1
Apex Legends
There’s no better title to kick off the list than a good ol’ battle royale. Apex Legends is one of the titles that, if you love the genre, you’ll probably end up playing for a very long time. It is pretty similar to Fortnite (which we’re pretty sure you’ve heard of) but from a first-person perspective.
It’s intense, fun, and highly competitive. You may not think that being on Switch makes it that popular, but boy would you be wrong. The console makes it even more enjoyable, and the first-person point of view only adds to the intensity. It’s by far one of the best free Switch games you could get your hands on.
2
Tetris 99
You’ve heard of Tetris, I’ve heard of Tetris. Tetris 99 is a kind-of-battle-royale stylised Tetris, where you are playing a game of Tetris that gets more challenging and quicker as time goes on. You are also playing against a bunch of other players and can attack them, picking your strategy and targeting those who you want to knock out or who are above you. It’s an intense version of Tetris.
This fairly nostalgic epic is a must-play, especially if you want to try your skills against a bunch of other players. Of course, the more training you got, the better you’ll do (goes without saying, right?). Also, it’s worth noting that you do need a Nintendo Online subscription to play.
3
Rocket League
Rocket League is a super popular Switch sports title that takes racing cars and mixes them with football – or soccer for our American friends. This creates an intense arena game that is super addictive. You can drive your car up the side of the arena, drive into the ball to slam it towards your opponent’s net, and continue to boost and race around the arena!
You can play in teams of three, and the team with the most points wins. It’s super intense, and it takes PvP to a whole new level. You wouldn’t believe how addictive it could get once you get a taste of victory – we know that first-hand.
4
Fortnite
Fortnite, though not available currently on the App Store, can be found for free on Nintendo Switch. If you’ve not heard of Fortnite, it’s a battle royale where you and a bunch of people are all dropped onto an island, building and fighting it out until only one person survives.
You can find items to help you survive and explore the map, but make sure you are always watching your back and keeping a lookout for others! Along with Apex Legends, these two make some of the finest free games on Switch, that should be in every player’s collection. However, if you’re not a fan of the action-shooter genre, you could take a look at some of the other titles on this list.
5
Super Kirby Clash
Super Kirby Clash is a free-to-start title that builds on Team Kirby Clash Deluxe from the 3DS. This game is full of boss battles, where you and three of your friends can team up as your selected Kirby to take on bosses.
Defeating them one after another in hopes to make it further. Of course, on the downside, there is some stuff you might have to purchase down the line. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the free parts as much as possible. It’s adorable, it’s fun, and it’s everything you could ever dream of from the adorable alien.
6
Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is a fighting-based game, much like Super Smash Bros: Ultimate. There are loads of characters to choose from, weapons to learn and arenas to fight in. It has a ton of characters to try out, which provides a lot of content, and there is a big community as well. Brawlhalla is a more straightforward fighting title – easier for people to pick up and play. We just want to highlight the huge collection of characters you can play as. The ever-increasing number of heroes you can learn is astonishing, and with each carrying unique combos and skills, there’s always more to be discovered.
Again, another highly competitive title, but we can’t help it since it’s one of the best free Switch games! We promise the next entry will be less-PvP-oriented! If you decide to try it out, use our Brawlhalla tier list to make your game extra pleasant.
7
Pokemon Cafe ReMix
Here is one entry that will appeal to most Pokemon and casual game players alike. This relaxing puzzler makes for a charming entry that will lure you with a delicious cup of coffee and keep you with a collection of adorable Pokemon customers. It’s got touch-based puzzles that can get quite challenging, not gonna lie, but that’s only part of it. The other part is you growing your Pokemon-filled cafe and becoming one of the best cafe owners out there. Be warned though, this title is extremely addictive!
8
Fallout Shelter
Fallout Shelter, a free-to-play Switch title that’s also been released on mobile. It allows you to build vaults that will resist the toxicity of the world. You are able to build up an entire radiation-proof resort, with bedrooms, food, and electricity, that everyone will want to move to. There are quests, people to converse with, and a lot to manage. It does have in-app purchases, but you can basically ignore them and still enjoy the free game to the utmost extent.
It might not be your typical RPG action that we’ve all gotten used to from the Fallout franchise, but it’s a much-welcome change that can be played on the go easily. Oh, and it could even be considered a good idler if you’re looking for something a tad bit more passive. In case you need help creating your own shelter, here are the best layouts in Fallout Shelter.
9
Warframe
Warframe is an action looter-shooter with beautiful graphics and a lot to unpack and understand. You’ll be exploring, looting and battling on an alien planet, taking on other players and conversing with NPCs as you explore.
