Nintendo Adventure Games That Respect Your Time
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is our top pick for most players. It offers an unmatched open world where creativity and exploration are rewarded at every turn. Its main limitation is that it can feel overwhelming due to the sheer amount of content and systems to master.
Nintendo has a rich library of adventure games, from sprawling open worlds to tight, story-driven quests. Whether you want to solve puzzles, battle monsters, or just get lost in a great story, there is an adventure for you.
We have compared the best Nintendo adventure games currently available, taking into account their unique strengths and weaknesses. This guide will help you find the perfect game to fit your play style and schedule.
The shortlist, ranked
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Tears of the Kingdom is the pinnacle of open world adventure. With a vast sky and underground to explore, it builds on Breath of the Wild with new mechanics that let you build vehicles and contraptions. The story is more direct and emotional, and the sense of discovery is unmatched.
Pros
- Massive world with endless exploration
- Creative building mechanics add depth
- Engaging story with memorable moments
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for newcomers
- Performance dips in some areas
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild revolutionized the adventure genre. It drops you into a vast, beautiful world and lets you go anywhere from the start. The physics and chemistry systems create emergent gameplay, and the shrines offer bite sized puzzles. It is a must play for any adventure fan.
Pros
- Unparalleled sense of freedom
- Brilliant puzzle design
- Stunning art style
Cons
- Weapon durability can be annoying
- Story is sparse and optional
Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread brings the classic 2D Metroid formula to modern hardware. It is a fast paced action adventure with tight controls, oppressive atmosphere, and cleverly designed areas that loop back on themselves. The E.M.M.I. robots create genuine tension, and the boss fights are challenging but fair.
Pros
- Excellent pacing and atmosphere
- Superb level design
- Challenging but rewarding gameplay
Cons
- Can be difficult for casual players
- Short playtime for the price
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a massive JRPG adventure with a compelling story about war and the meaning of life. It features a deep combat system that blends real time action with strategic positioning. The world is gorgeous and filled with secrets, and the character development is top notch.
Pros
- Emotional and thought provoking story
- Deep and satisfying combat
- Beautiful and varied environments
Cons
- Some filler content in side quests
- Combat may be complex for beginners
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a delightful 3D platformer adventure. It is easy to pick up but has enough depth for completionists. The Mouthful Mode adds silly and creative transformations, and the level design is clever and varied. It is a perfect game for kids and adults alike.
Pros
- Charming and colorful world
- Accessible for all ages
- Creative level gimmicks
Cons
- Difficulty is low for experienced players
- Co-op camera can be clunky
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses blends tactical combat with social simulation. You take on the role of a professor at a monastery and guide a house of students through battles and personal stories. The branching narrative and support conversations give it high replay value.
Pros
- Engaging story with multiple routes
- Deep tactical combat
- Strong character development
Cons
- Monastery segments can drag
- Graphics are not the best
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a clever and charming adventure set in a haunted hotel. The puzzles are inventive and use the Poltergust G-00 in creative ways. The Gooigi mechanic allows for two player co-op, and the boss battles are spectacular. It is a great game for friends and family.
Pros
- Clever puzzles and exploration
- Great co-op mode
- Beautifully animated and funny
Cons
- Some puzzles are too easy
- No online multiplayer
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Platform | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Nintendo Switch | Best Overall Adventure | 9.8 | Check price |
| 2 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Nintendo Switch | Best for Exploration Freedom | 9.6 | Check price |
| 3 | Metroid Dread | Nintendo Switch | Best for Action and Atmosphere | 9.4 | Check price |
| 4 | Xenoblade Chronicles 3 | Nintendo Switch | Best for Deep Story and JRPG Fans | 9.2 | Check price |
| 5 | Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Nintendo Switch | Best for Family Friendly Adventure | 9.0 | Check price |
| 6 | Fire Emblem: Three Houses | Nintendo Switch | Best for Tactical Strategy Adventure | 8.8 | Check price |
| 7 | Luigi’s Mansion 3 | Nintendo Switch | Best for Puzzle Solving and Co-op | 8.7 | Check price |
What matters most
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Nintendo adventure game for beginners?
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a great starting point. It has a gentle difficulty curve and is very forgiving. The game introduces mechanics gradually, and the charming world is inviting for new players.
Are there any open world adventure games on Nintendo Switch?
Yes, the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom are both open world. They allow you to explore vast landscapes in any order. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 also offers large, open areas to explore.
Can I play these games on Nintendo Switch Lite?
Yes, all these games are compatible with the Switch Lite. Some games may have slight performance differences in handheld mode, but they are playable. For the best experience, a regular Switch or Switch OLED is recommended.
Which adventure game has the best story?
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is praised for its emotional and complex story. Fire Emblem: Three Houses also has a deep narrative with branching paths. For those who prefer a more subtle story, Metroid Dread tells its tale through atmosphere and action.
Are there any adventure games with co-op play?
Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Kirby and the Forgotten Land both offer two player co-op. In Luigi’s Mansion 3, one player controls Luigi and the other controls Gooigi. In Kirby, the second player can join as a helper character.
What is the difference between an adventure game and an RPG?
Adventure games focus on exploration, puzzle solving, and narrative. RPGs emphasize character progression, stats, and often have deeper combat systems. Many games blend genres. For example, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is an RPG with adventure elements.
How long does it take to beat these games?
It varies. Metroid Dread takes about 10 to 12 hours. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is around 15 hours. Luigi’s Mansion 3 is about 15 hours. Zelda games can take 50 to 100 hours. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 can take over 60 hours. Fire Emblem: Three Houses takes 40 to 60 hours per route.
Are these games suitable for kids?
Most are suitable for kids. Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Luigi’s Mansion 3 are family friendly. Zelda games are rated E10+ and have mild fantasy violence. Metroid Dread is rated T for Teen due to sci-fi violence. Xenoblade and Fire Emblem are rated T as well.
Do I need to play previous games in the series?
No, each of these games is designed to be accessible to newcomers. You can jump in without prior knowledge. However, playing previous games may enhance your appreciation of the story and references.
Which game has the best replay value?
Fire Emblem: Three Houses has high replay value due to its multiple story paths. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom offer many side quests and collectibles that encourage revisiting. Metroid Dread has a New Game+ mode that adds challenge.
The verdict
For the best overall Nintendo adventure game, choose The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It delivers an unforgettable experience that blends exploration, creativity, and story. If you prefer a more focused and action packed adventure, Metroid Dread is a top choice. For a family friendly option, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a delight.
