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10 Best RPGs for the Nintendo Switch
# 10 Best RPGs for the Nintendo Switch: The Definitive Ranking The Nintendo Switch has become a powerhouse for role-playing games, offering a diverse...
10 Best RPGs for the Nintendo Switch: The Definitive Ranking
The Nintendo Switch has become a powerhouse for role-playing games, offering a diverse library that caters to every type of adventurer. From sprawling open-world epics to charmingly retro-inspired tales, the hybrid console is the perfect home for immersive stories, complex characters, and addictive gameplay loops. Whether you're a long-time fan of the genre or a newcomer looking to dip your toes into these rich worlds, the sheer volume of quality titles can be overwhelming. That's where we come in.
We've delved deep into the Switch's extensive catalog to bring you the definitive ranking of the 10 best RPGs available. This list celebrates the games that excel in storytelling, world-building, and mechanical depth. These are the titles that will have you hooked for hundreds of hours, whether you're battling mythical beasts on your TV or grinding for loot on your daily commute. Get ready to embark on unforgettable journeys as we count down the absolute best RPGs the Nintendo Switch has to offer.
10. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a masterclass in strategy and storytelling, offering a deeply engaging experience that is both mechanically rich and emotionally resonant. Set on the continent of Fódlan, you take on the role of a professor at the prestigious Officers Academy, where you must choose to lead one of three houses, each representing a different nation. This choice will forever alter the course of your story and the fate of the continent.
### A Tale of Three Houses
The narrative of Three Houses is its crowning achievement. Your decision to lead the Black Eagles, Blue Lions, or Golden Deer is not merely a cosmetic one; it dictates which group of students you will mentor and ultimately lead into battle. Each house has its own unique cast of characters and a distinct perspective on the unfolding political turmoil. This branching narrative provides incredible replayability, as you'll need to complete all three paths to fully understand the intricate web of alliances and betrayals that define the world of Fódlan.
### Strategic Depth and Social Simulation
Gameplay in Three Houses is a compelling blend of tactical turn-based combat and social simulation. The classic grid-based battles the series is known for are back and better than ever, with a host of new strategic options, including the ability to train your units in specific skills and classes. Between battles, you'll spend your time at the Garreg Mach Monastery, where you can interact with your students, build relationships, and uncover their personal histories. This unique combination of gameplay styles creates a powerful feedback loop, as the bonds you forge off the battlefield directly impact your effectiveness in combat.
9. Octopath Traveler II
Building on the foundation of its predecessor, Octopath Traveler II delivers a refined and expanded experience that is a must-play for fans of classic JRPGs. The game once again features a cast of eight distinct characters, each with their own story and motivations. While the core structure remains the same, the sequel makes significant improvements to the battle system, character interactions, and overall world design.
### A More Interconnected World
One of the biggest enhancements in Octopath Traveler II is the way it brings its eight protagonists together. While each character still has their own individual journey, there are now more opportunities for them to interact and for their stories to intertwine. This creates a more cohesive and engaging narrative, as you get to see these disparate heroes form bonds and work towards a common goal.
### Refined Combat and Stunning Visuals
The game's "HD-2D" art style, which blends 16-bit-style sprites with modern 3D environments, is more beautiful than ever. The turn-based combat system has also been improved, with new mechanics that add another layer of strategic depth. The ability to switch between day and night in the game world also opens up new gameplay possibilities, with different quests and character abilities available depending on the time of day.
8. Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise takes the series' famously addictive gameplay loop and streamlines it for the Nintendo Switch, creating a more accessible yet still incredibly deep action RPG. As a hunter in the vibrant Kamura Village, you're tasked with taking down a variety of massive and ferocious monsters.
### Unprecedented Freedom of Movement
The introduction of the Wirebug mechanic revolutionizes how you traverse the world and engage in combat. This versatile tool allows you to zip through the air, scale cliffs, and even mount and control monsters. This newfound mobility makes both exploration and combat faster and more dynamic than ever before.
### A Rich and Rewarding Gameplay Loop
The core of Monster Hunter Rise remains the same: hunt monsters, carve off their parts, and use them to craft more powerful weapons and armor to take on even bigger threats. This loop is incredibly satisfying, and with a huge variety of monsters to hunt and gear to craft, there's always a new challenge to overcome.
7. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a sprawling JRPG with a massive open world and a deeply engaging story. Set in the world of Alrest, you play as Rex, a young salvager who becomes the "Driver" of a legendary "Blade" named Pyra. Together, you'll embark on a journey to find the mythical paradise of Elysium.
### A World of Titans
The world of Alrest is a sight to behold, with entire civilizations built on the backs of colossal creatures known as Titans. These diverse and vibrant environments are a joy to explore, and each one is filled with unique creatures, characters, and quests.
### A Deep and Rewarding Combat System
The real-time combat system in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is complex and rewarding. It revolves around the relationship between Drivers and their Blades, with each Blade providing a unique set of skills and abilities. Mastering this system is key to taking down the game's tougher enemies, and the strategic depth on offer will keep you engaged for hours on end.
