Hey, Mike here with Nerd Problems Gaming, and I’ve got a big one for you today. If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for great RPGs on Nintendo Switch. Well, good news: there’s a massive selection of top Switch RPG Games available on the Nintendo Eshop, and I’ve gone through them to handpick nine of the best Switch RPGs worth buying, all of which are rocking an 8 or higher on Metacritic. Some are new gems, others are legendary classics, but they all bring that RPG goodness we love.
Let’s dive into these epic adventures and see which ones deserve a spot in your collection from our latest list of 9 Highly Rated Switch RPG Games Worth Buying!
1. Triangle Strategy
Let’s kick things off with one of my personal favorite tactical RPGs on the Switch, Triangle Strategy. If you enjoy games like Final Fantasy Tactics or Fire Emblem, you’ll feel right at home here.
This game is set in a beautifully crafted fantasy world torn apart by political conflict. You take on the role of Serenoa Wolffort, leading a group of heroes through a web of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles between three major nations. What really makes this game stand out is its deep turn-based combat system, set on a grid where unit positioning is everything. You’ll have access to a diverse range of character classes like warriors, archers, mages, and healers, and your strategy will need to evolve depending on who you’re facing.
The HD-2D visuals are absolutely stunning, giving it that retro-modern aesthetic. Add in a branching narrative with player-driven choices that actually affect the story and even who joins your party, and you’ve got a must-play game for fans of tactical RPGs.
2. NieR: Automata – The End of YoRHa Edition
Next up is NieR: Automata, and this was another of the top Switch RPG games that impressed me. If you love action RPGs with tight combat and an emotional rollercoaster of a story, this one’s a no-brainer.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, you play as androids in an ongoing war against alien-created machines. At first glance, it seems like a slick hack-and-slash, but this game has layers. You’ve got elements of bullet hell, shoot-‘em-ups, platforming, and exploration, all meshed into one unique experience. The combat is fluid, responsive, and never gets boring.
What hooked me, though, was the storytelling. It’s packed with philosophical questions, dramatic twists, and haunting moments. This is the kind of game that stays with you long after the credits roll. And with multiple endings and perspectives, it’s designed to be replayed.
If you like sci-fi apocalyptic settings, this Switch RPG game is definitely worth checking out!
3. Voice of Cards: Beasts of Burden
If you’re looking for something totally different, Voice of Cards: Beasts of Burden is a hidden gem. It combines the best of turn-based RPGs, board games, visual novels, and monster-catching mechanics into one stylish package.
The whole world is made of cards, and acts almost like a tabletop RPG where you move a pawn across a map, revealing tiles as you explore. You play as a young girl on a revenge quest after monsters destroy her village. Combat is card-based and turn-based, and each character, including captured monsters, has its own set of cards with special abilities.
It weaves in some basic deck-building elements as you can build your deck and experiment with monster combinations in a way that’s both strategic and addictive.
What’s really neat is that the entire game is narrated like a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, giving it a cozy tabletop RPG vibe. If you’re into unique, experimental games that still deliver classic RPG depth, this one’s a great pick.
4. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
This next Switch RPG game, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion, is a remaster of the classic PSP prequel to Final Fantasy VII, and it’s better than ever. I think this game is one that a lot of people missed out on originally, since it was on the somewhat less popular PSP handheld system.
You play as Zack Fair, a soldier in Shinra’s army, chasing down the mysterious Genesis during the war with Wutai. The story gives deeper context to the events of FF7, and if you’re a fan of that game, this is almost required playing. The action combat is fast-paced and flashy, and the materia system offers deep customization and is highly addictive. You can fuse materia to create powerful combos and stat boosts, making your Zack build truly your own.
On top of that, there are tons of optional missions that reward you with gear, materia, and new abilities. I found myself getting addicted to clearing every side mission and maxing out Zack’s potential. For any Final Fantasy fan, especially fans of FF7, this game is essential.
5. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
This one is a juggernaut, and Dragon Quest XI S is an absolute masterpiece in classic RPG storytelling and turn-based combat. I ended up sinking over 300 hours into this game trying to clear all of the side quests and end-game extra content.
You play as the Luminary, a hero destined to save the world… only to find yourself branded a villain and hunted down. Along the way, you form a diverse party of characters, each with their own backstories and skill trees. You can customize their abilities, weapons, and spells as you go.
The art, done by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, gives the game that iconic, colorful look. The world is massive and full of secrets, minigames, and dungeons to explore.
The game also features Draconian quests that add an extra layer of challenge to the game. So even after an initial playthrough with this one, players will still feel like there’s more to uncover. If you want a huge, polished, story-rich Switch RPG, this is the one to grab.
6. Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Final Fantasy is one of my favorite games of all time and one of the Best NES RPGs, and this Pixel Remaster does it justice.
This is where the entire Final Fantasy series began. The four Warriors of Light set off to restore the elemental crystals and save the world from chaos. The gameplay is simple but incredibly satisfying. You choose your party from six classic classes. The warrior, thief, monk, white mage, black mage, and red mage. You’ll be taking this party on a grand adventure and will be leveling them up through tons of battles and dungeons.
What I love about this version is how it enhances the original without changing the core. The graphics are upgraded, the music is beautifully re-orchestrated, and the user interface is improved from the original NES version.
One of my favorite ways to add replay value in the game is that once you know the layout of the 4 fiends, you can actually change the order you tackle the major bosses in. Another added element I really like is that there’s a class upgrade system that gives your characters more powerful forms midway through the game.
If you’ve never played the original Final Fantasy, this remaster is the perfect way to experience it and is one of the must-play Switch RPG games on this list!
7. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
If you’re a fan of Pokémon but want something with a more old-school RPG flair and a bit more mature story, then Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is a must-try.
You play as a half-human, half-demon prince cursed to never harm monsters. So, what does he do? He builds an army of them instead! You’ll capture, train, and synthesize over 500 monsters to create your perfect team. You’ll go on a quest of revenge against his demon father, who cursed him in hopes of breaking the curse.
Combat is turn-based, with four active monsters on the field and four in reserve. I loved the strategy involved in picking the right combinations for each battle. And the monster synthesis system is addictive, you’ll constantly be trying to create stronger, rarer monsters to evolve your squad.
The game features well over 500 monsters to collect and manage, so there are plenty of combat strategies that will unlock as you progress through the game. The strategy and collecting get quite fun and strategic as you build your roster of monsters.
Whether you’re new to the Dragon Quest Monsters series or a longtime fan, this entry is packed with charm, depth, and tons of content.
8. Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song Remastered
Now here’s another throwback on our list of must-play Switch RPG games, Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song Remastered. This is a classic JRPG reimagined with modern visuals and enhanced mechanics.
You can choose from eight different protagonists, each with their own origin story, and all paths eventually converge as they take on an evil god bent on destroying the world. What makes this game unique is its non-linear structure. You’re free to explore, tackle quests in any order, and shape the story based on your choices.
The leveling system is also unconventional; you don’t gain traditional XP. Instead, your stats improve based on the actions you take in battle. It’s a throwback to games like Final Fantasy II, and while it may not be for everyone, I found it a refreshing change of pace.
If you love retro RPGs with a unique twist, definitely give this one a shot.
9. Collection of Mana
Last but not least, Collection of Mana is one of the best deals for Switch RPG Games, as you get three classic action RPGs in one package.
You get:
- Final Fantasy Adventure (originally for Game Boy): A simple yet surprisingly deep action RPG about stopping a Dark Lord from corrupting the Mana Tree.
- Secret of Mana: A fan-favorite SNES title with co-op play and a beautifully told story about three young heroes fighting an empire bent on using Mana for evil.
- Trials of Mana: This one is especially cool. You pick a party of three from six characters, and their unique stories shape how the game plays out. Tons of replay value here if you want to try different party combos and endings.
If you’re craving that nostalgic 90s action RPG vibe, this collection will hit the spot. It’s a great way to revisit (or experience for the first time) three titles that helped shape the action RPG genre.
9 Switch RPGs Worth Buying – Highly Rated Switch RPG Games – Final Thoughts
So there you have it, nine incredible Switch RPG Games that are all on Nintendo eShop right now, and all highly rated. Whether you’re into turn-based RPG classics, action-packed thrill rides, or something more experimental and fresh, this list has something for every RPG fan.
A quick recap:
- Triangle Strategy – Tactical brilliance and political intrigue.
- NieR: Automata – Action RPG with heart and depth.
- Voice of Cards – A tabletop-style card RPG adventure.
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion – A prequel done right.
- Dragon Quest XI – Massive world, masterful storytelling.
- Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster – A classic, remade for today.
- Dragon Quest Monsters – Monster catching with strategy and charm.
- Romancing SaGa – A unique progression system and non-linear adventure.
- Collection of Mana – Three timeless action RPGs in one bundle.
If you’re picking any of these up, let me know in the comments on our YouTube video. I’d love to hear what you’re playing. And if you’ve already played some of these, share your thoughts! Did they live up to the hype?
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Thanks for hanging out today. And happy gaming!