We already published the list of best Switch games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Switch action-adventure games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Switch definitely has a great library of action-adventure games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Switch and action-adventure games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Onimusha: Warlords
- Release Data: NeoBards Entertainment/Capcom, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
This HD version of Onimusha goes all out to make longtime fans feel welcome, right down to its optional tank controls, but the experience as a whole is much more enjoyable when played with a proper control stick rather than a D-pad.
Overall, Onimusha: Warlords is a wonderful return to the first entry in a long and likeable series.
#24. Saints Row: The Third – The Full Package
- Release Data: Fishlabs/Koch Media, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Saints Row: The Third on Switch is an insanely over-the-top game you must play.
It’s a genuinely fun experience to play in an open world that actually rewards you for being in it, and its fun take on gameplay makes you want to keep playing more.
Even better, The Full Package version provides all the previous DLCs into one great package.
#23. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
- Release Data: Prideful Sloth/Merge Games, 2018
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
All in all, Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is an exploration-based, open-world game with crafting and quests that are both beautiful and fun when played in small bursts.
However, unless you’re a die-hard fan of relaxing games that you can play for the sake of playing, Yonder may not be your cup of tea.
#22. Blasphemous
- Release Data: The Game Kitchen/Team 17, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Overall, Blasphemous is wonderfully grim and gory with some great elements.
However, having to fight some of the same enemies over and over again can feels repetitive.
Not only that, the game punishes you for saving, but this mechanic can also improve your combat prowess.
So, if you are looking for a punishing open world platformer, this is the game for you.
#21. Darksiders: Warmastered Edition
- Release Data: Nordic Games Publishing/THQ Nordic, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
All in all, Darksiders: Warmastered Edition is a great port of a good game.
While it’s not necessarily innovative, it is well executed and uniquely presented, something that still holds up well years since its original release.
In any case, Darksiders: Warmastered Edition is a great game that’s worth experiencing on the Switch.
#20. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – The Master Trials
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
There’s a reason this DLC is called the “Master Trials.”
It’s heavily focused on challenging combat, with a few cosmetic rewards.
If that’s your forte, you’ll find the design of Master Mode and Trial of the Sword to your liking.
In the end, it’s not a new adventure, but it will do just fine.
#19. L.A. Noire
- Release Data: Virtuos/Rockstar Games, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
All in all, L.A. Noire is still an enjoyable story-driven action-adventure game with an incredible atmosphere
The story is engaging, the investigations are fun, the world is deep and immersive, and the interrogations are truly unique.
Even with the slight performance woes, the game is very impressive on Switch, especially in handheld mode.
#18. Golf Story
- Release Data: SideBar Games, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Even though Golf Story isn’t quite spectacular, it is an absolute delight.
It’s more than just a golf game with RPG mechanics, but it’s not quite a full RPG with golf mechanics either.
It lies in a sweet spot in the middle, where people who care about one but not the other can still get into it.
#17. SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech
- Release Data: Image & Form, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is another game with cards drafting battle system.
There are lots of decisions to make regarding the deck building, formation, and gear choices.
All in all, the game comes with perfect lengths, long enough to keep players invested and engaged but not too short to leave them unsatisfied.
#16. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – The Champions’ Ballad
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This expansion for Breath of the Wild features a bunch of fun and exciting content.
Besides the new weapons and locations, you can now deck out your trusty steed with some new armor, as well as equip a variety of fun new costumes.
Most exciting of all, Link can now speed through Hyrule using the Master Cycle Zero, a powerful motorcycle.
#15. Dragon Quest Builders
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2018
- Genre: Action Adventure » Sandbox
This game borrows gameplay mechanics from Minecraft and uses them to flesh out its world.
Like Minecraft, you’ll spend time gathering resources from a variety of locations and use them to build up bases, towns, and other buildings.
Overall, this game does a great job taking the exciting world of Dragon Quest and injecting it with a good dose of creativity.
#14. Killer Queen Black
- Release Data: Liquid Bit/BumbleBear, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
This game features intense multiplayer action, with teams of bees battling to control resources and defeat their opponents.
Moreover, the Switch version includes online multiplayer and a single player campaign, with thigh controls and bright and colorful graphics.
Overall, Killer Queen Black is a fun and highly replayable game that is great for casual and competitive players alike.
