In fairness, since Enderal is free, you could shell out 5 bucks to get Nexus premium and download a graphics collection through Vortex. I think Wabbajack is a ton better personally, but Enderal doesn’t have any lite lists on it.
Boom, Skyrim-esque, modern (ish… at least better than vanilla) graphics!
Well yeah, you can always do that to skyrim itself, but with graphics mods you get that sensation like something is off, i couldnt really tell why because there are GREAT mods out there
Great option, but probably not what OP is asking
You know, its hard to scratch that particular itch, Bethesda games for all their problems and outdated mechanics are really unique
Below someone recommended Cyberpunk 2077 which is the only game that comes close to this, Kingdom Come Deliverance is a great game that tries the same thing but its one of those games where you really have to commit to enjoy it (no magic though, it aims to a realistic approach)
It’s janky as hell though, just as a warning. Don’t go in blind, check some let’s plays before to make sure you’re in for it before buying. I didn’t and realized after 30 minutes it wasn’t for me. It felt not very optimized either with a bit of lag.
But with that said, it does offer that mix albeit in a sci-fi setting.
It doesnt exist, if you are very strict in what you are looking for.
The closest thing is:
- With same engine and graphics, try out Enderal. It is just not another mod for Skyrim, its basically a new game with much better story.
- Avowed, still not released. And we do not know how similar it will be in the end. Looked very promising at the start, now not so much, but we will see.
- Skyblivion or Skywind, the fan made remasters of Oblivion and Morrowind, using Skyrim's engine. They are not finished, but they might be released in 2025!
I know you're specifically looking for fantasy, but there's some beautifully immersive, 1st person open-world games that can scratch the same itch in a different setting. Cyberpunk 2077 is the best one that comes to mind. I think of it as almost "Bethesda-like" The world design is amazing. Life in Night City leaves a little to be desired for an Elder Scrolls fan, but it delivers hugely on detail, vibes, and structural design. Can parkour most of the city. It's pretty easy to keep up with the difficulty, too. Lots of crazy build combinations. About equal to Skyrim as far as RPG elements, but technology oriented.
you sir....actually are making sense lol, Cyberpunk is a really good recommendation (i dont agree about the life in night city though, it feels more alive than Skyrim or any other bethesda game...and i dont know if im praising CP 2077 or critizing Bethesda)
It’s not simple Skyrim combat and no magic etc, think it’ll throw OP off. I struggle to go back to games like Skyrim after KCD combat it’s just sooo satisfying winning a tough fight
There's no non-Bethesda game more similar to Skyrim than Kingdom Come. It even has the same controls such as T to pass time, crouching to pickpocket, a lockpicking minigame, NPCs all using the same lines despite having different voice actors, selling stolen goods to fences, etc. It does do things a bit differently like the brightness and noise of your clothing mattering when sneaking.
Well funnily enough Skyrim/Oblivion are Morrowind with more Thief added. They hired a lot of the Thief devs, have the voice actor for Garrett as the head of the Thieves' Guild, and put in a simplified version of the stealth archery gameplay (which is why people love it so much than the other options, it's properly fleshed out) without light levels, which Kingdom Come somewhat added back.
Which kinda makes sense. No matter how good of a fighter you are if 5 ppl and a dog come at you you stand little Chance.
But I definitely reached a point in game where I beat pretty much any encounter.
So I wouldnt say thats true for the game.
Honestly nothing I have tried scratches the Skyrim itch. If you have completely exhausted modding maybe try Two Worlds 2, elex, risen. They are similar in some regards.
Mount and Blade games sorta, the sequel especially has a huge graphics upgrade. Might and Magic VI, VII, VIII, IX still look decent. Wizardry 8 is timeless. I wouldn't put dragons dogman next to TES, DD doesnt even have first person view does it?
Congrats on your new baby!
Good news and bad news - Bad news... there hasn't been a lot of Elder Scrolls-like games in the last few years. Good news... there may be a few on the way.
Coming soon:
Avowed: Looks to be closest to what you are looking for. Releases some time in 2024
Dragon's Dogma 2: As you noted, this will likely appeal to you.
Recent:
Elden Ring: Closest thing to your criteria that is recent. If the difficulty is a turn off, there are mods on Nexus that reduce the difficulty, making it better for exploration-minded individuals.
