Best Open World Games On Nintendo Switch
Hey gaming enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into some seriously epic adventures? If you're a Nintendo Switch owner like me, you're in for a treat. The Switch boasts a fantastic library of open-world games, offering you the freedom to explore vast landscapes, complete quests at your own pace, and uncover hidden secrets. Whether you're into slaying monsters, saving princesses, or just cruising around, there's an open-world experience for everyone. So, let's jump right in and explore the best open world games on the Nintendo Switch!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – A Masterpiece of Exploration
Okay, guys, let's be real. We have to start with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This game isn't just an open-world game; it's a revolution. Released in 2017, Breath of the Wild redefined the open-world genre, setting a new standard for freedom and exploration. Forget hand-holding; the game throws you into the vast, gorgeous world of Hyrule with minimal guidance. You're free to go anywhere, anytime.
The Allure of Hyrule
From the moment you step off the Great Plateau, you're hit with the sheer scale and beauty of Hyrule. Lush forests, towering mountains, scorching deserts – it's all there, waiting to be discovered. The attention to detail is insane; you can climb almost any surface, interact with the environment in countless ways, and cook up crazy dishes with whatever ingredients you find. Seriously, if you're a fan of cooking and experimenting, you will get addicted. The freedom to approach challenges creatively is a huge part of the fun. You can fight enemies head-on, sneak around, or even use the environment to your advantage. It’s a sandbox of possibilities.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The gameplay is smooth and intuitive, with a focus on physics-based interactions. You can manipulate the environment with your Sheikah Slate, a multi-tool that lets you control objects, freeze time, and more. Combat is challenging, requiring you to master different weapons, armor, and combat techniques. And the story, while classic Zelda, is delivered in a way that feels fresh and engaging. The game is packed with side quests, shrines (mini-dungeons), and secrets to uncover, ensuring you'll be playing for dozens of hours. It is one of the best open world games and it's also one of the best games overall, period. If you own a Switch and haven't played this, you are seriously missing out.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Expanding the Boundaries of Adventure
Following the groundbreaking success of Breath of the Wild, Nintendo delivered The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in 2023. While it builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, Tears of the Kingdom takes the open-world formula to the next level, offering even more freedom, creativity, and exploration. If you loved Breath of the Wild, get ready to be blown away.
Exploring New Heights and Depths
Tears of the Kingdom expands the world of Hyrule to include the skies above and the depths below. You can now soar through the clouds on your glider, explore floating islands, and delve into the vast underworld. The game introduces new mechanics and abilities, such as the ability to fuse objects together, build vehicles and contraptions, and rewind time. This opens up even more possibilities for exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. You can build bridges, vehicles, weapons, and whatever else your imagination can conjure.
A World Transformed
While the map of Hyrule is familiar, it has been transformed by the events of the game. New areas have opened up, and existing locations have been altered, providing a fresh and exciting experience. The story delves deeper into the lore of Hyrule, introducing new characters, enemies, and challenges. The game is designed to reward curiosity and experimentation, encouraging players to try new things and push the boundaries of the game's mechanics. It’s an evolution, not just a sequel, and it's a testament to Nintendo's commitment to innovation and player freedom. Once again, it is one of the best open world games.
Immortals Fenyx Rising – A Mythological Adventure
If you're craving a different kind of open-world experience, Immortals Fenyx Rising is a fantastic choice. Inspired by Greek mythology, this game offers a vibrant and stylized world filled with gods, monsters, and epic quests. It's a great option if you are looking for something different from the Zelda formula, but still want a large open world to explore.
A Colorful World of Myth
The game's art style is bright and colorful, with a focus on exaggerated character designs and environments. The world is filled with interesting locations, from towering statues to mythical creatures. You play as Fenyx, a customizable hero who must save the gods from a powerful titan named Typhon. The story is told with a lighthearted and humorous tone, making it easy to get invested in the world and its characters.
Gameplay and Combat
Immortals Fenyx Rising combines open-world exploration with action-packed combat and puzzle-solving. You can climb, glide, and swim your way through the world, discovering hidden treasures and completing quests. Combat is fast-paced and engaging, with a variety of weapons, abilities, and combos to master. The game also features a range of challenging puzzles that will test your problem-solving skills. If you're looking for a fun and accessible open-world adventure with a mythological twist, Immortals Fenyx Rising is a great choice for the best open world games on the Nintendo Switch.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition – A Blast from the Past (with caveats)
Alright, let's talk about the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. This collection brings three classic GTA games – GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas – to the Switch. If you're a fan of open-world crime sagas, this is a must-have. While the remasters had a rocky launch, with some technical issues, they have improved over time, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Reliving the Classics
The games retain the core gameplay of the originals: you can wreak havoc, complete missions, steal cars, and build your criminal empire. Each game offers a unique setting and storyline, from the gritty streets of Liberty City (GTA III) to the neon-lit beaches of Vice City to the sprawling state of San Andreas. You'll spend hours exploring these detailed, living worlds, meeting colorful characters, and getting into all sorts of trouble.
The Open World Formula
These games are the best open world games that defined the genre, offering players unprecedented freedom to roam, explore, and cause chaos. While the Definitive Edition isn't perfect, it's still a fantastic way to experience these iconic titles on the go. If you are a fan of open-world games, then these are must-play titles. Just be aware of the initial technical issues that have been mostly ironed out. However, be aware that you're getting a package of older games, so don't go in expecting the same level of polish as the modern titles on this list.
Minecraft – Endless Creativity and Exploration
Minecraft is a global phenomenon, and for good reason. This blocky, procedurally generated world offers near-limitless possibilities for creativity and exploration. If you have not played this game, you really must.
Build Anything, Anywhere
In Minecraft, you can build anything you can imagine, from simple shelters to elaborate castles, using resources you gather from the world. You can mine for resources, craft tools and weapons, and battle hostile mobs. The game's open-ended nature encourages experimentation and creativity. The only limit is your imagination.
Adventure and Survival
Minecraft also features a survival mode, where you must gather resources, craft tools, and defend yourself against monsters. This adds a layer of challenge and excitement to the game. You can explore vast caves, discover hidden biomes, and build your own thriving settlements. Whether you want to build a cozy home or embark on epic adventures, Minecraft offers something for everyone, making it one of the best open world games on the Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion: Your Open-World Adventure Awaits!
There you have it, guys – some of the best open world games on the Nintendo Switch! From the epic landscapes of Hyrule to the blocky worlds of Minecraft, there's a game out there for everyone. So grab your Switch, charge up your Joy-Cons, and get ready to lose yourself in these amazing worlds. Happy gaming! And remember, the joy of open-world games is the freedom to explore, experiment, and create your own adventures. Enjoy the journey!