What are the best adventure games on Switch? [Top 20]

The best adventure game for the Switch, It is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, rated 98/100 on Metacritic.

This Top 20 Best Adventure Games on nintendo-switch brings together the genre's must-haves. You'll find some great open world, of metroidvania, narrative adventure, and even roguelite. There's something for every type of gamer, from highly anticipated masterpieces to surprising little indie games.

Please note that this selection is based on the Metacritic scores and on the quality of the experience for each title.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

If you had to choose just one adventure game on your nintendo-switch, this would be the one. With a score of 98/100 on Metacritic, Breath of the Wild is one of the highest-rated games in the console's history.

You play the role of Link, a hero who wakes up with no memories. Your mission: to help Princess Zelda and save the kingdom of’Hyrule. The game gives you complete freedom. You can explore on foot or in a glider, fighting, swimming, climbing, cooking, and solving puzzles.

That's the big one open world which redefined the genre. Basically, you can climb any mountain you see on the horizon. You also use well-designed powers, such as stop time Where manipulate objects remotely.

A little tip from experience: don't rush straight toward the objective. Climb a tower, spot a sanctuary in the distance, and let your curiosity guide your gameplay. That's where the’adventure brings out its full flavor.

What makes it a must-see:

• Its immersive and enchanting atmosphere, perfect for portable mode just like on TV.
• A gameplay ultra-free exploration, without any guidance.
• A dynamic and varied combat system.

Buy the game 🛒

2. Super Mario Odyssey

It's hard to talk about’adventure on Switch without citing Super Mario Odyssey. You play the role of Mario, who set out on a journey around the world to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches.

The big news is that its casquette est vivante. Her name is Cappy. You throw it at enemies or objects to take on their appearance and regain their powers. Throw her at a dinosaur, and you'll control it right away.

This mechanic changes everything gameplay. Every a world to explore becomes a playground full of Multi-Moons to discover. It's a real adventure and platform game, generous and clever.

What makes it a must-see:

• The wide variety of worlds There are many to discover, each with its own unique atmosphere.
• the concept of Cappy, which refreshes each level.
• the cooperative mode as a couple Joy-Con, perfect for playing with the family.

Buy the game 🛒

3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

A direct continuation of Breath of the Wild, this adventure game for the Switch uses the same open world while pushing it further away. Link wakes up after a long sleep. The kingdom of Hyrule is in ruins. You must explore, face off against enemies, and rescue Princess Zelda to save the world.

The big new feature is the vertical layout. You can to fly to the heavenly islands, dive into deep underground, then return to the surface without any loading time.

Powers completely change the gameplay. You stick objects together, you build vehicles, you can combine your weapons and even rewind time with an item. This freedom makes Tears of the Kingdom one of the most beautiful crafting environments ever seen on a console nintendo.

What makes it a must-see:

• Regarding the new powers who reinvent every situation.
• A vast universe on three levels: the sky, the surface, and the depths.
• A freedom to explore even more in-depth than in the first installment.

Buy the game 🛒

4. Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid is a Nintendo license which combines adventure, science fiction, and exploration. You play the role of Samus Aran, a bounty hunter in a spacesuit. This is one of the founding concepts of the metroidvania, that subgenre where you gradually unlock new powers to gain access to areas that were previously off-limits.

Metroid Prime Remastered is the updated version of 3D from the first episode of the saga. Here, everything is experienced in the first person, through the helmet of Samus, as if you were really there. You find yourself on a mysterious planet which you'll explore freely.

The gameplay is based on three pillars: investigating, finding new gear, and fighting dangerous creatures. Here’s a little detail I love: you can scanner Every object and setting allows you to piece together the story on your own, without any predetermined dialogue. The pace is slow and contemplative, making it best suited for patient players.

What makes it a must-see:

• His science fiction atmosphere immersive, thanks to the shift to a first-person perspective.
• Samus, a strong and iconic heroine from the video game.
• A remastering polished, with graphics that have been completely redesigned for the nintendo-switch.

