Best Open World Games On Nintendo Switch

Hey guys! Ready to dive into some massive, explorable worlds right on your Nintendo Switch? You're in the right place! The Switch might be known for its portability and family-friendly titles, but don't let that fool you. It's also home to some seriously impressive open-world games that can keep you glued to your screen for hours. We're talking sprawling landscapes, epic quests, and the freedom to go wherever your curiosity takes you. So, grab your Switch, and let's explore the best open-world experiences it has to offer!

What Makes a Great Open World Game on Switch?

Before we jump into the list, let's quickly chat about what makes an open-world game truly shine on the Nintendo Switch. It's not just about having a big map; it's about how engaging and immersive that world is. Here’s what we look for:

• Vibrant and Detailed Worlds: A great open-world game should have a world that feels alive. Think about interesting environments, cool landmarks, and a sense of history and culture that makes you want to explore every nook and cranny.
• Engaging Gameplay: It’s not enough for a world to look pretty; it needs to be fun to play in! Look for games with compelling storylines, interesting characters, and satisfying combat or puzzle-solving mechanics. The gameplay should always encourage exploration and discovery.
• Smooth Performance: Let’s be real – the Switch isn’t the most powerful console out there. A truly great open-world game on Switch needs to be well-optimized so you can explore without constant frame rate drops or long loading times. Performance is key for immersion!
• Meaningful Activities: A huge map is pointless if there's nothing to do in it. The best open-world games are packed with side quests, challenges, collectibles, and secrets that keep you coming back for more. The world should feel like it's reacting to your presence and actions.
• Portability Factor: This is unique to the Switch! The ability to pick up and play anywhere is a huge advantage. The game should be easy to jump into for short bursts or long sessions, making it perfect for gaming on the go. Imagine exploring Hyrule on your daily commute!

With these factors in mind, let's get into some of the top open-world games you can play on your Nintendo Switch right now.

Top Open World Games on Nintendo Switch

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Okay, let’s be honest, no list of open-world games on Switch would be complete without The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This game isn't just good; it's a masterpiece that redefined what an open-world experience can be. You play as Link, who awakens after 100 years to a Hyrule ravaged by the monstrous Calamity Ganon. Your mission? Save the kingdom, of course! But how you do it is entirely up to you. Seriously, the freedom in this game is mind-blowing.

Breath of the Wild throws you into a massive, breathtaking world from the moment you start. You can climb any surface, glide across vast distances, and interact with almost everything you see. The physics engine is incredible, leading to emergent gameplay moments that you’ll want to share with everyone. Found a group of enemies near a cliff? Push a boulder down on them! Want to start a fire? Rub a metal weapon against a stone to create sparks! The possibilities are endless.

The game also features a compelling story, memorable characters, and tons of side quests and challenges. You can spend hours just exploring the world, discovering hidden shrines, finding new weapons and armor, and cooking up delicious meals. And the best part? You can tackle the main quest whenever you feel ready. Want to head straight to Hyrule Castle and face Ganon right after the tutorial? Go for it! Breath of the Wild respects your agency as a player like no other game.

Breath of the Wild's open world is a masterclass in game design, offering players unparalleled freedom and opportunities for emergent gameplay. The sheer scale and detail of Hyrule are astounding, and the sense of adventure is palpable. While the Switch may have its limitations in terms of raw graphical power, Breath of the Wild overcomes these challenges with its art style and clever optimization. The game runs smoothly for the most part, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its vibrant world. It’s an absolute must-play for any Switch owner.

2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Next up, we have a true classic: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Yes, this game has been around for ages, but the Switch version is fantastic because you can take this whole huge world with you wherever you go! In Skyrim, you play as the Dragonborn, a hero destined to save the land from the return of the dragons. But, like any good open-world game, the main quest is just the beginning. Skyrim is all about creating your own adventure.

The world of Skyrim is vast and diverse, ranging from snowy mountain peaks to lush forests and sprawling cities. Each location is filled with interesting characters, engaging quests, and plenty of secrets to uncover. You can join different factions, learn new skills, craft powerful weapons and armor, and even buy your own house. The freedom to customize your character and playstyle is a huge part of what makes Skyrim so addictive.

