The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim remains a titan in the gaming world, captivating players with its vast open world, immersive RPG elements, and captivating fantasy setting. While replicating Skyrim’s brilliance is a tall order, several games offer experiences that capture its essence in unique ways.
This list explores a variety of titles, catering to fans who crave exploration, deep RPG mechanics, or simply a captivating atmosphere.
For the Dragon’s Dogma Disciple: Dragon’s Dogma 2 (2024)
Fresh off its release in March 2024, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a strong contender for the “Skyrim experience” throne. It boasts a sprawling fantasy open world, action-packed combat and a robust class system with unique pawn companions. Replayability flourishes with multiple endings and a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be unearthed.
A Return to Tamriel: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)
Diehard Elder Scrolls fans often hold Oblivion in even higher regard than Skyrim. Released in 2006, it revolutionized open-world RPGs with bustling cities, engaging NPCs, and intricate narratives woven into the fabric of the world. Cyrodiil, the game’s region, is meticulously crafted, brimming with lore and waiting to be explored by those seeking a captivating Elder Scrolls experience.
Wasteland Wanderer: Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
While not directly from Bethesda, Fallout: New Vegas shares a lineage with Skyrim through its predecessor, Fallout 3. This 2010 gem offers a post-apocalyptic twist on the open-world RPG formula. Instead of dragons and dungeons, you’ll encounter irradiated wastelands and crumbling monuments. The core mechanics, however, resonate with Skyrim players, featuring similar character progression and combat systems.
A Gothic Gem: Gothic 2 (2002)
Gothic 2 is often viewed as a competitor to the Elder Scrolls series. However, it carves its own path with a more intricate combat system and a focus on atmosphere over sprawling landscapes. While quests, world-building, and character interaction exist, Gothic 2 is a distinct experience compared to Skyrim.
Cyberpunk City Beckons: Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)
Don’t be fooled by the contrasting settings; Cyberpunk 2077 shares surprising similarities with Skyrim. The open-world exploration in Night City feels remarkably akin to Skyrim’s environments. You can lose yourself for hours simply wandering and soaking in the atmosphere.
Character progression, loot acquisition, and crafting systems also resonate with Skyrim fans. With Cyberpunk 2077 now boasting a more polished experience, it’s a great time to revisit this title.
Unbound Exploration Awaits in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
For those who prioritize pure exploration, Breath of the Wild is an unmissable experience. Released in 2017, it features a meticulously crafted open world filled with dungeons, collectibles, and enemies. Puzzles pepper the landscape, encouraging creative problem-solving with the tools at your disposal. While the story takes a backseat to exploration, it’s a captivating journey nonetheless.
The recently released sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, offers a similar experience with the addition of building mechanics, allowing you to interact with the world in new ways.
Viking Raids Await: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020)
The vast open world and abundance of quests in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla make it a compelling choice. Set amidst Vikings inspired by the Nords of Skyrim, Valhalla offers a familiar yet distinct fantasy setting. While some aspects feel overwhelming, players can choose to focus on the main story and engaging side quests, building up their settlement and forging camaraderie along the way.
A Skyrim-Sized Mod: Enderal: Forgotten Stories (2019)
This unique entry blurs the line between game and mod. Originally a massive Skyrim mod released in 2016, Enderal: Forgotten Stories has evolved into a standalone experience.
It features a completely new world, voiced characters, lore, story, and even revamped combat mechanics. The “unconventional” story unfolds within a beautifully crafted world, offering a fresh experience for Skyrim veterans.
This diverse selection offers something for every Skyrim enthusiast. Whether you crave a return to classic RPG mechanics, a fresh take on fantasy, or a deep dive into a unique world, there’s a game here to ignite your sense of adventure. So, grab your gear, sharpen your skills, and prepare to embark on your next epic journey!
