The top 2024 RPGs for the Switch
Which Nintendo Switch role-playing games are the best? With this comprehensive list, we want to provide an answer to that query. However, before we do that, let's address the big question: what constitutes an RPG, and is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild one?
Even while it may seem foolish to ask, especially if you've played a lot of them, it's really rather difficult to answer. Because, in actuality, a game's classification as an RPG depends on a plethora of factors. To be clear, we believe that an RPG should mainly be based on three fundamental principles: a compelling story, a meaningful character development, and an explorable setting.
The top Nintendo Switch role-playing games are as follows:- Tears of the Kingdom
- Skyrim
- Octopath Traveler
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2
- Dragon Quest XI
- The Witcher III
- Final Fantasy XII
- Ni no Kuni
- Dark Souls
- Tales of Vesperia
- Bravely Default 2
- NEO: The World Ends With You
- Shin Megami Tensei V
- Breath of the Wild
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Xenoblade Chronicles
- Triangle Strategy
- Live a Live
- Final Fantasy X
- Star Ocean: The Second Story R
- Persona 5 Royal
Zeda's Legend: Tears of the Kingdom
Our review of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a 10/10 for a reason. This enormous role-playing game refines every aspect of the original game while introducing a ton of new elements to keep things interesting. Link has developed into a bit of a builder these days, using the fuse ability and ultrahand ability to create weapons and vehicles for his quest to save the princess Tears of the Kingdom. Hyrule, with its massive dungeons, abundance of shrines, and diverse enemy types, dwarfs Breath of the Wild in terms of ease of use. Even if the Master Sword is destroyed by an evil spirit in the first few minutes of gameplay, gathering up the pieces has never been more enjoyable.
Check out our guides to Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom gleeoks, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom shrines, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom depths, and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ancient maps for some advice on how to stay happy in Hyrule.
The Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimSkyrim, perhaps one of the best role-playing games ever made, is playable on the Nintendo Switch. You may create whatever kind of character you like and explore a vast open universe. If your main purpose while playing an RPG is to create your own character from start, Skyrim is the best option.
Check out our Skyrim werewolf, Skyrim races, and Skyrim dragon guides for some amazing resources to aid you on your trip. For more games like this, see our guide on games like Skyrim.
Traveler with Octopath
Octopath Traveler is a 3D/2D game that combines progressive gameplay with vintage gaming inspiration. You assemble a group of remarkably diverse individuals, every one with a unique fighting style and personality, and you journey into a fascinating and exciting new world.
In addition, we believe you should read our review of Octopath Traveler 2 to see why it receives a 9 out of 10. We also suggest you play the second game in the series.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a game for you if you like the idea of an expansive world that can rival Breath of the Wild combined with an angry, dramatic JRPG plot. The battle mechanism in this fantastic adventure seems like it could be taken straight out of an MMORPG.
In addition, we highly suggest you check out our Xenoblade Chronicles 3 review to find out why we think this game deserves a perfect score of 10.
Dragon Quest XI
The most recent installment in the venerable JRPG series may have arrived on Switch later than expected, but it did so with a definitive version that let you experience the whole game with gorgeous SNES-era graphics. It is an homage to classic role-playing games, yet despite its age, it seems new because of its charm, vitality, and wonderful presentation.
With its roughly 60 hours of gameplay and incredible post-game content, you'll get a lot for your money, but if you'd rather have a more conventional experience to relax with, this is one of the finest RPG games you'll ever play on your Switch.
The Witcher III: Wild HuntThe Witcher III, maybe the best role-playing game of the last ten years, settled in well on the Switch. Although it may not have the greatest appearance, this version is the most portable. There's that. It also allows cross-saves with the PC version.
