23 MUST Own Switch RPGs 

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I will never stop promoting 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. When it came out on the PS4, people didn't really take much notice of it. So I'm so thankful for the Switch port as the game felt at home in the console! Thank you for adding it to the list! Cheers from the Philippines!

Astral Chain is probably one of the top 5 Switch games. This is a game that action fans will love with it's slick and quick combat system, it's ridiculous story, and it's surprisingly fun and creative take on stealth levels which there are only 2 of I believe in the main story.

Someone needs to make that meme of the girl yelling into her boyfriends ear as he looks uninterested, but just make it you going off about dusk diver 🤣

Omori should be on the list too :) Whimsical, dark and emotionally affecting. Simple classic JRPG mechanics with some light twists on the formula. Mystery layers peeled back as you play through, beautiful art and engaging characters.

This is one of the better "must play JPRG" lists I've seen. Very thorough. A little bit for everyone. Every title on this list belongs here and there aren't any significant misses. There is no doubt, 13 Sentinels belongs on this list, 1,000%. Extra credit for including Zelda BotW; I am in the "Zelda games are JRPG's" camp ;) Good job!

This an an absolute gem of a video. Thank you so much for compiling this list!

Thanks for this vid man. I’m new to rpg/jrpg games and this helped a lot. Clear and concise! Perfect.

for those who want something more relaxed/“casual”: rune factory 4 special is a jrpg/farming sim hybrid that does both genres extremely well. it’s usually called the best rune factory game for a reason! it has a really in depth crafting system and while the farming system definitely is not up to standards with more modern farming system like stardew valley, it makes up for it for its really fun combat and other features. it has 3 story arcs, which are pretty good plot wise (get ready for power of friendship galore lol) but what really is great are the characters. there is SO much dialogue and events between the characters that you really feel apart of the town. all the characters are really lovable and just are so much fun to talk to and see about going their lives. i’ve been really enjoying it and recommend it to anyone who wants something chill but also still very engaging and fun!!

it makes me happy when a list comes out like this and I have most of them. The ones I don't I already wanted. A couple I started and haven't gone back to, but plan to.

Some awesome choices, great video! Just a piece of advice for people who want to play both SMT 3 and 5, play 3 first because going back from 5 highlights all of the shortcomings of what is an almost 20 year old game - it'll feel like much more of a slog vs the sublime experience of 5

I’m so glad I found your channel. You have almost the exact same taste as me and I’m finding out about great games thanks to your great videos. Hope your channel keeps growing you seem like such a cool dood!

thanks for the list, was looking for more things on the switch to dive into, and ill def be taking your suggestions

For an amazing indie RPG, Bug Fables is a must-play, greatly influenced by early Paper Mario games, it's so fun! Also, CrossCode is awesome, such great world building, combat and level-up system.

I don’t have enough words for how much I adore FE Three Houses. Easily one of my favorite games I’ve ever played

Just found your channel yesterday and immediately subscribed, your content is absolutely amazing!

First time watching ur video and enjoyed how u share opinion on some games i never considered to try out, plz keep showing us more games that’s underrated

Dragon Quest is actually my ALL-TIME FAVORITE JRPG series. And 11 is absolutely the PINNACLE of the series.

Absolutely fantastic list! It was almost a complete play by play of games I've either played, am playing now, or in my queue. The only thing I can think to add to it would be Ni No Kuni. That was an excellent story played out with Studio Ghibli's work.

Fantastic list and a great video. Thank you for making this. Loved it! 🙏🏻

Great picks, love how you started out with SMT I love that franchise

I really agree with how to approach 13 sentinels! I played it for roughly 40 minutes each night and loved it! Definitely a visual novel with srpg elements and not the other way around but so cool. I couldn’t get into octopath :(. I’m not a fan of stagger mechanics, but what really killed it was how the entire narrative for all characters was solely fetch quests. Beautiful game none the less. Thanks for the suggestions, I wrote down Dusk Diver in my “games to check out” list!

I love the grind in ffxii. The reason why is that it didn’t feel like a grind to me at all. I was just out finding weapons, unlocking license boards, and hunting marks. It was fun lol.