Good to know : THE portable mode The Switch makes this kind of adventure a real pleasure to experience, whether with a controller or Joy-Con at your fingertips, whether you're at home or on the go.

Buy the game 🛒

5. Celeste

Celeste is a action-platform game very precise in 2D. You play as Madeline, a young girl who decides to climb a immense mountain, Mount Celeste.

As you climb, you'll face physical obstacles demanding. But above all, Madeline must overcome one's own fears. The levels are short, but very intense, and each jump requires a real sense of timing.

It's not just a simple platform game. It's also a a touching story, full of poetry, which speaks of pushing one's limits and of mental health. Be patient: some parts are really difficult, but one assist mode lets you adjust the difficulty if you want to focus on enjoying the story.

What makes it a must-see:

• The perfect balance between stock, platform, and storytelling.
• A powerful story, full of emotion.
• Artistic direction in pixel art, simple yet beautiful.

Buy the game 🛒

6. Dead Cells: The Queen & The Sea

Dead Cells is a action-adventure game mixed with roguelite. You control a mysterious creature that must make its way through a castle filled with enemies and traps. Every time you die, you start over from the beginning, but you come out a little stronger with each attempt. It’s this challenging cycle that makes the game so addictive.

The Queen and The Sea is a extension in the game. You unlock new areas and new weapons, two sea levels previously unreleased tracks and a closing track, "boss": "The Queen." You explore a haunted ship and a burning tower to reach a a spectacular new ending.

Attention : This expansion is not a standalone game. You must first own the base game Dead Cells on the Switch so you can play it.

Which makes it a must-have for the’action on Switch :

• A wealth of content that significantly extends the adventure.
• Intense battles and powerful new weapons.
• A unique world that blends polished pixel art with a dark atmosphere.

Buy the game 🛒

7. Tsukihime: A Piece of Blue Glass Moon

Tsukihime: A Piece of Blue Glass Moon is a narrative adventure game, also known as visual novel or a visual novel. It is a complete overhaul from the original signed Tsukihime Type-Moon. You'll find a reimagined story, modern illustrations, and captivating music.

In this game, you don't really control a character. You Read a story, you make choices and see how they affect the rest of the adventure. You follow Shiki Tohno, a high school student who can see the lines of death on objects and cut through them. His encounter with a mysterious female vampire turns his world upside down and launches him into an adventure dark and full of secrets.

Good to know : first released in Japan on August 26, 2021, this game now features a Western version in English on Switch. However, no official French translation has been confirmed as of yet. A good command of English is therefore recommended to fully enjoy the game.

This makes it a must-read for story lovers:

• A a story rich in history and mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
• The writing is of a rare quality for the genre, with well-developed characters.
• A freedom of choice which encourages you to explore different endings and points of view.

Buy the game 🛒

8. Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a gentle adventure which relies on the creativity and theemotion. No fast-paced action or combat here—just peaceful exploration. You play as a little animal character who discovers a world entirely in black and white.

Thanks to Chicory, a superstar artist, and her magic brush, you're going to recoloring the world in your own way. You solve puzzles, help the locals, and explore a world full of surprises—all at your own pace.

It's a adventure game Perfect for the Switch if you're looking for something calm and creative to play between two more fast-paced games.

What makes it a must-see:

• A rare level of accessibility, suitable for both children and adults.
• A unique world where you can literally color everything around you.
• A touching story about self-confidence and anxiety.

Buy the game 🛒

9. Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest is a metroidvania as beautiful as it is moving. You embody Ori, a small luminous spirit lost in a magical forest that is falling into ruin. He is raised by Naru, a gentle and protective creature.

After a period of devastating famine, Ori finds himself alone. Your mission: restore balance to the world by joining the’Tree of Spirits. You'll travel through dangerous areas, ancient ruins, and hand-painted backdrops.

What strikes you right from the start is the artistic direction. Each scene looks like a watercolor painting in motion, accompanied by a soundtrack that perfectly captures the emotion. The adventure is short but intense.

