31 of the Best RPG Switch Games (June 2019)

RPGs are synonymous with the Nintendo brand, having been popularised since the NES with the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games during the late 1980s. The genre has since grown in a multitude of various ways and whilst it can be a difficult genre to tackle, if done correctly, you will be rewarded with some incredibly epic experiences.

This list contains our favourite RPGs on the Nintendo Switch, however there are plenty more on the system. If you feel as though there is another RPG that deserves to be on this list, please let us know by emailing us at team@switchaboo.com and we’ll consider updating it.

Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland

Developed By Koei Tecmo
Published By Koei Tecmo America
Rating T
Players 1

The Scion of Arland is the newest instalment in the Atelier Lulua franchise and the fourth of the Arland series. Whilst this may be a new entry in a long line of games, The Scion of Arland is a brand new story set in a world that may be a familiar for fans of the series. In this entry, Lulua sets out on a journey to overcome her famous mother in the school of alchemy.

Battle Chasers: Nightwar

Developed By Airship Syndicate
Published By THQ Nordic
Rating T
Players 1

Battle Chasers: Nightwar takes classic turn-based combat with Diablo style exploration. Based on the best-selling 90s comic book of the same name, explore an expansive overworld with a colourful cast of characters that have detailed backstories and distinctive characteristics.

Collection of Mana

Developed By Square Enix
Published By Square Enix
Rating E10+
Players 1 – 3

The original three Mana games have arrived on Nintendo Switch. This collection includes: Final Fantasy Adventure/Mystic Quest (released on Game Boy in 1991), Secret of Mana (released on Super Nintendo in 1993) and Trials of Mana (Seiken Densetsu – releasing for the first time ever in the west).

Cosmic Star Heroine

Developed By Zeboyd Games
Published By Limited Run Games
Rating T
Players 1

Set in an interplanetary and rustic future inspired by classic JRPGs of the SNES era, explore three planets in your own spaceship with crisp and vibrant pixel graphics. These graphics are not only to be enjoyed when traversing the worlds, but every battle takes place exactly where you encounter them. Cosmic Star Heroine features fully animated cutscenes to tell the story of a galactic threat and a heroine here to put a stop to it.

Darkest Dungeon

Developed By Red Hook Studios
Published By Red Hook Studios
Rating T
Players 1

With its unique presentation and sombre setting, Darkest Dungeon is an RPG that you won’t be able to put down! Not only do you battle monsters in beautifully animated backdrops, but you also battle with each character’s inner turmoils. With this unique system and engaging turn-based mechanics, this indie gem is certainly one to pick up for any RPG fan.

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EARTHLOCK

Developed By Snowcastle Games
Published By Snowcastle Games
Rating E10+
Players 1

EARTHLOCK takes place in the magical world of Umbra, following a band of six adventurers on a journey to save Amon’s uncle from an ancient cult. One of this game’s strength is its customisation, featuring a detailed skill tree, the ability to enhance relationships with different party members for advantages in combat and an extensive crafting system that allows you to utilise the materials that you collect throughout your journey.

Final Fantasy VII

Developed By Square Enix
Published By Square Enix
Rating T
Players 1

The cult classic is on Nintendo Switch and if you’ve never had the chance to play through it, or simply want to relive one of the greatest games ever made, then now’s the perfect time do so. Shinra runs a monopoly on Mako energy, the world’s most natural resource, and the iconic Cloud Strife has joined AVALANCHE to stand up against the corporation which soon becomes a much bigger task than it first seems.

Final Fantasy IX

Developed By Guild Studio
Published By Square Enix
Rating T
Players 1

Final Fantasy IX takes the series back to its fantasy roots, putting more emphasis on the ‘Fantasy’ in Final Fantasy. Zidane and the Tantalus Theatre Group have kidnapped Princess Garnet who to their surprise, wishes to come along willingly. The critically-acclaimed ninth entry in the long running series is one of the best RPG Switch games and is touched up with HD graphics.

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster

Developed By Square Enix
Published By Square Enix
Rating T
Players 1

Relive the story of Tidus and Yuna and soak in the majesty of the iconic track ‘Return to Zanarkand’. When blitzball star, Tidus, gets pulled into the world of Spira, he is thrown into a quest to guide a young summoner called Yuna on a quest to save the world from Sin, a colossal monster that brings unrelenting destruction. Once you finish Final Fantasy X, you can move onto X-2, that takes place two years after the events of X.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Developed By Square Enix
Published By SQUARE ENIX CO.
Rating T
Players 1

Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age has made its way to Nintendo Switch. Follow the story of Vaan, a young man who has recently lost his parents in the recent war, and his dreams of being a sky pirate. When he runs into Princess Ashe, the princess of Dalmasca on a quest of revenge, and Basch, a disgraced knight, Vaan finds himself on an adventure that takes to the skies.

Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD

Developed By Square Enix
Published By Square Enix
Rating T
Players 1

Final Fantasy XV is on the Nintendo Switch… sort of. When Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition was first announced, fans were sceptical, but this dumbed-down edition is not as dumb as it may seem. Noctis is sent by his father, King Regis, to marry Lady Lunafreya of Tenebrae in order to make peace between nations however, it may not be as simple as all that.

For the King

Developed By IronOak Games
Published By Curve Digital
Rating T
Players 1 – 3

The king has been murdered, assassinated by an unknown assailant and now the Kingdom of Fahrul is in disarray. Stand up against the chaos in tabletop style, turn-based combat in either single-player, co-op or online multiplayer. For the King on Nintendo Switch features all previously released expansions, so you can make sure avenge the king in as many scenarios as you can think of.

Golf Story

Developed By Sidebar Games
Published By Sidebar Games
Rating E
Players 1 – 2

I know we’ve covered a lot of fantasy-style RPGs so far and I’m not going to lie, a lot of the list coming up continues with same theme, but Golf Story is different. From Australian developer Sidebar Games, Golf Story allows you to play the sport of kings whilst following a witty story full of golfing rivals and in-depth characterisation.

I Am Setsuna

Developed By Tokyo RPG Factory
Published By Square Enix
Rating E10+
Players 1

I Am Setsuna reimagines the classic and beloved gameplay of the cult classic Chrono Trigger, with interactive turn-based action combat that take place exactly where you interact with the enemies. Guide Setsuna on her journey of making the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the people from an ever-arching doom.

Knights of Pen and Paper Bundle

Developed By Seaven Studio / Behold Studios
Published By Plug In Digital
Rating T
Players 1

Games are very much about immersing yourself in epic adventures, so when you zoom out the camera and take control of a group of tabletop gamers playing a fantasy RPG at a table lead by a dungeon master, the overdone formula is completely thrown on its head. In this bundle, you are treated to both the first and second entries, complete with all DLC and expansions.

The Last Remnant Remastered

Developed By Guild Studio Inc.
Published By Square Enix
Rating M
Players 1

The Last Remnant released over ten years ago back in 2008 and it has now been remastered for Nintendo Switch. Featuring four races (Mitra, Yama, Qsiti and Sovani), war plagues the world as each civilisations strives to obtain power over the power of the Remnants. With a unique battle system that puts emphasis on the morale of your party, The Last Remnant has a lot to offer when it comes to a fresh RPG experience.

Octopath Traveler

Developed By SQUARE ENIX CO.
Published By Nintendo
Rating T
Players 1

Octopath Traveler follows eight characters, each with their own stories, abilities and motivations. The game harkens back to the golden days of JRPGs with classic sprite-based designs but with a brand new art style that Square Enix has dubbed HD 2D.

Pokemon: Let’s GO, Pikachu! / Pokemon: Let’s GO, Eevee!

Developed By Game Freak
Published By Nintendo
Rating E
Players 1 – 2

Relive the story of where the Pokemon phenomena all began in Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee!. These versions take inspiration from the mobile hit Pokemon GO in that you capture Pokemon by lining up your Poke Ball and throwing them at them rather than battling. You can also see wild Pokemon roaming around and being able to walk up them to initiate a battle, making Kanto feel as vibrant as ever.

Romancing SaGa 2

Developed By Square Enix
Published By Square Enix
Rating T
Players 1

Square Enix are just gods when it comes to JRPGs! The 1993 classic, Romancing SaGa 2, is on Nintendo Switch and it has been touched up to make its timeless 16 bit art style pop in HD graphics. Control generations of rulers of the Varennes Kingdom and take down the Seven Heroes in an adventure that transcends time. Romancing SaGa 2 on Nintendo Switch also features brand new content, including a new dungeon, two new classes and more!

SEGA AGES: Phantasy Star

Developed By M2
Published By SEGA
Rating E10+
Players 1

With the SEGA AGES lineup steadily coming to the Nintendo Switch, the console had been treated with a cult RPG classic – Phantasy Star. First released in 1988, Phantasy Star blends fantasy and sci-fi with first-person dungeon crawling, familiar turn-based combat and a sprawling world map. The SEGA AGES version of Phantasy Star also includes a new dungeon map display, making your time with Phantasy Star a much more intuitive experience.