#13. Resident Evil 4
- Release Data: Capcom, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
This title is a classic survival horror game that has been rereleased for the Switch.
This version includes all of the content from previous releases, as well as additional features such as motion control aiming and touch screen inventory management.
The gameplay is intense and the story is engaging, making it a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
#12. Dragon Quest Builders 2
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » Sandbox
This title combines elements of role-playing games and building games, allowing players to explore a vast world and use their imagination to create structures and landscapes.
It includes all of the content from the original release, online multiplayer and additional building materials.
Overall, it is a great game for fans of building games and Dragon Quest fans looking for something different.
#11. Luigi’s Mansion 3
- Release Data: Next Level Games/Nintendo, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a charming and entertaining action-adventure game for the Nintendo Switch.
It follows Luigi as he explores a haunted hotel to capture ghosts and solve puzzles.
All in all, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a great game for fans of the series and newcomers alike, and is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
#10. Astral Chain
- Release Data: PlatinumGames/Nintendo, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Astral Chain is an action-packed game for the Switch that takes players on a thrilling journey through a cyberpunk-themed world.
The gameplay is fast-paced and the graphics are stunning, with a unique art style that sets it apart from other games.
Overall, Astral Chain is a must-play for fans of action-adventure games and anyone looking for an immersive, story-driven experience.
#9. Axiom Verge
- Release Data: Tom Happ/Badland Games, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
This indie game is heavily inspired by games like Metroid and Castlevania, and sees your character traveling across a maze-like map.
As you explore the alien world of Sudra, you’ll unlock new abilities and weapons that will allow you to reach previously inaccessible places.
If you’re a fan of classic games like Metroid, then this is totally the game for you.
#8. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- Release Data: GREZZO/Nintendo, 2019
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This beautiful Switch remake adds modern conveniences, a dungeon creator, amiibo support and lots of little quality of life improvements whilst infusing every single square inch of Koholint with a level of detail and depth that totally reinvigorates both its timeless story and classic Zelda gameplay for a whole new generation of gamers.
#7. Katamari Damacy REROLL
- Release Data: Bandai Namco Games, 2018
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Katamari Damacy Reroll serves up an engaging and rewarding game that hasn’t let any of its original charm or personality be lost in the transition from one platform to another.
With support for gyro controls and multiplayer this Switch edition is easily the best way to play it outside of blowing the dust off your old PS2.
#6. SteamWorld Dig 2
- Release Data: Image & Form, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
For fans of SteamWorld Dig the recommendation isn’t needed as they’ll buy this anyway.
For those that skipped the first game, however, Dig 2 is a must-have – its charming aesthetic and cast set the scene for a tightly designed and clever exploration game.
#5. Minecraft: Switch Edition
- Release Data: 4J Studios/Mojang AB, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » Sandbox
Minecraft is easily one of the most popular games of all time, and the Nintendo Switch is the perfect home for this creative adventure.
In the game, you explore randomly generated worlds, collecting resources and building your own inventions.
This version of the game features Nintendo specific game elements, allowing you to recreate scenes from your favorite Nintendo games.
#4. Okami HD
- Release Data: Capcom, 2018
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Though it may be showing its age a bit visually and its combat is sometimes a little on the easy side, Okami is an important, fun, and notable landmark in gaming history — and one of the easiest recommendations for your Switch library.
#3. Hollow Knight
- Release Data: Team Cherry, 2018
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Hollow Knight feels exceptional because so many of its smaller, expertly designed parts fit so well together over an extraordinarily long adventure that could easily have fallen prey to poor pacing.
From its punchy combat system to its charming art and sound design, this is one of the finest adventures you can have on Nintendo Switch.
#2. Bayonetta 2
- Release Data: PlatinumGames/Nintendo, 2018
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Despite being an old port, Bayonetta 2 shines brightest on Nintendo Switch.
It runs without a hitch at 60fps, looks incredible and offers an addictive free-flowing combat formula that sprinkles in platforming, light exploration and a ridiculous story to create something that you simply need to experience.
If you’ve never played it before, you’re in for a treat.
#1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a landmark release for its franchise and Nintendo.
It’s the first time that Nintendo has truly taken on the open-world genre and embraces some strengths from top-of-the-class games while also forging its own identity.
And although this game is a revolution for the franchise, the Zelda essence is still there.
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See also: Best Wii U Games & Best Gaming Chairs
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Switch action-adventure game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!