The Best Singleplayer Games On Switch in 2022

There is no doubt that the Nintendo Switch is inferior to both the PS4 and the Xbox One in terms of performance and power. However, what it lacks in that department, it makes up for with amazing games. The Nintendo Switch has an excellent library of games to play, and some of them are focused on a singleplayer experience only.

What’s great about playing on the Nintendo Switch is that you’re always on the go. If you love spending your time playing immersive singleplayer experiences with a lot of story, then this console is the one to pick. Now, with so many games to choose from, which ones are really worth your time?

The next time you head to your local video game store, you definitely should check these titles out first.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the launch titles for the Nintendo Switch. It also became the Game of the Year when it launched. If it’s the launch title for the Switch, it’s safe to say that the console landed with quite a splash. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the latest entry in Nintendo’s beloved franchise. As one of the launch titles for the Switch, the game definitely showed us what the console is capable of. Although some of the core elements of the franchise remain in the game, the developers still took a lot of liberty and even added some modern gaming features to really put the Switch to the test. The result is one of the best singleplayer experiences in all of gaming. For the first time ever, the game features a massive open world to explore. After the introductory section, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild lets you freely explore a vast world that’s riddled with mini-dungeons, collectibles, and loads of quests. The shift to an open-world setting worked well for the franchise, and it seems like fans wouldn’t want to have it any other way for future entries in this beloved franchise. The sheer scope of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild means that you get to play the game for hours on end. True enough, you can complete the game in a matter of hours, should you please. However, with so many things to do and collect, it’s a big mistake not to take in the game in all of its entirety. It would be wise to take your time and enjoy everything there is to enjoy in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It’s been at the top of best-selling Switch games even now in 2022, 5 years after its release. 

Pros

• One of the best open world games
• Rich world and gameplay
• Lots of things to do

Cons

• Some players believe that the world feels empty

Specification

• Price $41.90
• Release March 2017
• Rating E10+

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is the latest entry in this beloved RPG franchise. Although it’s a spin-off, the game is highly regarded as one of the best games in the series for now, and many are hoping that future games will follow suit. What makes this game different from the rest of the Pokemon franchise is that Pokemon Legends: Arceus takes place in the past. To be more specific, it takes place during a time when Pokemon and mankind have yet to peacefully co-exist with one another. The premise is simple, but it’s something that long-time fans will appreciate. Who wouldn’t want to see how the world of Pokemon came to be? The game isn’t exactly an open world. Instead, you get to explore a world that’s gradually growing as you reach a higher level as a Pokemon researcher. Pokemon hunting and battling still exist in this game, but it’s very different. The innovative combat and Pokemon capturing system is one of the major highlights of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. These changes were so well-received, that players are basically begging the developers to add these in the next game. In terms of content, Pokemon Legends: Arceus isn’t short of things to do. As usual, you can capture and tame hundreds of Pokemon, and this time, doing so will help you get big rewards. There are also lots of quests to partake in and lots of secrets to uncover. Many say that Pokemon Legends: Arceus is one of the best entries in the series so far, which is a big surprise considering that it’s a spin-off title only. If your looking for a singleplayer game that you can really sink some time into, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a great option.

Pros

• Lengthy gameplay and lots of content
• Tried and tested Pokemon formula with a twist
• A must for Pokemon fans

Cons

• Graphics aren't as great as other entries

Specification

• Price $53.00
• Release January 2022
• Rating E

The Nintendo Switch is home to many amazing JRPGs. If you want a large JRPG that will take up hundreds of hours to beat, then it has to be Xenoblade Chronicles 2 that you set your eyes on. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a part of the Xeno series. In this game, you take the role of Rex as he explores lands built on large creatures called Titans. In his journey, he set out to stop an incoming event that might spell the end for humanity. Along the way, he’s joined by a colorful cast of characters, including summonable allies called Blades. The story spans hundreds of hours, and it’s easily one of the longest JRPGs in terms of story out there. While the story is top-notch, one of the things you can love about Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is its large and expansive worlds. That’s what the Xenoblade series is known for mostly. The world is ripe with challenges and enemies to face. Another addictive element of gameplay are the Blades. These are allies that you can summon in the game. There are a lot of Blades to collect, and getting all of them can easily take up hours of your time already. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is definitely the pinnacle of JRPGs on the Switch. If you haven’t played it before, you’re missing out on some amazing gameplay and story.