See our instructions for Witcher 3 Geralt (), Witcher 3 Triss (), and Witcher 3 characters (). For more games that are comparable, check out our collection of games like The Witcher 3.Final Fantasy XII
Wrath of the White Witch: Ni no Kuni
We don't believe the day will arrive when Ni No Kuni's sights don't wow us. That demonstrates the skill of company Ghibli, the renowned animation company that contributed to the creation of this amazing journey.See our review of Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom on Switch.for our not so stellar opinions on the follow-up.Remastered Dark Souls
Dark Souls: Remastered will appeal to you if you like a challenge. Perhaps the best episode in the series is still this improved version of the first installment. Cut your way through this fantastical world, dodging dangerous foes at every turn, and be ready to die and then die again while on your quest.However, if you need assistance, we have a ton of Dark Souls guidelines. Take a look at our Dark Souls bosses, Dark Souls rings, and Dark Souls Sif instructions.Vesperian Tales
It's fortunate that Tales of Vesperia is one of the few Tales of titles available on the Nintendo Switch, considering there are shockingly not many. Although fans may argue about the finest Tales game until the wee hours of the morning, this one always tops lists, and for good reason.In this game, you play as Yuri Lowell, a former soldier in the Imperial Army who joins a traveling guild. Along the way, you engage in action-packed combat, discover a captivating narrative, and sometimes set off character skits."Bravely Default 2" Don't be alarmed by the number; this is a stand-alone installment in the series that also makes a fantastic HD premiere. This is a pretty good JRPG that expands on standard aspects like multiple vocations and classes while giving them all some really clever quality-of-life enhancements and presenting a passionate, humorous, and unexpectedly grim tale. It doesn't do many new things, but it does a lot of things extremely well.We most likely also have a Bravely Default 2 review available for you to peruse.NEO: You Are the Reason the World Ends
It was always going to be difficult to make a follow-up to the beloved DS game The World Ends With You. Thus, several fans were uncomfortable that we received Neo: The World Ends With You so many years later and that it lacked the recognizable touch controllers.Fortunately, Square Enix created a chic role-playing game that retains the essence of the originals while packing it full of innovative concepts and striking graphics. Our complete review of Neo: The World Ends With You can be found here, but anybody who liked the first one or is looking for an exciting adventure across Tokyo should give this one a look.Eternal Flame V
Atlus unleashed chaos with the release of Shin Megami Tensei V on Switch, another much anticipated sequel. In this classic turn-based role-playing game, players assume the role of the blue-haired Nahabino in order to solve the secrets surrounding a battle between the forces of the underworld and God's army of angels.It does this with a darkly humorous twist and very deep and fulfilling gameplay that favors reasoning over force alone. To make things a little bit simpler, extra difficulty settings have been introduced since launch, albeit maybe not for everyone. To find out why we believe Shin Megami Tensei V to be among the finest RPG games on the Switch, read our comprehensive Shin Megami Tensei V review.
Breath of the Wild: The Legend of Zelda
In Link's first Switch adventure, the dismal dungeons are swapped out for a gorgeous, expansive environment teeming with puzzles to solve, monsters to face, and secrets to discover. Breath of the Wild should be your first choice if you can only afford one game from this list.If our Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review is any indication, Tears of the Kingdom will definitely make this list soon. In the meantime, check out our guides for Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom fusion, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom enemies, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom trailer breakdown, and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Zonai.Arceus in Pokémon Legends
What a welcome breath of new air Pokémon Legends: Arceus is. I believe that even the most tolerant Pokémon fan has expressed dissatisfaction with the formula being a little dull. Explore wide landscapes and capture Pokémon as they wander in some of the greatest gameplay a Pokémon game has ever had to offer. The game is set in the continent of Hisui, decades before it was known as Sinnoh.It's incredibly invigorating to witness Pokémon going about their daily lives and tossing a Pokéball. Along with streamlining some beloved features, the game also adds some amazing new ones. Yes, the visuals might need some work, but it brought back the excitement we had for the series.The Official Xenoblade Chronicles Edition
It's strange to think about it today, but Operation Rainfall was the fan campaign that Nintendo's Western release of the first Xenoblade Chronicles was the result of. Thank goodness they did, since finally Nintendo gave in and more players were treated to one of the greatest JRPGs ever created. An epic tale including stunning settings, intriguing combat techniques, and much more.This is the only way to play one of the greatest JRPGs ever created, since the Switch version enhances every wonderful aspect of the original. Switch has finally found technology that can bring its lands to life with justice, and it's an incredible marvel. Even gamers who have played it previously will find something fresh to explore in this extra chapter, Future Connected.Triangle Strategy Square Enix's Team Asano has made a triumphant comeback with Triangle Strategy, another stunning HD-2D role-playing game that takes on the tactics-based genre, right after the success of Octopath Traveller. You'll fit right in here if you liked Fire Emblem. In this gripping political thriller, three warring nations compete for resources, and every choice you make affects not only your party but also the wider globe.We're not joking either; every choice counts, and your actions during combat will influence your party's choice when it comes to tactical considerations down the road. Your crew may not vote as kindly later if you're a merciless commander, and these choices will have an impact all the way through to the very conclusion of the match. We gave it our all in our comprehensive Triangle Strategy review, and with its incredible combat mechanics and branching storylines, you'll find that this is a game you'll want to play again and again.Enjoy a Live We're delighted Team Asano decided to give this overlooked treasure the full HD-2D treatment since it was previously only available in Japan on the Super Nintendo. One of the most intriguing role-playing games you've ever played is made up of eight distinct storylines, each set in a wildly diverse time period and location and with a unique plot. Read our Live A Live review to see how much we loved this game, if you need any more proof.