Awesome video glad this popped up on my feed. Even as a long time rpg/jrpg fan there was a couple games on this list I hadn’t heard of and look pretty interesting 👀

Great run down! I hadn’t considered some of these games until watching this. Much appreciated

I don't own a Nintendo Switch, but some of these picks look fantastic! I would also throw in Chrono Cross for a must own as well!

FFXII is my personal favorite FF game, with second being tied between VII & IX. It was the first FF game I played on PS2 and I have so much nostalgia for it, I also bought it for Switch! Definitely a must have!

nice vid ive played like 3 of your recommendations and im sure ill try al least a couple more thank you!

Great video! Love a good Dodgeball reference as well ha ha

I strongly recommend these two dungeon crawlers: Undernauts The Labyrinth of Yomi and Saviors of Sapphire Wings Stranger Sword City. If you miss Etrian Odyssey on the Switch these two are a must.

I agree with most of your recommendations. Just missing Valkyrie Chronicles 4. Not sure if you are into visual novels. A similar list of VNs for the Switch would be awesome.

New subscriber here. You just made me want to play so many of those games! Great video.

Astral Chain! Easily in my top 10 Switch games of all-time! Shame it didn’t sell well, because damn it’s an amazing game from start to finish. Dark Souls Remastered is pretty awesome, and the Switch version is the one I completed. Trials of Mana is one I have and really need to put the time in for, as I loved what I played so far. A terrific list overall, from the most passionate RPG fan I know. You hear how much these games stood out for you in each segment discussed here. 👍 Excellent video as always man!

I will say as a heads-up about Trials of Mana, if you want the most out of your play through (the story in particular) you have to pick certain character combinations. Namely the first 2. The 3rd doesn't matter. Like Duran/ Angela, Charlotte/Kevin, and Hawkeye/Riesz. The order doesn't matter it just determines who you play as first but you have to pick those combinations as your first 2 to get the extra story interaction. Pick whoever you want to round out your party as your 3rd.

So glad you mention Astral Chain. That game was one of the first games I bought on the Switch and I loved it...

so glad i found this video been on the fence on a couple of these games until now! Time to buy

Awesome list! Tbh, I just played Monstrum Nox and really enjoyed it so far. That was my first entry to the Ys series. Imma have to keep an eye for these games you mentioned.

I'd definitely recommend the Disgaea series as well. It's a strategy RPG with unique and quirky mechanics that I've not seen anywhere else, a colourful cast of characters that are fun to interact with, and an over-the-top kind of humour that often made me laugh. I'd consider Disgaea 5 first if you've not played any of them (or Disgaea 1 if you want fewer systems you need to learn), or just about any version except for 6 whose performance isn't very optimal on the switch. Btw, what game is it at 24:03 with the blue haired character? It doesn't seem like one from the list, maybe Astral Chain but I'm not too sure

I had many of these in my to-play list, but you're just convincing me even more! 😂💯💪

Thank you for this video. Lately, I’ve lost interest in jrpgs and gaming in general. Your content had so much honesty that I just felt it throughout then video. Thanks for sparking my interest back into gaming.

Excellent list! I've played a Lot of these games, and The rest are on My backlog, not even a single exception, but a big part of them I played or plan to play on PC

The recent remake of Live a Live is a must-have. While not QUITE as good as the original, Bravely Default 2 is also a top-tier RPG. For dungeon RPGs you can't go wrong with anything by Experience; on the Switch that'd be the Yomi wo Saku Hana and MonYuu, as well as the Demon Gaze port (I've heard the compilation of Aoki Tsubasa no Chevalier and Tsurugi no Machi no Ihoujin got a foreign release, so hopefully that comes out as well.) NIS also tried their hand at dungeon RPGs with Refrain no Chika Meikyuu to Majo no Ryoudan and that was an absolute blast which got a sequel on the Vita that will be getting a Switch port soon IIRC. If we're going to include strategy RPGs, you absolutely must pick up the Super Robot Wars titles; on the Switch that'd be V, X, T, and 30. Triangle Strategy is likewise a must, and Langrisser 1 and 2's remake is also a no-brainer. On the slow-life front, the Rune Factory titles are stellar action RPGs, we currently have 4 and 5 on Switch and the other day's Nintendo Direct just announced a remake of 3 as well as a new title in the works. For those looking for a more creative tinge to their RPGs, the Dragon Quest Builders games are excellent (basically, imagine if Minecraft hadn't just stayed as a proof of concept forever and actually got made into a proper game and that's basically what you've got.) As an add-on, RPG fans would gain a lot from the Switch Online port collections, especially the Super Famicom one which has been blessed with all three of the platform's Megami Tensei titles (1, 2, and If...), Fire Emblems 3 and 4, Breath of Fire 1 and 2, Mother 2, and Bokujou Monogatari.

