The Nintendo Switch has plenty of games from various genres that are simply amazing. This also includes plenty of RPGs and JRPGs, some of them being the best in their genre.
RPGs have been around for quite some time, even though they’ve changed over the years. And plenty of RPG elements have slowly trickled into other genres. Nowadays, most games have at least one gameplay mechanic reminiscent of RPGs. This includes shooters where you have to upgrade your character or your guns and even racing games where you can fully customize your cars with various parts.
Nintendo has always had a good relationship with various studios that make games for their platforms, and the Switch is no different. Let’s look at a quick rundown of some of the best RPG games for Switch. And if you’re the type who always wants to play the latest, be sure to check out these upcoming Nintendo Switch games.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
A series that started on Nintendo consoles, Sunbreak is the latest iteration. Like other series games, Sunbreak puts you in control of a monster hunter on the path of becoming one of the best. You will be tasked with taking on gargantuan monsters that will try their hardest to put an end to your career. To survive, you must hunt and scavenge for resources needed to upgrade your gear. Multiple weapons are at your disposal, each with its unique move set, offering plenty of replayability.
Shin Megami Tensei V
If you’re a fan of the horror genre and the occult, then Shin Megami Tensei V is one of the best Switch RPG games you can play right now. A spinoff of the Persona series, Shin Megami Tensei games are set in a dark world where demons, devils and other assorted baddies are trying to invade our world. Taking inspiration from Pokemon, it will be up to you to capture these monsters and use them to defeat your enemies. These creatures can be upgraded or merged to create even more powerful variants. If you’re a Pokemon fan but prefer a darker tone, Shin Megami Tensei V should be on your list.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
A highly immersive open-world RPG, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is one of the best Nintendo Switch RPG games out there. Your adventures will have you join Noah and Mio, members of two warring factions vying for control of this magical land. Plenty more characters will join them on their quest to restore peace. The game features seamless real-time combat with an extensive collection of monsters you must defeat. And if you’re worried that you didn’t play the first two games, don’t. Each has a standalone universe and story so that you won’t miss any story continuity.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Part of the eight generations of Pokemon games and a prequel for Diamond and Pearl, Arceus tried to bring the Pokemon series into the open-world style of RPG. Some might argue that older Pokemon games gave you plenty of room to advance, but they were still pretty linear experiences. There’s not much to say about the gameplay, if you’ve played one Pokemon game, you’ve played them all. If you’re itching to catch some Pokemon, give Arceus a try.
Persona 5
An excellent turn-based RPG for Switch, Persona 5 offers a surprisingly mature story. You are put in the shoes of a Tokyo high school student that slowly becomes aware of a supernatural underworld. Alongside other party members, it will be up to you to fight Shadows with the help of Personas. These Personas are manifestations of their user’s psyche, allowing them to engage Shadows on equal footing. With tons of content available, Persona 5 is one of the best dungeon-crawling experiences for the Switch.
Paper Mario: The Origami King
An excellent tactical RPG, Paper Mario: The Origami King is the sixth game in the Paper Mario series. You will have to save the Mushroom Kingdom from being turned into origami this time. The turn-based combat is better than ever, with an innovative approach. Enemies will be placed in front of you across vertical and horizontal lines. You can twist and turn those lines around to position enemies for a faster clear. If you’re looking for another Super Mario RPG for the Switch, give Paper Mario: The Origami King a try.
Dragon Quest XI
The eleventh game in the series, Dragon Quest XI is a pretty classic style of RPG. You have an overworld map where you can see enemies around you. Engaging them will start a turn-based round of combat. In classic RPG fashion, you are the hero of this world, tasked with saving the land of Erdrea from an army of monsters. Despite what you might think, this game is not fully open-world. The paths you can take are pretty linear, and developers have stated that this is due to the story they wanted to tell.
NEO: The World Ends with You
A sequel to one of the most popular DS games, NEO: The World Ends with You is a gorgeous-looking RPG Switch game. Square Enix outdid itself, creating a vibrant cartoony Tokyo that you will have to explore on your quest. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the first game, if you’re a fan of JRPGs, you would be missing out by not playing this action RPG. Before you know it, you won’t be able to get enough of the hilarious characters and gorgeously stylized world.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
A true tactical RPG, Fire Emblem: Three Houses puts you in control of Byleth, an ex-mercenary with a troubled past. Three warring factions are trying to take control of the land of Fódlan. You can choose which of these factions you want to join. Afterwards, you will lead their military school students to triumph over the opposing houses. While the main focus is combat, there are plenty of NPCs to interact with outside of missions.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Even though The Legend of Zelda series doesn’t need an introduction, Breath of the Wild pushed the series even further. With a breathtaking world to explore filled with monsters and puzzles to take on, Breath of the Wild is a fantastic RPG. The way the game streamlines certain RPG elements to make it more enjoyable is genuinely unique, with plenty of gamers calling it one of the best RPGs ever made. And with a sequel right around the corner, if you haven’t played Breath of the Wild, there’s no better time than now.
Picking the best Switch RPG for you
We hope this top 10 Nintendo Switch RPG games list has been helpful. Plenty more role-playing games are worth it on the platform, but these are clearly some of the best options that money can buy. Also, since most of these titles can have hundreds of hours of content, you might want to take your Switch with you everywhere. And to help you carry it you can take a gander at our best Nintendo Switch cases list.
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