Why play it?

• For its highly successful blend of’exploration and of platform demanding.
• For its intro moving, often cited as one of the most memorable in the world of independent video games.
• For its replayability : You return to explore the universe once you've unlocked new powers.

A quick tip: the Definitive Edition On the Switch is the best way to experience the game, whether in handheld mode or on the TV.

Buy the game 🛒

10. OKAMI HD

Okami HD is the version remastered from the game originally released on PlayStation 2. You play the role of Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess who takes the form of a sacred white wolf. Your mission: save the world of an ancient evil that has plunged it into darkness.

The game's greatest strength is its celestial brush. You use this unique magical power to repair the universe, defeat enemies, and unlock hidden paths while you explore. Visually, the whole thing looks like a Japanese print that comes to life—a real treat on the screen of the Switch.

What makes it a must-see:

• A a very rewarding adventure : exploration, puzzles, combat, and a leisurely pace.
• A HD edition A meticulous remake that breathes new life into this cult classic.
• A universe inspired by the Japanese mythology, a unique artistic vision.

Buy the game 🛒

11. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a Japanese RPG. It offers a an immense and emotional adventure, surely one of the most the biggest of its kind on the console.

You follow the story of two nations at war, Keves and Agnus, through six young heroes from both sides. Enemies at first, they’ll have to work together to survive and uncover the truth about the world of’Aionios.

This third installment tells the story of a original story, which is accessible even if you're new to the franchise. The gameplay is based on real-time battles, with extensive customization and spectacular character combinations.

A truly open world to explore on your mobile device or on your TV, with a massive amount of content.

What makes it a must-see:

• A mature and deeply emotional story.
• Enormous lifespan and content.
• A vast, open world to explore.

Buy the game 🛒

12. Metroid Dread

The saga Metroid is based on a real mix of exploration and action. You play the role of Samus Aran, a lone bounty hunter. She explores hostile planets teeming with strange creatures and well-hidden secrets.

In Metroid Dread, you'll find this gameplay in 2D Metroidvania-style. Samus lands on a planet where nearly indestructible robots who are relentlessly hunting you down. Your goal is simple to state, but hard to achieve: to understand what's going on and escape with your life.

Released in 2021 On Switch, this adventure game marks the return of the main 2D series after many years away. The chase sequences against these robots really ramp up the tension: a single touch is enough to send you back to the last save point.

That's what makes it a must-play action game on Switch:

• A fast pace, with well-balanced combat and exploration phases.
• A a futuristic and oppressive atmosphere, driven by the hunt for robots.
• A well-balanced difficulty which offers a real challenge without ever becoming discouraging.

It's a rather difficult, best suited for players who like to be pushed to their limits.

Buy the game 🛒

13. A Short Hike

A Short Hike is a small adventure game relaxing. You embody Claire, a bird that set out on a hike to reach the summit of the Hawk Peak. It's short but so charming.

The concept is simple. You explore freely, chat with the other animals, climb, swim, and glide from one cliff to another. Along the way, you collect golden feathers that push your limits in climbing and flying.

It’s the kind of game to enjoy while curled up on the couch. Every match leaves you with a little smile, and the soothing atmosphere makes it the perfect break between two big action titles.

Why play it?

• For the freedom to explore completely, without any constraints or pressure.
• For its atmosphere gentle and soothing.
• For its perfect duration : a short adventure, but one full of life and discoveries.

Buy the game 🛒

14. Tunic

Tunic is a action-adventure game which immediately brings to mind the old Zelda isometric view. You play as a little fox set loose in a universe without any reference points. You explore, you discover hidden secrets, you face enemies and solve puzzles.

Its real strength is that Nothing is explained to you. The game is largely written in a made-up language that you learn to decipher as the game progresses. You collect pages from a manual scattered around the world, much like the records of the video games from back in the day. These pages reveal the mechanics, shortcuts, and true secrets of the game.

Be patient: some parts are difficult and ask for reflection pure. The reward is that rare pleasure of understanding the world on your own, without anyone’s help.

