15 Best Free Open-World RPGs (That Aren't Skyrim)
Skyrim is still one of the greatest open-world RPGs ever made, but what other open-worlders are Skyrim fans bound to enjoy?
Almost a decade after its release, Skyrim continues to be one of the most famous adventure RPGs ever made, and there's plenty of reasons to play through it yet again. The modding community has shown no signs of slowing down, even as all eyes are turning to the upcoming Elder Scrolls VI, which is probably a few years out at this point.
Skyrim gamers tend to sink thousands of hours of their lives into the game through repeated playthroughs, but even the heartiest Dovahkiin needs to take a break now and again. Thankfully, there are a lot of alternative open-world titles and free RPGs to choose from. It's a great way to switch things up.
Updated on July 29th, 2021 by Derek Draven: As mentioned above, The Elder Scrolls VI has been announced by Bethesda, but it will probably be some time before it sees a release. Gamers can continue replaying through Skyrim, especially thanks to all of the mod-created content available for the game, or they might feel burnt out. In that case, it's good to try out some other games in the open-world RPG genre. Variety is the spice of life, and that's especially true for video games. With so many great properties to choose from, gamers are spoiled when it comes to new play experiences. We've added five more to this existing list in order to showcase the best open-world games in the fantasy and sci-fi genres; perfect for Skyrim fans.
15 Lord Of The Rings Online (2007)
This popular MMORPG got its start way back in 2007, but it's still going strong today, even if its player base has leveled off. Still, developer Turbine is busy supplying new content for players to enjoy, including the recently announced Gundabad expansion. It continues to rank consistently high with both players, and critics for its robust mechanics.
Unfortunately, the game's graphics are starting to show their age, which isn't surprising. While games like World of Warcraft have received a bit of a visual bump over the years, more realistic-looking titles like LOTRO have a tougher time hiding it. Still, there are quests galore, and plenty of lore-friendly adventures to be had for fans of the books, and Peter Jackson's iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy.
14 Destiny 2 (2017)
The switch for Nordic-themed fantasy adventure to first-person sci-fi RPG might be a little jarring, but gamers who are fans of the genre tend to be fans of the other, as well. Destiny 2 is still a great game to play, even if it does have a few weak spots in its armor. It's leaps and bounds beyond the divisive original release and packed with adventure, cool weapons, and of course, a collection of powerful monsters to battle.
The world evolves dynamically, and there's plenty to see and do. The base game is totally free and more than capable of providing hours of gameplay, but if gamers wish to go further, developer Bungie has provided a number of expansion packs and DLC to pick and choose from.
13 Genshin Impact (2020)
Fans of MMOs and adventure games might like the open world of Genshin Impact, even if the art style is far more anime than rustic. The setting is Teyvat, a world comprised of seven nations with ruling Gods. The environments are pretty breathtaking, even if they do take on a more cartoony edge.
Combat and exploration have been praised, while the pay model structure is greeted with less enthusiasm. Still, it's free to get started, and that's enough to have made Genshin Impact a pretty decent underground heavyweight in the open-world adventure genre.
12 Conqueror's Blade (2019)
For a free title, Conqueror's Blade certainly looks great. That's one way to pull gamers in, but the rest is dependent on a robust mixture of MMO elements, tactical action, and strategy. The open world is pretty large and offers multiple ways to achieve combat objectives.
Players can use siege weapons to attack castles while commanding combat units in teams of 15. It bears the gritty fantasy feel of Skyrim, with extra emphasis on good old-fashioned medieval warfare. The response from players has been mostly positive across the board, suggesting that this is no one-trick pony.
11 APB Reloaded (2010)
This free-to-play game is lesser-known within the open-world adventure game pool, but it does have a pretty solid fanbase. It's a third-person shooter that allows gamers to choose whether to become a criminal or opt for life as a police officer. The open-world battleground takes place within a sprawling city.
Players can create unique characters with deep customization options, plus modifications for weapons and vehicles to stand apart. It's less on story and more about action, but with 100 players per server, it's sure to provide a thrilling experience.
10 Creativerse (2017)
Minecraft may have popularized the pixel open-world adventure game, but it's not the only kid on the block. Creativerse is available on Steam with a free base game format, and the option to buy into extra content as the player progresses throughout the game.
Creativerse is an online-only open-world adventure/building title that can be played solo, or with friends. It includes playable Quests, seasonal events a deeper set of building functions designed to differentiate itself from its competitors, namely Minecraft.
