It’s astonishing to think that over 13 years have elapsed since the launch of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Widely regarded as a gaming masterpiece, Bethesda’s epic unfolds 200 years after its predecessor, focusing on the journey of a Dragonborn tasked with defeating Alduin, the World-Eater, who is prophesied to annihilate the world.
Skyrim captivated audiences not only with its deeply immersive open world and compelling narrative but also attracted players looking for stunning visuals and engaging combat against fantastical foes. Available on virtually every gaming platform, the allure of this RPG has stood the test of time, bolstered by a thriving modding community. For those seeking alternatives that retain a similar ethos, let’s explore the top games like Skyrim.
Last Updated: January 4, 2025, by Mark Sammut: With the new year underway, 2025 promises a plethora of exciting RPGs. As a new Elder Scrolls installment seems unlikely to be released anytime soon, fans should explore the following upcoming titles, including a promising action RPG that began its early access phase in December 2024.
26. Path Of Exile 2
An Early Access Action RPG That Could Become The Best In Class
Path of Exile 2 is a compelling choice for action RPG enthusiasts. However, players should temper expectations, as this game diverges significantly from the Skyrim formula. It offers an isometric perspective that emphasizes loot collection and customization, drawing more inspiration from the Diablo series than from Elder Scrolls.
Gamers will spend most of their time battling hordes of enemies to gather loot and customize their characters with diverse weapons, armor, and perks. The early access version consists of a three-act narrative, roughly half of what will be available upon full release. Players must traverse this content twice to access endgame features that promise to be quite extensive. Even focusing solely on the campaign, players can expect around 50 hours of gameplay.
While there are minimal parallels to Skyrim, both games exemplify what makes the RPG genre captivating. Path of Exile 2 boasts an expansive selection of unique base classes and an overwhelming number of customization options. Although its progression system differs from that of Skyrim, it does satiate that desire for depth and complexity. While the early access version has a price tag attached, the complete release will be free.
25. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
A Polarizing RPG In One Of The All-Time Beloved Franchises
The Dragon Age series has evolved immensely since its inaugural game, Origins—a fact that speaks volumes about the various quality levels of its successors. The Veilguard marks a significant shift in style and mechanics, making it feel almost like a separate entity. This installment features a real-time combat system, a natural progression from the combat styles introduced in Inquisition, illustrating an evolution of the series rather than a straightforward sequel to all previous entries. Players interested in this 2024 release should manage their expectations and not assume a direct continuation of what came before.
This game has generated a spectrum of reactions, from acclaim to criticism. While combat can be flashy and entertaining, the variety of enemies may leave something to be desired. However, customization options within the class system offer exciting depth, particularly once players gain access to specializations. The game’s beautiful graphics set a new standard in the RPG genre, but it’s important to note that it’s not open-world; rather, it consists of segmented environments, something Skyrim fans should ponder before diving in.
24. Throne and Liberty
A Free-To-Play MMORPG With Depth & Ambition
Throne and Liberty presents a drastically different flavor from Skyrim as NCSoft embarks on a bold MMORPG journey. Despite receiving mixed critical feedback, the Western release has found favor with many players, particularly those nostalgic for titles like Lineage. It’s essential for newcomers to prepare for extensive grinding, social interactions, and the usual complement of side quests that could be deemed “boilerplate.”These aspects’ enjoyment largely hinges on individual tastes.
Though the two games differ fundamentally, Throne and Liberty satisfies similar desires for exploration. Its rich, expansive world beckons players to discover, albeit not with the unrestricted freedom inherent to Bethesda titles. Combat requires honing skills but can certainly become rewarding, while clever progression systems revolving around weapon types contribute to a flexible class setup that allows mixing and matching skills. It includes dungeons, loot, and guilds as well.
23. Baldur’s Gate 3
Deep Customization & Fluid Quests
Baldur’s Gate 3 represents a departure from Skyrim’s real-time gameplay. Instead, it employs a turn-based combat system that emphasizes party synergy, strategic thinking, and anticipation. This tactical RPG, viewed from an isometric perspective, doesn’t offer the typical continuous open world, though exploration is encouraged and rewarded.
