Since its release, Elden Ring has easily been one of the most talked-about games. Elden Ring is a role-playing video game directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki of FromSoftware, creator of the popular games Bloodborne and Dark Souls.
The game is a highly immersive open-world game where players must explore the Land Between and encounter enemies and non-player characters (NCPs). The players’ task is to restore the shattered pieces of the Elden Ring from each demigod and become the Elden Lord.
With news of its release in February 2022, gamers like me were extremely excited to play it until I discovered the game was available on every other gaming platform except Nintendo Switch.
So I decided to find similar games on the platform after reading up on its synopsis. You don’t have to look so hard for several cool games like Elden Ring, as I’ve curated a list for you to get started immediately.
Also Read: Best GameStop Alternatives
Best Games Like Elden Ring On Switch
1. Dark Soul Remastered
Dark Souls Remastered is a remastered version of the Dark Soul games series by Fromsoftware. This game is also the first version of the game series to be available on Nintendo Switch.
Like Elden Ring, Dark Soul Remastered is a role-playing action game in a medieval/dark fantasy kingdom known as Lordran. Here, you’d have to take on the role of an undead warrior who has to preserve the Age of Fire to end the curse of the undead or let it die to usher in the Age of Darkness.
You’ll have to fight off enemies, deal with dragons, acquire souls and spells to survive, and buy items to get through your quest. Besides its dark fantasy theme, Dark Soul Remastered makes for interesting gameplay because every second decides whether you will live or die.
It has a very difficult game level that requires precision in planning and combat to scale through. Elden Ring shares the same feature.
The storyline is non-linear and advances as the game progresses. However, Dark Soul Remastered has a more interesting game design, impressive gameplay tweaks, and a compelling narrative centered around death.
You can easily play this game on your Nintendo Switch.
Also Read: Can You Track A Nintendo Switch?
2. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is another Metroidvania game type. It is an action game developed by Team Cherry, with the protagonist being a nameless insectoid warrior known as the Knight.
The game is set in a fallen insect kingdom, Hallownest, plagued by a supernatural disease known as the infection and now ridden with monsters. As the player, you must take on the Knight role and explore the Hallownest meeting with good and bad game characters, NCPs, and bosses (computer-controlled opponents).
Your mission is to find and defeat enemies and bosses to eliminate the infection in Hallownest. Although Hollow Knight and Elden Ring are action-adventure games with impressive storylines and combat levels, they still differ.
First, Hollow Knight is set in a fallen insect kingdom, while Elden Ring is set in a fantasy human world. Hollow Knight is a 2D hand-drawn, side-scrolling game type. Although the game heavily features a mute color scheme, there’s no denying that Hollow Knight has a unique visual.
You can also upgrade your Knight weapons and abilities using ‘Charms,’ which give you special abilities like better attack range, increased number of souls from defeats, etc.
Overall, if you enjoy games heavily focused on combat and exploration, you’ll enjoy playing Hollow Knight.
Explore: Best Steam Alternatives For PC Gaming
3. Salt and Sanctuary
If you’re looking for another cool game similar to Elden Ring, consider Salt and Sanctuary. This hand-drawn 2D role-playing game was created and released by Ska Studios.
If you’re an avid gamer like me, you can almost immediately tell that Salt and Sanctuary bears striking similarities with the Dark Souls game series. The game is focused on the player, a sailor washed ashore on the Salted Island, a mysterious island, after losing the princess he’s supposed to protect.
The player now has to fight through monsters to find the princess, take ‘salt,’ the island currency in exchange for new equipment, fight a ‘Nameless God’ and end the cycle of war on the island.
One striking feature about Salt and Sanctuary is that it has a vast amount of items players can use in the course of their quest. You can opt for two-handed weapons, have access to magic spells, and even perform range attacks.
I like that the game lets you customize your player to your preference. Most of all, the most interesting similarity between the game and Elden Ring is that both are RPG games that are fully immersive with dark themes.
You can customize players and weapons to suit your needs, and both games focus on exploration, combat, and survival strategy. However, Elden Ring focuses on a fantasy world, while Salt and Sanctuary has a gothic feel.
Salt and Sanctuary doesn’t have a vast storyline like Elden Ring, which makes it a great choice for RPG beginners who also like a tough game.
Check Out: Best Anno Games
4. The Legend of Zelda
If you’re a longtime gamer using Nintendo Switch, it is almost impossible not to have come across The Legend of Zelda game series. It is one of the longest-running games series (1986 until present) on the Switch.
The game is centered on two protagonists, Link and Princess Zelda, who have to fight foes and save the land of Hyrule from the villain Ganon, a demon king who is the incarnation of an evil warlord.
The game series features interesting elements of exploration, combat, puzzles, and what some may describe as an RPG. Like Elden Ring, the Legend of Zelda is an open-world game that allows players to explore the game however they want.
