Save Big On Switch RPGs – Black Friday Buyer’s Guide 2022

We’re on the cusp of the holiday season, and to start things off we already have a ton of excellent Switch RPGs on sale prior to Black Friday.

Not sure what to get yourself or someone else? Check out this guide for a wide array of Switch RPGs that are currently on sale for 50% off or more!

Persona 5 Royal

Although I’m only 30 hours into what is sure to be a much, much longer adventure, Persona 5 Royal is truly exceptional and feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. If you were holding off on playing such a gargantuan journey until it arrived on Switch shores – like I was – then what are you waiting for? This game is jam-packed full of content, especially with the addition of all the content and DLC provided through the original Royal edition, as well as the bonus DLC that came after it.

That said, Persona 5 Royal is very much one of those RPGs that continues to dole out tutorials for dozens of hours – it may feel like it takes forever to do some things, but I feel the payoff is worth it. The end result is something that I truly believe will be in the running – for now, at least – for my favorite Switch RPG of the year. ~Ben

Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

In the end, it’s this odd, grounded energy that sets Dragon’s Dogma apart from most other RPGs on the Nintendo Switch, but it earns its keep due to these unique factors. The story is a slow drip that favors a committed player and the combat is increasingly rewarding due to the way skills transfer from one class to the next. The world of Gransys is varied in a way that is gloomier than the desolate Hyrule of Breath of the Wild, yet also significantly more varied. Additionally, its Dark Arisen content adds brutal and high-level endgame challenges to the mix, offering hours of content to those who have conquered the foes of the base game. Dragon’s Dogma is a rare and special title that, even when removed from its initial launch, continues to enthrall, surprise, and delight. ~Evan Bee

Moonlighter

This roguelike stands as one of the best available among a myriad of challengers, and a must-buy for anyone who enjoys action RPGs or waxes nostalgic for the original Legend of Zelda. Despite a few flaws (some elements that need more variety and a few glitches here and there) Moonlighter remains a wonderfully fun and action-packed experience from start to finish. The progressive challenge of the dungeons and their floors never felt unbalanced or unfair, and the game’s economy moves along at a satisfying pace, avoiding the feeling of grindiness or redundancy. The balance found in Moonlighter between dungeon diving and shop keeping creates an addictive gameplay loop that will keep you saying, “One more run. One more run.” ~Jeremy Rice

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

Tales of Vesperia is an easy-to-recommend title for any traditional JRPG fan. Because it holds onto the framework of a decade old game in some ways, more modern RPG enthusiasts might have a tough time with a few of its systems. However, Vesperia easily manages to revitalize itself with updated graphics and additional content never before seen in the West. It takes a more uncommon approach to its storytelling that focuses on building up Yuri and his various companions over time rather than obsessing over the most ultimate of bad guys from the very beginning.

End-game aspirations are great to have, but mean nothing if you are not first able to cultivate the relationships with your companions – something that Vesperia does exceptionally well. While it would have been nice to see some adjustment made to some of its more dated systems (ie. lack of a quest log, etc.), Tales of Vesperia is an epic adventure that, I’m so glad, only marks the beginning for the series on Switch. ~Ben

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

One of the least talked about RPGs of 2021 actually turned out to be a wonderful surprise. If you like turn-based RPGs in general, or have always been interested in the mainline series but have never found your stride there, definitely consider giving Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin a shot. ~Ben

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

It is fortunate for RPG fans that Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch has made a home on Switch, because it is absolutely a title that every fan of the genre should have on their shelves. The epic, yet sentimental story, conglomerate of interesting game mechanics, and exceptional presentation puts this title in the upper echelon of RPGs. It isn’t perfect, but the overwhelming amount of positive traits present more than outweigh those that aren’t so great. If you give it a chance, you too will discover for yourself that the adventures of the wizard boy, Oliver, are not to be missed.

Ni No Kuni embodies every child’s dream of becoming the hero – or heroine – of their own fantasy tale, but spins it in such a way that is inviting to even the most seasoned of adventurers. ~Ben

Diablo II: Resurrected

In a time where remakes and remasters are not always well received – especially those of the Blizzard variety – Diablo II: Resurrected manages to mostly hit the mark. The new visual package is stunning despite the occasional performance hiccups. The core gameplay loop is as addicting as it was 20 years ago, and will easily appeal to anyone who enjoys grinding away for hours on end in hopes of finding bigger and better loot. The few quality-of-life adjustments here, like automatic gold pickup and the expanded/shared stash, help make things a bit more digestible in today’s environment without sacrificing the game’s identity in the process.