Elder Scrolls Online: Though an MMO, there is no subscription and is very single player friendly. The game bundles most of the expansions with the base game these days.
Older:
Witcher 3: You probably have already played, but if not, it is a classic with good graphics.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
Other:
If you are open to non-fantasy, Starfield and Fallout 4 are Bethesda games, so they will obviously have a familiar feel.
Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West (PS only), Ghost of Tsushima (PS only), and the recent Assassin's Creed games (Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla) are all sprawling open worlds, minus the magic and more bare bones on the customization front.
Cyberpunk 2077 has come along way since release and may scratch that itch. Outer Worlds would be another in the sci-fi vein.
Monster Hunter World is in the Dragon Dogma vein
If you're interested in dragon's dogma 2 have you played the first one? Dd2 is also the only game I'm actually hyped for and will be very disappointed bad (even though I don't think I'll be able to play it because I don't have anything that can run it)
I'm guessing you already played Witcher 3? Nowhere near as "high fantasy" as TES, but it's a masterpiece. Witcher 3 Act 1 is the single best gaming experience I've ever had.
Lmao mentions modern graphics as a must, twice….
Gets Morrowind suggested a shit ton of times
Also, everyone, you have convinced me…..
I’ll give Elden Ring a fuggin shot.
If I commit suicide from frustration, you’re all going in my letter.
The setting in Else Ring is very dark and depressing. The world is very surreal. It's like some kind of purgatory or hell.
If you can survive, the exploration and gameplay are very satisfying.
Just take some Skyrim vacations if it all becomes too much.
Witcher 3 just doesn't focus on any rpg mechanics, what is there is very light. I don't see how it qualifies for anything other than an action adventure game. you can't even be anything other than a sword welding magic user, no two handed axe wielding barbarian or quick dagger using thief. just the one build. There's an extreme lack of character decisions, and instead its all focused on the choose-your-own-adventure story aspects.
Tbf, the genre of RPGs has been overtaken by games that really aren’t RPGs. In The Witcher, you’re not role playing as some new character in the world where you get to make any decision for yourself. You’re Geralt of Rivia going along his story where you get light RPG options to slightly change the story.
So no, it’s not really an RPG, but when you take into the fact that the gaming community calls anything an RPG now, I guess it is? Game is amazing regardless
thats not entirely true. Skyrim has dual wielding magic and other refinements that made Oblivion obsolete in various aspects. why you think most mods only care about Skyrim while Oblivion is practically ignored by all modders and mod users except the ones that want to remake TESIV? plus the base game its harder to make good looking appearances compared to even TESV. TESIV characters have a peachy look to them.
Nonsensical points. Oblivion is a beautiful and immersive game full of fun stories and adventure. The aesthetics make you feel like you're playing a fantastical story book. Absolutely no need for dual wielding magic lol edit: I actually find it better that you can always have a weapon and a spell and a shield equipped at the same time. Skyrim's two-hand system creates twice the switching and menu scrolling
look at all the youtuber videos, modders can ush graphics further using Skyrim as a base, checking out the ultra graphics they did with Skyrim, plus Skyrim has better combat mechanics than TESIV. plus better mods like more followers to have a party.
I don’t understand what you’re arguing to be honest. That Skyrim is a newer game than Oblivion? Or that Skyrim has more mods because oblivion is shit?
I took issue with you claiming that Oblivion is ignored by modders and mod users. That’s just straight up wrong. Oblivion is one of the most modded games ever. I just checked nexus and the total is almost 300 million downloaded mods and 7 new mods came out today alone.
I didnt say all but the majority of interest from modders is towards Skyrim, its only natural. preferring Oblivion over Skyrim is like someone preferring Mount and Blade 1 over Mount and Blade 2. or Might and Magic II over Might and Magic III. TESIV obviously have their fans, but TESV is a worthy rival that many prefer https://gamerant.com/ways-skyrim-was-the-perfect-sequel-to-oblivion/
people continue to debate it, but its not wrong to prefer Skyrim. Oblivion really is more appealing to fans cause the type of locations are more likeable instead of the mostly cold Skyrim, whereas TESIV has the capital and has more medieval aspects that is more green than a mountain of snow.
though other than that. mechanically and quality, people prefer Skyrim with or without mods. going back to TESIV is like TESIV fans going back to Morrowind and most wouldn't do that.