However, the game makes things more interesting by including puzzle-solving levels where players must use their problem-solving skills instead of combat to solve certain challenges.
The Legend of Zelda game series is also known for its unique soundtracks, which have garnered popularity among the game’s enthusiasts. If you need a game like Elden Ring that you can play on Switch, there’s no reason why you should consider this.
It features impressive gameplay, which is no surprise why it is one of the most influential games ever.
Also Read: Webopoly Reviews, Alternatives, History
5. Ashen
Developed by A44 and published by Annapurna Interactive, Ashen is an action role-playing game similar to Elden Ring. This game is centered in a darkened world and the Ashen Rebirth, which casts a light upon the world and as the player, you must ensure that the new light survives.
During your journey, you’ll meet with others who will cooperate with you or fight against you. Ashen features an open-world exploration where players can explore the game at their pace and their choice determines how the story unfolds.
The game also features combat elements similar to what you’d typically find in the Dark Souls series. Ashen isn’t as difficult as Elden Ring, which makes it a nice game for those who aren’t up for tough challenges.
The weapons in this game comprise mostly range and melee weapons, and characters are enhanced based on the equipment and ‘Talisman’ you have. I like that Ashen features a multiplayer mode where you can play with other characters.
It is almost impossible not to be impressed by the game’s minimalistic visuals with dark color schemes that give the game an air of mystery.
Check Out: Best Games Like Okami
6. Blasphemous
If you’re a fan of mystic, fantasy-themed games, you’ll like Blasphemous. It is a Metroidvania-type game developed by the Spanish studio The Game Kitchen and published by Team 17.
Set in Cvstodia, a cursed land affected by The Miracle, transforming its people into weird, twisted monsters. The game is centered on the protagonist, the Penitent One, who happens to be the only survivor of a brotherhood known for its vow of silence.
The Penitent One has to go on a quest to rid the land of its curse. To do this, he has to combat monsters and foes to redeem Cvstodia. I especially like the Execution mode, where the protagonist gets to dismember his enemies, displayed in clear, almost life-like visuals.
Blasphemous is also popular for its intense, fast-paced combat style, especially Boss Battles, where you need strategy and quick action to learn your foes’ moves and strike back quickly.
Like Elden Ring, Blasphemous offers a non-linear world system where players can explore different yet interconnected landscapes in their quest. The most striking feature of the game is its dark, gothic style that emphasizes cryptic religious symptoms, themes, and concepts which lends the game a slightly eerie tone.
Its storyline also follows the same pattern as cryptic, with many underlying messages that leave players intrigued and wanting to play. If you’re a fan of games with a weird, unsettling storyline and dark gothic theme, you should consider Blasphemous.
Check Out: Best Games Like Omori
7. Dark Devotion
Like Hollow Knight, Dark Devotion is a hand-drawn 2D side-scrolling video game, one of the most popular alternatives to Elden. It was developed by Hibernian Workshop and published by The Arcade Crew.
The game spans four different worlds and focuses on a Templar Knight who has to test their faith and explore a ruined temple. As the player, you’d have to fight against demons and bosses to rid the temple of these dark creatures.
Dark Devotion features elements of combat, puzzles, and exploration. The player can attack, block, parry, and dodge, although these moves reduce the amount of stamina you have.
However, you easily earn ‘Faith’ when you kill foes which you can use to purchase new abilities. Through exploration, the Templar Knight will encounter NCPs and bosses who you’ll have to defeat to progress through that path.
Dark Devotion follows a dark, religious theme. I also like that players can explore different paths in its interconnected world and still not alter the game’s storyline.
Finally, the game offers a wide variety of weapons for combat like Elden Ring.
Check Out: Best Games Like Roblox
8. Dead Cells
Eager to try out a game like Elden Ring? Consider playing Dead Cells. This game is described as a rogue-like Metroidvania RPG game released by Motion Twin.
Dead Cells is focused on an amorphous creature called the Prisoner caught up in a diseased island and can only leave by slaying the Island King. However, you’d need to navigate through obstacles and mutated creatures to get to the Island King and succeed in your mission.
One of the reasons why Dead Cells is popular among gamers is due to its challenging game design. You must start all over and lose all purchases once killed by the enemy, and the run becomes different because the island changes once you die.
However, you can unlock permanent upgrades that give you access to better weapons and abilities that make you stronger than before. Dead Cells features an element of exploration that lets players acquire weapons and abilities as they explore each level of the game.
This game also features a fast-paced combat mode where players can access over fifty weapons and spells for a tough yet satisfying combat experience. You can choose which challenges, weapons, and enemies to face with its Custom Mode.
Dead Cells also has an Aspect feature that provides useful boosts for a seamless gaming experience.
