If you are looking for games like Skyrim, because you can’t get enough of this fantasy RPG, then here we give you a list of seven games that will give you a similar experience.
-Robin Bhuyan
When The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launched back in 2011, it didn’t just raise the bar for open-world fantasy RPGs — it redefined what freedom in a video game could feel like. Its cold Nordic mountains, hauntingly beautiful music, and rich lore became a digital home for millions of players who spent hundreds of hours playing the game, not even following the main quest.
But all good things come to a pause (even if you have finished the game five times experimenting with over a dozen mods). If you’re craving that same sense of discovery and freedom, here are seven games like Skyrim that capture the spirit of exploration, roleplaying, and open-ended storytelling. Some are cult classics, others are under-the-radar gems — but they all deliver that irresistible sandbox RPG magic.
7. Outward
Outward is what happens when a small indie team says, “Let’s make a hardcore survival RPG… with soul.” While it doesn’t have dragons or flashy spell trees, it does deliver something Skyrim fans often crave — the feeling of being vulnerable in a big, dangerous world.
You’re not a chosen hero here. You’re just some guy (or gal) trying to survive brutal environments, magic-infused beasts, and your own poor decision-making. There’s no fast travel, and even casting spells requires rituals and preparation. For those who loved the Skyrim experience of getting lost in a snowy wilderness with nothing but a backpack and hope, Outward is one of the best Skyrim alternatives.
6. Risen 3: Titan Lords
Don’t let the pirate theme fool you — Risen 3 is very much a Skyrim-style game under the surface. It offers faction choices, open-ended exploration, and the kind of immersive, semi-broken world design only Piranha Bytes can deliver.
You’re free to explore different regions in any order, and how you interact with various factions will shape your experience. Although the open world has been praised, Risen 3 has been criticized a bit due to the combat. It’s a bit rough around the edges (ok, maybe very rough), but for players who love janky RPGs with heart — and who miss the feeling of discovering strange places off the beaten path — Risen 3 is a true hidden gem among Skyrim alternatives. (You can also try Risen 1 and Risen 2 as they will give you a similar experience)
5. Elex
Made by the developers of Gothic and Risen, Elex is a weird but compelling mash-up of post-apocalypse, science fiction, and medieval fantasy. It’s the kind of janky-but-loveable RPG where you are wielding a plasma rifle one minute and a broadsword the next.
Like Skyrim, Elex gives you complete freedom! And…. brutal enemies right from the start, and multiple factions to align with. The world of Magalan feels unpredictable and hostile — much like Skyrim’s wilds when you first stepped out of Helgen. It’s not polished, but it’s overflowing with depth and replay value. If you want sandbox RPG games that reward exploration and experimentation, make sure to give this one a try.
4. GreedFall
If you are looking for games like Skyrim, GreedFall is a unique game you should experience. It is known for its colonial politics and mysterious island magic. It’s more narrative-driven than Skyrim, but the roleplaying depth, faction diplomacy, and character builds give it that same feeling of control over your story.
You’re dropped into a world caught between science, religion, and ancient supernatural forces. Will you play diplomat, warrior, or something in between? Much like Skyrim, GreedFall lets you decide who you are in a morally grey world. While its world isn’t fully open like Skyrim’s, it lets you make your own choices, and its faction outcomes make it a strong entry among games similar to Skyrim.
3. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Mount and Blade II Bannerlord in many ways, feels like Skyrim, without the fantasy. Yes, the game doesn’t have magic or dragons — but it delivers full sandbox RPG freedom. You start with nothing and can rise to become a mercenary captain, lord, or even the emperor of your own kingdom.
What it lacks in fantasy, it makes up for in gameplay. Mount and Blade II Bannerlord is the only game on this list where you can command 300 soldiers in a siege, protect villagers from raiders or loot and burn the settlements yourself, negotiate with rival nobles, capture them and put them in dungeons, or even execute them if you feel like! You can trade your way to economic dominance — all while roleplaying as a ruthless warlord or a wandering hero. If you ever wished Skyrim had deeper political and army mechanics, Bannerlord is one of the best open world games like Skyrim in terms of pure freedom. However, avoid this game if you are looking for a tight storytelling experience- because this game is about freedom, not story!
If you are using a budget gaming PC, then you can also try its predecessor Mount and Blade: Warband, as in many ways, it will give you a similar experience. Plus, there are dozens of mods to experiment with!
2. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Next on our list of games like Skyrim is Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen. Dragon’s Dogma is what happens when Japanese developers try their hand at the Western RPG formula — and somehow create something unforgettable. It has the open world and roleplaying systems you’d expect, but the combat is where it truly shines.
Fighting a griffin while clinging to its wing mid-flight? That’s not just cutscene flair — that’s actual gameplay. The Pawn system also adds a unique twist, letting you train AI companions that other players can borrow. It’s a more combat-focused take on the Skyrim gameplay experience, but the atmosphere, exploration, and mysterious lore in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen make it one of the most beloved Skyrim inspired games out there.
You can also check out its sequel Dragon’s Dogma 2, though reviews towards the game have been mostly mixed!
1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
No magic. No dragons. Just you, a medieval peasant, trying to survive the harsh reality of 1403 Bohemia. Kingdom Come: Deliverance strips away fantasy elements but keeps everything else Skyrim fans love: open-ended quests, immersive exploration, meaningful character progression, and a world that reacts to your decisions. If you are craving for an experience that only games like Skyrim can provide, this game should definitely be on your list!
It’s brutally realistic — you’ll learn to read, sharpen your sword, and even wash regularly if you don’t want to smell like an animal. But that level of detail makes the game feel alive. If you loved wandering through Skyrim’s villages, engaging in random side stories, or getting lost in the wilderness, Kingdom Come: Deliverance will absolutely pull you in. It’s the ultimate grounded Skyrim alternative.
You may also want to check out the sequel Kingdom Come Deliverance II, which has been hugely praised by critics. It is also considered among the best games released in 2025.
If you prefer RPGs that are story driven, check out Witcher 3, which is still a terrific RPG In 2025