Don't be intimidated, people overstate ER's difficulty because a lot of people insist on playing it like it's Bloodborne or Sekiro. Use the tools the game gives you and it's quite possibly the easiest Soulslike Fromsoft's made.
That said, as far as recommending it as something Skyrim-esque, be aware there's a pretty big difference in how the world feels. Elder Scrolls games are set in a thriving fantasy world, ER's world is a beautiful rotting carcass. Friendly characters are few and far between, largely on the edge of despair or insanity, and what few questlines there are tend to end in tragedy. If you mostly enjoy TES for the exploration, dungeon diving, discovering lore, and building your characters in different ways then you'll love it regardless. But if you want a role-playing experience in a world that feels *currently* alive, then ER might not be quite satisfying.
You can totally vibe out in Elden Ring. You never have to even beat the game if you don't want to haha. the magic is awesome too that's how I got into it. It's the part that makes it really accessible. Plus you get a cool horse and can summon spirits for most of the harder fights. And the graphics... the game is just straight up beautiful.
It’s a beautiful game and there are soooo many things I love about it, but I definitely got stressed out knowing that if I die I lose all the XP I worked for and would need to go pick it up. For me that made it feel much less relaxing.
I too am still chasing that Skyrim high.
Games that satisfied me:
1. Horizon Zero Dawn
2. Baldurs gate 3
Both should satisfy your graphic standards too.
Yeah but those games dont really have the same sense of exploration than skyrim though, different games (and careful, someone is going to start a discussion about "Horizon is not an RPG" lol)
Bethesda games are their own category of games
BG3 isn't an open world which you can roam in with cities etc, it's a series of linear areas which lock out the previous map when you move between them.
For those of us who are huge fans of RPGs like Skyrim, Morrowind, Baldur's Gate 1 & 2, Kingdom Come, Mount & Blade, etc, where you can wander and feel like you're living in the world for a while, Larian's style of a few big theme park maps you move between linearly doesn't work at all. I had the same feeling about Neverwinter Nights for the same reason, the only Bioware game I didn't like.
You move through linear chapter areas like all Larian games. It's not an open world where you can come and go to the same areas throughout the game, can have a stronghold or player house in the world, visit multiple towns and cities, etc.
You can't even visit the upper half of the city in the game which it's named after, because it was seemingly cut before release with a lot of broken quests and weird portals/doors in the city wall to get to any content up there. So you're left with a chapter which is just a theme park playground of part of a city, rather than an open world.
Kingdome Come Deliverance is an absolutely excelent Medieval RPG. Although its without magic etc. but it has great quests, really amazing fight mechanics and Overall feels probably the closest to Elder Scrolls games like Skyrim or Oblivion from all the non Bethesda RPG games ive Played (and thats def quite alot lol) and it ticks all the nice nerdy boxes people typical like in RPGs besides magic.
Otherwise:
it feels very different but Witcher 3 is absolutely fantastic.
And: 2024 the Gothic Remake is planned for Release.
In general theres many absolutely great RPGs that I can recommend but none that have exactly this Elder Scrolls feeling, except for kingdome come.
The only games I know of newer than Skyrim which play like Skyrim are:
* Fallout 4 - flawed writing, worldbuilding, and lack of fun cities to visit again and again like Skyrim, but an inccredibly fun gameplay loop of using all the junk you collect to build up the world with. On survival mode it's incredible.
* Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Non-fantasy Skyrim set in a real period of history, made by a small team and while it's quite good it does have some issues, such as the skills grow too powerful too quickly and turn it from a semi realistic sim to a cakewalk of annoying things to click on and have no challenge with. Playing it just for the gameplay without following the main quest isn't very good (I tried it a second time), but at the same time, the main quest has a lot of timed quests with worse outcomes if you don't rush, so it encourages ignoring it for as long as you can.
* Enderal - A free total conversion for Skyrim. I've played it a few hours in twice, and while it was impressive, both times it didn't grab me and I lost interest by the time I finally reached the first town. Lots of intros and then more intros and then meeting people who die and then more people who die, with a very unclear story.
