Role-playing games are among the most popular genres out there, so it’s understandable that people are always looking for the best options a system has to offer. This is especially true when it comes toturn-based RPGs, as many gamers love the tactical gameplay and strategy involved in these types of combat systems.
TheNintendo Switchhas a massive collection of games that cater to plenty of gamers, so it is no surprise that there are some of the best turn-based RPGs out there on the system. From triple-A Nintendo titles to indie hits, there are plenty of fantastic turn-based RPGs that take players on a journey, whether they’re playing at home or on the go.
Updated July 22, 2025 by Mark Sammut:This month has been great for turn-based Switch JRPGs, with two major games landing on the console. They both deserve to be mentioned among the console’s best efforts in the genre.
Role-playing video games have certainly been inspired by tabletop RPGs of the past and present. Even though they aren’t a direct influence for most, many tend to incorporate tabletop gameplay mechanics in their regular mechanics. A great example isFor The King, developed by IronOak Games.
Theclass-based adventureblends various elements from tabletop RPGs, JRPGs, strategy games, and roguelikes. The story revolves around the King of Fehrul being murdered, and it’s up to the citizens (players) to fight back against the creatures who have ascended from a dark underworld. Although an OK solo experience,For The Kingshines brightly when played with a few friends; in fact, it is among thebest turn-based RPGs on the Switchfor co-op.
Originally a Wii U game,Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encoreis a crossover between theFire Emblemseries and theShin Megami Tenseigames. The story revolves around this rift in dimensions between Tokyo and a place called the Idolaspheres, a place where these beings called Mirages exist.
While many Mirages are enemies, the friendly ones are inspired byFire Emblemcharacters. The turn-based battle system features elements from the two source games, including how each party member and Mirage have specific strengths and weaknesses.Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encoreis an enhanced version of the game that adds new content, from characters to music.
Considering it is just an updated version of a Wii U game,Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encorejust about made the grade for this discussion.
InSouth Park: The Stick of Truth, players create their own original character who has just moved to the town and is sucked into playing a role-playing fantasy game with fellow kids. Things quickly get out of hand as supernatural occurrences start taking place. The turn-based gameplay revolves around the player and a partner using melee, ranged, and magic attacks to take down enemies.
Along with visuals that look identical to the show (if not better),The Stick of Truthcaptures the source material’s humor quite well, even if most of the punchlines are referential rather than wholly original. More importantly, Obsidian’s strong writing shines through the campaign; meanwhile, the turn-based combat is accessible and punched up through visual gags.
The Fractured But Wholeis also very good, butThe Stick of Truthis the betterSouth Parkgame.
Originally released on the Super Famicom,Tactics Ogreis one of the most memorable titles in a long list of tactical RPGs out there. With the release ofTactics Ogre Reborn, those who enjoy turn-based RPGs on Switch will be happy to get a remake of such a 1990s classic.
Originally released on the PSP and then remade for modern consoles,Tactics Ogre Rebornplaces players back on the Valerian Isles that have fallen into civil war. Players can make their own path through the conflict and are rewarded with a different ending based on the choices made. The battles take place on fields with different elevations, adding to the complexity of the brilliant system.
While there are concerns over the game’s graphical fidelity,Pokemon Scarlet & Violetcan be considered a leap forward as it transitioned the mainline series from linear storytelling to a completely open world. The RPG provides a story that can beexperienced in any order, provided the player has their team at the right level.
There are three branches to the story, each providing different variations on the classic turn-based battle system in the franchise.Pokemon Scarlet & Violetdiffers enough from the usual formula, making it one of the more excitingturn-based RPGs on the Switch. That said, these titles have plenty of issues, particularly on the technical side. The visuals are underwhelming and certainly do not justify the poor performance. Still, if someone can look past these issues, they will find a solid addition to a franchise that desperately needed to innovate.
League of Legendsis one of the biggest games in the entire world, known famously for its competitive arena battles. However, Riot Games has slowly been branching out the franchise to different genres and mediums. One of these experiments was a turn-based single-player RPG calledRuined King: A League of Legends Story.
Set in the city of pirates known as Bilgewater, players control a team of six characters as they venture off to the Shadow Isles. It is here that they believe the source of a terrible force, called the Black Mist, will be found. Ruined King uses an art style that is similar to its classic franchise and hasgameplay that is imaginative enough to make it a surprising entry among the best turn-based RPGs.
Those who enjoyed the originalBravely Defaultgame were treated to a continuation of the game’s solid story inBravely Default 2. However, despite being a direct sequel, this game introduces new characters and a new adventure that keeps the game fresh.
Set on the continent of Excillant, the game follows four characters that each have a specific set of skills. These skills help them on their journey to find four crystals that each represent different elements (fire, earth, water, and air).Bravely Default 2keeps the turn-based battle system introduced in the prior games, making it accessible to existing fans.
Square Enix will always be known for RPGs, but the publisher has moved away from turn-based combat over the last decade. However, every once in a while, Square Enix releases a throwback to the 1990s.Octopath Travelerwas one such game, and it even launched as a Switch exclusive. The player steps into the roles of eight different characters as they set off on individual journeys, only for all of their stories to collide.
Each character inOctopath Travelerhas their own set of Path Actions that will allow them to make decisions as they go through their journey. The battle system is a typical turn-based system that allows players to usedifferent attacks, weapons, and items on each turn. With great visuals, fun stories, and addictive combat, this RPG felt fresh when it launched, despite being influenced by long-gone greats.
Octopath Traveler 2is also fantastic, and very little separates the two games in terms of quality
Monster Hunter Risewas one of the biggest Switch exclusives to come out in 2021, but another game in the franchise was released only a few months later and was also a console exclusive for Nintendo’s system (at the time).Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruinis a sequel to a spin-off that came out in 2016 and once again strays from the series by implementing turn-based combat.
The story ofMonster Hunter Stories 2revolves around the disappearance of Rathalos and the player’s quest to investigate it, as well as large pits of pink light appearing randomly throughout the land. Along with a traditional but enjoyable turn-based combat system,Monster Hunter Stories 2is a monstie-collecting game similar toPokemonorDigimon. This element is quite well done and will likely be the driving force that keeps players going throughout the fairly long campaign, althoughthe story is decent and quite funny in spots.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideoutis the 21st main entry in theAtelierseries, which has been around since 1997. The story revolves around Ryza and her friends Lent and Tao. Together, they learn about alchemy and combat from alchemist Empel Vollmer and his bodyguard Lila Decyrus.
The turn-based combat system inAtelier Ryzauses real-time elements as the battle moves when the player gives commands. Creating items using alchemy becomes a core component of the campaign, and can help players in overcoming battles and other situations. The series may not be mentioned among the best turn-based RPGs out there, but it’s worth looking into for fans of the genre.
Arguably, the sequels are better, but newcomers should start with the first game. Honestly,Atelier Ryzais one of the best trilogies on the Switch.
