The Nintendo Switch has become a haven for gamers who crave the freedom and immersion of open world experiences. These games offer vast landscapes to explore, intricate storylines to uncover, and the flexibility to approach objectives at your own pace. Let’s delve into some of the best open world games available on this versatile console.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
No discussion of open world games on the Switch is complete without mentioning this masterpiece. Breath of the Wild reinvented the Zelda franchise, offering an expansive version of Hyrule that encourages exploration and creative problem-solving. With its physics-based gameplay and the ability to tackle divine beasts in any order, it sets a high standard for open world design.
Super Mario Odyssey
While not traditionally categorized as an open world game, Super Mario Odyssey’s sandbox-style kingdoms offer a unique take on the genre. Each world is a densely packed playground filled with secrets, challenges, and the freedom to approach objectives creatively using Mario’s new possession abilities.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
This epic RPG proves that even massive, graphically intensive games can find a home on the Switch. The Witcher 3 offers a dark fantasy world teeming with complex characters, moral dilemmas, and monsters to slay. Its numerous side quests and rich narrative make it easy to lose yourself for hundreds of hours.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
For fans of JRPGs, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 presents a vast world spread across multiple titans – enormous living landmasses. With its deep combat system, engaging story, and diverse environments to explore, it offers a unique open world experience that blends fantasy and science fiction elements.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Bethesda’s landmark RPG finds new life on the Switch, allowing players to carry their dragon-slaying adventures anywhere. Skyrim’s open-ended nature, countless quests, and the ability to forge your own path through its snow-covered landscapes make it a quintessential open world experience.
Dragon Quest Builders 2
This charming game combines the exploration and questing of an open world RPG with the creativity of building games. Players can explore islands, gather resources, and construct entire towns while following an engaging storyline.
What Makes Open World Games Special on Switch
The Nintendo Switch’s hybrid nature adds a unique dimension to open world gaming. The ability to seamlessly transition between playing on a TV and in handheld mode means you can take these vast worlds with you anywhere. This portability adds a new layer of accessibility to games that traditionally require long play sessions.
Additionally, some games take advantage of the Switch’s unique features, such as motion controls and touch screen functionality, to enhance the open world experience.
Looking to the Future
The future of open world gaming on the Switch looks bright, with anticipated titles like the sequel to Breath of the Wild on the horizon. As developers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the system, we can expect even more immersive and innovative open world experiences.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch has proven itself as a capable platform for open world games, offering experiences that range from whimsical adventures to epic sagas. Whether you’re scaling mountains in Hyrule, exploring alien worlds, or carving your own path through fantasy realms, the Switch has an open world game to suit your tastes. The portability of the console adds a new dimension to these games, allowing you to carry vast digital worlds in the palm of your hand.