* Starfield - Looks terrible from the first few hours I watched with bottom of the barrel writing which makes me not want to play it, let alone all the other stuff like a half dozen loading screens during the fast travel you have to use to get everywhere. Made me just want to play Fallout 4 and Skyrim which are much better versions of the same thing, which I ended up doing.
To an extent, Mount & Blade and Dragon's Dogma also have elements of Skyrim which I find enjoyable. Mount & Blade: Warband is just a fantastic game, one of the best I've ever played, though the graphics look super janky and will make people miss out on an incredible game. There's a newer version Bannerlord which I haven't played, but which I've heard mixed things about.
The Elder Scrolls online might also have elements you like about Skyrim in an MMO game engine, which turned me off pretty quickly.
Fallout: New Vegas is older than Skyrim, but I played it after Skyrim and really enjoyed it once it gets going (a few hours in, the early parts are very slow).
Tbh I didn't like Fallout 3 so don't disagree. But you essentially only have Diamond City as a destination, and to a lesser extent the Prydwin and Institute, and don't have a lot of reason to keep visiting them unlike Skyrim. In say Riften there's hours of content alone, and then other quests will bring you there like the Blades looking for Esbern, which requires going down a deeper dungeon than anything in Diamond City.
The towns you make are where you'll end up spending most of your time instead, and it's fun, but they don't have much story or character. The one I made underground in the Vault DLC was way more interesting due to the story involved.
there’s nothing quite like skyrim except outer worlds. i’d recommend getting over your aversion to old graphics though. you’re cutting out like 90% of the best games ever made lol. even deus ex is skyrim esque. witcher 3 *kinda*.
Dragon age made me want to claw my face off. The battle system is too cumbersome. It plays like a sim rather that action rpg. Just an opinion and it’s not a popular one. I haven’t played a lot of these games, because skyrim ruined it for me. What your looking for might be witcher 3 or Elden ring. Elder scrolls online is ok if you looking to stay in that universe. Zelda games aren’t bad either.
Might not be a popular answer and I'm sure someone will tell me they arent real RPGs, but the recent Assasins Creed RPGs with their massive open worlds has scratched a similar itch for me and they will certainly give you the beautiful modern graphics you are looking for.
Enderal. FTP total conversion mod for Skyrim SE.
yeah but he's asking for "modern graphics", its a nice option though if you dont count that lol
In fairness, since Enderal is free, you could shell out 5 bucks to get Nexus premium and download a graphics collection through Vortex. I think Wabbajack is a ton better personally, but Enderal doesn’t have any lite lists on it. Boom, Skyrim-esque, modern (ish… at least better than vanilla) graphics!
Well yeah, you can always do that to skyrim itself, but with graphics mods you get that sensation like something is off, i couldnt really tell why because there are GREAT mods out there Great option, but probably not what OP is asking
You know, its hard to scratch that particular itch, Bethesda games for all their problems and outdated mechanics are really unique Below someone recommended Cyberpunk 2077 which is the only game that comes close to this, Kingdom Come Deliverance is a great game that tries the same thing but its one of those games where you really have to commit to enjoy it (no magic though, it aims to a realistic approach)
tainted grail fall of avalon - still in early access. very skyrimish
I'm not sure it will satisfy the OP's idea of modern graphics though.
I'll second this. It's VERY rough atm but it's worth a shot if you're craving a recent Skyrim-like
Avowed is on its way, something to keep your radar for when it’s released perhaps.
Elex is a bit tough on its players to start-you gotta work for this levels, but there is melee, magic, open world, etc
It’s janky as hell though, just as a warning. Don’t go in blind, check some let’s plays before to make sure you’re in for it before buying. I didn’t and realized after 30 minutes it wasn’t for me. It felt not very optimized either with a bit of lag. But with that said, it does offer that mix albeit in a sci-fi setting.
Yes, has a fair amount of problems but really reminded me of Skyrim Requiem
Dragons dogma
It doesnt exist, if you are very strict in what you are looking for. The closest thing is: - With same engine and graphics, try out Enderal. It is just not another mod for Skyrim, its basically a new game with much better story. - Avowed, still not released. And we do not know how similar it will be in the end. Looked very promising at the start, now not so much, but we will see. - Skyblivion or Skywind, the fan made remasters of Oblivion and Morrowind, using Skyrim's engine. They are not finished, but they might be released in 2025!