It’s an impressive title and to be fair, it’s quite shocking that the entire game is free-to-play. But don’t get it wrong – we’re not complaining. In fact, we’re quite happy about it! You should definitely check it out because we’re confident this open-world, high-quality action will keep you on your toes. The fact that it’s free only makes us enjoy it even more.
10
DELTARUNE
This indie masterpiece is one of the best free Switch games you can currently get your hands on. If you heard about Undertale and loved it, but haven’t given Deltarune a try yet, it’s something you should do ASAP. Taking place after the events of Undertale, in Deltarune players face a completely different world – one where they create their own avatar and adventure into the darkness ahead, without a clue.
The battle system is exactly the same as the one in Undertale, so it’s a little tricky, but if you can manage that, then the narrative and playstyle are something to behold. Currently, the first two chapters are completely free, so you can enjoy those without having to pay a dime. As for the others, you can purchase them if you liked these!
Don’t forget to take a look at the best Switch simulation games while you are still around!
Download DELTARUNE chapters 1 & 2
11
Pokemon UNITE
If you’re a fan of MOBAs and Pokemon, then you really need to check out Pokemon UNITE – the one and only MOBA featuring some of your favourite characters from Pokemon. Each player will choose a role, then pick a character and use its skills to conquer more of the enemy territory and ultimately reach their base.
It’s a lovely game to play with friends or to make new friends, and if you haven’t had a chance to try it out yet, you should do it ASAP. We’ve also got a Pokemon UNITE tier list to help you get started!
12
Super Animal Royale
If multiplayer online games are your bread and butter, Super Animal Royale is a battle royale where your main characters are little fluffy and adorable animals. In a 2D setting, you will explore a massive map, and try to defeat anyone that comes your way – no matter their intentions. The goal is to be the last man (or in this case, critter) standing, and there should be nothing and nobody distracting you from that plan.
Super Animal Royale is one of the few battle royale PvP games that is as adorable as it is intense – there’s not much bloodshed, at least not as much as in other BRs, but it surely is merciless! A true contender in our best free games on Switch in 2023.
13
Asphalt 9: Legends
Racing games that look cool and play as well as they look are rare, but the Asphalt series is no stranger to making a successful title. In Asphalt 9: Legends you will have the same lovely setup, but with several updates – new cars, new tracks, and new setups to help players delve into a genuine racing experience on Switch.
It is one of the finest, most fun free games on Switch that you can try out right now – and if you’re curious whether or not it’s cross-platform, we got the answer for you.
14
Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 is a competitor to another title on this list – Paladins. It’s essentially a PVP shooter-MOBA, in a way. If you’ve played the original Overwatch, most of the characters are here, with a few new ones that found their way onto the roster that was colourful enough as it is. There are various standard and arcade modes, from Push to Escort and Deathmatch, it’s hard to get bored. Every character has a different playstyle and counters, so it will take a while to learn how to play each one, but it’s not a dull journey.
Still, I think Blizzard made a mistake in calling it OW2 and trying to sell it like that instead of just saying they’ve reskinned the original and added a couple of things. While it doesn’t have the same feeling or hype that the first one had, it’s still fun to play, and most importantly – it’s free!
15
World of Tanks: Blitz
Wrapping up our list of top 25 best free Switch games, we have one pick that is a favourite of many. World of Tanks: Blitz is the mobile version of World of Tanks, the battle royale featuring all sorts of tanks. That might not sound like much, but the gameplay is actually extremely fun and exciting, leaving no room for doubt.
Just like in many other PvP titles, you have several modes and more than enough characters (in this case, tanks) to choose from. Master a couple of them and your preferred role, and then start climbing the ranks of the leaderboards. World of Tanks: Blitz is no stranger to events either, every week features something new and exciting.
We even have a list of codes for WoTB, so check that out too if you decide to give it a shot!
Download World of Tanks: Blitz
16
Fall Guys
If you want a fun and free game for Switch, Fall Guys is one title you need to check out. It’s a cross-platform multiplayer battle royale where the goal is to win the rounds (which increase in difficulty) and be the last man standing. To be completely fair, it’s a chaotic title where you probably won’t understand completely what you need to do and where you can go, and will probably just mash your buttons all together hoping for the best results (which, in that situation, is understandable).
However, Fall Guys is extremely fun and if you have a few friends to check it out with, that’s even better! We are positive you’ll find it as fun as it is colourful and tumultuous!
17
Knockout City
If you’re looking for something more competitive to play on your Nintendo Switch, then Knockout City might be just the title for you. In essence, it is all about dodgeball – a game where you throw a ball at your opponent and they have to dodge it, otherwise they are eliminated. However, you take that concept and add a battle royale element to it and you have something out of this world.