While Baldur’s Gate 3 may not fulfill the Skyrim itch for all players, it excels in narrative richness, robust customization, and a world molded by player decisions. Just as Skyrim set a high bar for RPGs, this 2023 title achieves a similar feat within the tactical RPG subgenre.
22. Ghost Of Tsushima
Third-Person Combat & Stunning Historical Open-World
While the freedom and exploration of Skyrim appeal to many, the game weaves an intricate storyline that unfolds as players tackle quests across the lands of Tamriel. For fans yearning for another epic narrative amidst an open world, Ghost of Tsushima presents a captivating option.
This action-adventure title chronicles the journey of Jin Sakai as he strives to liberate Tsushima from Mongol invaders. With its excellent voice acting, breathtaking visuals, and an engaging plot, Ghost of Tsushima offers an unforgettable experience for fans of narrative-driven adventures.
21. Cyberpunk 2077
Immersive Sci-Fi Metropolis
Following the monumental success of The Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red aimed high with the release of Cyberpunk 2077. While the launch was fraught with issues, especially for last-gen consoles, the PC and next-gen versions have improved significantly. Despite some lingering unmet expectations, Cyberpunk 2077 showcases a sprawling, ambitious world.
While set in a vastly different environment than Skyrim, the game’s immersive world-building and rich lore create a compelling landscape for exploration. Night City serves as the heart of this experience, filled with intricate details that enrich the player’s journey.
20. The Fire Ring
Soulslike Open-World
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring pushes the boundaries of what an open-world RPG can achieve. While it embraces a higher difficulty level than Skyrim, the extensive freedom and vast environments evoke a sense of adventure that’s reminiscent of Bethesda’s work.
Offering a detailed character creator and an extensive array of weapons and build options, Elden Ring enhances replayability through its myriad customization features. While acknowledging distinct gameplay mechanics, both Skyrim and FromSoftware’s masterpiece invite players into diverse, expansive playgrounds that emphasize exploration.
19. Goat Simulator 3
An Open-World Parody
This recommendation requires some clarity: Goat Simulator 3 does not take itself seriously, and this characterization extends to its premise and numerous humorous references. While the main events provide some structure to the gameplay, the essence lies in its chaotic sandbox, where players revel in inducing mayhem.
Although the story is not especially memorable, the game lovingly pays homage to a myriad of open-world titles, including Easter eggs that reference Skyrim early in gameplay. Although not a direct substitute for an immersive RPG experience, Goat Simulator 3 serves up a fun escape.
18. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild & Tears Of The Kingdom
Explore Hyrule Freely
Nintendo’s revival of The Legend of Zelda franchise culminated in Breath of the Wild, a game many consider to be the pinnacle of modern gaming. This open-world action-adventure allows players to engage in countless hours of exploration, paralleling the freedom of Skyrim.
Breath of the Wild sets an exemplary standard for gameplay fluidity and exploration, allowing players to traverse its vibrant world at their leisure. Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, follows closely in its predecessor’s footsteps, offering a similarly rich experience while infusing fresh ideas to renew the adventure, making it an ideal recommendation for fans of expansive open worlds.
17. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
A Realistic Late-Medieval Open-World
Kingdom Come: Deliverance exemplifies Warhorse Studios’ grand ambition with its expansive open-world design and wealth of content. For anyone keen on RPGs like Skyrim, this title asserts itself as a solid alternative.
The game’s distinctive combat system demands investment from players but rewards them with an engaging story, challenging battles, and numerous memorable characters, creating a fully immersive medieval experience.
16. Horizon Zero Dawn & Horizon Forbidden West
Massive & Gorgeous Worlds, Fun Combat
Both Horizon Zero Dawn and its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, stand out as extraordinary open-world experiences from Sony. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where remnants of both prehistoric and robotic creatures abound, they follow the journey of Aloy, who finds herself entangled in a conflicted legacy.
Combat blends melee and ranged attacks as players engage towering mechanical foes, and similar to Skyrim, these games thrill most when encouraging players to roam their rich, detailed environments.
15. Hogwarts Legacy
Full Immersion In A Magical World
While Hogwarts Legacy is fundamentally distinct from Skyrim, it nonetheless warrants mention due to its enchanting setting. The title features stylish combat centered around spellcasting, though its simplistic mechanics may differ from many players’ expectations.