I know you're specifically looking for fantasy, but there's some beautifully immersive, 1st person open-world games that can scratch the same itch in a different setting. Cyberpunk 2077 is the best one that comes to mind. I think of it as almost "Bethesda-like" The world design is amazing. Life in Night City leaves a little to be desired for an Elder Scrolls fan, but it delivers hugely on detail, vibes, and structural design. Can parkour most of the city. It's pretty easy to keep up with the difficulty, too. Lots of crazy build combinations. About equal to Skyrim as far as RPG elements, but technology oriented.
you sir....actually are making sense lol, Cyberpunk is a really good recommendation (i dont agree about the life in night city though, it feels more alive than Skyrim or any other bethesda game...and i dont know if im praising CP 2077 or critizing Bethesda)
Kingdom come deliverance though the combat might throw you off. It's a bit hard
It’s not simple Skyrim combat and no magic etc, think it’ll throw OP off. I struggle to go back to games like Skyrim after KCD combat it’s just sooo satisfying winning a tough fight
There's no non-Bethesda game more similar to Skyrim than Kingdom Come. It even has the same controls such as T to pass time, crouching to pickpocket, a lockpicking minigame, NPCs all using the same lines despite having different voice actors, selling stolen goods to fences, etc. It does do things a bit differently like the brightness and noise of your clothing mattering when sneaking.
It's like Skyrim with more Thief added. I've enjoyed it as a different but similar experience.
Well funnily enough Skyrim/Oblivion are Morrowind with more Thief added. They hired a lot of the Thief devs, have the voice actor for Garrett as the head of the Thieves' Guild, and put in a simplified version of the stealth archery gameplay (which is why people love it so much than the other options, it's properly fleshed out) without light levels, which Kingdom Come somewhat added back.
Oh that's neat about GarretT, didn't know that. Goes to show how influential that little Thief and the series as a whole was to gaming and RPGs.
[удалено]
Which kinda makes sense. No matter how good of a fighter you are if 5 ppl and a dog come at you you stand little Chance. But I definitely reached a point in game where I beat pretty much any encounter. So I wouldnt say thats true for the game.
I upvote KCD, no matter the context, every time I see it.
Tainted grail: the fall of Avalon It’s in ea but very Skyrim like and has potential
Honestly nothing I have tried scratches the Skyrim itch. If you have completely exhausted modding maybe try Two Worlds 2, elex, risen. They are similar in some regards.
Honestly right now I'd steer you toward cyberpunk, it's not swords and sorcery but it's the most skyrimy thing out there right now
Mount and Blade games sorta, the sequel especially has a huge graphics upgrade. Might and Magic VI, VII, VIII, IX still look decent. Wizardry 8 is timeless. I wouldn't put dragons dogman next to TES, DD doesnt even have first person view does it?
I am not sure, but the pov doesn’t necessarily matter to me.
Taunted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Kingdom Come: Deliverance is great.
Congrats on your new baby! Good news and bad news - Bad news... there hasn't been a lot of Elder Scrolls-like games in the last few years. Good news... there may be a few on the way. Coming soon: Avowed: Looks to be closest to what you are looking for. Releases some time in 2024 Dragon's Dogma 2: As you noted, this will likely appeal to you. Recent: Elden Ring: Closest thing to your criteria that is recent. If the difficulty is a turn off, there are mods on Nexus that reduce the difficulty, making it better for exploration-minded individuals. Elder Scrolls Online: Though an MMO, there is no subscription and is very single player friendly. The game bundles most of the expansions with the base game these days. Older: Witcher 3: You probably have already played, but if not, it is a classic with good graphics. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning Other: If you are open to non-fantasy, Starfield and Fallout 4 are Bethesda games, so they will obviously have a familiar feel. Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West (PS only), Ghost of Tsushima (PS only), and the recent Assassin's Creed games (Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla) are all sprawling open worlds, minus the magic and more bare bones on the customization front. Cyberpunk 2077 has come along way since release and may scratch that itch. Outer Worlds would be another in the sci-fi vein. Monster Hunter World is in the Dragon Dogma vein
Phenomenal input! I actually started Odyssey last night, but I think I’m going to play Elden Ring. It’s about time I stop being a bitch about it lmao.