9 Unturned (2017)
Unturned is a zombie game with a lot of kitsch thrown in for good measure. At first glance, the graphics look absolutely abysmal but scratch a little beyond the surface, and there's a truly enjoyable game to be had. Steam users rank the game "Very Positive," citing a mixture of fun gameplay, survivalist play mechanics, and some quirky zombie motifs.
The game comes complete with an open world to explore, plus quests to finish, NPCs to talk to, and strongholds to build. It's popular enough to have earned itself a huge following, and although the graphics may initially turn some people off, the gameplay more than makes up for it.
8 Neverwinter (2013)
Dungeons & Dragons fans who need a break from running a large group can check out Neverwinter for a change of pace. Gameplay was designed to be fast and fluid, rather than boring and mundane, and that's good news for those who want to jump right into what the world has to offer.
The interface is a winner since it prioritizes skill choice over quantity, which ties into the greater overall focus on combat over anything else. It's not as large a world as TERA or WoW, but that might be preferable for gamers used to adventure within smaller provinces like Skyrim.
7 Guild Wars 2 (2012)
The original Guild Wars was an MMO phenomenon that stood in direct opposition to World of Warcraft and managed to hold its own. After multiple expansion packs and countless hours of gameplay, the sequel was released in 2012 to much fanfare. The gameplay is deeper, the customization options better, and there's an entire open world to tackle at the player's leisure.
The base game is free to play, which makes Guild Wars 2 an easy entry for players who want to test the waters. Diving further into the game means purchasing one of three packages - Standard, Deluxe, or the Ultimate Edition of the game to unlock extra content, character boosts, and outfits.
6 TERA (2011)
TERA managed to distinguish itself from other MMOs of its kind by focusing heavily on an action-oriented interface. As such, it's less like a traditional MMO and more of an open-world platformer. Players keep going back to TERA for its mixture of gorgeous landscapes, solid character creation, and a more robust gameplay style.
Naturally, these kinds of games are designed to hook players and drag them in long enough to encourage a purchase. The base game is free, but there are multiple packs to expand on what's already there. Definitely one of the more successful MMOs in its class.
5 Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011)
This popular MMO went free a long time ago, and like all games of this type, there's an option to go the paid route to unlock more content. What's present in the base game is enough for Star Wars fans who want to get in on the action without having to invest money, but where they go from there is up to them.
A few Old Republic elements might be slated to enter Disney+ canon, and some have already made the jump. As such, the game is steeped in lore and tells a story that is irresistible for Star Wars diehards. That's definitely its main strength, even if the game itself clings a little too fondly to old MMO mechanics.
4 Dead Frontier II (2019)
Zombie horror fans have yet another game to sate their gore-soaked appetites, and this one is far more frightening and realistic than the quirky Unturned. This online open-world adventure game is dark, gloomy, and frightening from start to finish, and it never lets up.
Online players can team up, trade with each other, or go solo as they attempt to stay alive and one step ahead of the undead. Skyrim fans will appreciate the open-world approach, while Resident Evil fans will adore the unmitigated horror aspects that serve up scares a-plenty.
3 Dauntless (2018)
Dauntless looks a bit more like World of Warcraft than Skyrim, but the same open-world approach is still there. The candy-coated character models and backgrounds are reminiscent of Fortnite, which may or may not turn off players used to Skyrim's gritty fantasy world.
Still, it's free to play, and there are adventures to be had alone, or with a group of online friends. It has a little of everything that makes the best free RPGs so much fun to play - even a touch of Monster Hunter, just for kicks.
2 Warframe (2013)
Warframe continues to stand out as one of the better open-world action titles on the market. RPG elements are less prominent as opposed to combat, but like any online game of this type, character customization and progression will be an element.
The game is characterized by its fantasy/sci-fi world, blistering combat, and inventive characters and monsters. Wield swords, flamethrowers, crossbows, and more as players dash and slash through alien environments brimming with detail.
1 World Of Warcraft (2004)
Naturally, World of Warcraft had to be at the top, due entirely to its sprawling world and established lore. Veteran Skyrim players won't find a ton of similarities in the way the game plays, but that shouldn't be a deterrent. This is an MMO, with the traditional trappings, although WoW has evolved over the years from its humble beginnings.
There's reason to play, especially for those who love big worlds like Tamriel, and the rich lore that dates back thousands of years. There's a wealth of storytelling going on here, and Skyrim players should feel right at home as they explore. Unfortunately, developer Blizzard is going through a public relations nightmare at the moment, and it's causing many WoW players to question whether the game will survive past the next few months. Here's to hoping.
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