Best Open World Games On Nintendo Switch

Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you looking for some awesome open-world adventures to dive into on your Nintendo Switch? Well, you've come to the right place! The Nintendo Switch might be a hybrid console, but it packs a punch when it comes to delivering immersive and expansive open-world experiences. Let's explore some of the best open-world games that you can play right now on your Switch. Get ready to lose yourself in these incredible virtual worlds!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Okay, let's kick things off with a true masterpiece: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Guys, if you own a Nintendo Switch and haven't played this game, you're seriously missing out. This isn't just one of the best open-world games on the Switch; it’s one of the best games ever made, period. In Breath of the Wild, you step into the shoes of Link, who awakens after 100 years to find Hyrule in ruins. Calamity Ganon is threatening to destroy everything, and it’s up to you to stop him. But here’s the thing: you can do it however you want.

The sheer freedom this game offers is mind-blowing. You can literally go straight to the final boss right from the start if you're skilled (or crazy) enough. But why would you want to rush? The world of Hyrule is absolutely massive and brimming with things to discover. From lush forests and towering mountains to scorching deserts and frozen peaks, each region is beautifully crafted and filled with secrets. You'll find hidden shrines, challenging enemies, quirky characters, and tons of resources to collect. One of the most engaging aspects of Breath of the Wild is its physics engine. You can interact with the environment in so many creative ways. Want to start a fire? Use a flint and some wood. Need to cross a chasm? Chop down a tree to make a bridge. Facing a tough enemy? Use the environment to your advantage – maybe drop a boulder on their head or electrocute them with a metal weapon during a thunderstorm. The possibilities are endless, and it makes exploration feel incredibly rewarding. Combat is also a blast, with a wide variety of weapons and armor to find and upgrade. You'll need to learn enemy attack patterns, master parrying and dodging, and use your special abilities to survive. The story is captivating, with memorable characters and emotional moments that will stay with you long after you finish the game. Whether you're a long-time Zelda fan or new to the series, Breath of the Wild is an absolute must-play. It's a game that defines the open-world genre and showcases what the Nintendo Switch is truly capable of. Trust me, you won't regret embarking on this epic adventure.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Next up, we have another giant in the open-world genre: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Now, you might be thinking, “Skyrim on the Switch? Really?” And the answer is a resounding YES! This game is an absolute beast, and the fact that you can take it with you on the go is just incredible. 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 tip of the iceberg. Skyrim offers a massive and incredibly detailed world to explore, filled with cities, towns, dungeons, and wilderness areas. Each location is brimming with quests, secrets, and interesting characters to meet. The world feels alive and reactive to your actions, making every playthrough unique. One of the best things about Skyrim is the sheer amount of customization it offers. You can create your character from a variety of races, each with their own unique abilities and bonuses. You can choose to be a powerful warrior, a stealthy assassin, a skilled mage, or anything in between. The game's classless system allows you to develop your character however you see fit, based on the skills you use. The questlines in Skyrim are incredibly diverse and engaging. You can join the Thieves Guild, become an assassin in the Dark Brotherhood, enroll in the College of Winterhold to learn magic, or fight for the Empire or the Stormcloaks in the civil war. Each faction offers a unique storyline and rewards, giving you plenty of reasons to explore different aspects of the game. Combat in Skyrim is satisfying and visceral, with a variety of weapons, spells, and shouts to master. You can dual-wield swords, cast powerful fireballs, or unleash a devastating dragon shout to obliterate your enemies. The game also features a crafting system that allows you to create your own weapons, armor, and potions, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay. While the Switch version of Skyrim may not have the graphical fidelity of the PC or console versions, it still looks fantastic and runs surprisingly well. And the ability to play it on the go makes it a must-have for any open-world fan. Skyrim is a game that you can easily sink hundreds of hours into, and you'll still be discovering new things each time you play. It's a testament to the power of open-world gaming and a fantastic addition to the Nintendo Switch library.