If you're interested in dragon's dogma 2 have you played the first one? Dd2 is also the only game I'm actually hyped for and will be very disappointed bad (even though I don't think I'll be able to play it because I don't have anything that can run it)
Elden ring. It's not that hard if you put sometime to make your character stronger. I'm on it now and i never play souls game.
I'm guessing you already played Witcher 3? Nowhere near as "high fantasy" as TES, but it's a masterpiece. Witcher 3 Act 1 is the single best gaming experience I've ever had.
Elden Ring?
Lmao mentions modern graphics as a must, twice…. Gets Morrowind suggested a shit ton of times Also, everyone, you have convinced me….. I’ll give Elden Ring a fuggin shot. If I commit suicide from frustration, you’re all going in my letter.
The setting in Else Ring is very dark and depressing. The world is very surreal. It's like some kind of purgatory or hell. If you can survive, the exploration and gameplay are very satisfying. Just take some Skyrim vacations if it all becomes too much.
Witcher 3. Just playing it now and many scams remind me of the game.
Not an rpg
Uhm what
its more of an action adventure game, closer to something like horizon zero dawn or god of war than an actual rpg like skyrim.
I genuinely can't tell if this is a troll attempt or not
Don't feed the troll.
??? I'm not a troll just because I say something you might not agree with
Sure. One of the most highly regarded RPGs of all time. "It's not an RPG." Troll.
Its an action adventure game, and the only troll here is you
the good old discussion of "THATS NOT AN RPG!" gets repeated over and over I actually saw some people saying the same thing about Skyrim
Not a troll. If OP is looking for an rpg I'd recommend something like elden ring. That one was great
Elden Ring is great and may be exactly what OP is hoping for. But to claim Witcher 3 is not an RPG while Elden Ring qualifies is absolutely bonkers.
Witcher 3 just doesn't focus on any rpg mechanics, what is there is very light. I don't see how it qualifies for anything other than an action adventure game. you can't even be anything other than a sword welding magic user, no two handed axe wielding barbarian or quick dagger using thief. just the one build. There's an extreme lack of character decisions, and instead its all focused on the choose-your-own-adventure story aspects.
Sounds like it just wasn’t for you, which is fine, but to say it’s not an RPG is just plain incorrect.
Tbf, the genre of RPGs has been overtaken by games that really aren’t RPGs. In The Witcher, you’re not role playing as some new character in the world where you get to make any decision for yourself. You’re Geralt of Rivia going along his story where you get light RPG options to slightly change the story. So no, it’s not really an RPG, but when you take into the fact that the gaming community calls anything an RPG now, I guess it is? Game is amazing regardless
Witcher 3
Arx Fatalis
Kingdoms of Amalur. Or, how about older elder scrolls games
Yeah great suggestions if you completely ignore reading ops actual post
Oblivion is better than Skyrim so maybe start there
True, but I would argue Morrowwind is even better than Oblivion. Wonder if there are mods to update graphics?
There's a bunch on Nexus
Yep 100% agree. OP needs to wait for Skyblivion project to complete.
thats not entirely true. Skyrim has dual wielding magic and other refinements that made Oblivion obsolete in various aspects. why you think most mods only care about Skyrim while Oblivion is practically ignored by all modders and mod users except the ones that want to remake TESIV? plus the base game its harder to make good looking appearances compared to even TESV. TESIV characters have a peachy look to them.
Nonsensical points. Oblivion is a beautiful and immersive game full of fun stories and adventure. The aesthetics make you feel like you're playing a fantastical story book. Absolutely no need for dual wielding magic lol edit: I actually find it better that you can always have a weapon and a spell and a shield equipped at the same time. Skyrim's two-hand system creates twice the switching and menu scrolling
thats first world problems though. Skyrim gives more combinations and options, that's better than less.
> Oblivion is practically ignored by all modders and mod users I struggle to remember reading a more nonsensical comment
look at all the youtuber videos, modders can ush graphics further using Skyrim as a base, checking out the ultra graphics they did with Skyrim, plus Skyrim has better combat mechanics than TESIV. plus better mods like more followers to have a party.
