Best Nintendo Switch Adventure Games for Epic Quests in 2024: Top 15 Must-Play Titles

As a lifelong Nintendo fan I’ve spent countless hours exploring the vast library of adventure games on the Nintendo Switch. From epic quests through mythical kingdoms to mysterious puzzle-solving expeditions there’s something magical about getting lost in these immersive worlds.

The Nintendo Switch’s unique hybrid nature makes it perfect for adventure games. I love how I can start an epic journey on my TV then continue exploring while on the go. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting your gaming journey the Switch offers an incredible selection of titles that’ll keep you entertained for hours.

Best Nintendo Switch Adventure Games of All Time

After countless hours of gameplay across numerous titles, I’ve identified the most compelling Nintendo Switch adventure games that deliver exceptional storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and immersive worlds.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

This masterpiece revolutionizes open-world exploration with its dynamic physics engine and innovative gameplay mechanics. The vast kingdom of Hyrule features 120 shrines, 900 Korok seeds, and endless opportunities for creative problem-solving.

Hollow Knight

Team Cherry’s metroidvania masterwork combines precise combat with intricate world design. The haunting underground kingdom of Hallownest contains 40+ boss battles, 150+ unique enemies, and 40+ hours of challenging gameplay.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

This tactical RPG adventure features:

• 4 distinct story paths
• 80+ hours of content per route
• 30+ recruitable characters
• Branching narrative decisions
• Deep relationship systems

Super Mario Odyssey

Mario’s globe-trotting adventure includes:

• 17 unique kingdoms
• 999 power moons to collect
• 50+ transformations via Cappy
• Seamless platform mechanics

Astral Chain

This cyberpunk action-adventure delivers:

• 11 story-driven chapters
• 5 customizable Legion companions
• Dual-character combat system
• Intricate investigation mechanics

Dragon Quest XI S

The definitive JRPG experience offers:

• 100+ hours of main story content
• 2D classic mode option
• 8 unique party members
• Orchestrated soundtrack
• Enhanced crafting system

• 14 unique weapon types
• 40+ large monsters
• Wirebugs for vertical exploration
• Extensive multiplayer options

Open World Adventures That Define the Genre

The Nintendo Switch hosts several groundbreaking open-world games that redefine exploration and player freedom. These titles showcase the system’s capabilities through vast landscapes rich with discovery opportunities.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Released in 2017, Breath of the Wild transforms the traditional Zelda formula with a physics-based engine and unprecedented environmental interaction. The game’s chemistry system enables creative problem-solving through combinations of elements like fire, ice, electricity, and magnetism. Players climb any surface, glide across Hyrule’s diverse biomes, and tackle the game’s four Divine Beasts in any order. The game features:

• Dynamic weather effects that impact gameplay mechanics
• 120 shrines containing physics-based puzzles
• 900 Korok seeds hidden throughout the world
• 76 side quests complementing the main storyline

• 999 Power Moons to discover across all kingdoms
• 52 unique capture transformations
• Local co-op play with one player controlling Mario and another as Cappy
• Post-game content adding challenging time trials and bonus levels

Story-Driven Adventures Worth Playing

The Nintendo Switch excels at delivering captivating narratives through its diverse collection of story-driven adventures. I’ve identified two standout series that combine compelling storytelling with engaging gameplay mechanics.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses takes place in the monastery of Garreg Mach where I lead students as a professor in both tactical combat and social interactions. The game features 4 distinct story paths spanning 50+ hours each with branching narratives based on my chosen house: Black Eagles, Blue Lions or Golden Deer. The support conversation system includes 33 recruitable characters with unique personalities who form deeper bonds through shared battles and tea parties. The tactical combat combines traditional Fire Emblem grid-based strategy with new battalion mechanics that add an extra layer of depth.

Xenoblade Chronicles Series

The Xenoblade Chronicles series brings massive sci-fi worlds filled with intricate storylines and real-time combat systems. Xenoblade Chronicles 1, 2 and 3 each offer 60-100 hours of main story content with distinct settings:

• XC1 takes place on the bodies of two frozen titans
• XC2 features a world of floating continents above a cloud sea
• XC3 merges elements from both previous games in a new conflict

• Detailed character progression through unique class systems
• Over 300 side quests per game that expand the world building
• Dynamic weather cycles that affect enemy spawns and quest availability
• Cross-references and connections between games that reward long-time fans

Indie Adventure Games on Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch’s indie game library features exceptional adventures crafted by independent developers. These titles combine innovative gameplay mechanics with unique artistic visions, creating memorable gaming experiences.

