When it comes to Switch, realistic or immersive games aren't typically what come to mind — with style and simplicity often reigning. Yet, there are some titles that venture into deeper, grittier territory, which can feel alluringly real and authentic.
Switch naturally offers ports and remasters of some higher-end games, which hold up surprisingly well on Nintendo's hybrid console. Yet, whether taking in the glow of their TV set, or on the go, there are also some great exclusives which immerse and enrich gamers.
8 The Long Dark
Metascore: 76
The Long Dark
- Released
- August 1, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Hinterland Studio
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Hinterland Studio brings gripping gritty realism through The Long Dark's vast, immersive environments — specifically the icy Canadian wilderness — and detailed first-person survival gameplay. Players will brave a dozen distinct regions while evading dangerous wildlife and managing their hunger, fatigue, body temperature, and even calorie levels.
These separate metrics need to be managed even more closely in the grueling Survival Mode. For instance, players will need to get a fire going during the even more treacherous and chilly nights. Story Mode streamlines certain aspects while adding a more involved, cinematic feel, as players shift roles between a crash-landed bush pilot and his physician passenger.
7 Endless Ocean Luminous
Metascore: 60
Endless Ocean Luminous
- Released
- May 2, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Arika
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Like its Wii predecessor, this calming trip on Switch fell somewhat under the radar. While reception is more mixed when it comes to Luminous, it's a satisfying template for those seeking a deep ocean simulator on-the-go. What the experience lacks in thrilling, raw gameplay elements, it makes up for in its alluring atmosphere and chill, peaceful vibe.
Best Open-World Underwater Exploration Games
The deep, blue unknown is the perfect setting for an exploration game.
Gamers assume the role of a scuba diver exploring the Veiled Sea while examining the diverse, awe-inspiring marine life within. This Switch sequel adds a bit more depth through shifting regions, explorable shipwrecks and other landmarks, and online play with up to 30 players. As can be the case in real-life, Endless Ocean Luminous thrives on its more aimless, unpredictable, and low-key nature.
6 Cities: Skylines
Metascore: 67
Cities: Skylines
- Released
- March 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Colossal Order
- Genre(s)
- City Builder
Gamers may recognize clear 'sim'-ilarities here, in the form of Will Wright's iconic Sim City. Yet, City Skylines shines as a uniquely robust, well-crafted city-builder for home console. It's chock-full of detail in terms of presentation and managing mechanics.
Players can enjoy countless hours watching their small town expand into a bustling city full of content citizens and street grids, as well as an increasing list of unlockable buildings and features. With a slew of tools allowing players to build a vast, complex city from the literal "ground-up", Cities: Skylines brings a realistic dimension to the Switch library.
5 Dave The Diver
Metascore: 88
Dave the Diver
- Released
- June 28, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Mintrocket
- Genre(s)
- Simulation, Adventure
This charming hybrid game has quickly become among the most notable, award-winning indies of the last decade. At first glance, the colorful action romp is seemingly anything but realistic. Yet, Dave the Diver captivates in a manner that's authentic and rich despite its stylized look. By day, players plunge into the wondrous ocean rife with diverse fish species to catch for their growing sushi restaurant.
By night, they'll become the manager of the sushi restaurant, overseeing the cooking of these delectable fish, gaining satisfied customers and thus cash. The game impresses with its fun, innovative blend of action/adventure and simulation, along with its literal and figurative depth. The game serves as a charming, pixelated simulation of a talented, dedicated restaurant owner and deep sea diver.
4 Alien: Isolation
Metascore: 83
Alien: Isolation
- Released
- October 7, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Creative Assembly
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Killer aliens aside, this intense horror romp from Creative Assembly is about as realistic looking and feeling as one can get on Nintendo's console. Dripping with a palpable, chilling ambiance around every ship corridor, Alien Isolation makes players feel as though they're reliving the terrors of Ellen Ripley, straight from Ridley Scott's sci-fi thriller.
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Every decision, no matter how small, can lead to big consequences in the horror genre. These horror games place a heavy emphasis on player choice.
This isn't far from the truth, as players assume the role of her daughter Amanda, who must tip-toe around a deadly alien threat. Dropped into a shadowy setting with little to aid them, players are made to feel vulnerable in this chillingly immersive survival horror — which plays and looks surprisingly great on Switch.
3 Subnautica
Metascore: 86
Subnautica
- Released
- January 23, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment
With its expansive underwater setting, thorough survival elements, and smooth, well-crafted gameplay, Subnautica brings an experience that's rewarding and realistic. Players are dropped into eerie solitude — the only survivor of a crashed spacecraft who must find their way through this oceanic biome and weather its unpredictable, often hostile findings.
Though feelings of smallness and danger persist — especially when night creeps in — the game grants ample freedom in the actions of protagonist Ryley. Players can interact with and fight off wildlife, gather resources, craft tools, and construct bases and submersibles. Many usual survival elements are here, including the pressing need to maintain oxygen levels.
2 Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Royal Edition)
Metascore: 69
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- Released
- February 13, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Warhorse Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Think Skyrim without the dragons and magic, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance might be the result. Of course, there's a great deal more to this game, which can be described as closer to a "Medieval Soldier Simulator" than a fantasy RPG. Indeed, much care by Warhorse Studios was put into this epic when it comes to the deep sense of realism and authentic historical portrayals.
Players set out on a memorable journey through the Kingdom of Bohemia at a time of much political strife and warfare. Players will equip themselves with bulky armor and blades as they lead a resistance movement against an invading Hungarian king, chatting with many colorful characters and growing in strength along the way, by way of new goodies and branching questlines.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Metascore: 97
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Nintendo's rich fantasy epic has seen various forms in its storied history. Among the most notable is this stylistic, yet refined Link adventure — which is still scarcely matched in terms of detail or dynamic physics after several years.
As players can aim their sharp-shooting bow with subtle motion controls, hit different weather conditions, play with objects in unique ways, and even solve Shrines with separate methods, this Zelda game truly comes to life. With so much to plunder, explore, fight, and tinker with, Breath of the Wild brings countless hours of fun and awe.
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Regardless of quality, these games take up the largest amount of install space on the Nintendo Switch platform.