Damn I see you like that Atelier Ryza Battle theme music. Good for you man!

I'll definitely be sending my friends over to watch this video to give them some good recommendations for JRPGs on the switch. You pretty much hit all the essentials and highlighted a wide variety. My favorite game from the list probably Fire Emblem 3 houses since I put in about 240 hrs over 5 playthroughs. The combat system just became so addicting and the flexibility with the class system was such a joy to experiment with.

Great video, hopefully when the Front Mission remakes come out you'll be adding them to the list

Nice to see some love for Tokyo Mirage Session 🥰. I've played it on playstation but I have to add Valkyria Chronicles 1 and 4 to your list. Two solid and epic RPGs with a different twist.

Now here's someone who isn't afraid in promoting hidden gem titles, and btw, I love how much praise you gave Astral Chain, it's so hard to find something just as cool and aesthetic

Fantastic list of bangers my dude! Astral Chain is something I've wanted to play FOREVER, but never have picked it up yet

I'd also recommend I am setsuna and lost sphear if you're into old school rpgs. Also cthulu saves Christmas and cosmic star heroine if you want something bite sized.

Great video as always. Couldn't agree more with what you've said about Astral Chain, FE3H, XenoChronicles, DragonQuest XI and Zelda BotW. I don't have much more to add to what you said. XC2 is probably my favourite and best game ever (1 is also up there and I can't wait to play 3). FE3H is absolutely amazing (one of my favourites as well) not only in strategy and story but also in the characters and how you can interact with them in the monastery. Zelda BotW is just peak videogame, and an amazing experience. As you said I also grew tired of open world games but this one is just different. DQXI is a more normal/classic game but it's just does everything so good. 💯 And finally Astral Chain. Out of all these, I think it's the less amazing (but that's because I give all the others a 10 and the first 3 are among my best and favourite games, so it's a bit of an unfair comparison lol), but it's still an amazing solid game and tbh it's such a different and fresh game and one of the best videogame experiences I've had in recent times, super enjoyable. All of these have over the top OST too, which is crazy, among the best I've ever heard. XC2 has my favourite though. Also, I LOVE God-Shattering Star. 😩💯🎵

JRPGs have become a Top 3 genre for me over the past few years, and I’m all for it (I almost was gonna complete omit the genre form my interest years back, but that’s a story for another day). I freakin’ loved TMS - easily in my Top 10 Switch games. From coming off of just beating FE: Awakening, I loved all the FE references. The overall battle mechanics too, especially having everyone input an attack into the chain (even if they’re benched) was so addictive to just watch the combo rise 😅.

Thanks for the amazing video!

Man you deserve more subs I can see how much time you put into these videos by its quality

Oh man you explained my Dark Souls experience. I was also tired of the internet and my friends non stop talking and exaggerating about Dark Souls difficulty until I actually tried it myself. In any mean it's impossible. I was spoiled a lot of things, areas, boss and story details (as if those matter tho!) and still this game left an impact on me, one big enough to have me buying it twice so I could play it on my switch! A must have indeed

Oh man! Octopath Traveler, absolutely! The only issue I had was that the character’s stories were so separated and didn’t flow together with the other characters. Not a deal breaker but would have liked to see their stories intertwine. Astral chain is one I need to jump into! Heard such good things!! OMG!! Slowly adding the Fire emblem games. Cannot wait to get to them! So Xenoblade. Funny enough, the only Xenoblade I’ve ever played was Chronicles X. DragonQuest 11 probably one of the best JRPGs ever created and those are huge shoes to fill! Dusk Diver! Yesss! So much yes!! Knew this had to be on this list! Cannot agree with you more! Ys 8! Dude I’m just gonna go ahead and say yes to this whole video! Just an incredible list!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Stay awesome brother! 🤘🙏❤️

Hallo, i really like your channel. You are such a positive guy and and your excitement shows your passion for gaming in every video, the recent nintendo direct brought up so many haters and people whining about it but your reaction video was just cool and an enjoyment to watch. Keep up the good work, you really deserve much more subs. As for the topic, the list, I like most games on the list but so far i havent tried the Atelier series, always kinda on fence about it.