Why play it?

• For his unique atmosphere and his constant sense of discovery.
• For its artistic direction its polished production and captivating music.
• For his tribute to the classics of the’adventure, with a truly original twist.

Buy the game 🛒

15. Monster Hunter Rise

In Monster Hunter Rise, you play the role of a hunter. Your mission: track down big monsters, face them, and defeat them. You move around freely In each area, you choose from several types of weapons and collect materials to craft your own gear.

This action-adventure game looks simple, but it requires strategy, of good timing and quite a few’training. There wire rope makes movement more vertical and fast-paced than in previous installments. In short, it's a challenging but very rewarding experience.

What makes it a must-see:

• A combat system nervous and technical.
• A online multiplayer mode up to 4 fighters.
• The richness of the content and the diversity of monsters.

Buy the game 🛒

16. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Prince of Persia is a A cult classic that first appeared in the 1980s. The hero is often a young prince or a warrior who leaps from wall to wall and fights enemies to save a kingdom or travel back in time.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a new adventure in the series featuring a new hero named Sargon. He is a fast and powerful warrior. His mission is to rescue Prince Ghassan, who has been mysteriously kidnapped. To bring him back safe and sound, Sargon must explore Mount Qaf, an ancient and cursed place filled with traps, enemies, and magical creatures.

What makes it a must-see:

• Its fast-paced, acrobatic gameplay, featuring highly responsive jumps, slides, and combat.
• The game offers a real challenge without being frustrating.
• The blend of action and exploration is simply excellent!

Buy the game 🛒

17. Enter the Gungeon

It’s a roguelike (permanent death, randomly generated levels, high replay value, learning through failure) where you explore dungeons filled with enemies, crazy weapons, and traps. Your main goal is to find the gun capable of killing the past.

You choose one of the characters, each with their own abilities, and dive into a pixelated world filled with flying balls and references to the world of video games.

Why play it?

• The replay value is endless: with every new adventure, there are new twists and turns!
• The gradually increasing difficulty gives you a real sense of mastery over time.
• The gameplay is extremely precise, so you'll need to stay fully focused

Buy the game 🛒

18. The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe

Stanley is an ordinary office worker whose job is to press keys according to the instructions on a screen—until one day, everything stops for no reason.

To solve this problem, a narrator tells Stanley what to do. You can choose whether or not to obey him. Each choice changes the course of the story. That's what makes the game unique.

Why play it?

• For its intelligent humor.
• For thinking about video games, freedom and choice.
• For its unique experience in every game.

Buy the game 🛒

19. Luigi's Mansion 3

Luigi is invited to a hotel that turns out to be haunted. When Mario and his friends go missing, Luigi must rescue them by exploring every floor with his ghost vacuum, the Poltergust.

It's a fun adventure-action game full of surprises. It's perfect for playing alone or with a friend.

What makes it a must-see:

• Its inventive gameplay combines puzzles, combat, and exploration.
• Its multiplayer mode promises some really fun games.
• The atmosphere blends humor with a touch of suspense.

Buy the game 🛒

20. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

You play as an ordinary student—until one day you find yourself transported to a ruined Tokyo filled with monsters and demons.

You fuse with a supernatural being, transforming you into a Nahobino—a kind of human with divine powers. Thanks to this transformation, you can battle demons, recruit them to your team, and fuse them together to create more powerful creatures.

Why this game?

• For the new «Vengeance» version, which adds a brand-new storyline, graphical enhancements, and more content.
• For its mature story with multiple possible endings.
• For collecting and merging demons, a real pleasure for RPG fans.

Buy the game 🛒

In short, the Nintendo Switch is packed with impressive adventure games. They stand out for their rich gameplay, worlds to explore, and captivating stories.

One of these titles could very well be your next big adventure. So don't wait any longer—dive right in!

And for a change of pace, why not rediscover the world of Pokémon? Visit:

• How to play Pokemon on PC?
• Pokémon Sword and Shield, how to delete your game and start over?