6. Super Mario RPG
The remake of this SNES classic brings one of the most beloved and accessible RPGs to a new generation. Super Mario RPG combines the whimsical charm of the Mario universe with a simplified yet engaging turn-based combat system. This remake is a faithful recreation of the original, with updated graphics and a remastered soundtrack.
### A Whimsical Adventure
Super Mario RPG is a lighthearted and humorous adventure that is perfect for both newcomers to the genre and seasoned veterans. The game's quirky humor, memorable characters, and fun turn-based combat make it a joy to play from start to finish.
### Simplified Yet Engaging Mechanics
While the game's mechanics are more straightforward than many other titles on this list, they are still incredibly engaging. The timed button presses during attacks and defenses add an element of skill to the combat, and the variety of special moves and items keeps things interesting.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition
The fact that one of the most ambitious and expansive RPGs ever made can be played on a handheld console is nothing short of a miracle. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on the Nintendo Switch is a phenomenal achievement, offering the complete, uncompromised experience of Geralt of Rivia's epic journey.
### A Dark and Mature World
Step into a war-torn world teeming with morally ambiguous quests, complex political intrigue, and terrifying monsters. As the professional monster slayer Geralt, you'll make difficult choices that have far-reaching consequences, shaping the fate of individuals and entire communities.
### An Unparalleled Sense of Adventure
The sheer scale of The Witcher 3 is breathtaking. From the bustling streets of Novigrad to the windswept isles of Skellige, the world is filled with countless points of interest, hidden treasures, and compelling stories. Whether you're hunting down a fearsome griffin or playing a round of the addictive card game Gwent, there's always something new and exciting to discover.
4. Divinity: Original Sin II - Definitive Edition
For those who crave deep, tactical combat and unparalleled freedom of choice, Divinity: Original Sin II is a dream come true. This critically acclaimed CRPG offers a sprawling and reactive world where your decisions truly matter. Set in the world of Rivellon, you play as a Sourcerer, a powerful individual who is being hunted by the Divine Order.
### Unprecedented Player Freedom
Divinity: Original Sin II is a game that truly lets you play your way. You can create your own custom character or choose from one of the six unique origin characters, each with their own backstory and motivations. The game's quests have multiple solutions, and you're encouraged to experiment with the game's systems to find creative solutions to problems.
### Deep and Tactical Combat
The turn-based combat in Divinity: Original Sin II is some of the best in the genre. It's a challenging and rewarding system that requires careful planning and strategic thinking. The game's elemental interactions are a key part of the combat, and you'll need to use the environment to your advantage to succeed.
3. Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 Royal is a stylish and sophisticated JRPG that seamlessly blends dungeon crawling, turn-based combat, and social simulation. As a high school student in modern-day Tokyo, you'll live a double life as a Phantom Thief, venturing into the collective unconscious to steal the twisted desires of corrupt adults.
### A Stylish and Unforgettable Experience
From its acid-jazz soundtrack to its vibrant and stylized visuals, Persona 5 Royal oozes with personality. The game's presentation is second to none, and every aspect of the experience is polished to a mirror shine.
### A Captivating Gameplay Loop
The core gameplay loop of Persona 5 Royal is incredibly addictive. By day, you'll attend school, build relationships with your friends, and work part-time jobs. By night, you'll don your mask and infiltrate Palaces, a physical manifestation of a person's distorted desires. This constant juggling of your daily life and your Phantom Thief duties creates a compelling and rewarding experience.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
The culmination of the Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy, this third installment is a masterpiece of world-building, storytelling, and gameplay. Set in the world of Aionios, where two nations are locked in an endless war, you play as a group of soldiers who are forced to question the nature of their existence.
### A Deep and Emotional Story
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 tells a mature and thought-provoking story about life, death, and the search for meaning. The game's cast of characters is incredibly well-developed, and their personal struggles and relationships are at the heart of the experience.
### A Refined and Engaging Combat System
The real-time combat system in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the best the series has ever seen. It's a deep and complex system that is also surprisingly accessible, with a host of new features that make it more engaging and rewarding than ever before.
1. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is not just one of the best RPGs on the Switch, but one of the best games of all time. It's a heartwarming and well-paced adventure with a cast of fantastic characters, a dense and interesting overworld, and one of the finest soundtracks in any JRPG.
### A Modern Classic
This game is a testament to the timeless appeal of traditional JRPG gameplay. It's a captivating tale of a hunted hero that will appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. The beautifully detailed world, finely tuned turn-based combat, and immersive story make for an unforgettable experience.
### The Definitive Experience
The Definitive Edition on the Switch adds a host of new content and quality-of-life improvements, including the ability to switch between the modern 3D visuals and a retro-inspired 16-bit mode. With a massive amount of content and an incredible amount of polish, Dragon Quest XI S is the pinnacle of the RPG genre on the Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch has firmly established itself as a premier destination for RPG fans. The sheer quality and variety of titles on offer is staggering, from sprawling epics to intimate, character-driven stories. The ten games on this list represent the best of the best, each offering a unique and unforgettable journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, there's never been a better time to dive into the rich and rewarding world of RPGs on the Nintendo Switch.