Welcome to the breathtaking realm of Nintendo Switch’s Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs). A universe where virtual worlds brim with countless adventures, awaiting your daring spirit to explore. As technology evolves, it brings along the immersive gaming experiences that leave us astounded, and MMOs on Nintendo Switch stand testament to this truth.
From slaying behemoths in Dauntless to taming Temtem on floating islands, the Switch opens up vast gaming horizons. Grab your sword, bow or mystical staff, rally your allies, and embark on memorable journeys across enchanting realms. Whether you crave the nostalgia of retro-inspired CrossCode, the prehistoric challenges of Ark, or the comic book thrills of DC Universe Online, these multiplayer RPGs unleash your inner hero. So step forth brave adventurer – monstrous bosses, mystical allies, and captivating quests await in these top MMOs on the go! Adventure calls.
Table of Contents
Trove – An Exploration of Imaginative Possibilities
Trove is an enchanting blend of action RPG elements and the creative freedom found in games like Minecraft. It’s a captivating concoction that not only appeals to MMORPG enthusiasts but also to Minecraft aficionados. In Trove, you don’t just play; you shape, fight, explore, and form alliances in an expansive virtual universe.
The game offers an enticingly diverse experience where you can either embark on solitary adventures or join forces with others. The choice is yours. If you find yourself wanting the camaraderie of an active group, the game allows you to teleport directly to the action straight from the world’s starting area.
Character customization is another charming aspect of Trove. It offers an extensive class list, encompassing a whopping fifteen different choices. These range from the melodic bard to the prehistoric-themed dinomancer and the stealthy neoninja, amongst others. Each class is distinct, boasting unique abilities, special armor sets, and tailored weapons.
Your adventures are made more efficient and exciting with a mount. These trusty companions range from classic horses to mythical unicorns and formidable dragons. They can be summoned at will, aiding in your journey through the game world. Additionally, a gliding ability is available to make leaps from towering heights more thrilling and visually impressive.
Given its Minecraft-inspired aesthetics, Trove features an optional building mode. It’s not a requirement, but it does offer a whole new layer of engagement. So, you can either dive headfirst into the action RPG elements or partake in the pleasure of crafting and constructing. The choice, as always, is yours.
Neverwinter Nights – A Timeless Role-Playing Experience
Let’s step into the realm of Neverwinter Nights, a beloved BioWare classic from 2002, revived and polished to perfection in 2019 by Beamdog. Although not a traditional MMO in the strictest sense, Neverwinter Nights was a trailblazer in its time, deftly combining elements of massive, multiplayer experiences. It supports an impressive 64-player cooperation.
The 2019 remastered version breathes new life into the game with updated graphics that are much more pleasing to the modern gamer’s eye. It features more than 100 hours of compelling adventure set in the enchanting lore of the Forgotten Realms.
Neverwinter Nights may not fit the conventional definition of an MMORPG, but it’s an absolute gem that is worthy of a spot in your gaming library. The game offers a captivating RPG campaign that reaches epic proportions when shared with other players. It’s a testament to the idea that while trends may shift and new games may come along, there’s something uniquely enduring about a well-crafted, immersive, multiplayer role-playing game.
Phantasy Star Online 2 – Anticipation & Expectation
Phantasy Star Online 2, a gem of the MMO genre, has yet to reach audiences outside Japan. However, during the 2019 E3, Sega announced plans for its simultaneous release on Xbox One and PC in 2020. Given the game’s availability on the Nintendo Switch in Japan, coupled with Microsoft’s cordial relationship with Nintendo, it wouldn’t be a stretch to anticipate a western release on the Switch following its debut on Xbox One and PC.
So, why should this game pique your interest? Phantasy Star Online 2 holds a significant position among the best MMO games available on Switch, primarily due to its firm roots in the genre. Sharing similarities with Final Fantasy XIV, it offers players the freedom to unlock all character classes, though leveling them individually adds to the challenge and depth of gameplay. The game also boasts a robust action-oriented combat system, emphasizing the need for executing attack combos and well-timed counterattacks, further enriching the gaming experience.
