Best Open World Games On Nintendo Switch To Play Now
Hey guys! Are you looking for some awesome open-world adventures you can take on the go? The Nintendo Switch might not be the beefiest console out there, but it's got a surprisingly great lineup of open-world games that you can dive into. Let's explore some of the very best open-world experiences you can find on the Nintendo Switch right now.
The All-Time Classic: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
When you think of open-world games on the Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is probably the first title that pops into your head—and for a good reason! This game is an absolute masterpiece and a system-seller for Nintendo.
Why It’s a Must-Play
Breath of the Wild completely redefined what a Zelda game could be. Instead of a linear progression, you’re dropped into a massive Hyrule, free to explore wherever you want from the get-go. The sense of freedom is incredible. You can climb any mountain, swim across any river, and glide to any destination that catches your eye. This freedom extends to how you approach quests and challenges. Want to sneak around enemies? Go for it. Prefer to charge in, swords swinging? That works too. The game encourages experimentation and creativity, making every playthrough unique.
The world itself is stunning. Hyrule is filled with diverse landscapes, from lush forests and towering mountains to scorching deserts and frozen peaks. Each region has its own unique ecosystem, challenges, and secrets to uncover. Speaking of secrets, Hyrule is packed with hidden shrines, korok seeds, and valuable resources just waiting to be found. Exploring every nook and cranny is incredibly rewarding.
Link's arsenal is more versatile than ever. You'll find a wide variety of weapons, armor, and items throughout your journey, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Experimenting with different combinations is key to survival. Plus, you can cook up all sorts of meals and elixirs using ingredients you find in the wild. These provide buffs and healing, adding another layer of strategy to combat and exploration.
What Makes It Special?
- Unparalleled Freedom: Go anywhere, do anything, anytime.
- Stunning World: Hyrule is a joy to explore, with tons of secrets to uncover.
- Creative Combat: Experiment with different weapons, tactics, and approaches.
- Endless Replayability: You can easily sink hundreds of hours into this game and still find new things to discover.
If you haven't already experienced Breath of the Wild, do yourself a favor and pick it up. It's a game that every Switch owner should have in their library.
A Dragon-Sized Adventure: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Next up, we have The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Yes, the same Skyrim that everyone has been playing for over a decade! But trust me, being able to take this epic RPG on the go is a game-changer.
Why It’s Still Awesome
Skyrim is an open-world RPG that drops you into the land of Skyrim, where you play as the Dragonborn, a hero destined to defeat the dragon Alduin. The main quest is epic, but the real magic of Skyrim lies in its side quests and exploration. You can join guilds, become a vampire or werewolf, build a house, get married—the possibilities are endless.
The world of Skyrim is vast and detailed, filled with cities, towns, dungeons, and wilderness to explore. Each location has its own unique history, characters, and quests. Whether you're delving into ancient ruins or exploring a bandit camp, there's always something interesting to find. The sense of discovery is one of Skyrim's greatest strengths.
You can customize your character to fit your playstyle. Choose from a variety of races, each with its own unique abilities and bonuses. Then, develop your skills in areas like combat, magic, and stealth. Whether you want to be a powerful warrior, a sneaky assassin, or a master mage, the choice is yours. The character progression system is deep and rewarding, allowing you to create a truly unique character.
What Makes It Great on Switch?
- Portable Skyrim: Enough said. Take this epic adventure anywhere.
- Tons of Content: Hundreds of hours of quests, exploration, and customization.
- Dragonborn Fun: Who doesn't love shouting at dragons?
Skyrim on the Switch is a fantastic way to experience this classic RPG. Sure, the graphics might not be as impressive as on other platforms, but the portability factor more than makes up for it.
Monstrous Fun: Monster Hunter Rise
For those who love action and monster hunting, Monster Hunter Rise is an absolute must-have on the Nintendo Switch. This game takes the Monster Hunter formula and makes it even more accessible and exciting.
Why It’s Addictive
In Monster Hunter Rise, you play as a hunter tasked with protecting Kamura Village from rampaging monsters. You'll embark on quests to hunt down these creatures, gathering materials to craft new weapons and armor. The gameplay loop is incredibly addictive, as you constantly strive to improve your gear and take on tougher challenges.
The monsters in Monster Hunter Rise are incredibly detailed and challenging. Each monster has its own unique attack patterns and weaknesses, requiring you to learn their behavior and adapt your strategy accordingly. Hunting these creatures is a thrilling experience, especially when you team up with friends in multiplayer.
Monster Hunter Rise introduces new mechanics that make the game more dynamic and accessible. The Wirebug allows you to zip around the environment, perform aerial attacks, and recover quickly from attacks. The Palamute is a new canine companion that you can ride into battle, providing support and mobility. These additions make Monster Hunter Rise the most accessible entry in the series yet.
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Addictive Gameplay: The cycle of hunting, crafting, and upgrading is incredibly satisfying.
- Awesome Monsters: Each monster is unique and challenging to hunt.
- Wirebug and Palamute: New mechanics that add depth and excitement to the gameplay.
If you're looking for an action-packed open-world game with tons of replayability, Monster Hunter Rise is the perfect choice. Whether you're a Monster Hunter veteran or a newcomer to the series, you'll find plenty to love in this game.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and Xenoblade Chronicles 2
For JRPG fans, the Xenoblade Chronicles series is a must-play on the Nintendo Switch. Both Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offer massive open worlds, deep combat systems, and epic stories.
Why They're Worth Your Time
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition tells the story of Shulk and his friends as they journey across the Bionis and Mechonis, two colossal titans locked in an eternal battle. The world is vast and beautiful, filled with unique environments, creatures, and secrets to discover. The combat system is deep and strategic, requiring you to master different arts and chain attacks together to defeat your enemies.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 takes place in Alrest, a world where people live on the backs of Titans. You play as Rex, a salvager who becomes the Driver of a legendary Blade named Pyra. Together, they embark on a quest to reach Elysium, a legendary paradise. The world is vibrant and colorful, with a unique art style that sets it apart from other JRPGs. The combat system is similar to the first game but with added layers of complexity, such as Blade combos and Driver combos.
Both games feature compelling stories, memorable characters, and tons of side quests to keep you busy for hours. Whether you prefer the more serious tone of the first game or the more lighthearted tone of the second, you're sure to find something to love in the Xenoblade Chronicles series.
What Makes Them Special?
- Massive Worlds: Explore the Bionis, Mechonis and Alrest, each with their own unique environments and creatures.
- Deep Combat Systems: Master different arts and chain attacks together to defeat your enemies.
- Compelling Stories: Get invested in the characters and their journeys.
The Xenoblade Chronicles games are some of the best JRPGs on the Nintendo Switch. If you're a fan of the genre, don't miss out on these epic adventures.
Honorable Mentions
Alright, guys, before we wrap things up, here are a few honorable mentions that deserve a shout-out:
- Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen: A cult classic action RPG with a unique pawn system.
- L.A. Noire: A detective thriller set in 1940s Los Angeles.
- Minecraft: The ultimate sandbox game that lets you build anything you can imagine.
So there you have it—some of the best open-world games you can play on your Nintendo Switch right now. Whether you're exploring the vast landscapes of Hyrule, battling dragons in Skyrim, or hunting monsters in Kamura Village, there's plenty of adventure to be had on Nintendo's hybrid console. Happy gaming!