Top 20 Best Single Player Nintendo Switch Games

The Nintendo Switch has had an incredible run since its release, with tons of quality first and third party games. Here are the 20 best single player Nintendo Switch games.

Best Single Player Nintendo Switch Games

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Breath of the Wild gave the Switch the best possible launch and still remains one of the very best games on the system. For the first time the Zelda series completely embraced open world design, and boy did it do it well. Exploration is what Breath of the Wild is all about, and it’s a massive experience that stays consistently rewarding the entire time.

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey brought another fantastic experience to the Switch in its first year, this time with a brand spanking new 3D Mario. The game brings a new mechanic with Cappy, letting you take control and transform into certain enemies or characters. Brilliant level design, tight controls, and a wealth of collectibles and costumes make Odyssey one of the best Mario games ever made.

Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler is an original JRPG from Square Enix, and it’s easily one of the most interesting games on the Switch. Sporting a phenomenal art style, combat system, and soundtrack, Octopath easily draws you in. The unique story structure may not be for everyone, but it at least separates the game from the rest of the genre. You’ll have no trouble sinking hours and hours into the world of Octopath Traveler.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

The original Xenoblade Chronicles was a defining game for JRPGs, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 continues that legacy. Sporting a new anime art style and combat system, Xenoblade 2 presents a massive world and dramatic story to experience. The active combat really is the star of the show, but a strong ensemble cast will keep you invested the whole way through. Both of these are only strengthened by the fantastic expansion, Torna: The Golden Country.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

Lacrimosa of Dana was very well received on PS4, and the Switch version does an admirable job of porting that experience over. Ys VIII strands you on a deserted island, having to wrangle up the survivors of a ship crash while exploring. The game features a strong cast of characters, fantastic action combat, and some interesting systems. If you’re a JRPG fan, this is one to pick up and play on the go.

Valkyria Chronicles 4

Valkyria Chronicles created an interesting brand of strategy gameplay, and Valkyria Chronicles 4 once again returns to those roots. It introduces a host of new additions like the Grenadier class and Ship Orders. Of course, story is still the focus and Valkyria Chronicles 4 tells an emotional tale set during the same time period as the first game. It’s the best strategy experience you can get on the Switch.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Shovel Knight is both one of the best indie games and one of the best platformers of all time. Witha nostalgic 8-bit style the game combines mechanics from other platformers, like jumping on your shovel a la Ducktales, or the boss structure of Mega Man. It managed to bring a breath of fresh air to 2D platformers, and the additional DLC in Treasure Trove has only managed to make the whole experience even better.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole

South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a hilarious take on the superhero genre, and a damn good RPG at the same time. Just like Stick of Truth, creating your own “new kid” and exploring the town of South Park is a blast. The game has some of the best humor the series has ever seen, and there’s a wealth of sidequests and collectibles to track down, making your stay in South Park even more fun.

Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta 2 set a new standard for character action games, and the exclusive was one of the very best titles on the Wii U. Nintendo made a smart move bringing it over to Switch, letting players take the intense action on the go. Bayonetta 2 feels like it was tailor-made for the Switch, and it remains one of the very best character action experiences you can get.

Sonic Mania Plus

The Sonic series has been in a rough patch for many years, but Sonic Mania breathed new life into the franchise with a phenomenal classic-styled 2D game. Sonic Mania Plus adds even more to that great experience with new characters, stages, and features. The art style and soundtrack evoke the best of Sonic, and the gameplay is the best the series has ever been.

Stardew Valley

If you’re looking for a game that splits off from the usual action and violence, look no further than Stardew Valley. The relaxing farming/life sim became an instant cult classic, emulating the very best of games like Harvest Moon while adding its own unique spin. You can approach your farm life however you want, and it’s easy to lose track of hours, even days, in Stardew Valley.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Yet another Wii U game brought to Switch, Tropical Freeze also feels right at home on the handheld hybrid. The new Funky Mode makes the game more accessible than ever, and it runs like a dream in handheld mode. Whether alone or with friends, Tropical Freeze is a barrel of fun.

Best Single Player Nintendo Switch Games – Night in the Woods

The game Night in the World is an absolutely charming little game that tells a story about friendship, growing up, depression, and more. Oh and it’s all done with anthropomorphic animals. Exploring the town of Possum Springs and spending time with Mae’s friends is a joy. The slower pace of the game also makes it perfect for short play sessions in handheld mode.