compile a list of games like Skyrim without including The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Morrowind was the third installment in the franchise and helped shape what the Elder Scrolls series is today. While the game looks quite dated, the core gameplay elements—quests to complete, guilds to join, choices to make, and enemies to fight—remain compelling. Morrowind is more challenging than Skyrim, offering a unique feel within the Elder Scrolls franchise.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Many Elder Scrolls veterans consider The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion their favorite game in the franchise. Oblivion changed what many players thought an open-world RPG could be. It features one of the best video game worlds ever designed, complete with bustling cities, talkative NPCs, and intriguing stories to uncover. The lore in Oblivion is captivating, allowing players to learn everything about the region of Cyrodiil and its inhabitants. Oblivion is closer to Skyrim in terms of gameplay but maintains its own unique charm.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
If there’s a more well-known RPG than Skyrim released in the 2010s, it’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This game is hailed as a masterpiece, featuring deep RPG mechanics, an incredible story, and unforgettable characters. While The Witcher 3 is tougher than Skyrim, it has a similar setting, melee and magic combat, and plenty of open-world activities. It’s an absolute must-play for any RPG fan.
Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas is another must-play for Elder Scrolls enthusiasts. Although set in a post-apocalyptic world, it shares many gameplay elements with Skyrim, such as the progression system and combat mechanics. The setting and theme differ greatly, but the depth of exploration and character development are comparable.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance isn’t a traditional RPG like Skyrim, but it’s beloved for its attention to detail, particularly in world design. The game follows the story of a common soldier seeking revenge, which evolves into a larger conflict within the Holy Roman Empire. The combat is intense, featuring both melee and ranged engagements.
The story and world-building in Kingdom Come: Deliverance attract many Skyrim players. The combat system provides intense ranged and melee fights.
Gothic 2
Gothic 2 is another classic, often seen as a direct competitor to the Elder Scrolls series. It features a robust combat system with fewer RPG elements compared to Skyrim. Gothic 2 offers similar quests, world-building, and character interactions.
Gothic 2 is not a replica of Morrowind or Skyrim, but it has its own charm. The game offers a different experience with robust combat and a well-crafted world.
Cyberpunk 2077
While the setting of Cyberpunk 2077 is vastly different from Skyrim’s, it shares several similarities, particularly in open-world exploration. Players can get lost in Night City just as easily as they can in Skyrim’s vast landscapes. Cyberpunk 2077 also offers fantastic RPG progression and plenty of loot.
Cyberpunk 2077’s open-world exploration is akin to Skyrim’s. The game offers rich RPG mechanics and a plethora of items to discover and craft.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out with its unique ruleset, different from traditional RPGs like Skyrim. Despite its differences, the game features excellent quests, exploration, and character-building. If you enjoyed Skyrim’s narrative aspects, Baldur’s Gate 3 will captivate you.
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon offers a promising early-access experience for RPG fans. The game emphasizes story, forcing players to make difficult decisions that impact the plot and ending. Its first-person fantasy setting is reminiscent of the Elder Scrolls series.
Tainted Grail features a combat system with melee, ranged weapons, and magic. Players can engage in various activities aside from combat, providing a well-rounded experience.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition is another title perfect for Skyrim fans. The game involves saving the world and making difficult decisions to keep factions together. Its massive fantasy world is ripe for exploration, and the story is deeply engaging.
The combat in Dragon Age: Inquisition differs from Skyrim, requiring strategic use of various abilities. It’s simple to pick up but challenging to master.
Elder Scrolls Online
Elder Scrolls Online is arguably the best way to experience the Elder Scrolls franchise in 2024. The MMORPG offers a similar gameplay experience to traditional Elder Scrolls games, with quests, exploration, and in-depth lore.
In Elder Scrolls Online, players can choose classes, go on quests, and explore regions from the Elder Scrolls lore.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is ideal for those who love exploration. Its open world is meticulously designed with dungeons, collectibles, and enemies to encounter. The game also features puzzles that challenge players to think outside the box.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is perfect for players seeking a challenge. Unlike Skyrim, the game has no difficulty options, making it tough but rewarding. Elden Ring features deep lore, a massive open world, and complex quests. It’s a great pick for fans who want to delve into a rich, challenging universe.
While the dialogue in Elden Ring is minimal, there are still many characters to meet. The game’s new expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, adds even more content.
Enderal: Forgotten Stories
Enderal: Forgotten Stories started as a Skyrim mod but evolved into its own game. It features a new world, voice-acted characters, and fresh gameplay mechanics. Enderal offers a unique story and beautifully crafted environments, making it a must-play for Skyrim fans.
Enderal retains influences from Skyrim but stands on its own. The world is richly detailed, offering countless areas to explore.
Fable 2
Fable 2 is a beloved classic from the Xbox 360 era. It features large open-world maps, fantasy storytelling, and a loyal companion dog. The combat system is reminiscent of Skyrim, making it a great choice for fans.
Starfield
Starfield is dubbed “Skyrim in space” by Todd Howard. It features hundreds of planets to explore, faction quest lines, and character relationships. If you enjoy Skyrim, you might find Starfield appealing due to its exploration and RPG elements.
The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds offers a Bethesda-like RPG experience developed by Obsidian. The game’s characters and locations are highlights, though the progression system is weaker. It’s a good pick for story-focused players who don’t mind a different approach to open-world design.
The Outer Worlds features choices that directly impact the ending. It’s great for players who enjoy making story-driven decisions.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn offers deep lore and fantastic open-world exploration. The game features a massive map and rich character building. While different from Skyrim, it’s a solid choice for fans of narrative-driven, exploratory games.
Divinity: Original Sin II
Divinity: Original Sin II by Larian Studios features wide-ranging classes, characters, and open-world exploration. Its strategic combat and engaging story make it a great pick for RPG fans. While different from Skyrim, the game offers a richly detailed fantasy world.
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky provides endless exploration across star systems. It offers quests, characters, lore, and loot, similar to Skyrim. Despite the different settings, fans of exploration will find much to enjoy.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla most closely resembles Skyrim in its setting. The open world is vast, and the number of quests is staggering. Valhalla allows players to build a base and foster connections, adding depth to the story.
Dread Delusion
Dread Delusion is inspired by older Elder Scrolls titles. It emphasizes exploration over combat, appealing to fans who enjoy discovering new areas. The game’s graphics and gameplay offer a nostalgic trip while maintaining modern RPG elements.
Dread Delusion features classic RPG elements, allowing for character customization. The game promises hours of exploration and offers a richly detailed world.
Wrapping up, these 23 games each bring their unique flair while capturing the essence of what makes Skyrim so beloved. With rich worlds to explore, intricate stories to unravel, and endless quests, they promise to keep you entertained while you wait for the next Elder Scrolls adventure.
From Dragon’s Dogma 2 to Elden Ring, there’s something for every RPG enthusiast. So fire up your console or PC and dive into these fantastic worlds. Happy gaming!