Now that Elder Scrolls V is almost 10-years-old, there have been a lot of great games like Skyrim that have followed in its footsteps. One of my absolute favorites out all of these RPG titles is of course, Horizon Zero Dawn. With a combination of robots, tribal feuds, and vast open-world wilderness, it was an overall fantastic game.

There are a few other games like Horizon Zero Dawn that could potentially compete with Skyrim for your attention, but these two open-world games are too good not to compare. Though I thoroughly enjoyed both these of these RPGs, if I had to choose just one to play again, it would be Horizon Zero Dawn over Skyrim.

Horizon Zero Dawn Leads With Storyline

Although there are a lot of different quests, lore, and a much larger storyline in Skyrim, Horizon Zero Dawn manages to keep you invested for longer. Right off the bat you get dragged into the main characters emotional situation and you never really leave it. Whereas in Skyrim, you drop in from nowhere as some unknown person and begin exploring in any direction.

And that’s really the main thing that makes Horizon Zero Dawn worth playing, it draws you in and won’t let go. Even though it’s set in a completely open world, the gameplay still somehow steers your attention back to the main story. You have plenty of opportunities to stray off the beaten path, collect resources, and explore the occasional techno-dungeon, but it’s never hard to make it back to the heart of the game.

Skyrim Focuses Mostly on Exploration

Though story is one of the best things about HZD, that also is the opposite of what makes Skyrim worth playing in 2021. Modern Elder Scrolls games offer a massive world without restrictions. There is always a storyline to follow or a quest to do, but you can also just ride your horse over a mountain and fight endless Draugr if you choose to. It’s entirely up to you how you play, and that level of freedom definitely has its perks.

Even you, the main character of the game, are entirely customizable. You can choose who you are, what weapons you like, and even what powers you cultivate. This level of customization and anonymity gives you the freedom to play however you want without obligation. You can be a destructive force or a savior among men, it’s entirely up to you. Unlike Horizon Zero Dawn, you don’t have to follow an exact character arc how it was intended to be.

Which Game Should You Play in 2021?

The short answer to this question is both games. But if for some reason you need to choose between one game or the other, I’d suggest playing Horizon Zero Dawn. It’s got the perfect mix of Skyrim and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild that will keep you both entertained and wanting more. It has also almost been 10 years since Skyrim first came out, so the graphics and gameplay are a lot smoother in newer games these days.

The lack of direct continuity between games also makes Horizon Zero Dawn more essential. With Elder Scrolls 6 arriving at some point in our lifetimes, you will likely be able to jump right in without playing any of the previous titles. Whereas the much-anticipated sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn follows the same main character.

Price and Availability

One of the main benefits of Skyrim is that it’s been around for so long that it’s available for almost every platform. You can pick up a copy on Steam, PS4, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch right now for around $20. That level of compatibility makes it an easy one to purchase without hesitation.

Horizon Zero Dawn was released on PC and Xbox not too long ago despite previously only being available on the PS4. That being said, you still cannot get a copy for the Nintendo Switch. You can pick up a copy of this game for $20 or less in most places or pick up the full bundle featuring the expansion DLC for about $50.

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