The Nintendo Switch is a revolutionary console, offering a hybrid gaming experience that combines both home console and portable gaming. One of the standout genres that thrive on the Switch is Role-Playing Games (RPGs). With its powerful hardware, diverse library, and portability, the Switch has become a haven for RPG lovers. Whether you’re new to RPGs or a seasoned veteran, playing RPG with a Switch is an experience you won’t want to miss.
In this article, we’ll explore the best RPGs available on the Nintendo Switch, highlighting games that showcase the full potential of the platform. From immersive open worlds to tactical combat, we’ve got you covered. If you’re wondering why RPG with a Switch is the perfect combination, keep reading to discover the top titles you should be playing!
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – A Groundbreaking RPG with a Switch
The Open-World Revolution
When discussing RPG with a Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an undeniable standout. This game is a complete reinvention of the Zelda franchise, providing an open-world experience that encourages players to explore and interact with their environment in ways never before seen in the series.
Breath of the Wild is more than just an RPG—it’s a lifestyle. As Link, players venture through the expansive kingdom of Hyrule, battling enemies, solving puzzles, and unlocking the mysteries of the land. The freedom of exploration and the game’s beautiful visual style make it one of the most captivating RPGs on the Switch.
With its dynamic combat system, survival mechanics, and the ability to complete quests in any order, Breath of the Wild offers a unique RPG experience that fits perfectly with the versatility of the Switch.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – A Complex RPG with a Switch
A Deep Narrative and Tactical Combat
If you’re a fan of deep, emotionally charged narratives and complex combat systems, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the RPG you need to play on your Switch. This game features a world full of Titans—massive, living creatures that host cities on their backs. Players assume the role of Rex, a young man who embarks on a journey to discover Elysium, a legendary paradise.
What sets Xenoblade Chronicles 2 apart is its intricate combat system. The game combines real-time action with a strategic element, allowing players to build teams of characters and combine their unique abilities. The inclusion of “Blades,” powerful beings that fight alongside the player, adds another layer of strategy to the game.
The story in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is emotional and deeply engaging, featuring memorable characters, difficult moral decisions, and plot twists that will keep you hooked. For those seeking a rich RPG experience with a Switch, this title is one of the best.
3. Fire Emblem: Three Houses – A Tactical RPG with a Switch
A Game of Strategy and Choices
Another standout title for RPG fans with a Switch is Fire Emblem: Three Houses, a tactical RPG that combines turn-based strategy with a compelling narrative. In this game, players take on the role of a professor at the Officer’s Academy, where they train one of three student houses to battle in a war that will shape the fate of an entire continent.
What makes Fire Emblem: Three Houses so unique is its branching storylines and choice-based gameplay. Players can align themselves with different houses, which influences the narrative, relationships, and the outcome of the war. Each house has its own culture, and the characters within them are deeply fleshed out, offering a high level of engagement for those who love complex RPG stories.
The turn-based combat in Fire Emblem: Three Houses is tactical and rewarding, requiring careful planning and strategic thinking to overcome various obstacles. The Switch’s portability makes it easy to play on-the-go, ensuring that every decision and battle feels impactful no matter where you are.
4. Octopath Traveler – A Classic RPG with a Switch Twist
An Anthology of Epic Adventures
Octopath Traveler takes players back to the golden age of RPGs with its stunning pixel art style and turn-based combat system. In this game, you follow the stories of eight different characters, each with their own unique motivations and quests. Players can choose to play each character’s story in any order, adding a refreshing sense of freedom to the RPG experience.
What makes Octopath Traveler stand out is its “Boost” system, which lets players build up energy and unleash powerful attacks in battle. The game’s music, world-building, and visual style all evoke the best of classic RPGs, while also offering new mechanics that make it feel modern and fresh.
If you’re a fan of traditional RPGs and enjoy stories that unfold at your own pace, Octopath Traveler is an excellent choice for RPG lovers with a Switch.
5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – A Timeless RPG on the Switch
The Epic Open-World Experience
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a legendary RPG that has been re-released on countless platforms, and it’s easy to see why. This massive open-world game lets you explore the land of Skyrim as the Dragonborn, a hero with the power to defeat ancient dragons and shape the future of the world.
One of the best aspects of Skyrim on the Switch is its portability. Whether you’re on a long trip or just lounging at home, you can dive into Skyrim’s immersive world and take on quests, fight monsters, or simply explore the vast landscapes at your own pace. The game’s open-ended nature allows for an almost infinite number of playstyles, and the Switch’s ability to let you seamlessly transition between handheld and docked mode makes it perfect for those who want to take their RPG experience with them.
6. Other Notable RPG with a Switch
More Games to Add to Your List
While the above titles are some of the best RPG with a Switch, there are plenty of other fantastic RPGs to explore, including:
- Dragon Quest XI S: A traditional turn-based RPG with a charming story and beautifully designed world.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition: A vast open-world RPG with a gripping narrative and deep combat mechanics.
- Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch: A magical RPG that combines whimsical visuals with a heartfelt story.
Conclusion: RPG with a Switch are an Unmatched Experience
The Nintendo Switch has proven to be the perfect platform for RPGs, offering a versatile and immersive experience that can be enjoyed both at home and on the go. Whether you’re exploring the expansive worlds of Breath of the Wild or getting lost in the emotional depths of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, there’s an RPG for everyone on the Switch.
If you love RPGs and own a Switch, you have access to some of the best games in the genre. So grab your console, dive into these epic adventures, and experience the magic of RPG with a Switch!
FAQs
1. Are all of these RPGs available on other platforms?
Some of these games, like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, are available on other platforms, but many, such as Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, are exclusive to the Nintendo Switch.
2. Can I play these RPGs on the Switch Lite?
Yes, most of these RPGs can be played on the Nintendo Switch Lite, but please check individual game requirements for specific features like motion controls or touchscreen functionality.
3. What makes RPG with a Switch different from other consoles?
The unique appeal of RPG with a Switch lies in its hybrid design, allowing you to play both at home and on the go. The portability combined with the powerful gameplay mechanics of these RPGs creates a versatile gaming experience.
4. Which RPG is best for newcomers to the genre?
Octopath Traveler and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are great options for newcomers, as they offer traditional RPG gameplay with accessible mechanics.
5. How long do these RPGs take to complete?
Completion time varies, but Skyrim can take over 100 hours to fully explore, while games like Octopath Traveler and Fire Emblem: Three Houses can take around 50-80 hours to finish the main story.