Remnants – A Unique Journey in a Post-Apocalyptic World
Enter the world of Remnants, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in a dystopian future where a cataclysmic event has obliterated the world as we know it. As a player, you become part of a collective effort to rebuild society, while facing quests and combating adversaries that lurk in the ruins of the once thriving world.
Remnants stand apart from the crowd of online games with its plethora of unique features. Players are not confined to just battling and quest completion; they can indulge in numerous activities like forging and enchanting weapons, cooking, fishing, and more, adding another layer of immersion and authenticity to the game. The game also offers an array of distinct races, such as elves and dwarves, offering further character customization options.
What truly distinguishes Remnants from other MMORPGs is its dedication to providing a one-of-a-kind gaming experience for each player. Rather than adhering to the traditional leveling system that most MMORPGs implement, Remnants empower players to carve their own path. This freedom in choice ensures a distinct and personalized gaming experience for each player, creating a world where no two adventures are identical.
Skyforge – Immortality, Sci-fi, and RPG Confluence
Skyforge is a truly immersive and expansive massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) first made available to gamers in 2015. This vibrant creation is the brainchild of Allods Team and Obsidian Entertainment, available for platforms such as PlayStation 4, Nintendo, and PC. The game transports players into a thrilling sci-fi universe where they assume the role of an invincible hero, tasked with the formidable duty of protecting their realm from invading deities.
In a move that appeals to many, Skyforge is absolutely free to play, with the option for players to purchase in-game items using real-world money. But worry not, all the content within the game is completely accessible without any need to shell out a dime. A standout feature of Skyforge is its high-energy, action-driven combat system, providing an option for players to switch between classes, adding dynamism to the gameplay.
As players embark on their immortal journey, they can select from ten distinct classes, each offering unique abilities and styles of play. The adventure unfolds as players delve deeper into the game’s storyline, unlocking new skills, acquiring novel equipment, and enlisting allies to assist in their celestial conflict against divine invaders.
Onigiri – Mythology and Rice Balls Unite in a Unique MMO
Onigiri is a captivating free-to-play MMORPG launched by Cyberstep, in partnership with Bandai Namco Entertainment in February 2017. The game is a vibrant reflection of Japanese culture, incorporating elements from the mythology of Shinto. Players step into the shoes of one of the seven Kamikui – deities born out of mortal prayers, embarking on a quest to halt the proliferation of the Aragami, fearsome creatures birthed from human nightmares.
Onigiri, announced in February 2016 as a collaboration between Cyberstep and Bandai Namco Entertainment, is unique in its concept. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Japanese rice ball dish of the same name, Onigiri provides players a taste of cultural context in a fantasy setting. Players control their chosen characters, exploring an enchanting world filled with intriguing interactions, quests, and challenges. The game is conveniently accessible via web browsers and mobile devices, making it easy for players to dive in at any time.
Setting itself apart from other MMORPGs, Onigiri places a high premium on cooperative play. This feature encourages players to form alliances to conquer dungeons and defeat intimidating bosses, or simply enjoy the social aspects of the game by chatting and interacting with other adventurers. This collective aspect provides a sense of community within the game, adding another layer to its appeal.
Elemental Knights R – An Odyssey of Adventure and Transformation
Beginning its journey as a mobile MMORPG, Elemental Knights R earned itself a spot on the Nintendo Switch in 2018. As a player, you have the opportunity to create a character from an assortment of four diverse classes – Fighter, Cleric, Thief, and Wizard. These characters provide the base for an unforgettable adventure through an anime-styled universe, chock-full of exciting quests.
A central aim in Elemental Knights R is to advance your character to one of the higher-tier classes. Options for advancement include powerful roles like Guardian, Magiknight, Monk, Assassin, Bishop, and Warlock. Furthermore, for those aiming even higher, there are the highly advanced Dragon-themed classes like Dragon Buster, Dragon Lancer, and Dragon Saber. For the legendary enthusiasts, classes such as Samurai and Ninja are available. In essence, Elemental Knights R always offers something to strive for.
With its expansive open world encompassing diverse biomes, an abundance of group-oriented content, daily quests, and a veritable treasure trove of cosmetic equipment for those who love to customize their characters, Elemental Knights R is definitely a worthy contender if you’re on the hunt for one of the best MMO games available on Switch.
