The Best Nintendo Switch RPGs

Key Takeaways

• RPGs on the Nintendo Switch offer immersive storylines and engaging gameplay, making them a must-play for fans of story-based video games.
• From the action-oriented catching mechanics in Pokemon Legends: Arceus to the turn-based battles in Bravely Default 2, the Nintendo Switch offers a diverse range of RPG experiences.

If you love story-based video games, RPGs are likely your bread and butter. They combine everything there is to love about an immersive story with fun, engaging gameplay that keeps you returning to the game, even after tens, or even hundreds, of hours.

The Nintendo Switch is the perfect vessel for RPGs, allowing you to experience them on your TV, on the go, or while cozied up in bed (definitely that last one). If you’re on the hunt for more RPGs to play on your Nintendo Switch, here are the best ones you need to experience.

Updated on October 31, 2024 by Rebecca Phillips: If you’re looking for another RPG to dive into and take over your life, we’ve added even more options for you to try on Nintendo Switch. There’s everything from classic RPGs to modern takes, so there’s something for everyone.

19

Final Fantasy 10

The Switch version of FF10 also comes with FF10-2, so you can jump into the sequel right after.

In Final Fantasy 10, Blitzball player Tidus is originally from Zanarkand, but he’s taken to another world called Spira when a huge monster called Sin attacks. Once in Spira, Tidus meets Yuna, a summoner, and her Guardians, who swear to protect her on her pilgrimage to summon the Final Aeon needed to defeat Sin.

Final Fantasy 10’s strengths lie in its characters and story (which isn’t that unusual for an FF game), with Yuna easily being one of the best Final Fantasy characters ever. While FF10’s turn-based combat system is fairly standard, its Sphere Grid mechanic is excellent, allowing you to unlock various skills for your party members and tailor their uses in battle to your liking.

18

Omori

Omori blends psychological horror with classic RPG elements to create something completely new. The game is split between two worlds: the real world, where Sunny must choose whether to stay at home or meet up with old friends after his sister’s tragic death, and Headspace, where Sunny retreats to and relives childhood adventures with his friend group and late sister.

The game uses turn-based combat with an emotions system that affects how party members and enemies act and how effective attacks are; for example, sadness is strong against happiness, but weak to anger. The game initially presents itself like any other RPG, but you’ll soon find that something darker is lingering just beneath the surface.

17

Eastward

Eastward is a great modern pixel RPG that also draws inspiration from classic Zelda in its combat. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ruined by Miasma, the game follows John, a miner in Potcrock Isle, and Sam, a young girl he adopts. John and Sam’s close father-daughter relationship is one of the highlights of the game and really makes you feel for these two characters.

After Sam is expelled from school, the pair leave town and head out on an adventure together to learn more about Sam’s origins. While the game’s story could have done with a little more polish, it’s a fun pixel RPG nonetheless and it looks fantastic.

16

Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance

Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance is the definitive way to play this excellent RPG. This edition brings a new storyline in Canon of Vengeance, so even if you’ve played the original version, there’s something new for you to experience here. Alongside the new scenario, its gameplay has been tightened across the board, giving SMT 5 a new lease of life.

You play as Nahobino, a human and demon hybrid, as you explore Da’at. You’ll come across plenty of other demons, which you can either defeat or recruit for your party. If you like classic turn-based RPG gameplay, stylish graphics, and a great story, you’ll enjoy SMT 5: Vengeance.

15

Super Mario RPG

Do you like RPGs? Do you like Mario? Then Super Mario RPG is the perfect game for you. A remake of the beloved original game for the SNES, Super Mario RPG is a lighthearted and funny RPG with all the charm you’d expect from the Mario series. Meeting various party members along the way, you play as Mario as he travels across the Mushroom Kingdom to rebuild Star Road.

The game uses classic turn-based combat, which may be a change if you’re diving into this as a Mario fan, but any seasoned RPG players will be right at home here. If you’re looking for a humorous adventure with some familar faces along the way, this is the Switch RPG to choose.

14

Sea Of Stars

One of the first things that drew many people into Sea of Stars is its inspirations, which it wears proudly through its pixelated art style and turn-based battle system. Battles aren’t completely traditional turn-based, though, as you also have the option to time your button presses to increase the power of your attack and decrease the damage you receive.

Sea of Stars’ story follows the Children of the Solstice, who are able to perform Eclipse Magic together in the hopes of ending the tyranny of The Fleshmancer. Its heartfelt story and familiar-yet-new mechanics ooze nostalgia while still offering a fresh RPG experience.

13

Live A Live

Live A Live finally came to the West in 2022, and what an excellent title it is. The 1994 game has been reimagined with HD-2D graphics, which only enhances this already excellent title. You can decide which order to take on the stories of the seven heroes, which will see you exploring various eras of time, from prehistory all the way to the distant future.

The heroes’ stories will each take you around a few hours to complete, and every one is just as exciting as the last. Once you complete them all, you’ll be in for one last surprise before the end. On the whole, Live A Live is beautiful remake with all the charm of the original.

12

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Most Pokemon games see you setting out on an adventure from your hometown with the goal of becoming the Champion, but things are quite different in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Your character is catapulted back in time to the Hisui region (which becomes the Sinnoh region in the future) where Pokemon are much more dangerous than they are in the present.

After assimilating into Jubilife Village, you’ll be tasked with researching Pokemon, as well as investigating the strange rifts appearing across the region. Even if you’re not a Pokemon fan, Legends: Arceus is a fun RPG, especially thanks to the action-oriented catching mechanics that add a whole new dimension to catching them all.