You make the games sounds so good with your words 10/10 narrating

Dragon quest 11, definitely one of the best jrpgs of the dacade. It brought me back to loving jrpgs since... I don't know, Golden Sun from GBA. Highly recommend

Xenoblade X needs to come to Switch! There was one quest early on that almost ruined the game for me, but once I figured out what to do it was an absolute blast. I love the characters are super fun and quirky and the mech combat is badass. I loved just cruising around the world in the mech suit with the jet pack or in car mode. The transformation animation in and out of car mode never got old!

Great list, this helped me add some games to my wishlish.

I beat Dusk Diver on a business trip earlier this year. I wouldn’t have known about this game had it not been your dedication as unofficial ambassador. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention.

Probably mentioned somewhere but Trails of Steel ports works perfectly on the switch and is one of those games that would fit very well on this list. You can play all 1 through 4 with the exception being 1 and 2 are currently JP only, however an English patch by Masagrator is available using the official translation and it works great.

Excellent choices, I recommend Eastward, its kinda Zelda like game and the graphics, the soundtrack and story is a must play.

Very good selection of games, i agree with pretty much anything and I have played most of them. Never heard of Dusk Diver before though, i'll have to look those up.

Thanks man, this was very useful. I have a switch but I never play it after finishing Bayonetta 2 & BOTW. Tried Astral Chain but couldn’t get over the initial hump & learning curve. Guess I should try again & push through? Anyway great video, thanks again.

There are some excellent RPGs on this list and I enthusiastically agree with the recommendations of SMT V, Nocturne, Ys VIII, Ys IX, Octopath Traveler, and Dark Souls. Nocturne is one of my absolute favorite games of all time and while it is difficult enough to probably scare off a lot of players, I would encourage them to stick with it and discover the ins and outs of combat because the game is very satisfying once you learn how to play it. I also agree that SMT V has the best combat in an RPG, it is the best manifestation of the press turn battle system, which is by far my favorite type of battle system.

I have everything on the list, lol (not always on Switch though). Incredible list. Nier Automata is coming to Switch in a month. This game is unlike anything else, it simply MUST be experienced and is considered by some to be one of the best RPGs of all time. I played it on PS4 and again on Xbox One. I'm very happy that Switch owners get a chance to play it, I hope it runs well.

dude, I am glad that I saw your video. I never play the Xenoblade series because of the mixed review and I got soo confused, but last week I watch your video and decided to play. it's great man I am loving this 😄

boom! subscribed. thanks for the video

You should definitely check out Dragons Dogma! Great game on the Switch!

I didn't realize you liked Dusk Diver 😉 I still haven't put in the second one but I'm suoer excited about it. Just taking my time. I did start XC3 just to see what it is like and I did enjoy it a lot. Also, I love the Nier games. Automata and Replicant on PS4 and just Nier on PS3. People don't seem to like Tokyo Xanadu much but I like it.

A small sampling of my back log. Excellent!

Great list, i would like to see some love Trail series, Ara fell, Rise of the third power, Labyrinth Refrain : covenant dusk, Disgaea, Mary Skelter 1&2

I've play the Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne for the PS2 to know it's a good game and it was surprising to find they had voice acting for the Switch but what i like to get is the SMT5 when when i can :3 Kinda wish they made both Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2 available for the switch as well but one can only hope for the future for the time being :3

SMT V is a must only console you can get it on. Astral chain looks good too.