Ark Survival Evolved – A Survival Quest with a Prehistoric Twist
Ark Survival Evolved challenges you to assert your survival instincts in a world where dinosaurs are not extinct but very much a part of your existence. This MMO survival game features an engaging companion system that sets it apart from its peers.
The game boasts over 80 types of dinosaur-inspired creatures that can be harnessed as mounts and allies in combat. However, these prehistoric beings won’t be at your service readily. First, you have to subdue them, heal them, and nurture them back to health.
In Ark Survival Evolved, survival doesn’t come easily. The game demands you to adapt and embrace its survival mechanics, which include continuous consumption of food and water to maintain health, managing fatigue, and crafting tools and shelter. These gameplay elements collectively make the game an exhilarating survival adventure with an immersive prehistoric twist.
Temtem – A Unique Adventure in the Skies
Embarking on a new journey in the realm of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), Temtem is an upcoming game set to make its debut on PC and Nintendo Switch. This unique game is the first of its kind, enabling players to capture, engage in battles with, and trade mythical creatures known as Temtem in an interactive online environment.
In Temtem, players are immersed in an enchanted world of floating islands known as the Archipelago of Temtem. Your journey begins at the lowest island, with the goal to climb your way up, uncover new Temtem creatures, and unveil the world’s hidden secrets along the way.
Temtem is set in the expansive world of Airia, where players collect and train their Temtem to compete against other tamers in the region. Your ultimate goal? To earn the title of the most formidable tamer in Airia.
Drawing heavy inspiration from the iconic Pokémon games, Temtem shares a similar battle system. However, it also pioneers new gameplay aspects, such as cooperative multiplayer and a creative crafting system, setting it apart from its influences.
CrossCode – A Time-Travelling Action RPG Adventure
CrossCode, a free-to-play action RPG for PC and Mac, transports players to a dystopian future. Its innovative gameplay introduces a unique “time-travel” mechanism that permits players to alternate between two distinct versions of the game’s world, opening up a multitude of playstyle possibilities.
Taking its cues from classic 16-bit action RPGs like Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger, and Zelda: A Link to the Past, CrossCode combines the nostalgia of yesteryears with the excitement of the future. Set in a world teetering on the brink of catastrophe, this action-packed MMORPG boasts a compelling blend of 2D pixel graphics and 3D environments, along with a challenging combat system that prioritizes both skill and timing.
CrossCode made its way onto Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms in September 2018, and later debuted on Nintendo Switch in July 2020. This innovative game is the brainchild of a two-person team, David Münnich and Manuel Schenk, who together form Leudin Games.
Dauntless – A Battle for Survival Against Behemoths
Originally brought to life by Phoenix games and shared with the world through Epic Games, Dauntless is a thrilling game available on the Nintendo Switch. Set in a world of fantasy, this game places players in a land ravaged by cataclysmic events. These apocalyptic circumstances have left the world in ruins, leaving the surviving human population at the mercy of enormous creatures known as Behemoths.
The task of facing these behemoths falls to the Slayers, brave warriors entrusted with the responsibility of defeating these beasts. Upon achieving their goal, they seize the opportunity to loot the defeated Behemoths, using their spoils to craft formidable weapons, all to prepare for the next, even more challenging Behemoth encounter.
In the gaming community, Dauntless has earned the label of being a blend of Fortnite and Monster Hunter. This comparison arises due to the game’s hybrid nature of monster hunting, akin to Monster Hunter, combined with the online gameplay style reminiscent of Fortnite.
In Dauntless, players navigate their world from a third-person perspective, battling against Behemoths with a diverse range of weapons. Each weapon type brings with it its own unique combination and playstyle. Moreover, missions in Dauntless are structured to provide guidance on the most effective weapons and armor to use against specific Behemoths. From the crushing power of war-hammer-style weapons to the swift strikes of jaw blades, Dauntless offers every player a chance to find their perfect match in this online, monster-slaying journey.