11

Bravely Default 2

Though it’s part of the Bravely Default series, you can head into this one without any prior knowledge, as Bravely Default 2 is set in a brand-new world and follows four new Heroes of Light — Seth, a sailor; Gloria, the princess of Musa; Adelle, a mercenary; and Elvis, a traveling scholar.

The Bravely Default series is named after its Brave and Default battle system, which naturally returns here. During turn-based battles, you’ll need to manage Brave Points by switching between the Brave and Default modes. While the battle system can be a little challenging to get used to for newcomers, it’s rewarding once you get the hang of it.

10

Undertale

Undertale has a classic underdog success story. It began life as a game created by an unknown developer, and barreled into huge popularity thanks to its twist on turn-based battles, as well as its narrative and characters that have touched the hearts of many.

It’s one of those games that’s best played without knowing all the details, but you’ll find yourself exploring an underground world filled with creatures, and it’s up to you whether you decide to take them down or spare them.

9

Octopath Traveler 2

Tailing the success of the original Octopath Traveler, Octopath Traveler 2 had big shoes to fill, and thankfully, it delivered. Sharing the same gorgeous HD-2D graphics of its predecessor, the game again has you following the stories of eight protagonists.

After choosing which character you want to play first, the grand adventure begins to unfold. The characters’ stories are deeper and more involved than in the first game, and the turn-based combat is just as exciting. And, as you’re probably wondering — no, you don’t need to play the first game to enjoy this one.

8

Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

Studio Ghibli is known for its beautifully animated movies, so what happens when that whimsical art style is used for an RPG? You get Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, that’s what. The 2D cutscenes were animated by Ghibli, and the art direction was inspired by its style, too.

In the game, you play as Oliver, a young boy who has just lost his mother. With the help of Mr Drippy, a toy-turned-fairy, Oliver explores a parallel world in hopes of bringing his mother back. Ni No Kuni is one of the most charming RPGs available on Switch, thanks to its intriguing story and gameplay, in addition to Ghibli’s involvement.

7

Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

The Tales series is full of fantastic RPGs, but if you’re going to play one on the Switch, it should be Tales of Vesperia. The game follows Yuri Lowell, a former Imperial Soldier who finds himself helping the princess, Estelle, and forming a guild named Brave Vesperia.

In typical RPG fashion, their quest winds up much bigger than they expected it to be, and turns into a battle for the world’s sake. Vesperia has fun, fast-paced gameplay, and there are tons of costumes for the characters to wear too. Everyone needs to put on a silly moustache in the serious cutscene, of course.

6

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

More action-focused than classic RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has you playing as Geralt of Rivia as he roams the land in search of his adopted daughter Ciri, who is running from the titular Wild Hunt.

The world of The Witcher 3 is incredibly detailed, with plenty of side quests to delve into and a beautiful fantasy world to take in and explore. The narrative and characters are where the game shines the most, creating a rich world that you’ll want to see every nook and cranny of.

5

Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Part of the beloved Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is its own contained story, using traditional fantasy tropes in a way that doesn’t feel stale, but in fact a loving tribute to the classic stories that came before it.

Playing as the silent protagonist Luminary, you’ll start off in a small town, and head off on a quest to save the world from darkness. The narrative is charming in its simplicity, and the familiar, easy-to-grasp turn-based combat helps to create a traditional RPG experience that still feels entirely new.

4

Persona 5: Royal

In Persona 5: Royal, you play as a high school student going by the pseudonym of Joker, and must balance your day-to-day life with being the leader of the Phantom Thieves, aiming to reform corrupt and evil adults.

Similar to Shin Megami Tensei, the series Persona is based on, you use Personas (the series’ equivalent to demons) in battles. The turn-based combat is fluid and masterfully designed, keeping things fast and engaging. If you’ve yet to try this once-in-a-lifetime RPG, playing on the Nintendo Switch is a great way to do so.

3

NEO: The World Ends With You

When more than ten years went by without a sequel, The World Ends With You fans were certain the series was finished. But then, in 2021, came NEO: The World Ends With You, revitalizing the world of the Reapers’ Game once again.

Set a few years after the first title (though you don’t necessarily need to play it to enjoy it), NEO follows Rindo Kanade, who finds himself in the Reapers’ Game alongside his friend Tosai ‘Fret’ Furesawa, and they must win the game to escape. Rather than the touchscreen-based controls of the original, NEO has a hack-’n-slash combat style, requiring you to use all the Switch’s buttons to keep up the beat and successfully combo your attacks.

2

Final Fantasy 7

There are probably very, very few RPG fans out there who have yet to play Final Fantasy 7, but this is for those few. Steering away from the series’ classic fantasy stories and settings up until that point, the game follows Soldier-turned-mercenary Cloud Strife as he joins the eco-terrorist group Avalanche, who are determined to stop Shinra from destroying the Planet through their use of Mako.

The relevant narrative, poignant message, and strong characters all contribute to what has made FF7 so beloved, not just among fans of the series, but in gaming as a whole. If you have a Nintendo Switch and have yet to play it, now is the time.

1

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Though it first launched on the Wii in 2011, the definitive version of Xenoblade Chronicles came to Nintendo Switch in 2020, upgrading the visuals and adding new story content in the form of Future Connected.

This expansive RPG has one of the most unique settings in video games; it takes place across two humongous titans, the Bionis and the Mechonis. After experiencing a devastating loss, Shulk, alongside his best friend Reyn, journey across the Bionis and Mechonis to take revenge on the destructive Mechon. During the adventure, you’ll take on hundreds of side quests, meet vibrant characters, and learn about the mysterious origins of the world.