10 Best Fantasy Games on the Nintendo Switch, Ranked by Metacritic (2024)

The fantasy genre holds some of the all-time greats in gaming. Something about otherworldly creatures, magic, and medieval-style weapons makes their worlds feel immersive. For how niche fantasy as a category is sometimes depicted, the most critically acclaimed games each year always include a title from this genre, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception. Fantasy games are almost always recognized for their superior level of storytelling and world-building. These aspects are especially important to fantasy fans, who often either praise or condemn a game for how well it employs these features.

Considering how broad the genre is, the number of games under the fantasy label makes sense. Thus, the Nintendo Switch has a decent quantity of fantasy titles in its now massive library. And while the Switch has no shortage of household names, its collection of fantasy hits may not be as ubiquitous. Still, there is a wide variety of games to choose from within the genre. From Nintendo exclusives to ports, there are plenty of hot titles to experience.

10 Sea of Stars Will Knock Players' Socks Off With Its Magnificent Atmosphere

Metascore: 90

Close to reaching its first anniversary, Sea of Stars is another throwback to JRPGs of old. Its mesmerizing atmosphere through beautiful pixel art and enchanting music creates a sensory heavenscape that beckons idle admiration. Beyond the pretty visuals and sounds lies a story filled with shocking twists and depth.

The traditional turn-based combat will feel very familiar and includes a few original mechanics, making enemy encounters unpredictable and engaging. Traversing the world is also quite fun, with plenty of little details to be found and puzzles to solve. The visual majesty of the world in Sea of Stars as well as the solid JRPG aspects make it an amazing adventure.

Sea of Stars

Sea of Stars tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.

Platform(s)

PC , PS5 , PS4 , Switch , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One

Released

August 29, 2023

Developer(s)

Sabotage

Developer

Publisher(s)

Sabotage

Genre(s)

RPG

Engine

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language

How Long To Beat

28 Hours

Mode

Metascore

87

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

9 Ori and The Blind Forest Combines a Beautiful Story With Lush Imagery

Metascore 90:

Ori and the Blind Forest is a cute, immersive game centered around a small white creature navigating a bewitching forest full of dangers. The movement is simple yet incredibly fluid, allowing the player to gracefully advance through the series of platforming zones. The puzzles in this game feel rewarding upon completion and the enemies and bosses are tricky yet not overly frustrating.

An incredible atmosphere, fantastic world design, and a beautiful soundtrack are just the tip of the spear, as the story alone deserves to be played at least once. Not to spoil anything, but the developers knew exactly how to use the player's investment to create the most meaningful events within the plot. The Blind Forest is a lovely experience that will have players shedding a tear or two by the end of its short yet tightly-packed story.

Ori and The Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest is brilliant, beautiful, and fun to play. Its luminous, hand-drawn style of 2D art pitches it as a platforming adventure that feels almost like Rayman. It is a nice, cheerful, and family-friendly game you can play for hours on end.

Moon Studio’s debut game begins as a stream of interactive cut-scenes. All is good for a while, until the forest and its fruits start to wither and die, followed shortly by the death of Ori’s mom. Ori is left with his spirit guide, Sein, to go out into the forest and take on the hostile world.

Ori looks and plays like a traditional 2D platformer, with a nimble hero dodging traps like lethal spikes. However, instead of "levels," as would be seen in other platformers, Ori and the Blind Forest sports an open world.

Ori starts weak, barely able to jump. However, by discovering the remains of older sprites, he develops new powers. As you progress with these sprites, Ori can blast foes with sparks or unleash an explosion of energy. These powers enable you to reach new areas or discover new areas you’ve unlocked.

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Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautiful and inventive take on the classic Metroidvania genre. It has gorgeous, vibrant graphics and satisfying platforming mechanics. It’s still very much worth buying, but just be prepared for some trying moments along the way.

Platform(s)

Xbox One , Switch , PC

Released

March 11, 2015

Developer(s)

Moon Studios

Publisher(s)

Microsoft Game Studios

Genre(s)

Platformer , Adventure

ESRB

E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy Violence

How Long To Beat

9 Hours

X|S Enhanced

No

File Size Xbox Series

9 GB (November 2023)

8 Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a Compilation of Platforming Greatness

Metascore: 91

Perhaps the king of modern platformers, the Shovel Knight franchise stands as a monolith among the genre’s other titles. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove serves as a collection of the series in its entirety, allowing players countless hours to experience this gold standard of platforming design. This 2D-side scroller has dozens of playable characters, allowing for a variety of different gameplay paths.

Don't be fooled by its delightful 2D aesthetics, though, as the game can offer quite a challenge for both beginners and experienced fans of the genre alike. Still, the difficulty curve feels just right, which is something many other metroidvanias struggle with implementing. Leveling up skills and learning to dominate each new area in Treasure Trove is simply peak entertainment.

