10 best open world games like Skyrim to play in 2023

Despite being over a decade old, Skyrim is still one of the best open-world games ever made. However, it’s not the only one, there are other games that are just as celebrated and share similar gameplay loops. So, we’ve got ten of the best open-world games for you to try out.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is undoubtedly one of the best open-world games ever made – but it’s not the only one. The journey to Tamriel’s northern province offered an adventure that arguably changed the open-world genre forever. So it’s no wonder so many are excited about Elder Scrolls 6.

However, as iconic as it is, Skyrim isn’t the only fantastic open-world game out in the wilderness. There are plenty of other, similar games out there for Skyrim fans to enjoy. Let’s look at some!

Of course, could simply recommend the Elder Scrolls 1-4, but instead, we’re going to focus on other games like Skyrim outside of the Elder Scross franchise.

The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online is a very different experience to Skyrim – it’s an MMO, so the ever-updating gameplay is focused on multiplayer rather than solo adventuring. The basic premise of questing around Tamriel is the same, though, and you can even explore Skyrim over 1000 years before the Dragonborn rose to prominence.

Those looking for more Elder Scrolls before the eventual sixth main entry arrives will be well served. Just remember, this is an MMO first and foremost, so it won’t be suited to every Dovakhin’s tastes, especially with the vast amount of races and classes you can enjoy.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

In our view, The Witcher 3 is a game that finally gave Skyrim a run for its money. Whether it was better than Bethesda’s masterpiece is a matter of individual opinion, but Geralt’s third gaming outing was undoubtedly something special, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our quest in Tamriel’s northernmost province.

Like Bethesda’s games, The Witcher 3 is filled with morally grey, often uncomfortable, choices that allow you to influence the game world in subtle ways and control the narrative. However, the real star of the game is the polished open world that really raised the bar in terms of design and exploration.

The next game in the series is also in development as is a remake of the first adventure.

Dragon Age Inquisition

Inquisition is the third Dragon Age outing and the first game in the series to be released on PS4 and Xbox One. This meant it was much more visually impressive than earlier games and it still holds up today, especially on PS5 or as part of Xbox Games Pass. A classic Dungeon and Dragons-styled adventure, Dragon Age Inquisition doubles down on the high fantasy, but it also tells a story filled with political intrigue, conspiracy, and betrayal. While it wasn’t as iconic as Skyrim, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre. BUY DRAGON AGE INQUISITION ON AMAZON

Fallout 4

Believe it or not, those looking for more Skyrim would be well served by Fallout 4, despite it being set in a completely different genre. Rather than being a medieval fantasy adventure, Fallout 4 is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, centuries after the world was ravaged by nuclear war. However, as the Fallout series (today) is developed by Bethesda, the gameplay has a lot of similarities. Fallout 4 is even developed using the same engine as Skyrim, and this becomes immediately apparent when the NPCs start talking. BUY FALLOUT 4 ON AMAZON

Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

Dragon’s Dogma is a very interesting game, as Capcom combined elements of Skyrim, Dark Souls, and their own Monster Hunter series to create an open-world fantasy sandbox. The game is also available on Nintendo Switch, meaning it can be played portably. Its main draw is the Pawn System, a mechanic that lets you summon other players’ characters as NPC companions. While not perfect, Dragon’s Dogma has amassed a cult following over the years, many of whom yearn for a true sequel. The long-awaited sequel was announced to be in development by Capcom during the game’s ten-year livestream celebrations. BUY DRAGON’S DOGMA ON AMAZON

Middle-Earth: Shadow of War

Set in Peter Jackson’s interpretation of Tolkien’s Middle Earth, Shadow of War is the sequel to the also impressive Shadow of Mordor. The game is set in between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and sees the Ranger Talion take on Sauron in a bitter war over the Ring of Power. The game is a fantasy adventure like Skyrim, but its main selling point is the Nemesis system. This is a mechanic that lets players create rivalries with NPC enemies based on previous battles. Other games, including some racing simulators, have even adopted similar systems after seeing it work so well. BUY SHADOW OF WAR ON AMAZON

Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come strips out the fantasy and instead tells a brutal, grounded tale of medieval life set in fifteenth-century Bohemia. There are no dragons or magic in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, but the game still manages to be compelling. Much of the gameplay resembles Skyrim and The Witcher 3, but Kingdom Come’s more realistic approach raises the stakes for the player. You either learn how to master your bow, sword, and the other elements of medieval life, or risk becoming a footnote in someone else’s story. BUY KINGDOM COME DELIVERANCE ON AMAZON

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

If The Witcher 3 was considered the first potential Skyrim killer, then Breath of the Wild was the next contender. Nintendo gave the classic Zelda formula a radical shakeup, creating a vast overworld with an emphasis on exploration and player choice. Link has to really earn his tunic, Master Sword and Hyrule Shield this time, starting out hitting Bobokins with sticks and rocks. As ever, saving Princess Zelda after a showdown with Ganon is the goal, but you’ve got a lot of ground to cover – and you’ll love every minute. BUY THE WITCHER 3 ON AMAZON can’t come soon enough. BUY BREATH OF THE WILD ON AMAZON

Elden Ring

Following in the footsteps of Skyrim, Breath of The Wild, and The Witcher 3, Elden Ring represents the next evolution in open-world gameplay. The game took the tried and tested Dark Souls formula and expanded it into an epic sandbox adventure – raising the standard for both dungeon diving and open-world games at the same time. The game is primarily a single-player experience, but it’s possible to summon co-op allies into your world through summoning pools. This is especially useful against tough bosses. Be warned though, opening the summoning pool in Elden Ring can also lead to players invading your world to steal your Runes. This adds a tense element to the game, as PvP battles can be dangerous, but thrilling. BUY ELDEN RING ON AMAZON

Hogwarts Legacy

While perhaps a step away from the chilly and unforgiving realms of Skyrim, Hogwarts Legacy is a highly rated and popular open-world experience with all the magic, mystery, and madness many love to see in games like Skyrim. Ultimately, Hogwarts Legacy is a thrilling adventure filled with collectibles, exploration, spells, and adorable beasts to find and tame. It may be a little kinder than Skyrim but sometimes that’s an extremely welcome experience. BUY HOGWARTS LEGACY ON AMAZON

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So there you have it, the ten best games like Skyrim in 2023. For more gaming guides and lists, check out our content below: Games like Stardew Valley | Best Xbox Game Pass games | Best Souls games | Best Oddworld games | Best OLED Switch games | Best survival games |10 Best MMOs in 2023 | New World starter guide | Best scary Roblox horror games in 2023 | Best survival games | Best Apple Arcade games | Best mobile games | Best MMO games | Best LGBTQ+ video games | 9 best Final Fantasy games ranked