Best Turn-Based Switch RPGs

Highlights

• Bravely Default 2 is one of the best turn-based RPGs on the Nintendo Switch. It features a classic JRPG gameplay style and a compelling story. Players can enjoy deep strategic battles and beautiful visuals in this highly acclaimed game.

Role-playing games are among the most popular genres out there, so it’s understandable that people are always looking for the best RPGs a system has to offer. This is especially true when it comes to turn-based RPGs. Many gamers love the tactical gameplay and strategy involved in these types of combat systems.

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The Nintendo Switch has a massive collection of games that cater to plenty of gamers, so it is no surprise that there are some of the best turn-based RPGs out there on the system. From triple-A Nintendo titles to indie hits, there are plenty of fantastic turn-based RPGs that take players on a journey, whether they’re playing at home or on the go.

Updated October 14, 2023, by Chris Birsner: The best turn-based Switch RPGs are always changing since Nintendo’s console has grown into a great platform for the genre. In the last few months, one notable game has come out that represents these types of projects at their peak.

26 For The King

Role-playing video games have certainly been inspired by tabletop RPGs of the past and present. Even though they aren’t a direct influence for most, many tend to incorporate tabletop gameplay mechanics in their regular mechanics. A great example is For The King, developed by IronOak Games.

The adventure blends various elements from tabletop RPGs, JRPGs, strategy games, and roguelikes. The story revolves around the King of Fehrul being murdered, and it’s up to the citizens (players) to fight back against the creatures who have ascended from a dark underworld.

25 Blue Reflection: Second Light

The Blue Reflection franchise is a rather new one in the history of developer Gust, given its long history of creating some of the best turn-based RPGs out there. In Blue Reflection: Second Light, players take on the role of Ao Hoshizaki, a girl who wakes up in a school that she does not know. She is joined by a few other girls who don’t know what is happening.

The characters must uncover the mystery of why they are at the school and what events led them there. The combat combines turn-based elements with a real-time system, allowing players to get combos on enemies that show up.

24 Pokemon: Let’s Go

Before the first mainline game came to the Nintendo Switch, Pokemon’s first entry on the hybrid system was none other than Pokemon: Let’s Go. The two games, separated into Pikachu and Eevee versions, were remakes of the 1998 Game Boy Color game Pokemon Yellow.

Containing the first 151 Pokemon introduced in the series, Pokemon: Let’s Go features the same turn-based battle system when facing gym leaders and other trainers. However, when facing wild Pokemon, the catching system is similar to that of the hit app Pokemon Go. For those looking for an easy step into one of the best turn-based RPG franchises out there, this is worth a shot.

23 South Park: The Stick Of Truth

Hit TV show South Park jumped into making multi-platform games again with a turn-based RPG. This game is nonsensical in nature, yet solid in overall gameplay.

In South Park: The Stick of Truth, players create their own original character who has just moved to the town and is sucked into playing a role-playing fantasy game with fellow kids. Things quickly get out of hand as supernatural occurrences start taking place. The turn-based gameplay revolves around the player and a partner using melee, ranged, and magic attacks to take down enemies.

22 Paper Mario: The Origami King

Paper Mario is among Nintendo’s more famous RPGs. The latest entry in the series saw another shift in how the overall gameplay works. In Paper Mario: The Origami King, Mario must save the princess after she and many others were turned into origami by King Olly. By Mario’s side is Olivia, Olly’s sister who also wields his origami powers.

Paper Mario: The Origami King returns to its turn-based roots, but battles revolve around slide puzzles. These focus on lining enemies up perfectly in order to successfully attack them, providing fans with a new challenge. While it may not hit the same as some of the best turn-based RPGs by Nintendo, it’s a puzzle exploration experience that’s worth a try.

21 Tactics Ogre Reborn

Originally released on the Super Famicom, Tactics Ogre is one of the most memorable titles in a long list of tactical RPGs out there. With the release of Tactics Ogre Reborn, those that enjoy turn-based RPGs on Switch will be happy to get a remake of such a 1990s classic.

Originally released on the PSP and then remade for modern consoles, Tactics Ogre Reborn places players back on the Valerian Isles that have fallen into civil war. Players can make their own path through the conflict and are rewarded with a different ending based on the choices made. The battles take place on fields with different elevations, adding to the complexity of the brilliant system.

20 Pokemon Sword & Shield

One of the most popular franchises in the world, Pokemon took a few years to get a mainline game out on the Nintendo Switch. Eventually, fans were graced with Pokemon Sword & Shield, the first game featuring the eighth generation of Pokemon.

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Pokemon Sword & Shield takes place in the Galar region, which was highly influenced by the United Kingdom. Along with 81 new Pokemon, the games introduced the new concepts of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing. There are also plenty of multiplayer opportunities in the game, such as co-op raid battles.

19 Final Fantasy 8 Remastered

No list of the best turn-based RPGs would be complete without a Final Fantasy game. On the Nintendo Switch, the best Final Fantasy experience at this time is Final Fantasy 8 Remastered. The story revolves around Squall Leonhart and his team of fellow mercenaries on their quest to bring down Ultimecia, a sorceress whose main goal is to mess with time as they know it.

Final Fantasy 8 Remastered uses an Active Time Battle system, which varies slightly from the typical turn-based as the player’s speed stat determines how many actions they take per turn.

18 Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

While there are concerns over the game’s graphical fidelity, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is considered a leap forward by fans with its transition from a more linear storyline to a completely open world. The game provides a story that can be experienced in any order, provided that the player has their team at the right level.