Shadows of Adam

Developed By Something Classic Games
Published By Circle Ent.
Rating T
Players 1

Shadows of Adam takes inspiration from classic Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games from the NES/SNES days. The village of Adam’s legendary hero is no longer around to protect its villagers and darkness is beginning to rear its ugly head after ten years of peace. With a unique AP battle system and a rich story based around a party of four, Shadows of Adam is a perfect love letter to the classic RPGs of old.

Slay the Spire

Developed By Mega Crit
Published By Humble Bundle
Rating T
Players 1

Slay the Spire is a rougelike card-based RPG that has you battling a variety of different monsters, forging your own path across a vast map, on a quest to slay the spire. This game features an impressive range of deck-building customisation with hundreds of cards to choose from.

South Park: The Stick of Truth

Developed By South Park Studios
Published By Ubisoft
Rating M
Players 1

South Park: The Stick of Truth follows your character befriending the well known Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny and joining them on a quest of swords and magic in order to become… cool. This game beautifully recreates the animation of the award winning show with full voice acting and the same humour that it will feel like you’re controlling a real South Park episode yourself.

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SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech

Developed By Image & Form
Published By Thunderful Publishing
Rating E
Players 1

In SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech, travel through a whimsical land filled with fantasy and steambots, swords and magic, dragons and snoody guild members who have forgotten what it means to be a true hero. The combat is familiar turn-based RPG, much different to what Image & Form have ever done in the past.

If you’d like to learn more about SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech, click here to read our review.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

Developed By BANDAI NAMCO
Published By BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Rating T
Players 1 – 4

The critically-acclaimed Tales of Vesperia is on Nintendo Switch in the form of a remastered definitive edition. Explore the vast open world and continue the journey with familiar and even some brand new characters. Travel separate paths in a world where a civilisation is reliant on ancient technology and power struggle emerges in order to take control of it.

Undertale

Developed By 8-4
Published By 8-4
Rating E 10+
Players 1

The cult indie classic has made its way onto the Nintendo Switch! Undertale is a charming adventure that has you travelling through a world of monsters, making friends and meeting some interesting characters. The music is absolutely something to behold, and will have you humming along for days. With its unique battle mechanics, as well as the option to talk to your enemies rather than fight them, Undertale is a breath of fresh air amongst the masses.

West of Loathing

Developed By Asymmetric
Published By Asymmetric
Rating T
Players 1

Don’t let West of Loathing’s simplistic art style fool you, there is so much more to this game that what appears on the surface. Combat is surprisingly deep and the world contains much to explore and discover. But where this game truly shines is in its dialogue. With witty banter set in a classic western, West of Loathing will actually make you laugh out loud. Play one of three character classes and fight back as the cows have literally come home.

The World Ends With You: Final Remix

Developed By Square Enix
Published By Nintendo
Rating T
Players 1 – 2

In this classic DS RPG, play as Neku in the busy heart of Tokyo and complete daily missions in the Reapers’ Game. As Neku regains his memories, he finds himself fighting for a matter of life and death. This remastered classic comes complete with a brand new chapter, exclusive co-op gameplay, new remixed music and the ability to play the game in Full HD on the TV or take the game on the go as it was initially intended.

World of Final Fantasy Maxima

Developed By Square Enix
Published By Square Enix
Rating E
Players 1

World of Final Fantasy Maxima takes inspiration from many Final Fantasy entries in the past, opening up a whole world of familiar characters, assets, monsters and locations. With a brand new Final Fantasy story and a much more light hearted approach, World of Final Fantasy Maxima takes a lot about what makes the Final Fantasy series great and presents it in a way that is inevitable to anyone and everyone.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 / Torna: The Golden Country DLC

Developed By Monolith Soft
Published By Nintendo
Rating T
Players 1

The second entry in the mainline Xenoblade Chronicles saga is the best selling Xenoblade game to date. Follow the scavenger known as Rex and his Blade partner Pyra in their quest to guide Pyra to the fabled paradise, Elysium. Travel on the backs of titans, taking an incredibly large scope that helps to make the game as epic as it seems.

Not long after the release of the Xenoblade Chronicles 2, story DLC released known as Torna: The Golden Country. The DLC follows the story of events that had taken place decades before Xenoblade 2’s plot. This story DLC is so large that it was actually received its own physical release.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA

Developed By NIHON Falcom
Published By NIS America
Rating T
Players 1

The Ys franchise continues with Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA on the Nintendo Switch. Adol, the game’s main protagonist, finds himself shipwrecked on a cursed island. There, he finds more shipwrecked passengers and as a party, they continue to explore this isolated island and uncover its dark secrets.