Hollow Knight

Team Cherry’s metroidvania masterpiece takes players into the haunting underground kingdom of Hallownest. The game features 15 distinct areas filled with 40+ boss encounters, 40+ charms for character customization, and 150+ unique enemies. Its hand-drawn art style depicts a dark yet beautiful world, complemented by a 60fps performance on the Switch. The main story takes 25-30 hours to complete, with completionist runs extending to 50+ hours, offering exceptional value for its $15 price point.

Hades

Supergiant Games’ roguelike action-adventure combines Greek mythology with fast-paced combat mechanics. Players navigate 4 major biomes, wielding 6 unique weapons with 4 aspects each, creating 24 distinct playstyles. Each run takes 20-30 minutes, building toward a complete story that unfolds across multiple attempts. The game features:

• 10 Olympian gods offering unique boons
• 50+ character interactions with branching dialogues
• 20+ hours for first completion
• Cross-save compatibility with PC version
• 1080p/60fps performance in docked mode

Each escape attempt reveals new story elements through dynamic character interactions, making repeated runs engaging through narrative progression alongside mechanical mastery.

Action-Adventure Titles You Can’t Miss

The Nintendo Switch hosts an impressive collection of action-adventure games that combine combat mechanics with exploration elements. These titles showcase the platform’s versatility through their distinct gameplay styles and engaging narratives.

Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise elevates the franchise’s signature combat system with enhanced mobility features like the Wirebug mechanic. The game includes 14 distinct weapon types each with unique movesets plus 46 large monsters to hunt across 5 vast regions. I’ve found the combat particularly engaging due to the fluid animations and responsive controls that make tracking and battling creatures feel natural. The game’s hub village Kamura features distinctive Japanese-inspired architecture alongside multiplayer gathering spaces for up to 4 players to coordinate hunts together.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

Luigi’s Mansion 3 transforms ghost hunting into a puzzle-solving adventure across 17 themed hotel floors. The game introduces Gooigi a slimy clone that enables creative puzzle solutions through accessing tight spaces plus cooperative play options. I’ve documented over 100 collectible gems hidden throughout the hotel requiring strategic use of the Poltergust G-00’s multiple functions including suction slam flash attacks. The ScareScraper mode supports up to 8 players in randomized cooperative challenges while maintaining smooth performance in both docked handheld modes.

Must-Try Adventure Game Collections and Ports

The Nintendo Switch hosts outstanding collections and ports that bring beloved adventure games to a new generation. These enhanced versions offer improved graphics, additional content and portable play options.

Portal: Companion Collection

The Portal: Companion Collection bundles Portal 1 & 2 with enhanced performance at 60 FPS on Nintendo Switch. Portal 1 delivers 2-3 hours of physics-based puzzle gameplay through test chambers, while Portal 2 expands to 8-10 hours with co-op modes and advanced mechanics. Both titles maintain their signature dark humor and mind-bending portal mechanics while adding HD rumble support and gyro aiming options.

Bayonetta Series

The Bayonetta trilogy showcases stylish action-adventure combat across three distinct entries on Nintendo Switch. Bayonetta 1 & 2 run at a smooth 60 FPS in both docked and handheld modes with improved load times. Bayonetta 3 introduces demon summoning mechanics and alternate playable characters across 14 chapters. Each game offers 10-15 hours of main story content with additional challenges, costumes and difficulty modes extending playtime beyond 40 hours per title.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch has revolutionized how I experience adventure games with its incredible versatility and robust game library. From epic open-world journeys to intimate indie masterpieces I’ve found countless hours of entertainment on this remarkable platform.

Whether you’re a fan of sprawling RPGs like “Fire Emblem: Three Houses” or meticulously crafted experiences like “Hollow Knight” there’s an adventure waiting for you. The Switch’s hybrid nature means I can embark on these incredible journeys anywhere making every gaming session truly special.

I’m confident that the Nintendo Switch will continue to be the perfect home for adventure games offering experiences that captivate players for years to come.