10. Ark: Survival Evolved
Dumping you on a beach with little more than a dirty loincloth, you’ll soon be tested against dinosaurs, dragons and most annoyingly of all, other players. After hours of crafting and grafting, you’ll progress from your prehistoric beginnings to a futuristic master of your domain. Although Ark plays better as a multiplayer experience, there is a surprisingly deep and satisfying single-player campaign to tackle as well.
9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
As the meme suggests, you can play Skyrim on everything, and the Switch is no exception. Porting the 2011 classic in all its glory, this Special Edition also includes motion controls, meaning if you’re playing with Joy-Cons, you can actually swing your character’s sword. It adds a new dimension to gameplay, meaning fans new and old will find something to enjoy.
As the meme suggests, you can play Skyrim on everything, and the Switch is no exception. Porting the 2011 classic in all its glory, this Special Edition also includes motion controls, meaning if you’re playing with Joy-Cons, you can actually swing your character’s sword. It adds a new dimension to gameplay, meaning fans new and old will find something to enjoy.
8. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is truly a standout open world that maintains its story, combat, and exploration interesting throughout the 70+ hours of adventure in a beautifully immersive, varied and rich world. Its impressive visual variety, problem-solving, positive message and heart-pounding boss battle moments make this game an excellent choice for any RPG fan.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is truly a standout open world that maintains its story, combat, and exploration interesting throughout the 70+ hours of adventure in a beautifully immersive, varied and rich world. Its impressive visual variety, problem-solving, positive message and heart-pounding boss battle moments make this game an excellent choice for any RPG fan.
7. LA Noire
One of the more story-driven open-world games on this list, there’s a reason LA Noire remains relevant nearly 10 years after it first released. You play as Cole Phelps, a detective working on increasingly big cases in 1940s Los Angeles. When you’re not on a mission, you’re welcome to explore this rich period setting, either by foot or car. It’s a much more refined, mature experience than similar games in the genre, but give it the time it deserves and you won’t regret it.
One of the more story-driven open-world games on this list, there’s a reason LA Noire remains relevant nearly 10 years after it first released. You play as Cole Phelps, a detective working on increasingly big cases in 1940s Los Angeles. When you’re not on a mission, you’re welcome to explore this rich period setting, either by foot or car. It’s a much more refined, mature experience than similar games in the genre, but give it the time it deserves and you won’t regret it.
6. Pokémon Sword / Shield
Arguably the most popular handheld RPG series ever, Pokemon Sword and Shield prove the franchise is as strong as it’s ever been. Taking the adventure to a pseudo-London open world, it’s one of, if not the prettiest Pokemon experiences ever. Couple this with a great soundtrack, as well as all the classic battles and exploration fun, and you’ve got one of the definitive Pokemon generations.
Arguably the most popular handheld RPG series ever, Pokemon Sword and Shield prove the franchise is as strong as it’s ever been. Taking the adventure to a pseudo-London open world, it’s one of, if not the prettiest Pokemon experiences ever. Couple this with a great soundtrack, as well as all the classic battles and exploration fun, and you’ve got one of the definitive Pokemon generations.
5. Saints Row The Third: Full Package
It’s been 9 years since Saints Row: The Third ripped up the rulebook of what a crime sandbox could and should be. Offering a much more over the top experience, it’s the digital manifestation of the phrase ‘balls to the wall’. Featuring all available DLC content, updated graphics and textures and the same delightfully silly gameplay, this is the best and most complete version of the game to date.
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
How they managed to fit a game the size of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - arguably one of the biggest and best games of this console generation - into a portable console is a minor miracle. Sure the textures might not pop like that do on a PC, but the entire game functions perfectly on the Switch, and the controls translate just as well to handheld mode. Long live the Switcher!
How they managed to fit a game the size of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - arguably one of the biggest and best games of this console generation - into a portable console is a minor miracle. Sure the textures might not pop like that do on a PC, but the entire game functions perfectly on the Switch, and the controls translate just as well to handheld mode. Long live the Switcher!
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The most complete, immersive and downright best Animal Crossing game to date, playing New Horizons is a joyous experience. There’s so much to see, do and explore as you help build your new home town, and it’s easy to lose several blissful hours doing jobs that would seem mundane in the real world. But such is the magic of Animal Crossing, even the every day is made to feel pleasant.
2. The Outer Worlds
Essentially Fallout in space, The Outer Worlds is one of most celebrated RPGs of recent years. With a dark, satirical humour, a deep but accessible roleplaying system and a charming universe to explore, it’s easy to lose hours, if not days immersing yourself in the experience. It performs pretty well on the Switch too, outputting at a solid 30fps, which for a game of this size is very impressive.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - there aren’t enough superlatives to describe how good this game is. Never have we played an open-world game that’s so immersive, so deep and just so gosh darn fun to play. Every aspect of the game is flawless, and the fact it works on a tablet is nothing short of witchcraft. Trust us, it’s worth buying a Switch for this game alone.