Skyrim on Switch includes all the DLC, adding even more content to an already massive game. You can explore new lands, battle powerful enemies, and learn new abilities. The Switch version also includes motion controls, allowing you to aim your bow and cast spells with greater precision. While the graphics might not be as sharp as on other platforms, Skyrim still looks great on the Switch's screen, and the performance is surprisingly solid.

The Switch version of Skyrim manages to capture the essence of the open-world experience while delivering a playable and enjoyable port. The game runs smoothly, even in crowded cities and intense combat situations, and the controls are well-adapted to the Switch's hardware. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking for an epic adventure, Skyrim on Switch is definitely worth checking out. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the game and the versatility of the Switch console.

3. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Don't sleep on Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition! This game is a massive JRPG with a sprawling world to explore, a deep story, and a fantastic combat system. You play as Shulk, a young man who gains the ability to wield the Monado, a powerful sword with the power to change the future. Together with his friends, Shulk sets out on a quest to avenge his home and uncover the secrets of the Monado.

The world of Xenoblade Chronicles is unlike anything you've ever seen. The game takes place on the bodies of two massive titans, the Bionis and the Mechonis, who were locked in an eternal battle. Each titan is home to unique environments, creatures, and cultures. You'll explore lush forests, towering mountains, and futuristic cities, all while battling hordes of enemies. The scale of the world is truly impressive.

Xenoblade Chronicles features a unique combat system that blends real-time action with strategic decision-making. You'll need to position yourself carefully, manage your party's abilities, and exploit enemy weaknesses to emerge victorious. The game also has a deep crafting system, allowing you to create new weapons, armor, and items. And with the Definitive Edition, the graphics have been significantly improved, making the world even more beautiful and immersive.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a triumph on the Nintendo Switch, showcasing the console's ability to handle large-scale open-world experiences. The game's visuals have been polished to a remarkable degree, making the environments and characters look vibrant and detailed. The gameplay is engaging and rewarding, offering a mix of exploration, combat, and storytelling that keeps players hooked for hours on end. It's a must-have for JRPG fans and anyone looking for a deep and immersive open-world adventure on their Switch.

4. LEGO City Undercover

For something a bit different, check out LEGO City Undercover. This game is a LEGO-themed open-world adventure where you play as Chase McCain, an undercover cop trying to take down the notorious Rex Fury. It's like a playful mix of Grand Theft Auto and LEGO, with a ton of humor and charm.

LEGO City Undercover features a massive open world based on a LEGO version of San Francisco. You can explore the city on foot or in a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and even helicopters. The game is packed with secrets to discover, challenges to complete, and collectibles to find. You can also unlock new costumes and abilities for Chase, allowing you to access new areas and solve puzzles.

The game is full of LEGO humor, with tons of visual gags and witty dialogue. The story is surprisingly engaging, with memorable characters and plenty of twists and turns. And with the ability to play in co-op mode, you can team up with a friend to explore the city and take down Rex Fury together.

LEGO City Undercover is a delightful open-world game on the Nintendo Switch, offering a lighthearted and fun experience that appeals to players of all ages. The game's LEGO-themed world is charming and engaging, and the gameplay is a perfect blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and action. It's a great choice for families or anyone looking for a less serious open-world adventure on their Switch.

5. Genshin Impact (Cloud Version)

Genshin Impact is now available on Nintendo Switch as cloud version. Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG developed and published by miHoYo. The game is set in the world of Teyvat and features a vast open world with diverse landscapes, characters, and cultures. Players take on the role of the Traveler, who is searching for their lost sibling. Along the way, they will encounter a variety of characters, complete quests, and battle enemies.

Genshin Impact is one of the most popular open-world games in recent years, and it's easy to see why. The game's graphics are stunning, the gameplay is addictive, and the world is full of things to do. If you're looking for a free-to-play open-world game on the Nintendo Switch, Genshin Impact is a great option.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – some of the best open-world games you can play on your Nintendo Switch! From the epic adventures of Breath of the Wild to the charming humor of LEGO City Undercover, there's something for everyone. The Switch might not be the most powerful console, but it's home to some truly amazing open-world experiences that you can take with you wherever you go. Happy gaming!