Also Read: Best Slope Game Alternatives
9. Death’s Gambit
Death’s Gambit is a side-scrolling role-playing game created by White Rabbit. It was published by Adult Swim Games. The game focuses on the player bound by a contract to help Death eradicate immortality.
The player challenges guardians of the Siradon realm where immortality lies. Death’s Gambit also features an expansive world where players can explore over 20 different levels and meet with different characters across each level.
You can choose from over 100 talents on the skill tree and playable classes to improve your combat style. If you’re in for a tough game, Death’s Gambit challenges you to fight off 20 bosses and this requires precision and strategy to overcome.
The game also features a heroic mode where defeated bosses return to life immediately after fighting them for a new, more difficult challenge where you must adopt their strategies to win.
Death’s Gambit lets you customize your character by choosing the type of weapon you prefer and how you want to wield them. You also get to craft your unique weapons from items you find worldwide.
Death’s Gambit easily makes it to this list because it isn’t just a tough game; it has a beautiful 2D, pixel-art aesthetic and an incredible, haunting soundtrack that enhances the game’s mood and tone.
Explore: Best Steam Link Alternatives
10. Dragon’s Dogma
Another cool game like Elden Ring available on the Switch is Dragon’s Dogma. Like Elden Ring and many other games on this list, it is a role-playing action game by Capcom.
The game is set in the fantasy world of Gransys and focuses on the human protagonist known as the Arisen who is tasked with defeating Grigori, a dragon who ripped out the protagonist’s heart and is said to herald the end of the world.
As the game progresses, you must battle monsters and uncover dark conspiracies. The most interesting feature of Dragon’s Dogma is the infusion of Pawns, which support the Arisen in Combat and offer useful hints and information.
The game focuses more on hand-to-hand combat or climbing on bosses rather than weapon use. I also like that Dragon’s Dogma features an open-world environment.
However, it takes things up by including a city setting where hundreds of NCPs move about, giving a life-like city effect.
I also like the day-night cycle and weather effects, which make the game more human. Dragon’s Dogma is reasonably difficult, and I like that players have to fight enemies for the game to become easier.
On the other hand, if you avoid combat, your enemies become stronger. Dragon’s Dogma is an interesting game, especially with its unique pawn system.
Explore: Best Oculus Alternatives
11. Monster Hunter
Monster Hunter is a fantasy-themed, Japanese role-playing game series released by Capcom. In this game, you’ll have to take on the role of a Hunter, whose quest is to capture or defeat certain monsters troubling the villagers across various landscapes.
Sometimes, the task may be to recover certain items the enemies possess. When you win a monster, you gather loot and quest rewards which you can use for purchases.
I like that Monster Hunter allows for collaborative gameplay where you can play with up to four other players. Over time, the game series has become one of the best-selling games by Capcom due to its impressive graphics and gaming features.
For instance, players can access various weapon classes; however, you must watch out for your health and stamina during combat. With each reduction, you’d need to return to the base camp, and after three retreats, you’ll lose the mission.
The major similarity between Monster Hunter and Elden Ring is that they’re both fantasy-themed RPG games.
Check Out: Best Poki Alternatives
12. Elder Scrolls
The Elder Scrolls is an RPG series developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It features an open-world environment and is set in the fictional continent of Tamriel.
Elder Scrolls combines both fantasy and medieval elements including elves, humans, orcs, and even anthropomorphic animals. As the Hero of the game, you have to defeat enemies and explore different paths to earn rewards.
I like the open-world environment that lets the player act on their own accord which is similar to Elden Ring. However, Elder Scrolls is a lot easier to play than Elden Ring and doesn’t require as many combat mechanisms to defeat enemies.
I like that you don’t have to spend a lot of time strategizing and learning combat skills. Besides, you have access to magical spells and abilities that make the gameplay as interesting and immersive as possible.
Explore: Best Games Like Kingdom of Loathing
13. The Witcher
Based on the book series ‘The Witcher’ by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher is a fantasy, action RPG created by CD Projekt Red and released by CD Projekt.
The game revolves around Geralt of Rivia, a famous monster hunter who has to defeat dangerous monsters in a world of magic. The Witcher game series infuses elements of combat and exploration along with decision-making for players to successfully complete their quests.
I like that the game allows players to communicate with NCPs and their choices also affect the outcome of the game. You can customize Geralt’s skills, upgrade his fighting weapons/armor and even craft unique gear using the resources gathered as the game progresses.
The Witcher game series is a great option to try out because it offers a partially open-world environment like Elden Ring and also has dynamic gameplay. It is cited as one of the best sellers of all time.
Check Out: Best Lost Ark Alternatives
Conclusion
You don’t have to worry about not having access to the Elden Ring on your Switch. Each game discussed in this list is interesting, with fascinating narratives and elements of exploration and combat that Elden Ring has.
Whichever one you choose, you can be sure to have a satisfying gaming experience.
Enjoyed the post?