Great Video. I've played a few of these and have most of the rest waiting to be played. Octopath Traveler is one of those special games that I wish I could play again for the first time as it was absolutely magical. Even though I only beat Ys 8 last month its easily within my top 10 best games ever. Everything about that game is amazing (battle system, music, story, graphics). If I didn't have heaps of other games to play I would probably still be playing Fire Emblem 3 houses - but I stopped at 2 runs (Golden Deer for life!) Tales of Vesperia is a funny one. I loved the story and the skits but the combat system really annoyed me to the point of nearly giving up. But I just had to finish the story

I got a Switch a while ago to play Breath of the Wild, but I've been neglecting it ever since. Definitely appreciate this video and following your channel for more RPG content for the Switch. I'd never realized how many RPGs were being made for it. I have a lot of catching up to do.

This is a great list of games.. The nintendo switch is my favorite system all time . So happy that the Persona series is finally being ported to the Switch. Also Battle Chasers Nightwar is a MUST PLAY.

I had ff 12 on ps2 I think it was one of the best final fantasies. With balthier and Fran it had a beautiful ending too. I think I’m going to get it again after I beat xeno 3.

There's no denying these games are a must play. What a time to be alive, teeming with triple A titles that just waiting to be played. I wanna try that Live A Live, Octopath Traveler, Astral Chain... Just finding the time to play them is the only challenge I have. Congrats dude on your channel! You've ballooned up with subs and this 300K views! WELL DESERVED!! Remember when you have haters, you've reached that status. I've seen that from other channels that are growing. Keep up the great work.

Wow! What a great list,there is already a few on there that I'm interested in and looking into.

FF12 is in my backlog. I bought it because Ivalice. Tactics is one of my favorite games of all time, let alone ff games. Even if I'm not a fan of some of the newer games in the series.

So many Awesome games on the list, you have come up with a lot of the games I would have suggested, but Shout out to shadows of adam a indie RPG with an awesome 8 / 16 bit art style wonderful writing wit quite clever combat system.

You mentioned some games that I haven't tried but kudos to you for showcasing Nocturne which is one of my favorite RPGs of all time

Wow, what a list! Thanks for sharing :) I can't even think of much to add... At least not from the games I've actually played lol. (And also, I really need to play a lot of the games on your list too!). Only thing would be Rune Factory 4 (haven't played 5 yet) and a bunch of the other Atelier games are also on Switch. Even though I don't have much that I can personally recommend, there are still a lot of other RPGs not mentioned here that I really want to check out! Some examples: Grandia HD Collection, Live a Live, the Mary Skelter series, Mercenaries Saga Chronicles, Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk, and the SaGa games. Can't say that the Switch is lacking in RPGs lol.

A very solid list of RPGs that funny enough is almost a quarter or maybe half of my Switch library with the exception of some through the PS4. I would actually recommend some newcomers to at least experience the Collection of Mana to try out the series' roots along with the wonderful Trials of Mana remake, every single entry within the Disgaea series that is readily available on the Switch including the recent 6th entry that can be a decent place for newcomers into SRPGs, other ones I can mention would be Shining Resonance Refrain, and .Hack GU Last Recode that just released back on March that come to my head at this point.

I actually enjoyed Ys 9 more than 8, mostly because it was a lot more fun exploring places due to special powers.

A great list! I'd agree, these are some of the best heavy hitters in the Switch's JRPG space. Actually, seeing all these titles, one after the other, really shows how marvelous of a system the Switch is for RPGs. And with new games and some upcoming remakes/remasters coming to the console in the coming months (I'm looking at you, Front Mission, Tactics Ogre, and Suikoden), the little Nintendo console might end up being the single best place to place JRPGs.

Nice list, some rpg”s that you could try are any of the Neptunia games, depending on which you play have some great turn based combat and another rpg I’d recommend is Grandia HD collection 2 games with one of the most interesting turn based combat system I’ve had the pleasure of playing with.

When you mentioned 13 Sentinels Aegis Rim, I knew you know your stuff. Most of the other games mentioned here were expected to be mentioned, but 13 Sentinels is truly a game you'd punt int the effort to find if you really are into story-driven games. This game is already among my greatest masterpieces of all time.

The only RPG’s I’ve played before are Breath of the Wild and Paper Mario. But then I was into the Witcher from Netflix and decided to check out the game. Oh boy, I’ve never spent so many hours on a game. Absolutely loved it. I think by the way this list went, you might like that game too! 😊

Great list!

