When it launched in 2011, Skyrim profoundly influenced the gaming industry, earning acclaim as one of the greatest open-world games to date. Over the years, it has been re-released multiple times, yet it’s become evident that several modern open-world games have not only surpassed Skyrim in many facets, but also rendered it somewhat basic by comparison.
If you’re eager to explore fresh adventures that echo the spirit of the Dragonborn, here’s a curated list of impressive open-world titles that elevate the gaming experience beyond what Skyrim offered.
8. Cyberpunk 2077
The Future is Neon
Cyberpunk 2077 transports players to a vibrant, dystopian metropolis, providing a stark contrast to Skyrim’s medieval fantasy realm. Nevertheless, both games share a foundation in open-world role-playing.
For fans of Skyrim’s intricate world, dynamic interactions, and diverse combat styles, Cyberpunk 2077 enhances these elements significantly. Embrace the shift to a future fraught with unimaginable horrors—Cyberpunk 2077 stands as a formidable alternative to Skyrim in today’s expansive market.
7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Skyrim, But Without The Fantasy
In terms of aesthetics and thematic resonance, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 mirrors Skyrim, yet it leans heavily into realism over fantasy elements—impacting its rank slightly.
While you won’t encounter dragons or spellcasting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 excels in its world-building, showcasing stunning environments and claiming its position among the finest hyper-realistic RPGs available. If the absence of fantastical elements doesn’t deter you, this title deserves a spot on your gaming agenda.
6. Baldur’s Gate 3
Experience Skyrim Through A CRPG Lens
Baldur’s Gate 3 awaits those seeking a rich fantasy realm filled with engaging characters and intricate plots. However, it introduces a twist: the gameplay utilizes a classic CRPG top-down camera and a turn-based combat system.
This unique approach may deter some players, but once you acclimate, the combat system becomes increasingly rewarding. Had Baldur’s Gate 3 been designed with a standard RPG first/third-person view, it could potentially outshine Skyrim, making it nearly obsolete.
5. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Link’s Legendary Journey Through Hyrule
Recognized as one of the best open-world games ever created, both The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and its follow-up, Tears Of The Kingdom, provide superb alternatives for Nintendo Switch players seeking an experience akin to Skyrim.
Breath Of The Wild refines and perfects the open-world design established by Skyrim. Countless players, myself included, have invested hours merely to appreciate its landscapes and uncover hidden secrets, like those elusive Korok Seeds.
Though Skyrim features a level system and deeper character customization, it falls short when matched against the unparalleled exploration offered by Breath Of The Wild.
4. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Hunt Monsters In An Epic Fantasy World
Dragon’s Dogma 2 merges elements familiar to fans of both Skyrim and Monster Hunter, featuring an expansive world and a quest system that promotes freedom of choice.
The game boasts a dynamic day-night cycle that influences enemy encounters alongside a variety of combat styles, giving players the liberty to strategize their approaches. Although the combat may feel somewhat clunky, and quest depth might vary, the overall experience shines through its exploration and combat diversity.
3. Ring of Fire
Skyrim: Prepare To Die Edition
As the acclaimed 2022 Game of the Year, Elden Ring is a formidable contender that makes Skyrim seem lackluster. Building on the foundation laid by Dark Souls and Sekiro, From Software ventured into the open-world arena with this title, drawing clear inspiration from both Skyrim and Breath Of The Wild.
For fans of dragon-slaying and creating unique character builds, Elden Ring refines the gameplay mechanics to perfection. It’s worth noting, however, that vanquishing dragons here poses a more significant challenge than in Skyrim.
No feature in Elden Ring seems inferior to Skyrim, solidifying its spot in the top 3 of this list.
2. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
The Cooler Skyrim
What could surpass Skyrim more than revisiting the game that laid the foundation for it? Oblivion, one of Bethesda’s first 3D RPGs, retains a loyal fanbase.
While Skyrim is intended as the spiritual successor, many loyal fans of Oblivion felt that it fell short, lacking the vibrancy and complexity of its predecessor.
With the surprise release of Oblivion Remastered, it showcases advancements that propel it beyond Skyrim. Improved world design and richer storytelling contribute to a more engaging experience—especially on Xbox Game Pass, ensuring RPG enthusiasts will be drawn to Oblivion and likely overlook Skyrim.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
CD Projekt Red’s Magnum Opus
The Witcher 3 stands as a monumental figure in the realm of open-world RPGs and is frequently regarded as the benchmark for the genre. Its expansive, vibrant world, populated with unique creatures and an engaging narrative, cements its position at the apex of gaming.
With unmatched visual appeal and an abundance of content, The Witcher 3 dwarfs Skyrim in every regard. It immerses players in a medieval landscape where moral complexities abound, compelling you to consider the true nature of humanity and the beasts we face.
The Witcher 3 remains the ultimate alternative to Skyrim, poised to provide an exhilarating gaming experience today.
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