For Android and iPhone users seeking games like Skyrim, the best options deliver open-world fantasy, deep character customization, and exploration without requiring a PC or console. This list of 12 action RPGs was selected for their strong parallels to Skyrim's core experience, prioritizing open worlds, meaningful progression, and immersive fantasy settings.
Free-to-play open-world games like Skyrim
These games are free to download and play, offering substantial content without an upfront cost. Device requirements are noted where official information is available.
1. The Elder Scrolls: Blades
The Elder Scrolls: Blades is the official mobile spin-off from Bethesda, set in the Elder Scrolls universe between Oblivion and Skyrim. It features dungeon crawling, city restoration, and PvP battles. The game supports iPhone SE, iPhone 6s through 11 Pro Max, iPad mini 4/5, iPad Air 2/3, iPad Pro, and iPad 2017-2019. It requires iOS 11.0 or later on iPhone and iPadOS 11.0 or later on iPad. It does not support iPhone 5s, iPhone 6/6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2/3, or iPod touch.
2. Black Desert Mobile
Black Desert Mobile is a massive MMORPG with a boundless open world, extreme character customization, and camp building. Minimum device requirements are iPhone 6s with iOS 11.0 or higher and an A9 chipset minimum; devices under A9 are not supported. On Android, it requires Android 5.0 or higher, with a Galaxy S6 and 2 GB RAM as the minimum reference. Recommended devices are Galaxy S7 with 3 GB RAM on Android and iPhone 7 on iOS. The game ended support for 32-bit Android devices.
3. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is a Japanese gacha RPG set in the fictional world of Teyvat. Players explore a massive open world, fight monsters, and seek answers from seven elemental gods. Its rich graphics, engaging plot, and customizable characters make it a strong Skyrim alternative, though it relies on a gacha system for character and weapon acquisition.
4. Eternium
Eternium is an action RPG playable both online and offline. It offers class-based character selection, a vast open world, boss battles, loot collection, and a Champion level system for unlimited stat upgrades. It nods to classic RPGs with its gameplay and storyline.
5. Dungeon Hunter 5
Dungeon Hunter 5 casts players as a bounty hunter in a dungeon crawl game with over 900 pieces of weaponry for character customization. It includes co-op play, guild building, and PvP battle modes.
6. Evil Lands
Evil Lands is a fantasy RPG with a vast open world featuring dungeon-like forests and magical environments. It offers full character customization, co-op and PvP features, and a variety of maps to explore.
7. Eternity Warriors 2
Eternity Warriors 2 can be played online and offline, features HD visuals and fluid real-time combat, but can be buggy at times.
8. Celtic Heroes
Celtic Heroes is a 3D MMORPG with an open world, character creation, skill mastery, and clan clashes for supremacy.
9. Iron Blade: Medieval Legends
Iron Blade: Medieval Legends is from the same developers as Asphalt 8 and features PvP challenges and a demonic army.
10. Dungeon Chronicle
Dungeon Chronicle has unlimited levels with enemies that increase in difficulty as you progress.
11. Tower of Fantasy
Tower of Fantasy is a free-to-play shared open-world MMORPG with an anime-infused sci-fi adventure theme. It offers freeform character development and exciting combat through thrilling battles and open-world exploration. Developed by Hotta Studio and published by Perfect World Games, it was released internationally on August 11, 2022. The game is set hundreds of years in the future on the distant planet of Aida, where dwindling resources forced mankind to migrate from Earth.
Premium RPGs worth the price
These paid games offer a complete experience without in-app purchases, providing deep, story-driven adventures.
12. Titan Quest
Titan Quest lets players fight legendary monsters across ancient civilizations including Egypt, Babylon, Greece, and China. Characters are highly customizable in this mythology-inspired action RPG.
13. Dragon Quest VIII
Dragon Quest VIII is a 3D world adventure where players and allies save a kingdom from an evil magician. It is a classic JRPG with an engaging story and easy-to-play mobile controls.
14. Exiled Kingdoms
Exiled Kingdoms offers a challenging open world inspired by classic RPGs. The free version gives around 30 hours of gameplay with two character classes (Warrior or Rogue) and 30 areas. The paid version costs 4 USD and unlocks around 135 areas for 120+ hours of gameplay, more classes, and the permadeath feature.
15. Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition
Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition is a Dungeons & Dragons game where players create a hero, recruit allies, and explore an open world. It is a classic RPG with deep storytelling and tactical combat.
16. Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition
Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition costs 9.99 USD and does not support Chrome OS devices.
17. Planescape: Torment
Planescape: Torment costs 9.99 USD and does not support Chrome OS devices.
18. Legend of Grimrock
Legend of Grimrock is only available for iOS devices and costs 4.99 USD.
19. Lords of the Fallen
Lords of the Fallen costs 11.99 USD on both Android and iOS.
20. Banner Saga 2
Banner Saga 2 is inspired by Viking Mythology and features a struggle for survival where decisions make or break you.
How to choose the right Skyrim alternative for you
Consider your preferences for internet requirements, combat style, character customization depth, and solo versus multiplayer experiences. Free-to-play games like Genshin Impact and Black Desert Mobile require an internet connection for most features, while premium games like Titan Quest and Exiled Kingdoms can be played offline after purchase. For combat, Black Desert Mobile and Genshin Impact offer real-time action, while Baldur's Gate II uses tactical, pause-and-play combat. Character customization is deepest in Black Desert Mobile and Skyrim's own Blades spin-off. If you prefer solo play, premium games offer complete single-player campaigns; if you want multiplayer, Black Desert Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Dungeon Hunter 5 include co-op and PvP elements.
For a curated selection of the best mobile games by genre, these titles represent the top open-world fantasy RPGs available on Android and iPhone.
What about actual Skyrim on mobile?
Skyrim has no announced mobile port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Skyrim on my phone with an emulator?
No official emulator or port exists for Skyrim on mobile. Unofficial methods are not supported and may violate terms of service.
Which game has the most character customization options?
Black Desert Mobile offers the deepest character customization among the listed games, allowing extensive control over appearance and class abilities.
Are any of these games fully playable offline?
Eternium and premium games like Titan Quest, Exiled Kingdoms, and Baldur's Gate II can be played offline after initial download. Free-to-play games generally require an internet connection.
What is the best game for a Skyrim fan who prefers single-player?
Exiled Kingdoms and Titan Quest offer rich single-player campaigns with open-world exploration and character progression similar to Skyrim.
Do any of these games support controller input?
Some games like Genshin Impact and Black Desert Mobile offer controller support, but it varies by title and platform. Check the app store description for specific compatibility.