In Knockout City you can customise your character and your ball in various ways, and even use some of the unique skills in order to be the last one standing, thus winning the round. It’s heaps of fun and extremely competitive, so by all means give it a try – it’s free!
18
Pokemon Quest
Yet another Pokemon game that you can enjoy for free at the start, Pokemon Quest is an adventure game where you can explore the vast world of the Pokemon universe in all of its blocky glory. The visuals are adorable; each Pokemon has a chunky, blocky appearance and you can take some of your favourite buddies on explorations, and even meet even more characters.
In Pokemon Quest you can also cook various recipes, and if you want a list of all the available recipes to attract your favourites, we have a list with all the recipes in the game.
19
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
You’ve probably heard of Yu-Gi-Oh! by now, but have you played it?
In Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel you have a close resemblance to what the original game would look like, except digitally. You collect cards, assemble a deck (or more if you will) and devise your own unique strategy to win all duels with your fellow friends and other players. It’s an online game that is also cross-platform and it features cross-save, so you can play from your Switch or mobile phone anytime without losing progress.
Becoming a Master in YGO Master Duel is no easy feat, however. How will need to play a lot of games and really understand the role of each card available to you, and always try to evolve and upgrade your strategies in order to deal with the more experienced players.
Download Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
20
hexceed
Hexceed is a puzzle game with beautiful visuals that closely resembles Minesweeper (the Windows title from back in the day). You have a number of hexes, and your goal is to uncover which of the hexes is safe, and which is dangerous. It will require a lot of strategising, and if you’ve played Minesweeper you definitely know what I’m talking about.
In hexceed there are hundreds of levels of various difficulties, and if this genre is to your liking, then you will love the game as much as we did.
21
Paladins
Paladins is a free-to-play team shooter. In the game, you have many characters and can play three modes: Siege, Onslaught, and Death Match. Each mode is different from the others, and you will definitely find your favorite one. Each character has special moves and abilities that suit their role, whether it is healing your teammates or dealing damage to your enemies. There are many characters at the beginning, and more can be unlocked as you collect coins. It can take some time to learn which tricks are best to use and which only work in certain circumstances. Therefore, Paladins is the best option for those who are willing to spend dozens of hours studying heroes.
22
Tricky Doors
Are you a fan of puzzles, hidden clues, and mystery? Then Ticky Doors is the ideal Switch game to dive into because it features all of that and a little bit more. There are a plethora of puzzles and your goal is to open doors leading to unknown places – some rather odd ones we might add. With hidden objects, hidden doors, and pathways, and uncanny clues, you will have to figure out a way out.
Tricky Doors is a title that will challenge your outside-the-box thinking, and if you’re looking for a rather challenging puzzle game that is completely free, you should definitely check it out.
23
PAC-MAN 99
You know it, we know it, probably everyone knows it by now – PAC-MAN is a legendary game that has been around for decades, and for all the good reasons. It’s a challenging title that requires fast-paced actions (and reactions), and if you think you have what it takes, then PAC-MAN 99 will bring that to the next level.
In essence, this PAC-MAN 99 is a 99-man battle royale featuring the well-known PAC-MAN and the iconic ghosts chasing it around. However, when you are playing against other players who are not just aimless AI bots, things can get a little bit… challenging (to say the least). Regardless, it’s a fun title that will keep you on your toes at all times, and it’s completely free.
24
Dauntless
An online action RPG that feels easy to play (but not that easy to master) and features beautiful graphics wouldn’t exactly suggest free-to-play, but Dauntless does exactly that and is free. You can invest a lot of time into it, and it will feel like you’ve still got a long way to go in order to reach the top. Essentially, you will play as a slayer, and your goal is to eliminate as many monsters as you possibly can.
You will pick your weapon of choice, and adventure into the unknown hunting monsters and befriending other players in your quest to take down powerful boss enemies. It’s a fun title to start, but a great one to dedicate a lot of time to. So, if you aim to find an RPG that can keep you hooked for hours on end, Dauntless is a great choice.
25
SMITE
An action-packed game where you choose your own character and battle players from all across the world, in a quest to win the match – it’s a MOBA, but unlike any other MOBA. SMITE features a third-person viewpoint, and each player will choose a god of their liking to take onto the battlefield. Each character possesses a unique skillset, and equipping the right weapons for each situation is key.
While the game is completely free-to-play, there are things that you can unlock by paying a few bucks, but that’s definitely not mandatory in order to enjoy the full-action PvP SMITE has to offer. It’s a top choice and a great title to wrap up our top picks for free games on Switch!
