What is the best game similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?

The closest game to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, scoring 98/100 on our similarity scale. They share 18 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?

The three closest games to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are: 1. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (98/100, 18 shared attributes) 2. Ninja Gaiden (97/100, 8 shared attributes) 3. God of War (96/100, 6 shared attributes). All share The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 21 dimensions.

Is Ninja Gaiden similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?

Yes, very much so — Ninja Gaiden scores 97/100 similarity to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. They share 8 attributes, including deep RPG systems and action RPG combat. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What RPG games are similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?

The best RPG games similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Ninja Gaiden, God of War and Bayonetta 3. All share the RPG genre alongside other key The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim attributes like deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

How is similarity to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim calculated?

We compare The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim against every game in our catalog using 21 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

50 Games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim that you should try

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Few titles capture what makes The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim unique: deep RPG systems, strong narrative focus and open world exploration. After measuring 21 attributes across over 6,700 games, these are the 50 most faithful alternatives. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Ninja Gaiden and God of War top the ranking, with Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor at number one (98/100).

iRank90/ 100

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GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

Top games similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

50 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Each one has been evaluated across 21 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMeleeStealthRangedMagicDarkNarrativeOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyMedievalExplorationSkill TreeThird Person

Steam👍 92%· 96KIGDB84· 18OC85· 103

Year 2014Dev Monolith Productions · WB GamesOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · Linux

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings loot and gear systems, while skipping procedural generation

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMagicMeleeRangedThird Person

IGDB93· 2

Year 2004Dev Team NINJA · Tecmo

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

≠ Missing: sandbox freedom.

Details →

#3God of War

iRank94

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloFantasyThird PersonHistorical

OC94· 256

Year 2009Dev SCE Santa Monica Studio · Sony Computer EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: historical setting, while skipping sandbox freedom

Details →

#4Bayonetta

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloFantasyThird Person

IGDB91· 15OC85· 51

Year 2009Dev Nex Entertainment · SegaOn PlayStation 3 · PC

✓ Same family of third-person Action RPGs: action RPG combat, adventure storytelling and fantasy world

≠ Where it differs: brings shooter and third-person shooting, while skipping deep RPG systems

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloFantasyThird Person

IGDB90· 4OC85· 142

Year 2022Dev PlatinumGames · NintendoOn Switch

✓ Both are third-person Action RPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings shooter and third-person shooting, while skipping sandbox freedom

Details →

Nintendo

#6The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

iRank90

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMagicMeleeRangedNarrativeDarkOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyMedievalExplorationSkill TreeFirst PersonThird Person

Steam👍 95%· 52KIGDB81· 6

Year 2006Dev Bethesda Game Studios · 2K GamesOn PlayStation 3 · PC

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings historical setting and setting mythology, while skipping procedural generation

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloFantasyThird Person

IGDB85· 4OC77· 12

Year 2001Dev Capcom Production Studio 4 · Capcom

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

≠ Missing: sandbox freedom.

Details →

#8Fable

iRank90

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMagicMeleeRangedNarrativeDarkSandbox WorldOpen WorldFantasyMedievalExplorationThird Person

IGDB90· 2

Year 2004Dev Big Blue Box · Microsoft Game Studios

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with historical setting, while skipping action RPG combat

Details →

#9Fable: The Lost Chapters

iRank89

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMeleeMagicRangedNarrativeDarkOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyExplorationSkill TreeThird Person

Steam👍 92%· 8.2KIGDB84· 3

Year 2005Dev Big Blue Box · Microsoft Game StudiosOn PC · Mac

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

≠ Missing: procedural generation.

Details →

Steam

#10Infamous 2

iRank85

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloOpen WorldExplorationThird Person

IGDB85· 6

Year 2011Dev Sucker Punch Productions · Sony Computer EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3

✓ Both are third-person Action RPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, while skipping sandbox freedom

Details →

#11Heavenly Sword

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloNarrativeFantasyThird Person

IGDB88· 4

Year 2007Dev Ninja Theory · Sony Computer Entertainment EuropeOn PlayStation 3

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

≠ Missing: sandbox freedom.

