Nintendo Switch has a brimming library of games that encompass a range of genres. On the flip side, the console’s ever-growing library can make it a tad difficult to find the game you want to play. Case in point — while there is no shortage of games from the JRPG, Roguelike, or FPS variety, you might be wondering about the best open-world games for the Nintendo Switch.
Contrary to popular belief, the Switch has a tremendous catalog of travel-where-you-please, exploratory games. Of course, some of these titles take some digging. That’s partly why we decided to compile a list of the best open-world games for Switch under one roof.
In this post, you’ll find a list of nine incredible games that will let you explore every nook and cranny of a virtual realm.
But, before we talk about that, you might want to read about-
- The best docks and charging stations for the Nintendo Switch.
- These affordable Nintendo Switch games cost well under $20.
- The best exclusives for the Nintendo Switch platform.
Now, let’s get on with the article.
1. Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch is an RPG unlike any other. While the title is available on other platforms, it was recently ported to the Switch and is a must-play in 2023. For one, the game is backed by stunning graphics and animations spearheaded by the legendary Studio Ghibli.
Further, the game lets you step into the shoes of a young boy named Oliver and embark on a heart-touching adventure. Without giving away any spoilers, the game kicks off in an upbeat fashion, and you’ll revel in exploring Oliver’s beautifully sketched neighborhood. That said, the scenery takes a turn for the worse when Oliver’s mother dies. Shattered by the loss and overcome with grief, Oliver cries uncontrollably. At that moment, his tears fall on a toy, which then comes to life.
What follows, is an epic saga where you travel to a different realm, battle mystical creatures (and even capture some, akin to a Pokemon game) in a bid to bring Oliver’s mother back to life. Needless to say, the game is a rollercoaster of emotions and features gorgeous graphics to boot. As such, Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch is among the best open-world adventure games for the Switch.
2. Burnout Paradise Remastered
Burnout Paradise is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most entertaining racing games for the Nintendo Switch. The franchise was recently introduced to the Switch for the first time. And it is every bit as fun today, as it was when it launched way back in 2008 on other platforms. Of course, as is the case with most remastered titles, the game comes with more polished graphics and enhanced textures.
What’s more, unlike most racing games that bog you down with a career mode, Burnout Paradise Remastered lets you exercise your free will. So, you can zoom across the stunning streets of Paradise city in over 130 different cars instead of jumping from one race to another. The game is big on crashes too. So, you best believe you’ll leave a trail of wreckage every time you slam down the throttle.
The icing on the cake is that the game runs at 60FPS on the Switch. Rest assured, if you want a free-roam racing game with a treasure trove of content, you can’t go wrong with Burnout Paradise Remastered for the Switch.
3. Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild isn’t just a fantastic open-world adventure. Rather, it is among the best games on the console launched to date. More notably, the game’s sequel is just around the corner, and it will hit the shelves on May 12th this year. So, if you want to gear up for Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom, you must get a copy of the Legend of Zelda: BOTW to familiarize yourself with the plot and the game mechanics.
Speaking of which, the game puts you in the shoes of Link, Zelda’s trusted protector, who has just awoken from a slumber that lasted 100 years. From the get-go, the game doesn’t put a lid on a player’s imagination or intrusive thoughts. In fact, you can try and scale the tallest mountains or fight the strongest mythical creatures almost immediately.
It goes without saying that the game has a wealth of content and an amazing story that will keep you hooked for hours. At the same time, you can deviate from the main quest and explore the massive open world of the Hyrule Kingdom — the world is your oyster. Rest assured, you’re missing out if you haven’t played the Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild on the Nintendo Switch.
4. Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero
If you consider yourself a thalassophile, then you must pick up the Subnautica series for the Nintendo Switch. The game is a survival, open-world adventure, which will keep you on your toes at all times. The premise of the game is simple — your character has crash-landed on an oceanic planed dubbed planet 4546B and has to figure out a way to get off the alien world.
The caveat is, the majority of the planet is submerged and under some sort of lockdown. As a result, you will have to use your wits to stay alive and lift the quarantine. To do so, you will be tasked with exploring the massive underwater realm and scavenging for resources to build and maintain habitats. You will be able to leverage these habitats to delve even deeper into the oceanic planet and unravel the mystery surrounding it.
As for Subnautica: Below Zero, the game marks a return to planet 4546B. However, this time around, you step into the shoes of a different protagonist who is trying to find clues about her sister’s death.
The game is set in a different sector of planet 4546B. To wit, you will have to survive the planet’s chilly, sub-zero arctic region. All said and done, both games have a truckload of content and are among the best open-world games for Switch.
5. Sonic Frontiers
Sonic Frontiers has been rightly dubbed as the next evolution in the Sonic franchise. In fact, the game is the series’ first open-world title. It even has bountiful RPG elements, and you can upgrade Sonic’s abilities via a skill tree to take on bigger enemies and more grueling challenges.
The plot is centered around finding the Chaos emeralds, which are scattered across the five Starfall Islands. You’ll also have to tackle the threat looming on the island’s civilization and save your friends at the same time. To do so, you’ll have to undertake a truckload of puzzles and fight hordes of enemies using a brand-new battle system. To wit, you will be expected to blitz through these 3D challenges at typical Sonic speed.
