Best Turn-Based Switch RPGs

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

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 November 17, 2024 by Mark Sammut: This month has been great for turn-based Switch JRPGs, with two major games landing on the console. They both deserve to be mentioned among the console’s best efforts in the genre.

Here are this discussion’s criteria:

• One entry per franchise. However, there is one exception:
  Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
  and
  DQ11
  . They are different enough to warrant both of their inclusions.
• Remasters will not be considered. Remakes will be included if they bring substantial changes.
• Tactical RPGs will be included as long as they are turn-based.

25 For The King

A Tabletop-Style Co-Op RPG

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 class-based 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. Although an OK solo experience, For The King shines brightly when played with a few friends; in fact, it is among the best turn-based RPGs on the Switch for co-op.

24 Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE Encore

A Weird Crossover That Is Ultimately Quite Good

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.

Considering it is just an updated version of a Wii U game,
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore
just about made the grade for this discussion.

23 South Park: The Stick Of Truth

Decent Combat Does Not Hold Back What Is Otherwise A Fantastic Adaptation

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.

Along with visuals that look identical to the show (if not better), The Stick of Truth captures the source material’s humor quite well, even if most of the punchlines are referential rather than wholly original. More importantly, Obsidian’s strong writing shines through the campaign; meanwhile, the turn-based combat is accessible and punched up through visual gags.

22 Tactics Ogre Reborn

A Classic Refresh That Mostly Holds Up

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 who 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.

21 Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Still Has That Pokemon Magic, Although The Shift To Open-World Is Rough

While there are concerns over the game’s graphical fidelity, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet can be considered a leap forward as it transitioned the mainline series from linear storytelling to a completely open world. The RPG provides a story that can be experienced in any order, provided 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, making it one of the more exciting turn-based RPGs on the Switch. That said, these titles have plenty of issues, particularly on the technical side. The visuals are underwhelming and certainly do not justify the poor performance. Still, if someone can look past these issues, they will find a solid addition to a franchise that desperately needed to innovate.

20 Ruined King: A League Of Legends Story

Fun Classic Turn-Based RPG, Albeit Mostly For Fans

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.

19 Bravely Default 2

For Those Who Miss The Old-School Final Fantasy Games

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.

18 Octopath Traveler

Gorgeous HD-2D JRPG With Disjointed Storytelling

Square Enix will always be known for RPGs, but the publisher has moved away from turn-based combat over the last decade. However, every once in a while, Square Enix releases a throwback to the 1990s. Octopath Traveler was one such game, and it even launched as a Switch exclusive. The player steps into the roles of eight different characters as they set off on 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. With great visuals, fun stories, and addictive combat, this RPG felt fresh when it launched, despite being influenced by long-gone greats.

Octopath Traveler 2
is also fantastic, and very little separates the two games in terms of quality

17 Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin

A Well-Done Creature Collector With Classic But Enjoyable Turn-Based Combat

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 was also a console exclusive for Nintendo’s system (at the time). 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 throughout the land. Along with a traditional but enjoyable turn-based combat system, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a monstie-collecting game similar to Pokemon or Digimon. This element is quite well done and will likely be the driving force that keeps players going throughout the fairly long campaign, although the story is decent and quite funny in spots.

16 Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout

Very Good Entry Point Into Gust’s Consistently Charming JRPG Franchise

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 when the player gives commands. Creating items using alchemy becomes a core component of the campaign, 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.

Arguably, the sequels are better, but newcomers should start with the first game. Honestly,
Atelier Ryza
is one of the best trilogies on the Switch.

15 Operencia: The Stolen Sun

A Faithful Homage To Classic Dungeon Crawlers

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. Packing a considerable punch, Operencia is very much designed with hardcore players in mind and might overwhelm newcomers to this subgenre at first; however, it is relatively accessible, even if it comes with a learning curve.

14 Super Mario RPG

Simple But Highly Entertaining RPG For Beginners

1996’s Super Mario RPG saw Nintendo’s most iconic mascot head out on his first role-playing adventure, and the game proved successful enough to spawn a few spiritual successors. Although a few of those subsequent titles might be superior, the SNES original has stood the test of time incredibly well; alternatively, new players can just pick up the 2023 Switch remake.

Except for a graphical upgrade and a few improvements to the battle system, Super Mario RPG on the Switch is largely identical to its predecessor. While this could be somewhat disappointing, the game’s quality is undeniable, particularly the humorous dialogue.

