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.

The Fractured But Whole is also very good, but The Stick of Truth is the better South Park game.

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.