To see the complete, up-to-date list of the top roleplaying games, visit our ranking of the best Nintendo Switch RPGs of all time.
25. Ittle Dew 2+
This is the sequel to the indie action-adventure RPG from Ludosity. In this sequel, our little heroine crashes yet again onto an island filled with loot, puzzles, and mysterious inhabitants. Now in their three-dimensional forms, help Ittle Dew and her sidekick Tippsie in their grandest journey yet. Borrowing notable elements from the classic adventure formula, engage in complex puzzles amidst the game’s deep focus on exploration and combat.
It has a playscore of 7.78
24. Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Packed with revitalized visuals and all of their previous DLCs, Dark Arisen is the definitive experience of CAPCOM's RPG classic. Jumping into Nintendo's hybrid console, all this and more has been distilled into a format you can bring around wherever you go. Dive into its huge open world with your AI companions and fight independently with their dynamic combat system.
A dragon-filled medieval RPG, it has a playscore of 7.79
23. The World Ends with You: Final Remix
This classic action RPG from the company that brought us Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy gets a fresh new remaster. This is an improved version of 2008’s DS game. Return to their graffiti-like Shibuya and witness sparks fly once more, this time in high definition. While the 2D HD isn't much of an improvement, this Final Remix also lets you enjoy their signature rhythmic battles with the Switch's joycons and adds more content in the form of new scenarios.
It has a playscore of 7.8
22. Disgaea 1 Complete
In line with all the HD remakes, the Disgaea series gets one of its own. A follow-up to the release of Disgaea 5, this complete edition of their first installment harkens back to the series' roots and lets players retrace the steps the Netherworld's Prince Laharl. Unlike most RPGs, Disgaea is well-known for serving a dollop of quirky humor on top of their Netherworld catastrophes. Not exactly the most important rerelease purchase, but it's an awesome first encounter for new fans on the Switch.
A playscore of 7.85
21. Skylanders Imaginators
First released in 2016, Skylanders: Imaginators' toys-to-life formula allows you to create your own hero, each with their individual powers, abilities, and even catchphrases. Your mission is to stop Kaos and his Doomlanders from taking over Skyland. Again. On the Switch, this installment will give you access to a digital library of all of your Skylander creations for easy playing at home or on the go. Not the most compatible version but it does let you bring your heroes everywhere without lugging your toys around.
It has a playscore of 7.88
20. Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King
Prove your worth in this retro-pixel adventure from Castle Pixel. Enter monster-infested dungeons and save the Kingdom of Blossom from eternal darkness yadda yadda yadda. Like most classic action-adventure titles, collect powerful weapons and take down powerful bosses. Its 15 hours of gameplay coupled with a diverse game world offers more content than it should have. Not to mention its charming and fun storytelling keeps you on your toes in a more casual kind of sense.
It receives a playscore of 7.89
19. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Bandai Namco takes a turn towards time-bending plots in this latest installment of their unique Dragon Ball title. Distinct from the FighterZ, as a blend of RPG and fighting, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 gives players the full experience of the anime's expansive universe. Taking you into a hub world seven times larger than the original, create your very own Dragonball character and join the iconic band of heroes as they jump from timeline to timeline.
It has a playscore of 7.92
18. Battle Chasers: Nightwar
A modern turn-based RPG from Airship Syndicate and THQ Nordic borrows elements from popular JRPG’s of old. Based on a best-selling comic book by Joe Madureira, choose up to three heroes and pit them against the men and beasts that stand against you in the land of Harm's Way. Venture into the randomly-generated dungeons, uncover secrets, collect loot, and upgrade your skills with every level.
Delivering a mix of memorable dialog and stunning landscapes, it has a playscore of 7.96
17. Final Fantasy VII
One of Square's most popular Final Fantasy titles makes a return on the modern consoles. It's a definite trip down memory lane. Not a remake, Final Fantasy VII comes as it is, returning in its original form and proudly showing off the blocky polygons of its age. Retrace the tales of Cloud Strife and his friends as they put a stop to an evil corporation from tearing their world apart.
A celebration of the magical experience it has always been, it has a playscore of 8.08
16. Valkyria Chronicles 4
An animated take on the tactics and tragedies of war. Coming from SEGA, this is the fourth main entry to their strategy RPG series. A return to roots with new characters and the same cel-shaded graphics in a brand new engine, its small changes bring in just enough elements to make the game like new. It’s been described as the perfect sequel as it refines the details of its addictive turn-based combat while staying true to its creative storytelling.
It has a playscore of 8.14
15. Moonlighter
Digital Sun's roguelite RPG not only mixes new with old, but it also innovates on the action-packed RPG formula with a taste of business. Boasting pixel aesthetics and a traditional 3rd person perspective ala Pokemon, play both sides of the coin with your roles as adventurer and shopkeeper. It offers both dungeon crawling and simulation built into the classic JRPG style.
Balance gritty commerce with satisfying swordplay, it's a promising indie title with a playscore of 8.14
14. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA
This eighth installment of Ys series marks the first adventure for the red-haired swordsman in over eight years. Follow Adol and his friends as they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the mysteries of the island. As their newest title suggests, it introduces a new, blue-haired heroine called Dana who comes with her very own gameplay sections.
A treasure trove of memorable moments and unforgettable characters, it has a playscore of 8.22
13. Disgaea 5 Complete
The latest main installment of the Disgaea series made its entrance to the Switch as a launch title in its most complete form. Packed with all the same quirky dialog and humorous scenes, Disgaea 5 explores the story of the demon Kilia who ventures out to end Netherworld oppression and topple the overlord Void Dark. It contains more than 100 hours of gameplay, 8 bonus scenarios, and 4 fan-favorite characters, as well as the 3 character classes from the PS4 DLCs.