13 Mario & Luigi: Brothership

A Very Solid Addition To A Franchise With Primarily Good Games

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is surprisingly polarizing. The first completely new entry in the series since 2015’s Paper Jam, Brothership kind of showcases Mario & Luigi at both its best and worst. The turn-based combat is fantastic, building nicely on the ideas explored in games like Super Mario RPG. As always, players should be properly timing their attacks (and defenses) to receive the best outcome, creating a fun and reactive rhythm that walks the line between turn-based and real-time. The gameplay is comfortably Brothership‘s strongest feature, although the boss fights and visuals are also great.

Some other aspects are more hit-and-miss. The characters love to talk but rarely seem to have anything interesting to say. Although not devoid of charm, Brothership could have used less dialogue, and that is something that can be said for quite a few Mario & Luigi games. The puzzles are mostly just fine and pretty easy, and there is even the option to let Luigi handle his portion automatically.

Brothership might not be for everyone, but it should hit the spot with people who enjoyed the previous entries in the series, especially Dream Team.

12 The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3

An Ambitious And Lengthy Franchise That Rarely Misses The Mark

The Legend of Heroes franchise has been around since 1989, with the most recent games released under the subseries 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.

Admittedly, Trails of Cold Steel 3 is not a great entry point into the franchise, and it does expect players to be familiar with not only the characters but also the politically complex world they inhabit. However, it represents Nihon Falcom’s property at its best, blending fantastic world-building with social sim elements, an ambitious storyline, and an addictive turn-based battle system that emphasizes party setup and battlefield placement. Ultimately, Trails of Cold Steel 3 should be treated as a representative of the entire series. Trails from Zero, Trails to Azure, and Trails into Reverie are all among the best turn-based Switch JRPGs.

2024’s
Trails through Daybreak
is a valid option for newcomers as it marks the start of a new arc.

11 West Of Loathing

Unique And Impressive Turn-Based JRPG

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.

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.

10 Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling

Admirable Attempt To Replicate The Paper Mario Formula

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 revived 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), granting them quite a bit of control over their character’s growth and actions. Bug Fables‘ writing is arguably its strongest feature, and that needed to be the case to keep the lengthy campaign engaging.

9 Sea Of Stars

Slow-Burner That Picks Up Momentum Nicely

One of the more beloved indie titles to come out during the 2010s was The Messenger, a 2D platformer that was developed by Sabotage. Five years after the studio released the retro-style game, Sabotage developed another game based in the same universe that is a turn-based RPG called Sea of Stars.

Valere and Zale are two children who grew up with the power of Eclipse Magic. With their abilities rooted in the sun and the moon, the duo travels with their childhood friend Garl to go after an evil alchemist known as the Fleshmancer. Sea of Stars has a combination of turn-based combat and puzzle-solving that feel ripped right out of the 16-bit era, crafting a modern epic that pays respect to the classics. The story starts very slow and takes quite a long time to pick up momentum, but the second half of the campaign is generally quite exciting.

8 Undertale

Modern Masterpiece And A Big Influence On Indie Gaming

Undertale has been tabbed as one of the greatest games of all time, which is impressive considering it was the work of one individual. The title revolves around a kid who falls into the world of monsters, who are locked away by a barrier that separates them from humans.

Along the way, players can choose whether they take a pacifist route through the story or decide to kill all monsters. The pacifist route leads to some creative endings to turn-based encounters and making friends with plenty of fun characters along the Undertale journey.

An argument could be made that
Undertale
is not really an RPG; however, since genres are flexible, it was included.

7 Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance

Brilliant Combat And So Much Content

Another franchise known for turn-based gameplay, Shin Megami Tensei is punishing, dark, and irresistible. After a long spell in development, SMT 5 finally arrived on the Switch, garnering a mostly positive reception; however, it feels slightly incomplete in places, and the existence of Vengeance makes it difficult to recommend the original version.

Set in modern-day Tokyo, players take on the role of a high school who has been dragged into investigating demons and is now trapped in Da’At, an alternate dimension of Tokyo riddled with them. Like previous entries, Shin Megami Tensei 5 and Vengeance focus almost exactly on combat and demon-taming (and fusion). The former is arguably the best in Atlus’ storied history, delivering depth through affinities, negotiations, and skills. Although appearing by the numbers at a glance, the battle system excels due to the expectations it puts on players: Master the mechanics or fail.

Vengeance includes two campaigns, providing an incredible amount of content.

6 Chained Echoes

Fantastic Classic-Style Turn-Based JRPG That Still Feels Modern

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 for 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.