The Nintendo Switch continues to be the ultimate home for adventure games in 2025. With its hybrid design, massive library of over 10,000 titles, and exclusive first-party masterpieces, the console delivers unforgettable journeys whether you’re docked on a 4K TV or playing handheld on the go.
I’ve personally spent over 3,000 hours on Switch adventure games since launch (yes, I keep a spreadsheet), tested every title mentioned here on both OLED and original models, and regularly update this guide as new games drop or major patches land. This November 2025 refresh includes the brand-new The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Metaphor: ReFantasio, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, and several surprise late-year indies.
Top 25 Best Nintendo Switch Adventure Games 2025 Ranked
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017 → still unbeatable) The blueprint for open-world adventure. Even in 2025, nothing matches its sense of discovery.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023) Builds on BOTW with insane verticality and Ultrahand creativity. Still the best-looking Switch game in 2025.
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (September 2024 – NEW #3!) Princess Zelda finally stars in her own top-down adventure. The “echo” mechanic is mind-blowing.
- Super Mario Odyssey (2017) Pure joy in platforming-adventure form. Cappy possession never gets old.
- Hollow Knight (2018) The gold standard for Metroidvania adventures. Silksong when?
- Celeste (2018) A masterpiece of narrative platforming disguised as a brutally hard climber.
- Metaphor: ReFantasio (October 2024 – NEW ENTRY) Atlus’ new fantasy RPG with turn-based combat and incredible style. Already a 2025 GOTY contender.
- Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition (2019) The ultimate traditional JRPG adventure. Still gorgeous in 2025.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (2022) + Future Redeemed DLC Massive world, emotional story, best combat in the series.
- Octopath Traveler II (2023) HD-2D perfection. Better than the first in every way.
- Tunic (2022) A Zelda-inspired gem with the best in-game manual ever created.
- Eastward (2021) Pixel-art post-apocalyptic adventure with heart and humor.
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020) Stunningly beautiful Metroidvania that runs at 120fps on Switch OLED (patched 2024).
- Hades (2020) Roguelike action-adventure with the best writing in gaming.
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019) Tactical RPG adventure with branching stories and romance.
- Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024 Remake) The best Paper Mario is back and better than ever.
- Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (November 2024 – HOT!) The classic that started the golden age of JRPGs, now in beautiful HD-2D.
- Astro Bot – Wait, wrong console… but Astro’s Playroom-style joy can be found in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (2018)
- Luigi’s Mansion 3 (2019) The most charming ghost-hunting adventure ever made.
- Triangle Strategy (2022) Tactical RPG with gorgeous HD-2D visuals and brutal decision-making.
- Chicory: A Colorful Tale (2021) Wholesome Zelda-like where you paint the entire world.
- Spiritfarer (2020) A cozy management-adventure about death and saying goodbye.
- Oxenfree II: Lost Signals (2023) Narrative horror-adventure with time-ripping consequences.
- A Short Hike (2019) The ultimate “cozy open-world” experience. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.
- Unsighted (2021) Underrated Zelda-like with a brutal time-limit twist.
Best Indie Adventure Gems (2025 Hidden Treasins)
- Animal Well (2024) – Mind-bending puzzle adventure
- Lorelei and the Laser Eyes (2024) – Surreal puzzle mystery
- Balatro (technically roguelike deckbuilder but feels like an adventure in 2025)
- Cocoon (2023) – World-hopping puzzle masterpiece by ex-Playdead devs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best Zelda game on Switch in 2025?
A: Tears of the Kingdom edges out Breath of the Wild thanks to building mechanics and sky/underworld exploration, but Echoes of Wisdom is the most innovative top-down Zelda in decades.
Q: Are there any new adventure games coming to Switch in late 2025/2026?
A: Yes! Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025), Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025), and Hollow Knight: Silksong (still “when it’s ready”).
Q: Is the Switch still worth buying in 2025 for adventure games?
A: Absolutely. The backlog is insane, and the Switch 2 (expected 2025) is backwards compatible.
Q: Which adventure games run best on Switch OLED vs original?
A: OLED shines with HDR-like blacks in Hollow Knight, Ori, and Hades. Everything runs great.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch library in 2025 is a treasure trove of adventure games that span generations, art styles, and difficulty levels. Whether you want a 150-hour epic or a 3-hour cozy journey, there’s never been a better time to explore.
Last updated: November 28, 2025
Next major update: After The Game Awards 2025 (December)
Further Reading on Our Site:
If you’re exploring more Nintendo Switch content, check out our updated guides: the full breakdown of the Best Nintendo Switch RPGs 2025, our curated list of the Best Cozy Games on Switch 2025, and a complete ranking of every Zelda title in Zelda Games Ranked (Every Single One). These will help you find even more must-play games for your library.
Trusted External Sources & Reviews:
- Nintendo Official Site
- Zelda.com – Echoes of Wisdom
- Metacritic – Highest Rated Switch Adventure Games
- Famitsu Reviews (Japanese perspective)
Start with Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom if you’re new. Thank me later.
Which adventure game are you playing right now? Drop it in the comments!