RPGs Ranked

10 best RPGs on Nintendo Switch, ranked

Here’s why the Nintendo Switch is the go-to console for RPG fans.

by Robin Bea

One of the many strengths of the Nintendo Switch is its massive list of great RPGs. From action to turn-based, there’s something for every kind of RPG fan.

We’re highlighting the best examples from as wide a range of RPG styles as possible, with a preference for new or Switch-native games over ports of older games.

Here are the 10 best RPGs you can play now on Nintendo Switch.

10. moon

The bizarre “anti-RPG” moon was released in Japan in 1997, but arrived in U.S. in 2020. This dreamlike game tasks you with cleaning up after a typical RPG hero. It also inspired Undertale.

9. Golf Story

A sports game for people who don’t like sports games, Golf Story uses golf mechanics in plenty of innovative ways throughout its surprisingly funny RPG story.

8. Battle Chasers: Nightwar

It may sound like a bargain bin ‘80s action movie, but Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a great turn-based RPG with gorgeous art and party members that play so differently it keeps battles fresh.

7. Diablo III

Diablo III certainly isn’t the deepest RPG on Switch, but it’s one of the best games on the console for fast-paced, chaotic co-op.

6. Ring Fit Adventure

This exercise game is mostly made to help you level up in real life, but it’s also a full-fledged RPG with a skill tree, turn-based battles, and a dangerously buff dragon boss to take down.

5. Pokémon Sword & Shield

Series fans have their issues with the first mainline Pokémon game on Switch, but its 3D perspective and fun features like Dynamaxing provide compelling reasons to catch ‘em all again.

4. Divinity: Original Sin 2

This incredibly deep RPG was built for PC first, but it works surprisingly well on the Nintendo Switch. In multiplayer mode, it’s a great approximation of a tabletop RPG campaign.

3. Ikenfell

With deceptively deep turn-based combat and an excellent story that’s as funny as it is harrowing, Ikenfell is one of the biggest hidden gems on the Switch.

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses brought some major changes to the classic tactical RPG series, producing a game with fun, challenging fights and deep character relationships.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Of course everyone already knows about Breath of the Wild, but no list of great RPGs would be complete without it. The hype surrounding this game is enormous but absolutely deserved.