Details →

#12Final Fantasy XII

iRank91

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMagicMeleeRangedSandbox WorldOpen WorldFantasyExplorationSkill TreeThird Person

IGDB91· 4

Year 2006Dev Square Enix Product Development Division 4 · Square Enix

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: turn-based strategy, while skipping action RPG combat

Details →

#13The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

iRank94

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMagicMeleeNarrativeDarkOpen WorldFantasyMedievalExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 97%· 869KRAWG👍 93%· 7.2KMC92IGDB92· 26OC93· 179

Year 2015Dev CD PROJEKT REDPlaytime ~43hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

≠ Missing: sandbox freedom.

Details →

Steam GOG Xbox

#14Gothic

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloStealthMagicRangedMeleeNarrativeDarkOpen WorldFantasyMedievalExplorationSkill TreeCraftingThird Person

Steam👍 93%· 18KIGDB78· 1

Year 2001Dev Piranha Bytes · JoWooD Entertainment AGOn PC

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: punishing difficulty, historical setting and loot and gear systems, while skipping sandbox freedom

Details →

Steam GOG

#15A Plague Tale: Requiem

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMeleeStealthNarrativeDarkMedievalExplorationCraftingThird Person

Steam👍 91%· 25KIGDB86· 6OC83· 161

Year 2022Dev Asobo Studio · Focus EntertainmentOn Xbox · PC · PS5

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and strong narrative focus

≠ Stands apart with historical setting, resource management and visual 3d, while skipping action RPG combat

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

Complete list of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence

RPG · Action RPG

Enclave

RPG · Action RPG

NINJA GAIDEN 4

RPG · Action RPG

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

RPG · Adventure

Zenless Zone Zero

RPG · Action RPG

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

RPG · Action RPG

Stellar Blade

RPG · Action RPG

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

RPG · Action RPG

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

RPG · Adventure

Legacy of Kain: Defiance

RPG · Action RPG

Risen

RPG · Action RPG

Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones

RPG · Action RPG

Gothic 3

RPG · Action RPG

Ninja Gaiden II

RPG · Action RPG

Asura's Wrath

RPG · Action RPG

Hogwarts Legacy

RPG · Action RPG

Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™

RPG · Action RPG

The Amazing Spider-Man

RPG · Action RPG

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey

RPG · Adventure

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

RPG · Action RPG

Sonic and the Black Knight

RPG · Action RPG

Gothic II

RPG · Adventure

Styx: Master of Shadows

RPG · Adventure

Drakengard 3

RPG · Action RPG

MediEvil

RPG · Action RPG

Breath of Fire IV

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Oni

RPG · Action RPG

Spider-Man 2

RPG · Action RPG

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

RPG · Action RPG

Arcania: Gothic 4

RPG · Action RPG

Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII

RPG · Shooter

Killer is Dead - Nightmare Edition

RPG · Action RPG

Risen 3: Titan Lords

RPG · Action RPG

God of War II

RPG · Action RPG

Sonic Unleashed

RPG · Action RPG

Explore games similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim by category

Rankings in the same genre

Best Third-Person Action RPGs Best Action RPGs Best RPG Games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?: The closest game to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, scoring 98/100 on our similarity scale. They share 18 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?: The three closest games to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are: 1. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (98/100, 18 shared attributes) 2. Ninja Gaiden (97/100, 8 shared attributes) 3. God of War (96/100, 6 shared attributes). All share The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 21 dimensions.
Is Ninja Gaiden similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?: Yes, very much so — Ninja Gaiden scores 97/100 similarity to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. They share 8 attributes, including deep RPG systems and action RPG combat. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What RPG games are similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?: The best RPG games similar to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Ninja Gaiden, God of War and Bayonetta 3. All share the RPG genre alongside other key The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim attributes like deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.
How is similarity to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim calculated?: We compare The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim against every game in our catalog using 21 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.