Shovel Knight

Platform(s)

PS4 , PS3 , Xbox One , Switch , Wii U , 3DS , PC , PS Vita

Released

June 26, 2014

Developer(s)

Yacht Club Games

Publisher(s)

Yacht Club Games

Genre(s)

Platformer

ESRB

E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy Violence

How Long To Beat

7 Hours

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7 Dragon Quest XI Brings Out The Best of JRPGs

Metascore: 91

Dragon Quest XI is a game catered to Dragon Quest fans and that only works in its favor. The series has held genre-defining titles and its signature aspects provide for some serious entertainment. In its latest iteration, the real highlight is the party of side characters, who only become more developed and lovable as the game progresses.

The same can be said of the world as a whole, which grows increasingly charming with each hour. All the while, the story envelops the player and consists of so many powerful beats that will make it impossible to put down. Moreover, expect emotional chords to be tugged throughout its 60-hour time to beat. And while combat doesn’t break the mold in terms of JRPGs, when has that ever been a bad thing? For those looking for a game with strong characters who develop in meaningful ways, Dragon Quest XI will be well worth it.

Dragon Quest 11

Franchise

Dragon Quest

Platform(s)

PS4 , PC , Xbox One , Switch , 3DS , Stadia

Released

September 4, 2018

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Genre(s)

JRPG

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

T For Teen due to Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Simulated Gambling, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol

How Long To Beat

60 Hours

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

6 Fans' Favorite Gun-Wielding Witch Returns Better Than Ever In Bayonetta 2

Metascore: 92

Bayonetta 2 is a flashy, action-packed extravaganza that builds on what made the first such a joyride. Bayonetta once again makes for a terrific lead. Her dialogue, appearance, and flashy fighting style brilliantly exude her fierce attitude. Furthermore, the sequel does a solid job of providing backstory and fleshing out her character. Once again, combat is super fast-paced but feels much more polished this time around.

Stringing together combos while switching weapons will have fingers moving at lightning speeds, resulting in a satisfying display of hyper-violent mayhem. Additionally, the graphics received a much-needed splash of color, making areas much more distinguished. Bayonetta 2 is easily the best hack-and -slack for the Switch and an absolute trip to play.

Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta 2 is an homage to the hack and slash genre and its most infamous titles. The original Bayonetta title was created by PlatinumGames, but more specifically, was directed by Hideki Kamiya. Kamiya’s unique creative style and taste is reflected in his meticulousness with character design, plot/writing, and depth of gameplay; and this level of finesse emanates from nearly every facet of Bayonetta 2. You play as the titular character, Bayonetta, who — after watching her friend, Jeanne, lose her soul to a demon — races to a mountain named Fimbulventr (known for housing the Gates of Hell) to find and save her companion. Through the course of this quest you’ll encounter a myriad of enemies, bosses, and entrancing landscapes while you collect new weapons and abilities. Kamiya, this series’ creator, also made the Devil May Cry series, which is evident in the gameplay and rating system of both Bayonetta and its sequel. Chain together seemingly endless combos as you try to set new records for your combat rankings (e.g., C, B, A, S, etc.). Combat is extremely dynamic and versatile, with the number of potential combos you can create being substantially large. But battles also feel rewarding and impactful; enemies are difficult, and time frames for dodging and countering can be extremely tight. Dodging at the right moment will activate ‘Witch Time’ — an ability that slows down time, allows you to deal higher damage, and builds up your magic gauge. Once your magic gauge has filled, you can activate the ‘Umbran Climax’, which is a new ability that will allow you to deal massive amounts of damage. Bayonetta 2’s art style is as gorgeous and thoroughly developed as its soundtrack. The iconic character designs, environments, and gameplay elements have all influenced subsequent hack and slash titles. With the release of Bayonetta 3 potentially on the horizon (having been announced as in development back in 2017), there’s no better time than now to explore the series if you haven’t had the chance to yet!

Franchise

Bayonetta

Platform(s)

Switch , Wii U

Released

October 24, 2014

Developer(s)

Platinum Games

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Genre(s)

Action

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes

5 Ori: The Will of The Wisps is a Dazzling Visual Spectacle

Metascore: 93

When debating the most mesmerizing games, it's impossible to leave out Ori and the Will of the Wisps. The breathtaking, high-contrast set designs of each zone will transcend the player to a higher plane. The game is pure art and will make even the most vibrant of titles seem bleak in comparison.

