Action RPGs are becoming more and more popular among gamers, and I can understand why. This genre gives you the chance to enjoy fast combat while also improving your character, collecting better gear, and exploring different worlds. When it comes to Nintendo Switch, there are a lot of action RPGs that are worth trying.
If you haven’t tried any RPGs on Nintendo Switch, I want you to understand that not all of them are equally fun. So, in this article, I am going to discuss the 10 best action RPGs that you can play on Nintendo Switch to get an amazing gaming experience. So, let’s get started.
What to Know About Nintendo Switch Action RPGs Before Playing?
Nintendo Switch action RPGs combine real-time combat with RPG elements such as character progression, weapons, abilities, and equipment. However, the gameplay can differ a lot between titles.
Some games focus heavily on combat, while others give you more freedom to explore, complete quests, and develop your character. It is also worth checking the game’s difficulty, playtime, and storage requirements before playing.
Some action RPGs offer a relaxed experience that is easy to pick up, while others require more practice and patience. Their stories and worlds can also vary from short adventures to much longer experiences that can take dozens of hours to complete.
A Quick Look at the 10 Best Action RPGs to Play on Nintendo Switch
| Game | Release Date | Genre | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition | October 15, 2019 | Action RPG | $59.99 |
| Xenoblade Chronicles 3 | July 29, 2022 | Action RPG | $59.99 |
| Monster Hunter Rise | March 26, 2021 | Action RPG | $39.99 |
| NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition | October 6, 2022 | Action RPG | $39.99 |
| Diablo III: Eternal Collection | November 2, 2018 | Action RPG | $59.99 |
| The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | November 17, 2017 | Action RPG | $49.99 |
| Dark Souls: Remastered | October 19, 2018 | Action RPG | $39.99 |
| Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA | June 26, 2018 | Action RPG | $39.99 |
| Astral Chain | August 30, 2019 | Action RPG | $59.99 |
| Hades | September 17, 2020 | Action RPG | $24.99 |
10 Best Action RPGs You Can Play on Nintendo Switch
There are many amazing action RPGs that you can try out on Nintendo Switch. However, the following 10 are known to offer the best gaming experience:
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition brings Geralt’s massive fantasy adventure to Nintendo Switch. You explore a large open world, complete quests, fight monsters, and improve Geralt’s weapons, armor, signs, and other abilities.
The Complete Edition includes the base game, two major expansions, and additional downloadable content. It is a great choice if you want an action RPG with a long story and plenty of freedom to explore at your own pace.
Why play this game?
- Explore a huge open world
- Fight monsters with swords and magic
- Complete story and side quests
- Get the base game and expansions together
Best for: Gamers who want a large open-world action RPG.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 takes you across the large and colorful world of Aionios. You control a group of characters and take part in real-time battles where positioning and abilities are important.
The game also lets characters combine their powers into powerful Ouroboros forms during combat. Its long story, large areas, party system, and character progression make it a good choice for gamers who want a deeper RPG experience.
Why play this game?
- Explore large fantasy environments
- Fight enemies in real-time
- Control a team of six characters
- Enjoy a long story-driven adventure
Best for: Gamers who want a long Japanese action RPG.
3. Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise puts you in the role of a hunter who takes on large and dangerous monsters. Instead of simply leveling up your character, you collect materials from your hunts and use them to create better weapons and armor.
Each weapon type plays differently, giving you plenty of ways to approach battles. You can also hunt with other players through online and local multiplayer options.
Why play this game?
- Fight a wide range of monsters
- Craft better weapons and armor
- Choose from different weapon types
- Play hunts with other players
Best for: Gamers who enjoy challenging combat and collecting gear.
4. NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition
NieR:Automata is set in a post-apocalyptic world where androids fight machine lifeforms on behalf of humanity. You play as 2B and other characters while exploring a large, ruined world and taking part in fast-paced battles.
The game mixes action combat with exploration and a story that develops as you continue playing. The Switch version also includes additional content released for the game.
Why play this game?
- Experience fast and fluid combat
- Explore a post-apocalyptic world
- Play as different characters
- Follow a story with multiple parts
Best for: Gamers who want action, exploration, and a unique story.
5. Diablo III: Eternal Collection
Diablo III: Eternal Collection is a loot-focused action RPG where you fight huge groups of demons while constantly improving your character. You can choose from several character classes, collect better equipment, and use different skills to build your character.