Players can venture through the remarkably detailed environments of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, allowing for a truly immersive experience for fans of the Harry Potter universe. The game excels when players engage in the environment, echoing Skyrim’s emphasis on immersion and exploration.
14. Grim Dawn
Isometric Hack And Slash Action In A Dark Fantasy World
Grim Dawn takes players to a stark, war-torn land, aiming its appeal at fans of isometric action RPGs similar to Titan Quest and Diablo II. While its narrative often recedes to the background, the game focuses on combat and loot, presenting an engaging dark fantasy experience.
The intricate lore provides depth, while the extensive customization options—featuring various classes, skills, and application systems—entertain players, making it a resistant title in the hack-and-slash genre.
13. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
A Role-Playing Masterpiece
Though it enjoys a cult following rather than mainstream acclaim, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines remains influential within the RPG genre. Released by Troika Games in 2004, it introduced groundbreaking flexible questing, character customization, and storytelling elements.
Despite some rough edges and a sagging narrative during its latter half, a dedicated modding community has addressed many flaws, enhancing the overall experience. Set within a dark, alternate reality of Los Angeles, players join the secretive vampire society and navigate a web of choices that shape the gameplay, making it a standout title.
12. Conan Exiles
Surviving In A Dark Fantasy World
Conan Exiles, despite its mixed initial reception, remains popular for its dual appeal as a single-player survival RPG and an online collaborative experience. In single-player mode, players engage with an extensive sandbox environment that emphasizes exploration and crafting.
Though it has a loosely structured narrative, the game encourages players to depart from a guided storyline—an aspect reminiscent of Skyrim’s design. While the survival mechanics make early gameplay quite challenging, upon establishing a base, adventurous opportunities abound in this visually stunning world.
11. Dragon’s Dogma 2 (Or Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen)
Slay The Ultimate Dragon
Though Dragon’s Dogma shares different mechanics than Skyrim, it offers thrilling experiences that merit inclusion. As the sequel refines the existing formula, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen remains an appealing option for those who enjoyed the first installment.
With dragons taking center stage in both games, players assume the mantle of the Arisen, a hero charged with saving the world. The combat system balances melee, ranged, and magic mechanics, while the pawn system allows for player-created companions to aid in battle, offering distinct gameplay dynamics.
10. Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning
Real-Time Action In A Colorful Fantasy World
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning provides a vibrant fantasy world teeming with unique foes and treasure. Players are encouraged to explore the colorful environments, which maintain a sense of excitement throughout.
Offering a variety of weapons and spells, players can choose to embody a warrior, rogue, or mage—or combine these for a specialized character. The game’s encouragement of open-world exploration evokes the liberating adventure familiar to those who roam Skyrim.
9. Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
Awesome First-Person Combat With Depth & Variety
Known for its ambitious projects, Arkane Studios excels at blending supernatural elements with traditional combat mechanics. Although Dark Messiah of Might and Magic is not as polished as past titles like Dishonored, it remains one of the studio’s key achievements.
Utilizing the Source Engine, this action RPG encourages creative combat strategies, allowing players to harness their environment to outsmart foes. While primarily a combat-focused game, its diverse array of skills accommodates various playstyles, advancing the combat experience beyond basic melee and magic.
8. Outward Definitive Edition
An RPG About Just Making Do
Curious about the everyday grind of an adventurer while the Dragonborn is saving the world? Outward provides a unique lens into the life of a mundane hero primarily focused on clearing debts and personal exploration.
The game is not without its flaws, including certain rough gameplay mechanics; however, it emphasizes player autonomy and encourages exploration. Its adventure-based narrative allows players to delve into its world at their discretion, albeit with a constant awareness of survival challenges.
7. The Forgotten City
Built On The Ashes Of A Skyrim Mod
Originating from an acclaimed Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City has evolved into a standalone narrative-driven game that retains its roots while offering a fresh experience. Players embark on a journey through an Ancient Roman village burdened by a curse, triggering a time loop whenever a sin occurs.
Focusing significantly on exploration and dialogue rather than combat, The Forgotten City crafts an engaging tale that drives players to unravel its mysteries. The experience, marked by a compelling 10-hour runtime, ensures players are consistently captivated.
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