Look out for Suikoden 1 & 2 remastered, you will fall in love with the series. Also a similar one that will be out most likely next year is Eiyuden Chronicles, they released a character teaser game recently but the final product will be amazing

Astral chain is very fun But it is challenging and very fast paced

I’d recommend shinning resonance it’s an interesting game but my favorite part is the voice acting and story it’s so well done.

really awesome list.

I had just seen the Dusk Diver games recently and thought they looked great. Looks like I'll have to get them.

I‘d highly recommend the Legend of Heroes Trails of cold steel series. It‘s a shame the first two aren‘t on switch (yet) but 3 and 4 are really strong. Also Trails from Zero is coming soon😁

C'mon man, my shmups may be tough, but there are two distinct kinds that people have slowly forgotten are actually different. The kind that you referred to is probably the Bullet Hell subgenre, and yeah it's usually wicked hard. There are a few shoot-'em-ups and two Bullet Hell games that I can recommend as entry gate games, and I'll list them in order of difficulty. They're all tough but accessible, and what changed me from casually interested to a shmup fan for life. Shoot-'Em-up entry gate games 1) Axelay for SNES. This game proved that Konami had it in them to release an amazing shmup that wasn't Gradius or Darius hard. You slowly regain your stolen weapons as you fight for the Earth's last few denizens with the only ship able to fight back, the Axelay. Each stage alternates between vertical and horizontal gameplay, and you get up to four hits before you lose your ship. Explosives, missiles and squish are the only things that will kill you instantly. My most recommended newcomer game, barring the third entry. 2) Star Soldier for N64. This game pushes the borderline a little between shmup and bullet hell, but it leans a lot more towards the former, and is the only shmup on N64 (Whaaat!) You have three different ships that make the game play very differently, with alternate paths available and no super-secret ending like a game if its scope usually has. 3) U.N. Squadron for the SNES. This is the game that made me both a shmup maniac and a gamer for life. Don't let anybody else tell you otherwise, but this game is the definitive entry gate as it has a bit of everything, with a banging soundtrack and an Easy mode that doesn't penalize you in any way. You have three pilots that all play differently: Shin who has the weakest defense but maxes out his level quickly, Mickey who picks up extra hidden weapon ammo and has medium HP and cooldown, and my guy Greg, who is an absolute tank with the best MOE but levels up the slowest. You can buy different planes that all play in unique ways. The baffling difficulty spike of the game is the cavern, and I won't spoil the clever way to win. This is the game that made me the shmup maniac I am today, and is an entry gate game that borderline isn't such as it's hard no doubt, but very doable; no kiddie gloves but encourages growth as a player and makes it easy to know where you screwed up. Way ahead of it's time and one of the fine wines of the SNES! Do try the Gamer mode when you beat Normal or Hard! Two Bullet Hell entry gate games: 1) If you can access it, Frantic 3 for Adobe Flash. It's a slow burn arcade roguelite with lot of customizability and the Easy (or is it Normal?) mode is like a destruction fever. It gently opened my at-the-time noobie eyes to the Bullet Hell genre! 2) Touhou Azure Reflections for various platforms, mine was on Switch. It's tough, but it's difficulty does not compare to it's source material. It's also a horizontal Bullet Hell, making it easier to stomach. It's got a hit system similar to U.N. Squadron, minus semipermanent health penalty. Get hit twice in quick succession, and you lose a life. Get good, sorta, and don't use a continue during boss fights, and you get to fight the final boss. Beat said and you unlock the next of three characters, whom all play differently. Challenge wise, this is the most realistic entry gate for the bullet hell genre. No kiddie gloves, but still gives you room to grow. Beat it on Easy without continuing before ramping up the difficulty. That's what I did and it made me a better bullet hell player! Honorable mentions for both: Darius Twin and Toon Shooter 2 for shmups, and G-Darius for Bullet Hell. I hope these games clear up some of the confusion, and I hope that you enjoy these tough but fun games as much as I have over the years. Edit: You've earned a subscription with your amazing list. Long live old school RPGs, and I hope you've played Cosmic Star Heroine on Switch.

Astral Chain LOVE IT, took me a few to rember some of the controls. Awesome list