RPG fans clinched gold with the launch of the Nintendo Switch. The Switch has been on the market for four years with no signs of slowing down any time soon. Nintendo has already sold at least 85 million units and is poised to surpass even its successful Wii console. With so many amazing games to choose from, it can be difficult for RPG fans to know which ones are worth checking out. Let’s take a look at five of the absolute best Switch RPGs.
5. Courageously Default II
The most recent entry on the list is Bravely Default II. It launched in February of this year in praise of gamers who enjoyed the original 3DS Bravely Default and wanted something bigger and prettier on modern Switch hardware. Bravely Default games focus on their character customization suite. If you just want to be a dragon armed with spears like Kain from Final Fantasy IV, go for it. But Bravely Default 2 is deep enough that you can be a spear wielding magician who attacks enemies and sings songs to make the party better. There’s also a killer soundtrack from Revo, the lead songwriter of Sound Horizon. The plot is nothing fancy, but few RPGs make the fights as much fun as this one.
4. Pokémon Sword and Shield
This one can turn out to be a bit controversial as in some ways it was a step back from previous Pokémon games. When Sword & Shield arrived in late 2019, all eyes were on the limited Pokémon roster. While it’s a shame that all the little rascals haven’t made the jump to Nintendo Switch, plenty of cash has slowly returned via the game’s two DLCs, Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. The liveliest gym battles look like real events similar to their obvious British sports match roots. It’s easy to get carried away by the energy of the crowd while transforming some Pokémon into massive new forms like a Snorlax with a large tree growing on it or a Gengar whose mouth is so wide it’s amazing it don’t swallow the stadium. Plus, online multiplayer is easier than ever to get started and the inclusion of Dynamax Raids means players around the world can team up to take down big Pokémon in fun four-on-one extravagance.
3. Traveler Octopath
Even though it’s now available on Windows, Xbox One, and even Stadia, Octopath Traveler was a Switch exclusive for over a year. And what a powerful exclusivity it was. Engaging fights and commendable dialogue are just the tip of the iceberg Octopath; what fans have fallen in love with the most is his incredible art style. The beautiful contemporary old-school sprite-based JRPG riff seen in Octopath Traveler was so successful that Square Enix recorded the term “HD-2D” for future projects in a similar vein, including a remake of Dragon. Recently revealed Quest 3. Not content to stand on its visual laurels, Octopath Traveler has not only revitalized Square’s interest in bigger budget two-dimensional fares – it does so with a fantastic narrative twist. The game features eight protagonists. Each tells their story in four chapters. They can recruit themselves in the middle of their stories and you can play them in any order you want. There’s even a post-match bonus dungeon against a very tough foe.
2. Chronicles of Xenoblade 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was the first major exclusive Nintendo Switch RPG, launching in its first holiday season. It still stands today as one of the best games on the console. The world is a joy to explore, with gorgeous full screen developer Monolith Soft’s trademark panoramas whether you see them on your big screen TV or in the palm of your hands. Finalists will hardly ever run out of things to do, with hundreds of hours of meaningful secondary content. There are many nested game systems, such as obtaining each rare blade and building the trust system between allies. All this and a captivating plot with a lot of heart. There’s also a Switch remaster of the original Xenoblade Chronicles that’s worth playing, but the two games are largely unrelated.
1. Fire Emblem: Three houses
It was understandably a bit frustrating for Super Smash Bros Ultimate fans when Byleth wrapped up the game’s first Fighter Pass as there were already so many Fire Emblem representatives to choose from. But one thing that not many people will agree with is the fact that Byleth’s playing is fantastic. With a compelling character cast, four potential story paths, and a surprisingly gray morality in its themes, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is still frequently praised in internet discussions two years later. Of course, most Fire Emblem fans will tell you that it’s the addicting, strategy-based RPG battle system that is the real meat and potatoes of the series. Three Houses continues this trend with a wide variety of cards with several types of objectives to achieve victory. In the first half of the game, your students can participate in many different activities, such as singing, dancing, fishing, etc. The feeling of “school life” is delicious. The second half, however, takes a darker turn and you might be forced to make some tough choices. Beware of the Emperor of Flames.
Honorable mentions
These five Switch RPGs are the cream of the crop, but here are two solid offerings that deserve honorable mention. Dragon Quest XI S is an expanded version of the base game with an improved soundtrack, a plethora of quality-of-life touches, and most importantly, additional story content. Formerly a Switch exclusive (hence the “S”), you can now find it on other hardware, but there’s nothing quite like playing classic charm RPGs from the comfort of your bed.
There’s also Collection of Mana, a Switch-only compilation of the first three games in Square Enix’s beloved Mana franchise. It’s particularly notable for including Trials of Mana, a 1995 RPG that has never been released outside of Japan until now. A full-fledged Trials of Mana remake is available on Switch and several other systems, but if you want to experience the game as it was originally intended, you’ll need a Switch!
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