Complete with their signature laughs and combat, it has a score of 8.23
12. Dark Souls Remastered
You might need the pro controller for this one. Known for the relative difficulty of its stamina-based combat, Dark Souls entrance to the Switch lends some credence to the console's new big boy personality. A remaster of the genre-defying original, learn to git gud on the go as you face off against the series' most iconic beasts. It's jam-packed with all the juicy DLCs, with an exclusive Amiibo of Solaire of Astora, sold separately.
It has a playscore of 8.25
11. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
The other consoles are getting the Monster Hunter World experience, luckily for the Switch, we’re getting the Western Localization of one of their best selling MH title too. Hunting Season returns to the Nintendo users in this massive action RPG experience from CAPCOM. Choose from over 14 different weapon types and slay ferocious beasts, big or small. Gather up to three of your friends in its satisfying co-op multiplayer mode. Team up and use your massive weaponry to exterminate these poor creatures.
It has a playscore of 8.26
10. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
There’s a number of FF titles coming out on the Switch and it’s making us excited for more. The Zodiac Age is by far the freshest of the bunch. This remastered version of the PlayStation 2 classic takes us once again to the fascinating world of Ivalice. Return to the shoes of Vaan and embark on a grand adventure to save the Kingdom of Dalmasca from political doom. With a reworked battle system, fights are now faster compared to the original and its new International Zodiac System grants new ability bonuses for each of the heroes.
It receives a playscore of 8.26
9. Undertale
Nothing is as haunting yet beautiful in Tobyfox’s imaginative world. This unlikely RPG has been making waves on the internet due to its huge following. Despite its simplistic graphics, Undertale has gained universal acclaim for turning the usually violent role-playing genre on its head. Adding talking to your arsenal of conflict resolution methods, Undertale becomes a unique experience. And we haven't even gotten to their jazzy soundtracks and loveable characters.
It has a playscore of 8.38
8. Dragon Quest Builders
Or as we’d like to call it, “Square Enix Minecraft”. Its sequel might be out soon and its anticipation is palpable, but this original title is still as important to teach you the ropes of what’s to come. Highlighting the twofold joys of RPG and building, Builders is as charming as ever. Explore its sandbox world and manage your time by crafting stuff in its expansive crafting system or fighting monsters in its RPG-level type of adventure.
It receives a playscore of 8.41
7. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
This sequel to the Nintendo Wii original came as a surprise to fans of the Xeno franchise but it looks like they delivered an experience worthy of the series. It ramps up the JRPG excitement with a brand new character in search of Elysium. Set on the backs of colossal, living Titans, the game doesn’t hold back on the spectacle despite Switch’s limited graphical options. Although it had some problems with its awful character development and complicated menus, it does hold up for its vast world and complex combat.
It has a playscore of 8.42
6. Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Tales of Vesperia has fully cemented itself in the halls of JRPG fame. And with the help of Bandai Namco, they thank all of us with a definitive version of the tenth Tales experience. This definitive edition is packed with two new playable characters and full voice acting. It makes the Tales of Vesperia experience more alive than ever before. This edition also helps welcome newcomers into the world of Terca Lumireis and gets them into the groove for battle and their compelling narrative.
It has a playscore of 8.42
5. Pokemon: Let’s Go Eevee!
Nintendo makes another step in turning your dreams of being pokemon trainer into reality. Connecting the Switch with your very own mobile phones, the Pokemon Go experience is made even better. In this particular edition by developer Game Freak, you'll have the adorable Eevee as your companion as you travel around the Kanto region to catch pokemon and battle them out in the traditional Pokemon fashion.
Mixing in motion controls with their joycons, or the special PokeBall Plus accessory, it gets a playscore of 8.44
4. Stardew Valley
Nothing like a good ol’ slice of life story on Nintendo’s hybrid console. ConcernedApe and Chucklefish’s adorable life-simulator lets you live a simple life as a farmer and lets you meet new and lovable people in pixel art style. Stardew Valley is a love-letter for fans of Nintendo’s classic Harvest Moon. Expand your little farm and create a future for yourself by finding a romantic partner. Survive the changing of seasons by harvesting crops and raising livestock. It’s a co-op and multiplayer mode also brings a new set of surprises for this little console.
It receives a playscore of 8.46
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim could release on every console and everyone would still buy it. Bethesda’s gift to the Nintendo Switch lets new and old players explore the medieval-fantasy land of Skyrim in this stellar open-world RPG. As the Dragonborn, fulfill your destiny and explore the magical world torn by Dragons and living skeletons. Slay mythical foes using the Nintendo’s various technical gimmicks. This Switch port manages to add bonus content including Amiibo add-ons, DLC’s and more.
It has a playscore of 8.47
2.Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu!
Similar to Let’s Go Eevee, journey together with a friend around Kanto and of course, catch em all! Before we get a taste of the most anticipated Pokemon Sword and Shield, this fresh entry is an enhanced remake of the Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow. Relive the fantastic and memorable moments of your favorite original Pokemon titles on Nintendo’s convenient console. Like Eevee, you can also use the Pokemon Go app to enjoy its extra features.
It receives a playscore of 8.49
1. Octopath Traveler
Square Enix’s first original title to debut on the Switch. This JRPG follows the footsteps of Square’s beloved classics including Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy. Embark on a grand adventure set in a fantasy world as you Take control of 8 major characters and uncover each of their overarching stories at your own pace. Engage in a fun turn-based JRPG combat similar to the days of old. Use each of their unique abilities to exploit enemy weaknesses and take down bosses. It’s a fantastic initial entry on Square’s Switch partnership, and we can’t wait for more.
It receives a playscore of 8.51