Dragon Quest X – An Innovative Blend of Classic and Modern Gameplay
Despite currently being exclusively available in Japan, Dragon Quest X, a part of the long-standing MMORPG series, presents an ingenious fusion of classic Dragon Quest gameplay with the conventions of typical MMORPGs. Players are free to explore an open world, accepting quests along their journey. When encountering a monster, the game switches to a turn-based combat phase, evoking memories of the core Dragon Quest games.
Dragon Quest X also introduces some fascinating applications of the traditional MMO party system. Players can join a party of three to combat monsters or borrow an offline character to strengthen their team. The borrowed character continues to accumulate experience points and gold even when offline, with the possibility of being loaned to up to three different characters concurrently.
This innovative system also accommodates those who prefer solitary MMORPG gameplay, allowing them to borrow powerful existing players to form a potent party. With the addition of a job system that enables players to adopt various roles, trade skills, form guilds, and more, Dragon Quest X stands as one of the best MMO games available on Switch. We can only hope for its western release in the near future.
Diablo III – An Immersive World
First launched in 2012, Diablo III continues to capture the attention of gamers worldwide even today. Further extending its reach, this highly-popular Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) was brought to the Nintendo Switch in 2018, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in its gripping gameplay, anytime and anywhere.
Diablo III unfolds within the hauntingly beautiful and dark fantasy world of Sanctuary, wherein lies your colossal task: to vanquish the Lord of Terror, Diablo. As a player, you get the chance to inhabit one of seven unique classes, each distinguished by their special skills and abilities.
The game is filled to the brim with captivating activities: from undertaking riveting quests and exploring the depths of dungeons to engaging in exhilarating Player versus Player (PvP) battles. Diablo III serves as an exceptional gaming choice for Nintendo Switch owners who crave a dark fantasy world teeming with immersive experiences.
DC Universe Online – A Journey in the DC Comics Universe
DC Universe Online (DCUO) offers gamers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of DC Comics through a massively multiplayer online game, free to play. A collaborative creation of Daybreak Game Company, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and DC Entertainment, DCUO first saw the light of day in January 2011 with its release for PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows, followed by a Mac version in August the same year.
Set in the imaginary universe of DC Comics, DCUO weaves a narrative where players can bring to life their superheroes or villains and engage with familiar characters from the DC Comics world. This game is set in a 3D environment, enabling players to connect and interact with their fellow gamers globally.
Even though the game garnered mixed reviews at its launch, the developers have committed to enhancing the game by continually adding new content and features. In March 2016, they announced plans to expand the game’s availability to Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
In terms of gameplay, DCUO mirrors other MMORPGs. Players begin their journey by creating a character, exploring the game’s universe, and completing quests. Two forms of in-game currency exist: money and experience points, with the former facilitating the purchase of in-game items.
The game places players in an interactive universe, featuring renowned locations such as Gotham City and Metropolis. Players get the chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder or go head-to-head with their favorite DC Super Heroes and Villains, including iconic figures like Batman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor.
Warframe – Venture into a Sci-Fi World
At a first glance, Destiny 2 and Warframe seem like identical twins, both dwelling in a sci-fi universe, boasting a multitude of mystical classes for gamers to inhabit, and placing a major emphasis on treasure collection. However, among the two, only Warframe can be enjoyed by Nintendo Switch users.
Although Warframe might not seem as polished as Destiny 2, it compensates for this with its entirely free-to-play model. To top it off, it has earned praises for its fair monetization practices, offering a complete gaming experience at no cost, provided you are ready to invest time and effort.
But be prepared: Warframe is all about the grind. The game’s central appeal lies in this relentless pursuit of resources through its captivating shooter gameplay. Every move you make, every battle you win, leads to accumulating valuable resources which can be utilized to acquire new Warframes – the game’s unique classes – and powerful weaponry.
Given that Destiny 2 isn’t currently available on the Switch and doesn’t appear to be coming anytime soon, it’s a no-brainer that Warframe stands out as one of the top MMO games on Switch. The credit for this smooth transition to the portable console goes to Panic Button, the skilled developers behind successful ports of DOOM and Rocket League. You can thus look forward to a high-quality handheld rendition of this popular loot shooter.