Pros

• Great story and gameplay
• World is beautifully designed
• Addictive gameplay

Cons

• Combat is a bit more complex

Specification

• Price $63.99
• Release December 2017
• Rating T

The Fire Emblem series is another big franchise from Nintendo. This is a strategic RPG wherein each of your choices matters as there could be major consequences down the line. Fire Emblem: Three Houses stars Byleth, a young teacher at an academy for students who are training for combat. As the name suggests, you get to pick one of three houses to side with, and the story takes drastic turns depending on who you’re allied with. The game features a lot of amazing twists and turns. What’s better is that Byleth and the characters can form bonds with one another, which results in some very funny, emotional, and engaging scenes. The game is a strategic RPG, so battles take a while to finish and they require a lot of thinking. Like in other entries, losing your units in battle means that you don’t get to use them anymore in the future. Each of the characters, including Byleth, have their own class that you can improve over time. You can create the team of your dreams using Byleth and his students, so don’t be afraid to mix and match between all of the characters in the game. Aside from the combat system, the game also features socializing mechanics in between wars. You can develop and eventually form relationships with some of the characters in the game. Aside from that, there are lots of quests to do as well. It’s a very exciting title that leaves you with a lot of things to do. As the professor, you’ll also need to help your students get through the school year. Fire Emblem: Three Houses was a major hit when it launched. If you want to play a strategy game on the go, then this is one of the best ones that you can get right now.

Pros

• Great engaging story
• Lots of things to do
• High replay value

Cons

• Gameplay might not be for everyone

Specification

• Price $53.20
• Release July 2019
• Rating T

Looking for epic boss fights and a lot of grinding? Then you might enjoy Monster Hunter Rise. As the first major entry of the series on Switch, the game introduces a lot of new elements that newcomers and veterans alike. Monster Hunter Rise is about the story of a new hunter that’s in a quaint little village called Kamura. During his stay, a vicious creature called the Magnamalo is causing problems with the local ecology that’s forcing monsters to act out in unusual ways. The story is only minor in Monster Hunter Rise as the game is more about fighting than anything else. What makes it such a beloved entry in the series? In the game, you’ll be tasked with taking up quests that range from gathering herbs to taking down larger-than-life monsters. As your hunter rank increases, so will the difficulty of your quests. The game pits you against some ferocious creatures, so you’ll have to choose your weapons and armor pretty carefully if you want to beat them all. The variety of the creatures in the game will serve as a great way to pour hours into the game. Although it has a single-player experience, Monster Hunter Rise will benefit greatly if you have friends to play with. You can hunt monsters and grind for materials with your fellow hunters. There’s just so much to do in the game if you’re going to take it online. Bear in mind that playing with others is only optional. You can still get the full experience of Monster Hunter Rise if you are on your own. You can even bring pet companions with you instead of a full party! Monster Hunter Rise was one of the major hits of the Switch last 2021. If you want a great experience that’s filled with amazing action, this is it.

Pros

• Amazing fast-paced gameplay
• Lots of replyability
• A lot of content to get into

Cons

• Late game content might be difficult alone

Specification

• Price $33.88
• Release March 2021
• Rating T

Last but not least, we’ve got a Metroid game. Despite being a new outing, Metroid Dread has been dubbed one of the best games in the series, and it’s easy to see why. Like in previous games, Samus Aran stars in this amazing Metroidvania. The game plays a lot like the classic Metroid games, and the result on modern consoles is fantastic. You’ve got a huge map to explore that’s teeming with surprises. The game encourages replayability and backtracking as there’s just so much to do. On top of it all, the game includes a lot of challenges that both newcomers and veterans will enjoy. It was a smash hit upon launch because of these features. Metroid Dread isn’t a simple game, though. It may play as a side scroller, but the difficulty is surprisingly high. For instance, you’ll need to be very wise about how you will go about those spine-chilling encounters against the EMMI robots scattered throughout the maps. Apart from that, you also have to go through a good selection of bosses that are more than memorable due to their design and the immense challenge they bring. If you’re a new player, you don’t have to worry about the difficulty level too much. Metroid Dread comes with a selection of difficulties that will let you adjust the core of the gameplay easily to your skill. As you progress through the game, you can proceed to try out the other difficulties to your liking. Metroid Dread is all about exploring the vast map. There are lots of secrets to uncover, so always be on the lookout for those as you play.

Pros

• Intense fast-paced gameplay
• Tried and tested design

Cons

• Might be too difficult and confusing for some

Specification

• Price $52.45
• Release October 2021
• Rating T