LEGO City Undercover

Okay, let's switch gears a bit (pun intended!) and talk about LEGO City Undercover. This game is like Grand Theft Auto, but with LEGOs! And it's absolutely hilarious and charming. You play as Chase McCain, an undercover cop who returns to LEGO City to take down the notorious criminal Rex Fury. The story is filled with clever jokes, parodies of famous movies, and plenty of LEGO-style humor. But don't let the lighthearted tone fool you – LEGO City Undercover is a surprisingly deep and engaging open-world game. LEGO City is a sprawling metropolis filled with districts to explore, secrets to uncover, and missions to complete. You can drive cars, fly helicopters, and even ride a pig (yes, you read that right!). The city feels alive and bustling, with plenty of things to see and do. One of the unique aspects of LEGO City Undercover is Chase McCain's disguises. He can change into different outfits, each with their own unique abilities. For example, he can dress as a construction worker to operate heavy machinery, a robber to break into buildings, or a farmer to grow plants. These disguises add a layer of puzzle-solving to the gameplay and keep things fresh and interesting. The game is packed with collectibles, including red bricks, character tokens, and vehicle tokens. Collecting these items unlocks new abilities, characters, and vehicles, giving you plenty of reasons to explore every nook and cranny of LEGO City. Combat in LEGO City Undercover is simple but satisfying, with Chase McCain using his acrobatic skills to take down bad guys. You can also build LEGO objects to help you solve puzzles or create distractions. The game is perfect for both kids and adults, with its accessible gameplay, charming story, and endless replayability. If you're looking for a fun and lighthearted open-world experience on your Nintendo Switch, LEGO City Undercover is a fantastic choice. It's a game that will put a smile on your face and keep you entertained for hours.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition & Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Now, let's dive into the world of JRPGs with the Xenoblade Chronicles series. Both Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are available on the Nintendo Switch, and they offer massive and breathtaking open-world experiences. These games are known for their epic stories, memorable characters, and deep combat systems. In Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, you play as Shulk, a young man who gains the ability to wield the Monado, a legendary sword with the power to change the future. He sets out on a quest to avenge his home and stop the Mechon, a race of mechanical beings who threaten to destroy humanity. The world of Xenoblade Chronicles is set on the bodies of two massive titans, the Bionis and the Mechonis. Each titan is home to unique environments, creatures, and cultures. Exploring these vast landscapes is a joy, with stunning vistas and hidden areas to discover. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 tells a different story, but it's set in the same universe. You play as Rex, a salvager who becomes the Driver of Pyra, a legendary Blade with immense power. Together, they embark on a journey to reach Elysium, a paradise said to exist atop the World Tree. The world of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is equally impressive, with continents floating on a sea of clouds. Each continent is home to unique ecosystems and civilizations. The combat systems in both Xenoblade Chronicles games are complex and strategic. You control a party of characters, each with their own unique abilities and roles. You'll need to coordinate your attacks, manage your resources, and exploit enemy weaknesses to succeed. The stories in both games are epic and emotional, with twists and turns that will keep you hooked until the very end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and you'll grow to care about their struggles and triumphs. If you're a fan of JRPGs and open-world games, the Xenoblade Chronicles series is a must-play on the Nintendo Switch. These games offer hundreds of hours of gameplay, with rich stories, engaging combat, and breathtaking worlds to explore.

Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection

Ahoy, mateys! Get ready to set sail with Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection, which includes Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed: Rogue. These games bring the pirate era to life on your Nintendo Switch, offering expansive open-world experiences on the high seas. In Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, you play as Edward Kenway, a charismatic pirate who becomes embroiled in the centuries-old conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. You'll explore the Caribbean, plunder ships, raid forts, and search for hidden treasure. The open world of Black Flag is vast and beautiful, with islands to discover, underwater wrecks to explore, and naval battles to engage in. Sailing your ship, the Jackdaw, is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game. You can upgrade your ship with new weapons and armor, recruit crew members, and customize its appearance. The naval combat is thrilling and strategic, requiring you to use the environment to your advantage and coordinate your attacks. Assassin’s Creed: Rogue tells a different story, but it's set in the same era. You play as Shay Cormac, an Assassin who becomes a Templar after a series of events that shake his faith. You'll explore the North Atlantic, sail through icy waters, and hunt down your former allies. The open world of Rogue is equally impressive, with frozen landscapes, hidden coves, and naval fortresses to conquer. The game introduces new weapons and abilities, such as the air rifle and the icebreaker ram, adding new layers to the gameplay. Both Black Flag and Rogue offer engaging stories, memorable characters, and plenty of side quests to complete. You can hunt animals, collect resources, and uncover hidden secrets. If you're a fan of pirates, history, and open-world games, Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection is a fantastic choice on the Nintendo Switch. It's a great way to experience these classic games on the go.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! These are just a few of the best open-world games you can play on your Nintendo Switch right now. Whether you're exploring the vast landscapes of Hyrule in Breath of the Wild, sailing the high seas in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, or building your own LEGO city, there's an open-world adventure waiting for you on the Switch. So grab your console, charge up your Joy-Cons, and get ready to dive into these incredible virtual worlds. Happy gaming!