At the same time, the new battle system will let you chain combos and leverage abilities like Phantom Rush, which increases your attack power for some time.
That’s not all, as the game is an eye candy too. In fact, the islands offer scenic views of massive waterfalls, dense forests, and even deserts, and you will be able to feast your eyes on different biomes. Rest assured, Sonic Frontiers is a fantastic open-world game for the Nintendo Switch.
6. Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition
Witcher 3 is regarded as one of the best open-world games, period. In fact, the game won over 250 Game Of The Year awards at the time of its launch. So, if you’re hooked on the hit Netflix series or have read the books and want to explore the fantasy land firsthand, the Witcher 3 is a no-brainer.
The game’s plot puts you in the shoes of a Witcher named Geralt. For those unaware, Witchers are monster hunters who are subjected to a ton of mutations that make them faster and stronger than your average Joe. That’s not all, as Witchers are well-versed in alchemy and can even use minor magic by using signs like ‘Igni’. Abilities aside, Witcher 3’s story revolves around Geralt’s quest to find Ciri and protect her from the Wild Hunt.
Ciri possesses Elder Blood, which can lend Wild Hunt godly abilities. In a bid to save the world and Ciri, Geralt jumps into action. What follows is a saga that — with the bundled DLCs — will take you over 100 hours to complete. All said and done, you will find it hard to put down your Switch after booting the Witcher 3 on your console.
7. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
You can imagine a game’s pedigree if it is talked about in the same breath as God Of War: Ragnarok and Elden Ring. We are, of course, talking about the GOTY nominee Xenoblade Chronicles 3, which is the latest open-world title from folks over at Monolith Soft.
The game is set in the war-torn world of Aionios, where the mechanically-driven nation of Keves is in a state of constant conflict with the Ether-backed nation of Agnus. The game’s story revolves around a group of soldiers who come together to unravel the gut-wrenching reason behind the evergoing war. The gameplay elements include traversing massive areas, indulging in a slew of side quests, and battling hordes of enemies.
Speaking of which, the game’s battle system is as intricate, as it is unique. For one, while all party members automatically engage in a battle, you still have to strategically control their movement. What’s more, while your character can use basic attacks on their own, you are tasked with using abilities, aptly dubbed ‘Arts and Fusion Arts’.
The learning curve is a bit steep, but it is extremely rewarding for players who fancy a bit of a challenge. Pool everything together, and the title is among the best Nintendo Switch open-world RPG games.
8. Pokemon Violet
It’s been a long time coming but fans of the Pokemon franchise finally have a truly open-world spectacle to play on the Nintendo Switch. Pokemon Violet (and Scarlet) are set in the expansive Pladea region, which is replete with 400 different types of Pokemon.
That’s not all, as the game doesn’t adhere to a linear story path either. In fact, unlike most Pokemon games, Pokemon Violet allows players to tackle three different quests at the same time. These include Victory road, which involves challenging eight different gyms, and the Elite four. You’ll also fight massive Pokemons (aptly dubbed titans) and go through a roller coaster of emotions in the path of legends.
Further, Starfall street will have you battle a bunch of rebellious students who are infamous for bullying. Or is there more than meets the eye here? Well, we don’t want to give you any spoilers, so you’ll have to find out on your own. Suffice it to say, Pokemon Violet is a must-have in any Switch enthusiast’s library.
9. Dying Light
Dying Light is a one-of-a-kind FPS shooter. While the premise of the game isn’t all that unique. In fact, much like other titles, Dying Light is set in a post-apocalyptic world infested with zombies. That said, the game is of the open-world variety, and you’ll have to put in a lot of hours to complete it in all regards. What’s more, the game combines high-octane FPS gunplay with — wait for it — parkour.
You heard us right! Dying Light offers intricate parkour mechanics, which you’ll have to hone to get the upper hand when fighting hordes of zombies. The game comes with a plethora of weapons too, which can be customized to your liking. More notably, the title offers a fantastic story and even comes bundled with the four DLCs.
Speaking of which, the game’s plot revolves around GRE agent Kyle Crane, who infiltrates the crime-infested region of Harran to steal confidential files from a feared warlord. That said, Crane gets bitten by an infected at the time of his landing, which throws a wrench in his plans. What follows, is a series of thrilling fights and escapades that will keep you engaged for days on end. Rest assured, if you’re looking for an open-world FPS game, then your search ends here.
FAQs About Nintendo Switch Games
Yes, as prefaced above, the Switch boasts an excellent repository of open-world games.
Open-world video games allow the player to roam the virtual world freely as opposed to restricting them to a fixed area. Open-world games don’t have a linear story either and allow gamers to tackle objectives in any order.
Explore the Unseen
If you’re looking to get a game that will take a while to finish, then your best bet is an open-world title. These games don’t just offer an expansive area to explore, but they come loaded with a ton of side quests and challenges. Rest assured, an open-world game is going to give you the most bang for your buck.
Last updated on 27 January, 2023
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