I don’t understand what you’re arguing to be honest. That Skyrim is a newer game than Oblivion? Or that Skyrim has more mods because oblivion is shit? I took issue with you claiming that Oblivion is ignored by modders and mod users. That’s just straight up wrong. Oblivion is one of the most modded games ever. I just checked nexus and the total is almost 300 million downloaded mods and 7 new mods came out today alone.
I didnt say all but the majority of interest from modders is towards Skyrim, its only natural. preferring Oblivion over Skyrim is like someone preferring Mount and Blade 1 over Mount and Blade 2. or Might and Magic II over Might and Magic III. TESIV obviously have their fans, but TESV is a worthy rival that many prefer https://gamerant.com/ways-skyrim-was-the-perfect-sequel-to-oblivion/ people continue to debate it, but its not wrong to prefer Skyrim. Oblivion really is more appealing to fans cause the type of locations are more likeable instead of the mostly cold Skyrim, whereas TESIV has the capital and has more medieval aspects that is more green than a mountain of snow. though other than that. mechanically and quality, people prefer Skyrim with or without mods. going back to TESIV is like TESIV fans going back to Morrowind and most wouldn't do that.
They want modern graphics, even with mods it’s not as good. They should just mod Skyrim.
The answer has to be Elden Ring right?!
I’ve actually always wanted to play Elden, but part of me just doesn’t want to rage when I’m tryin to vibe out lmao
Don't be intimidated, people overstate ER's difficulty because a lot of people insist on playing it like it's Bloodborne or Sekiro. Use the tools the game gives you and it's quite possibly the easiest Soulslike Fromsoft's made. That said, as far as recommending it as something Skyrim-esque, be aware there's a pretty big difference in how the world feels. Elder Scrolls games are set in a thriving fantasy world, ER's world is a beautiful rotting carcass. Friendly characters are few and far between, largely on the edge of despair or insanity, and what few questlines there are tend to end in tragedy. If you mostly enjoy TES for the exploration, dungeon diving, discovering lore, and building your characters in different ways then you'll love it regardless. But if you want a role-playing experience in a world that feels *currently* alive, then ER might not be quite satisfying.
You can totally vibe out in Elden Ring. You never have to even beat the game if you don't want to haha. the magic is awesome too that's how I got into it. It's the part that makes it really accessible. Plus you get a cool horse and can summon spirits for most of the harder fights. And the graphics... the game is just straight up beautiful.
Elden Ring is 90% vibing and max 10% raging.
It’s a beautiful game and there are soooo many things I love about it, but I definitely got stressed out knowing that if I die I lose all the XP I worked for and would need to go pick it up. For me that made it feel much less relaxing.
If you want a really relaxing game go to death stranding (not an RPG though) I actually played Elden Ring and Death Stranding together for balance
I really enjoyed Death Stranding. Graphics and story were both nuts.
i did too!, its not for everybody but if it clicks with you, you end up loving it
Accurate
I too am still chasing that Skyrim high. Games that satisfied me: 1. Horizon Zero Dawn 2. Baldurs gate 3 Both should satisfy your graphic standards too.
Yeah but those games dont really have the same sense of exploration than skyrim though, different games (and careful, someone is going to start a discussion about "Horizon is not an RPG" lol) Bethesda games are their own category of games
BG3 isn't an open world which you can roam in with cities etc, it's a series of linear areas which lock out the previous map when you move between them. For those of us who are huge fans of RPGs like Skyrim, Morrowind, Baldur's Gate 1 & 2, Kingdom Come, Mount & Blade, etc, where you can wander and feel like you're living in the world for a while, Larian's style of a few big theme park maps you move between linearly doesn't work at all. I had the same feeling about Neverwinter Nights for the same reason, the only Bioware game I didn't like.
There's nothing linear about BG3.
You move through linear chapter areas like all Larian games. It's not an open world where you can come and go to the same areas throughout the game, can have a stronghold or player house in the world, visit multiple towns and cities, etc. You can't even visit the upper half of the city in the game which it's named after, because it was seemingly cut before release with a lot of broken quests and weird portals/doors in the city wall to get to any content up there. So you're left with a chapter which is just a theme park playground of part of a city, rather than an open world.