At the end of the day, though, Diablo II: Resurrected still feels like an older game, one that could easily be off-putting to those more accustomed to modern conveniences found in newer loot-focused action RPGs. Is Diablo II: Resurrected for everyone? Absolutely not. But those craving a truly dark, difficult (albeit slower-paced) loot-based action RPG will find lots to enjoy here. Now excuse me while I try not to die in hardcore. ~Ben

Grandia HD Collection

Grandia’s lighthearted approach to the JRPG genre makes a heavy impact even 20 + years after its initial release.

Younger JRPG fans that have enjoyed the likes of Octopath Traveler and even Xenoblade Chronicles can likely trace some of their mechanics right back to Grandia. The nuanced turn-based battle system holds up to this day, and I have faith that the younger generations will love it as well. The refreshing, lighthearted story reminds me of the moment that I finally figured out that the legendary anime Dragonball Z wasn’t simply the story of Goku, but a collective experience of all its cast members.

Similarly, Grandia is NOT Justin’s story so much as it is the story of the impact that he has on those that he encounters during his quest to become an adventurer. The gravity that comes with his determination, pure heart and strength manages to carry Grandia into a special category of JRPG greatness, one well-worth a recommendation. ~Timothy Taylor

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Thanks to the success of the Nintendo Switch, Kingdoms of Amalur gets a much needed (and well deserved) second life. Open-world adventures aren’t uncommon these days, but Kingdoms of Amalur was really special when it debuted in 2012. While it has lost some of its wow factor to the sands of time, it remains an enjoyable adventure overall, one that still has some genuine substance to it.

The Switch port of Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning has some imperfections, no doubt, but nothing so bad (in my experience) that detracts from the core open-world experience that has aged well. Yes, performance can be spotty at times, and yes, that protruding jaw bug is very real and EXTREMELY disturbing. And those reported game-breaking bugs, even though I didn’t experience them firsthand, need to be addressed STAT.

Regardless, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is still an enchanting open-world adventure from start to finish. I genuinely hope that we haven’t seen the last of this franchise. Time will tell whether this latent surge of popularity is enough to truly bring the franchise back from the dead. ~Ben

Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition

Who doesn’t like an underdog story? Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition has all the charm that you’d expect from the 16-bit, turn-based classics, with some integrated modern sensibilities that collectively bring out the best of both worlds, resulting in an essential, budget-friendly experience. What I love most here is that it proves that a game with genuine heart behind it can overcome any hurdles or preconceived notions that might come its way. Simply put, Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition is one of the best in its class on Switch. ~Ben

Romancing SaGa 3

On narrative ambition alone, Romancing SaGa 3 deserves a spot alongside the coveted RPGs of the Super Nintendo era, though it lacks the ingredients necessary to appeal to a broad audience. The gameplay is fun, and battles are immensely satisfying if you can look past its rather obtuse design. If you’re looking for something a bit different than the norm that still encapsulates that retro RPG feel, there’s a lot to enjoy in Romancing SaGa 3. Just be sure to have a guide at the ready when the going gets tough. ~Ben

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout

There are plenty of other Atelier games to be found on the Switch, and with collections of previous titles (as well as new ones) on the way, the first Ryza entry might be a hard sell. But when one weighs the sheer quality of the content on display, it’s hard to argue that Atelier Ryza isn’t among the latest and greatest of installments. Some of the barriers of entry have been reduced- time limitations are no longer an issue, material grinding comes easier and more straightforwardly, and the synthesis grid is a beautiful thing to behold. More importantly, it’s always best to start at the beginning of an adventure, and if you like it enough, Ryza 2 is also on sale right now!

For newcomers to the Atelier series, Ryza offers just about as laid-back and enjoyable an experience one can expect from a second job- for Atelier veterans, it will feel as if some load has been lifted. It’s a delightful and gorgeous game best enjoyed in small bites, as task completion can wear on the soul. When all is said and done, Atelier Ryza offers a magical, slow-paced, feast for the eyes that isn’t lacking in heart. ~Evan Bee

That’s it for this list! What games are you going to be picking up from it, and what others would you have added to it? Let us know!