The Switch version includes the game’s major content in one package. Its simple controls and fast combat also make it easy to pick up for shorter gaming sessions.
Why play this game?
- Fight large groups of enemies
- Collect better weapons and equipment
- Choose from different character classes
- Play alone or with friends
Best for: Gamers who enjoy fast combat and collecting loot.
6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim lets you explore a huge fantasy world and create a character around your preferred playstyle.
You can use swords, bows, magic, or a combination of different abilities while completing quests and exploring dungeons. The open-world design also gives you plenty of freedom to decide what to do next. The Switch version includes exclusive The Legend of Zelda-themed items and features.
Why play this game?
- Explore a massive open world
- Create your own character
- Use weapons, magic, or both
- Complete hundreds of quests and activities
Best for: Gamers who want freedom and open-world exploration.
7. Dark Souls: Remastered
Dark Souls: Remastered is an action RPG built around challenging combat and exploration. You travel through the dangerous land of Lordran while fighting enemies, finding equipment, and improving your character.
Every enemy can be a threat, so learning attack patterns and knowing when to attack or defend is important. The game also gives you many weapons, armor pieces, spells, and other options for creating your own fighting style.
Why play this game?
- Take on challenging enemies
- Learn enemy attack patterns
- Customize your character and equipment
- Explore dangerous areas full of secrets
Best for: Gamers who enjoy difficult combat and exploration.
8. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA follows Adol as he becomes stranded on a mysterious island after a shipwreck. You explore the island, fight enemies in fast real-time battles, and meet other survivors who join your adventure.
The game also lets you improve your characters and explore different areas as the story develops. Its straightforward combat makes it a good entry point for gamers who want a Japanese action RPG.
Why play this game?
- Enjoy fast real-time combat
- Explore a mysterious island
- Build a team of characters
- Improve your characters and abilities
Best for: Gamers looking for a fast-paced Japanese action RPG.
9. Astral Chain
Astral Chain combines fast combat with investigation and exploration. You play as a member of a special police unit dealing with mysterious creatures that have invaded the world.
Your character fights alongside a Legion, a living weapon that can attack enemies and help during investigations. You control both characters during combat, which creates a different style of action compared with traditional RPGs.
Why play this game?
- Fight alongside a Legion
- Use fast and stylish combat
- Investigate different cases
- Explore a futuristic world
Best for: Gamers who prefer fast combat with a unique gameplay system.
10. Hades
Hades puts you in control of Zagreus, the son of the god of the dead, as he tries to escape the Underworld. Each attempt takes you through different rooms filled with enemies, while new abilities and rewards change how you fight.
You become stronger over multiple runs and gradually learn more about the characters and story. Its fast combat and short runs make it especially easy to play in handheld mode.
Why play this game?
- Enjoy fast hack-and-slash combat
- Try different weapons and abilities
- Get stronger after each run
- Uncover more of the story as you play
Best for: Gamers who enjoy fast, replayable action games.
Can You Play Action RPGs on a Gaming PC?
Yes, you can play many action RPGs on a gaming PC. In fact, PCs support a large selection of action RPGs, including games that are also available on consoles. A gaming PC can also offer higher graphics settings, smoother performance, and support for higher resolutions if your hardware is powerful enough.
However, the exact experience depends on the game’s system requirements, and sometimes you even need to upgrade your PC in order to get the best experience.
You should always check the recommended CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage requirements before buying a game. If your gaming PC meets or exceeds these requirements, you should be able to enjoy the game without major performance problems.
Final Words
The Nintendo Switch has plenty of action RPGs for different types of gamers. The Witcher 3 and Skyrim are great for open-world exploration, while Monster Hunter Rise focuses on challenging hunts and gear.
Games like Hades and Diablo III offer faster combat and replayability. If you prefer a difficult experience, Dark Souls: Remastered is another strong option. With these choices, you can find an action RPG that fits your preferred way of playing.
People Also Ask
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the best choices for gamers who want a large world, strong story, exploration, and action-based combat.
Yes. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition is available on Nintendo Switch and includes the main game and its major expansions.
Yes. Monster Hunter Rise combines real-time action combat with character equipment, crafting, progression, and other RPG elements.
Yes. Skyrim is an open-world action RPG that combines real-time combat with quests, exploration, character development, weapons, and magic.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is a good starting point because its real-time combat is easy to understand while still offering character progression and exploration.
