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Defining an ‘open world’ in gaming entails the crucial aspect of vast, expansive overworlds, and minimizing barriers to exploration. What truly distinguishes the games in this category is the freedom to venture anywhere, irrespective of your current skill level. If you’re seeking 2D platformers on the Nintendo Switch with expansive, open maps ready for gradual exploration, be sure to explore our curated selection of the “Best Open-World Games on Nintendo Switch.“
It’s what we’ve come to expect, with many of the games on this list serving as models for current and future titles, as well as some knockoffs. But, which are the finest open world Nintendo Switch games? Which titles make my jaw drop, and which offer the best value for money in terms of adventure?
Best Open-World Games on Nintendo Switch
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
To be sure, this is the least surprise entry on the list. Despite being created for the Nintendo Wii U, the game was chosen as Nintendo’s first-party launch title for the Nintendo Switch. It’s difficult to say where the Switch would be now if it hadn’t been for Breath of the Wild, which redefined the Zelda series, introduced a slew of new players to the world concept, and did excellent job showcasing what Nintendo latest hardware to offer prospective consumers.
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact, a games heavily influenced by Breath of the Wild, has since established itself as a fantastic game in its own right. It took some time for Genshin to emerge from Zelda’s shadow, but it has done so now. Genshin Impact is one of the best open-world games, with multiple people to have in your party, an open world full of secrets, and plenty of seasonal events. What makes it even better is that it’s a game you can play forever. If you don’t want to play it on your phone, it’s coming to Switch soon.
LEGO City Undercover
Okay, let’s take a break from fantasy and play an open world game in which you spread mayhem over a massive modern city. Yes, it’s LEGO City Undercover, and it’s as amusing as it is entertaining to play. It’s amazing to see what the LEGO game developers can produce with such a unique property.
As much as they clearly enjoy their licenced content, they appear to have been free to explore a number of other interesting ideas in this game that may not have fit in any other releases. If you enjoy cheesy vintage cop movies, you’ll really enjoy this one. Overall, it is one of the best Open-World Games on Nintendo Switch that you can steam from official website.
Starlink: Battle for Atlas
Ubisoft’s multiplatform Starlink: Battle for Atlas is best enjoyed on Switch, thanks to the inclusion of exclusive Star Fox content, and is the closest approach to an open-world Star Fox game available. Comparisons to No Man’s Sky are valid, and while the game didn’t blow up the charts when it first came out, owing to its reliance on bulky toys-to-life accessories at a time when most of us were already up to our eyeballs in plastic peripherals, it’s one of the most enjoyable dogfighting/space exploration games money can buy.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
If you’re searching for a beautiful open world, consider playing this on a different platform. But if you want deep characters, rolling hills, and scary monsters, this is the Switch game for you. The secret to The Witcher 3 is the side missions, which are much praised. But there’s a reason for that: these are the best side quests in any video games, leading to twisting tales and interesting gameplay moments. It’s an absolute must-play.
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected fills the need left by the continuing absence of the 3D Grand Theft Auto series on Nintendo systems with an intentionally ludicrous, thoroughly fun take on the urban open-world game. It runs significantly better on Switch than its predecessor, and while its brand of comedy won’t appeal to everyone, it’s absolutely worth looking into if you enjoy open-world games that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Go pick up Dragon’s Dogma if you’re playing Elden Ring and want a bit of a history lesson. So much of it has permeated numerous open-world games over the years, yet the game isn’t given as much credit as others. Dragon’s Dogma is a crazy, wonderful combination that everyone should check out, with magic and melee fighting, big monsters for you to clamber up and hold onto, and a tale that concludes in the wackiest way.
Don’t Starve
Don’t Starve’s dynamically created open environments give it the sense of an unforgiving Minecraft, with pleasure derived from confronting and overcoming the trials and obstacles of existing in the wilderness. It’s not for everyone, and it may get a little tedious, but the Switch edition is a terrific way to play the game, and once Don’t Starve hooks its teeth into you, it’ll be difficult to shake.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag’s depiction of the Caribbean by Ubisoft is endlessly beautiful and delightful. You put yourself in the shoes of a pirate assassin, sail the high seas, and commit numerous murders in picturesque locations. Oh, and it’s part of the Switch’s Rebel Collection, so you get get AC Rogue, which is a decent game. Black Flag is frequently recognised as the best Assassin’s Creed game, so it’s well worth a look.
Burnout Paradise Remastered
Cars, too, can traverse open environments. Burnout Paradise may have been the series’ final big hurrah, but it says something that Electronic Arts can rerelease it almost exactly as-is on new systems and it doesn’t feel particularly egregious.
Explore Paradise City and participate in a number of races and other activities, or simply enjoy a scenic drive while listening to music and taking in the views. Alternatively, you could do the Burnout thing and cause massive wrecks for fun and profit. It is entirely up to you how you spend your time in this paradise.
Final Words
The Nintendo Switch is brimming with great games, but we’ve got you covered if you’re looking for something more expansive. We’ve compiled a list of the best Open-World Games on Nintendo Switch available right now. Since the console’s release, the top Nintendo Switch titles have been widely contested. Making sense the ever-expanding universe of open-world games on Nintendo Switch might be even more daunting.