Skyrimis one of the best-selling games of all time, and for good reason — its expansive map, detailed cities, and compelling questlines make for some of the most immersive, fantasy-themed gaming you’re gonna get.Skyrimalso has arobust modding community, so though aspects of the game might be dated now, you’re able to make some changes to get your gaming experience to your exact specifications. If even that isn’t enough to keep yourSkyrimplaythroughs feeling fresh, then maybe it’s time to move onto something new. Thankfully, there are plenty of games out there that are perfectly-suited to fill theSkyrim-shaped hole in your heart.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
The most recent mainline entry in Bioware’s flagship fantasy series,Dragon Age: Inquisitionis a perfect game to try out if you’re missing the snow-capped mountains ofSkyrim. The game’s cast of colorful characters make for some interesting choices along the way, including combat where players can control each of their party members in a fight.Inquisitionmay not be as full-out of an open-world game asSkyrim, but it should be able to scratch that high-fantasy itch.
The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt
I would say that the title for best open-world fantasy game of all time is probably tied betweenSkyrimandThe Witcher 3, so of course we had to include it on this list. If the idea of an incredibly immersive, high fantasy game with great storytelling and a monster-hunting twist sounds like fun,The Witcher 3is a must-play. There’s also a chance that if you loveSkyrim, you love games that you can easily sink hundreds of hours into, which is just as easy to do withThe Witcher 3.
Fallout: New Vegas
TheFalloutseries may not have fantasy theming, but if that’s not a deal breaker, it’s absolutely worth a shot. Created by the same studio that released theElder Scrollsseries, Bethesda Games, long-timeSkyrimplayers will know what they’re getting themselves into by way of design conventions.Fallout: New Vegas, a 2010 spin-off of the series developed by Obsidian Entertainment, iswidely renownedas the best game in theFalloutseries, so it has my endorsement as the first game from to series to try.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wildmay not have the same serious tone or visuals thatSkyrimdoes, but it has some of the best gameplay design of the open-world genre. You’ve still got the melee and ranged bow combat you’re used to inSkyrim, and the rune powers add that extra layer of magic and complexity in gameplay.Breath of the Wildis a masterpiece that deserves to be played regardless, but if you’re looking for a fairly easy, beautifully simple game to follow upSkyrim,BOTWis a safe bet.
Elden Ring
Skyrim‘s combat isn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world, but if you’re looking for a real challenge,Elden Ringmakes it look like a frolic through the park. I’ll admit that combining FromSoft’s stylish worldbuilding and punishing gameplay and an open-world map is a pretty ingenious idea, but it does take an extra level of patience when you’re getting absolutely decimated trying to do even the most simple of tasks. What can I say, sometimes us gamers have a taste for pain.
