Five free PlayStation Plus games if you love Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim seems to be the game that keeps on giving. Even this long after its release, it remains a powerhouse RPG that can be played over and over. It’s a game filled with secrets, across a wonderful world, where you can play in any style you choose. But what if, after hundreds of hours, you don’t want to return to Tamriel?

What if you want something similar, but different? Something that scratches that Skyrim itch but allows you to experience a new world, brilliant characters, engaging stories, and more. There’s plenty to choose from on PlayStation Plus, but why not bump these to the top of your list?

Demon’s Souls

Demon's Souls

If you want to be whisked away to a dark world, filled with lore and brooding enemies, then Demon’s Souls might be the game for you. The combat is very different - a third-person view with hardcore action - but the style and history throughout will definitely feel welcoming after all those hours in Skyrim.

It’s not just the medieval fantasy backdrop, but the demonic, supernatural enemies and the often conflicted characters we meet along the way. You’ve also got the bonus of being able to run several different classes to find exactly what works for you. It’s a gorgeous remake of the game that started it all.

Dishonored 2

Dishonored 2

While, on the surface, Dishonored 2 might not feel very like Skyrim, it does feature some amazing stealth that will keep those rogue players happy. The whole world of Dishonored is a brilliant one; there are stories to follow, abstract characters who each feel fully realised; and the number of ways you can complete a level is staggering.

This is a game to be played more than once as you can tackle a stealthy playthrough, followed by all-action, and with each trip through, you’ll find more plot points and lovely touches in the lore. It’s also a game that adapts as you play, evolving the world as you take certain actions.

Fallout 3

Fallout 3

The Fallout universe sort of goes hand-in-hand with The Elder Scrolls. With Bethesda carefully crafting both games, they almost bleed into one another, using the same graphics engine, similar animations, and both containing heartfelt stories. Of course, that’s where the similarities end.

Fallout 3 was chosen for this list, however you could just as easily choose the fourth installment. Both are brilliant, but there’s a huge fondness for the third game as this is where the franchise jumped from an isometric RPG into a fully-fledged action RPG and captured the minds and hearts of millions of players.

God of War

God of War

If you want big, hulking creatures that will attempt to smash you to pieces, God of War is a good shout. Whenever you step into a far-flung fantasy world, it’s not just the monsters that draw you in, but the world itself. The open world of God of War (2018) is a sumptuous place filled with different biomes, from looming mountains to flooded swamps.

With plenty to explore, you can find some monumental moments with Kratos as he explores his new life as a father. One minute you’ll be battling enormous ogres, taking advantage of magic and superb weapons, the next you’ll find your heartstrings tugged as he tries to make sense of his son.

The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion

Oblivion

And, much like with Fallout 3, we can’t help but look backward. This time we’re taking a trip to the game before Skyrim - The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion. While Skyrim definitely moved the series forward, there’s still a lot to love within Oblivion. There’s still a huge map with lots of secrets; the guilds you love are here, as are the classes to build your ideal character; and while the visuals may not be as lush, that shouldn’t stop you enjoying this gem.

For the genre of RPGs, this is the gold standard that so many games hoped to recreate. With a great story overarching throughout the action combat, you’re used to, this is a game deserving of your time, and all those precious hours.