Will of the Wisps is also a near-perfect platformer, with well-designed enemies and graceful, precise movement controls that flow so fittingly with the dynamic environment. The story itself is just as beautiful and thoroughly moving in its final act. For those who want the most bang for their expensive displays or are just looking for an overall amazing title, Will of the Wisps is a must-buy.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Platform(s)

Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch , PC

Released

March 11, 2020

Developer(s)

Moon Studios

Publisher(s)

Xbox Game Studios

Genre(s)

Platformer , Adventure

Engine

Unity

ESRB

E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy, Violence

How Long To Beat

9 Hours

X|S Enhanced

Yes

File Size Xbox Series

5 GB (December 2023)

4 Divinity: Original Sin 2 Will Take Up Every Sliver of Players' Free Time

Metascore: 93

Until the unlikely event of a Baldur's Gate 3 port, Divinity: Original Sin 2 can surely satisfy that Dungeons and Dragons itch for Switch owners. Made by the same developers as BG3, fans of the game can be sure to expect a similar quality that is D&D to the core, through complex storytelling and turn-based combat.

Divinity 2’s level of depth alone is almost overwhelming in terms of classes, crafting, exploration, and choices. It may seem like a lot to take in at first, but once the player sinks their teeth in, it'll be hard to drop. There will be a strong urge to talk to every NPC and try every storyline the game has to offer in this all-consuming RPG. With some of the best writing found in the fantasy genre, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an experience like no other.

Divinity: Original Sin 2

Platform(s)

Switch , PS4 , Xbox One , PC

Released

September 14, 2017

Developer(s)

Larian Studios

Publisher(s)

Larian Studios

Genre(s)

RPG

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence

How Long To Beat

60 Hours

Metascore

93

Split Screen Orientation

Vertical

3 Escaping Hell Has Never Been More Fun In Hades

Metascore: 93

Hades is a fighting game that absolutely oozes charm from its protagonist and the many interactable gods and goddesses as the player attempts to leave the underworld. Perhaps the game's biggest strength is its replayability factor. While fighting waves of demons and demigods, the game will offer randomized "boons," which add stylish effects and upgrades to weapons and abilities. However, after every death, these boons will be lost, forcing the player to resume the crucible of destruction all over again.

This provides ample opportunity to try out new boons and create the optimal play-style, leading to boundless customization and new ways to play. With the sequel now in early access, now is a perfect time to jump into this action-packed RPG.

Hades

Hades is a critically acclaimed roguelike video game developed by Supergiant Games, released in 2020. The game follows Zagreus, the son of the Greek god of the underworld, as he attempts to escape his father's domain to reach Mount Olympus. With each escape attempt, players explore randomly generated rooms filled with enemies and receive boons from other Olympian gods, enhancing Zagreus's abilities. The game is celebrated for its compelling storytelling, fluid combat system, and vivid artwork.

Platform(s)

PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch , PC

Released

September 17, 2020

Developer(s)

Supergiant Games

Publisher(s)

Supergiant Games

Genre(s)

Action RPG

ESRB

T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

How Long To Beat

23 Hours

Metascore

93

PS Plus Availability

N/A

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

2 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Is A Sequel Done Right

Metascore: 96

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a rare example of a game that not only doesn’t crumble under the massive hype it generated but surpasses those sky-high expectations. TotK is a masterclass on how a sequel should be done. By copying what made the original great and expanding on those strengths. Moreover, it improved many of the flaws of BotW. Many found BotW’s open world empty.

TotK added new zones and quests to fill these spaces. Some found BotW’s enemies lacking. TotK resurrected the series’ most beloved villain as its main antagonist (in his actual, true form this time). Overall, Tears of the Kingdom is more than a worthy successor and an amazing open-world experience.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to the 2017 title, Breath of the Wild. Returning to this incarnation of the land of Hyrule, Link and Zelda will journey into the depths and heights of Hyrule as they discover the secrets of their ancient kingdom. The two will learn about the legend of dark entities that slumber below, and those of the mysterious kingdom in the sky. New abilities and puzzles await players in this rare Zelda sequel.

Franchise

The Legend of Zelda

Platform(s)

Switch

Released

May 12, 2023

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Genre(s)

Adventure

ESRB

Rated E for Everyone 10+ for Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes

How Long To Beat

59 Hours

Mode

Metascore

96

1 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Proves Why It's The Poster-Child For The Switch

Metascore: 97

If there were to be a game of the decade, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild would be a top contender. Coming off of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Nintendo Wii, BotW flipped the trajectory of the franchise on its head. While there was nothing wrong with its linear, puzzle-centric predecessors, BotW served as a bold step into uncharted territory.

For the first time in the series, the player had complete freedom to choose the direction and pace of the story in a massive open world yearning to be wholly discovered. Through it all, Breath of the Wild succeeds in carrying the spirit of the franchise with a remarkable soundtrack, timeless characters, and a unique quality of wonder and allure only Zelda games have achieved.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

$40 $60 Save $20

Franchise

The Legend of Zelda

Platform(s)

Wii U , Switch

Released

March 3, 2017

Developer(s)

Nintendo EPD

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Genre(s)

Action , Adventure

ESRB

E for Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Suggestive Themes

How Long To Beat

50 Hours

Metascore

97

$40 at Amazon$60 at Best Buy$60 at Walmart