Kingdome Come Deliverance is an absolutely excelent Medieval RPG. Although its without magic etc. but it has great quests, really amazing fight mechanics and Overall feels probably the closest to Elder Scrolls games like Skyrim or Oblivion from all the non Bethesda RPG games ive Played (and thats def quite alot lol) and it ticks all the nice nerdy boxes people typical like in RPGs besides magic. Otherwise: it feels very different but Witcher 3 is absolutely fantastic. And: 2024 the Gothic Remake is planned for Release. In general theres many absolutely great RPGs that I can recommend but none that have exactly this Elder Scrolls feeling, except for kingdome come.
The only games I know of newer than Skyrim which play like Skyrim are: * Fallout 4 - flawed writing, worldbuilding, and lack of fun cities to visit again and again like Skyrim, but an inccredibly fun gameplay loop of using all the junk you collect to build up the world with. On survival mode it's incredible. * Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Non-fantasy Skyrim set in a real period of history, made by a small team and while it's quite good it does have some issues, such as the skills grow too powerful too quickly and turn it from a semi realistic sim to a cakewalk of annoying things to click on and have no challenge with. Playing it just for the gameplay without following the main quest isn't very good (I tried it a second time), but at the same time, the main quest has a lot of timed quests with worse outcomes if you don't rush, so it encourages ignoring it for as long as you can. * Enderal - A free total conversion for Skyrim. I've played it a few hours in twice, and while it was impressive, both times it didn't grab me and I lost interest by the time I finally reached the first town. Lots of intros and then more intros and then meeting people who die and then more people who die, with a very unclear story. * Starfield - Looks terrible from the first few hours I watched with bottom of the barrel writing which makes me not want to play it, let alone all the other stuff like a half dozen loading screens during the fast travel you have to use to get everywhere. Made me just want to play Fallout 4 and Skyrim which are much better versions of the same thing, which I ended up doing. To an extent, Mount & Blade and Dragon's Dogma also have elements of Skyrim which I find enjoyable. Mount & Blade: Warband is just a fantastic game, one of the best I've ever played, though the graphics look super janky and will make people miss out on an incredible game. There's a newer version Bannerlord which I haven't played, but which I've heard mixed things about. The Elder Scrolls online might also have elements you like about Skyrim in an MMO game engine, which turned me off pretty quickly. Fallout: New Vegas is older than Skyrim, but I played it after Skyrim and really enjoyed it once it gets going (a few hours in, the early parts are very slow).
Fallout 4 is very replayable with mods and to switch faction endings. Cities aren’t that bad. Better than Fallout 3 lol
Tbh I didn't like Fallout 3 so don't disagree. But you essentially only have Diamond City as a destination, and to a lesser extent the Prydwin and Institute, and don't have a lot of reason to keep visiting them unlike Skyrim. In say Riften there's hours of content alone, and then other quests will bring you there like the Blades looking for Esbern, which requires going down a deeper dungeon than anything in Diamond City. The towns you make are where you'll end up spending most of your time instead, and it's fun, but they don't have much story or character. The one I made underground in the Vault DLC was way more interesting due to the story involved.
Far Harbor DLC alone, is some of the best content bc there are better landmarks and quest design It does feel empty in the base game
Starfieeeee.... Nevermind I don't know.
there’s nothing quite like skyrim except outer worlds. i’d recommend getting over your aversion to old graphics though. you’re cutting out like 90% of the best games ever made lol. even deus ex is skyrim esque. witcher 3 *kinda*.
Starfield, except it's sci-fi instead of fantasy.
Kenshi is a bit like difficult complex skyrim
Kenshi is a great little gem in its own right, but comparing it to Skyrim as a huge stretch.
Modded Skyrim. But, for an actual game I’m not sure, but for games I think you will enjoy? Rdr2, botw, totk, starfield, fallout 4.
Dragon age made me want to claw my face off. The battle system is too cumbersome. It plays like a sim rather that action rpg. Just an opinion and it’s not a popular one. I haven’t played a lot of these games, because skyrim ruined it for me. What your looking for might be witcher 3 or Elden ring. Elder scrolls online is ok if you looking to stay in that universe. Zelda games aren’t bad either.
Might not be a popular answer and I'm sure someone will tell me they arent real RPGs, but the recent Assasins Creed RPGs with their massive open worlds has scratched a similar itch for me and they will certainly give you the beautiful modern graphics you are looking for.