TOP 10 Nintendo Switch Action-Adventure Games

10. 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.

9. No More Heroes III

The third entry in the fiendishly satirical series, No More Heroes III raises the stakes higher than ever, as loveable assassin Travis Touchdown has to thwart a familiar alien menace. Combining high octane, super violent combat with mundane tasks such as mowing the lawn and unblocking toilets might seem a little odd, but it just works for the tone of the game. This is a title that’ll tickle your funny bone just as much as it whitens your knuckles, and in 60fps it looks damn fine doing both too!

8. Darksiders: Warmastered Edition

From anyone who didn’t play the original 2010 release, Darksiders sees you assume the role of Death, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse on a hack and slash adventure during the final battle between Heaven and Hell. Gameplaywise, it’s a healthy mix of Legend of Zelda with just a dash of God of War and Devil May Cry, which is definitely a compliment if we’ve ever heard one.

7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Arguably the defining action-adventure game of a generation, Skyrim is legendary (and meme-able) for a reason. Porting the 2011 classic in all its glory, the Switch 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.

6. Samurai Warriors 5

Taking place in feudal Japan, Samurai Warriors 5 sees you take the role of Nobunaga Oda, a brash young leader determined to unify the nation. Featuring slick ‘Musou’ gameplay (which basically means you’ll face waves of weaker enemies as a powerful warrior), there aren’t many titles that’ll give you a power trip quite like this! Couple this with a striking art style heavily inspired by traditional ink drawings, and a huge variety of objectives, and you’ve got a game that’ll delight players new and old. 

5. Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta 2 is arguably one of the best action games on the Switch. Teaming with truly epic, beautiful and action-packed cut scenes, this game will not let you catch your breath before the next boss battle. Nothing says over the top fight sequences better than taking to the skies in a battle against a demonic creature while ascending to the top of a skyscraper. The game’s combat is so expertly constructed, and its presentation so wonderfully unhinged, that will make you think twice before putting the controller down. 

4. Monster Hunter Rise

It’s Monster Hunter, but not as we know it. Much like recent games in the franchise, Rise streamlines the combat mechanics to be much more welcoming to new players. You still overcome mighty beasts in over the top action, only now you don’t have to sift through 20 menus to do so. The other big addition is the Wirebug, a tool that lets you zip around the world map like a feudal Spider-Man, making traversal much faster. This helps to make the world feel much more connected, and despite technically being a smaller game than previous entries, the series feels grander than ever.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Zelda games are good, aren’t they? A remake of one of the most beloved and bizarre Zelda titles, this has to be one of the best remasters of all time. Taking the original formula, it rebuilds the game into a 3D masterpiece without sacrificing any of the original spirit. Throw in modern conveniences to make it more palatable to the modern gamer, as well as a dungeon builder and you’ve got one of the best Switch games to date. 

2. 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!

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.

TOP 10 Nintendo Switch RPG Games

10. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

The Dragon Quest series helped to define the JRPG genre, and that old school pedigree can be found in the latest entry. With a beautiful open world to explore, exciting turn-based action and literally hundreds of hours of content (much of which is exclusive to this Switch package), this is a game that demands your time, and thankfully it repays it with a whole lot of fun. Without diving into spoilers, newcomers shouldn’t be put off by it being jumping into the series here; you’ll quickly become immersed in the world and its charming inhabitants.

5. Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

This port of the cult classic JRPG offers a fresh coat of paint to its original 360 and PS3 release, with the cell-shaded art style looking particularly gorgeous on the handheld console. What’s more, the Definitive Edition contains all previously available DLC features, including content that was once exclusive to Japan, making this the most complete version of the game to date.

8. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

The 15th entry in this long-running tactical RPG series returns to home consoles for the first time in over a decade as a Switch exclusive. Like most JRPGs, the lore is pretty deep, so we’ll sum it up by saying you spend the first half of the game in a school system, building relationships and currying favour with your chosen house. After that, there’s a significant time jump which leads to more battles and higher stakes. Gameplay-wise, expect all the usual turn-based fight mechanics set against a pretty anime backdrop.

7. The Legend of Heroes Trails of Cold Steel IV

The climactic end to the Trials of Cold Steel saga (part of the legendary JRPG Legend of Heroes series), this is how you go out with a bang. Following a class of elite students, you have to find your way in an expansive, fantastical empire. You’ll explore a vast, rich open world, interact with its charming inhabitants, and test your might in thrilling turn-based combat. And among all these world-ending stakes, your characters can even play a game of poker or two. Because why not?

6. Octopath Traveler

Somewhat of a love letter to the classic JPRGs of the 90s when role-playing meant role-playing, the game is split into 8 distinct stories (hence Octopath) in which you must complete quests, explore dungeons and beat big baddies. The gameplay is a tonne of fun enough and the musical score and visual presentation is nothing short of gorgeous. Definitely worth a playthrough if you’re a fan of the genre.

5. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin

Have you ever wanted to get into Monster Hunter but weren’t sure where to start? Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin might be just for you. Offering a standalone adventure that offers an alternative introduction into the series, you team with a gang of raiders who, instead of killing the monsters ravaging the land, decide to train and use them in combat. Think Pokémon, only everything’s much bigger and toothier! With a deep battle system, impressive depth and customisation, and an enjoyable story helped along by endearing characters, this isn’t one to miss.

4. 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 setting, 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. 

3. 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.

2. 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!

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.