There are three branches to the story, each providing different variations on the classic turn-based battle system in the franchise. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet differs enough from the usual formula that makes it one of the best turn-based RPGs on Switch.

17 Bravely Default 2

Those who enjoyed the original Bravely Default game were treated to a continuation of the game’s solid story in Bravely Default 2. However, despite being a direct sequel, this game introduces new characters and a new adventure that keeps the game fresh.

Set on the continent of Excillant, the game follows four characters that each have a specific set of skills. These skills help them on their journey to find four crystals that each represent different elements (fire, earth, water, and air). Bravely Default 2 keeps the turn-based battle system introduced in the prior games, making it accessible to existing fans.

16 Octopath Traveler

Square Enix is known for solid RPGs, and there are a few of their games on this list. The first, Octopath Traveler, started out as a Nintendo Switch exclusive. The player steps into the roles of eight different characters as they set off on their own individual journeys, only for all of their stories to collide.

Each character in Octopath Traveler has their own set of Path Actions that will allow them to make decisions as they go through their journey. The battle system is a typical turn-based system that allows players to use different attacks, weapons, and items on each turn.

15 Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin

Monster Hunter Rise was one of the biggest Switch exclusives to come out in 2021, but another game in the franchise was released only a few months later and it too was a console exclusive for Nintendo’s system.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a sequel to a spin-off that came out in 2016 and once again strays from the series by implementing turn-based combat. The story of Monster Hunter Stories 2 revolves around the disappearance of Rathalos and the player’s quest to investigate it, as well as large pits of pink light appearing randomly through the land.

14 Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is the 21st main entry in the Atelier series, which has been around since 1997. The story revolves around Ryza and her friends Lent and Tao. Together, they learn about alchemy and combat from alchemist Empel Vollmer and his bodyguard Lila Decyrus.

The turn-based combat system in Atelier Ryza uses real-time elements as the battle moves as the player gives commands. Creating items using alchemy becomes a core component of the game, and can help players in overcoming battles and other situations. The series may not be mentioned among the best turn-based RPGs out there, but it’s worth looking into for fans of the genre.

13 Operencia: The Stolen Sun

Some of the best turn-based RPGs ever made are ones from many years ago, meaning that they may lack some of the necessary elements that preserve their playability in recent times. Operencia: The Stolen Sun specifically markets itself as a turn-based dungeon crawler RPG that takes the old-school format of the battle system and brings it to a more modern level.

Operencia: The Stolen Sun takes place in a world that pulls from Central European mythology, which plays a key factor in how each level is designed. It’s a fascinating delve into both the mythology itself and the history of turn-based RPGs.

12 Chained Echoes

There is something about an RPG that looks like it did from back in the 1990s. Chained Echoes attempts to replicate that feeling with its 16-bit art style and a world that is rich in color and unique environments. This is a big reason why it’s a perfect fit among Nintendo Switch turn-based RPGs.

Chained Echoes is the story of heroes who are attempting to stop a war that has persisted between three nations. The game stands out as it mixes medieval themes with a slightly futuristic twist, allowing players to wield swords while also having the option to ride a mech as well.

11 The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3

The Legend of Heroes franchise has been around since 1989, with the most recent games released under the sub-series of Trails. The first to come to the Nintendo Switch, at least in North America, was The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3.

The game revolves around military professor Rean Schwarzer, his students, and other characters from the previous two games. Together, they look back at the events that have happened and look to solve some of the mysteries that still exist. The turn-based battle system features handy ways to buff the party without spending a turn.

10 West Of Loathing

For a hilariously nonsensical RPG that isn’t as raunchy as South Park, West of Loathing is a title worth checking out. Set in the Wild West, the story follows the player as they leave their family farm and set off on a journey to Frisco.

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The stick-figure aesthetic is a clear giveaway that the game doesn’t take itself seriously. This becomes doubly true when players need to start paying for things using meat. The turn-based combat is nothing entirely special; players have a set of attacks they can use against enemies like cows, bandits, and goblins. However, the humor makes the game wonderfully unique.

9 Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE Encore

Originally a Wii U game, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a crossover between the Fire Emblem series and the Shin Megami Tensei games. The story revolves around this rift in dimensions between Tokyo and a place called the Idolaspheres, a place where these beings called Mirages exist.

While many Mirages are enemies, the friendly ones are inspired by Fire Emblem characters. The turn-based battle system features elements from the two source games, including how each party member and Mirage have specific strengths and weaknesses. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is an enhanced version of the game that adds new content, from characters to music.

8 Ruined King

League of Legends is one of the biggest games in the entire world, known famously for its competitive arena battles. However, Riot Games has slowly been branching out the franchise to different genres and mediums. One of these experiments was a turn-based single-player RPG called Ruined King: A League of Legends Story.

Set in the city of pirates known as Bilgewater, players control a team of six characters as they venture off to the Shadow Isles. It is here that they believe the source of a terrible force, called the Black Mist, will be found. Ruined King uses an art style that is similar to its classic franchise and has gameplay that is imaginative enough to make it a surprising entry among the best turn-based RPGs.

7 Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling

Paper Mario has moved away from the gameplay of its first two entries, which disappointed many fans. This is why Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling was made. It revives the old-school Paper Mario games both with its gameplay and art style, revitalizing a brand that was among the best turn-based RPGs.

The plot revolves around three characters: Vi the bee, Kabbu the beetle, and Leif the moth. These three friends travel the world of Bugaria in search of treasure and “eternal life”. Players can manage their party’s health points, teamwork points (for special attacks), and medal points (for perks).