The anticipated Tears of the Kingdom has been released to much acclaim and lived up to its expectations, which is no easy feat given the soaring heights of its predecesor. The game's darker and deeper premise, added tools and powers to toy with, and new multi-dimensional areas to explore have made this a compelling sequel.
Even though this new game is huge and takes a lot of time to play, people will still want more games like it on the Switch, especially because the main Zelda games make them want similar ones.
This list will show some of the best Switch games that are a lot like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and will make gamers happy.
1. Bastion
Bastion, a game that inspired many indie titles, draws from the classic 2D Zelda gameplay and captures its essence remarkably well. It stands out for its enjoyable combat, exploration, and distinctive, lively art style.
Arriving on the Switch almost a decade later, Bastion appears better than before and stands as one of the top action RPGs on the platform, offering a fantastic experience at an affordable price. It's an excellent option for Zelda fans seeking a charming adventure, often underrated among other Switch games similar to Zelda.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Building upon the rich lore and enjoyable gameplay of the popular Wii RPG, Monolith Soft delivers another triumph with this expansive and captivating Xenoblade sequel for the Switch. Similar to its predecessor, released in 2017, this game prioritizes a compelling narrative, endearing characters, and visually stunning settings.
Moreover, it features an abundance of engaging combat that stands out in its own right. Departing from the iconic Monado sword, the game shines with its distinct system reminiscent of Pokemon, known as Blades, each offering unique abilities and dynamics. The parallels with Zelda are evident in the vast, explorable landscapes and fantastical themes. Equally notable are the exhilarating battles that merge arcade-style action with diverse skills and subtlety.
3. Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age
Out of Square Enix's extensive and renowned RPG collection, it might seem unconventional to highlight the less recognized member, often considered the outlier, within the Final Fantasy series as a viable alternative to Breath of the Wild. Nevertheless, Final Fantasy 12 aligns closely with similar gameplay principles, encompassing more action-oriented combat and fantasy landscapes within semi-open worlds.
Considered an underappreciated installment sandwiched between the popular FF10 and the highly anticipated 13, FF 12, especially in its remastered Switch version, represents the pinnacle of the game. Its aesthetics and gameplay feel exceptional, while the distinctive Gambit system, coupled with various gameplay enhancements, delivers an enjoyable and intuitive combat experience. It's a captivating adventure that Zelda enthusiasts shouldn't miss.
4. Okami HD
Originally a surprise success from the now-closed Clover Studio, Okami remains a stunning blend of artistry and gameplay that has aged exceptionally well. This captivating journey bears some resemblance to Twilight Princess, notably when Link transforms into a wolf.
The majestic watercolor visuals and captivating Asian folklore in Okami blur the line between an interactive masterpiece and an action-adventure game. It boasts inventive puzzles, distinct dungeons, and enjoyable combat that fans of Breath of the Wild should find familiar and enjoyable.
5. Minecraft: Switch Edition
While the PC version of this expansive indie sandbox adventure remains unmatched, the Switch edition emerges as a top choice for handheld play, benefiting from Nintendo's touch, pre-designed maps, and expansive worlds.
Despite the liberating sense of Hyrule's open world in Breath of the Wild, Minecraft stands as a rare example that surpasses it in terms of sheer scale and magnificence. Players have almost limitless possibilities, from battling adversaries in survival mode to constructing intricate structures and delving into mines and dungeons. Minecraft embodies an entirely open, blocky rendition of a journey reminiscent of Zelda's style.
6. Tunic
Crafted by designer Andrew Shouldice, this sleeper hit seamlessly combines the Zelda-style gameplay reminiscent of Link's Awakening with Metroidvania exploration, featuring a stylish artistic approach and an isometric perspective reminiscent of 90s PC games. Additionally, there's a touch of Dark Souls influence to add an extra layer of challenge. The soft and charming visuals serve as a façade for intense combat and mind-bending puzzles.
While the game's progression may seem straightforward, Tunic surprises with its unexpected depth and gripping gameplay. Players are compelled to employ their intelligence as they navigate through 12 hours of vibrant worlds, tackle enigmatic puzzles, and confront formidable bosses.
7. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Considered the pinnacle of expansive Western RPGs, Skyrim is abundantly packed with content, featuring immersive worlds, countless dungeons, formidable enemies, and gratifying magic. Similar to Zelda, this intricate RPG adopts the fantasy essence of Dungeons & Dragons and amplifies it through extensive open worlds that entice players to delve deeper.
With Skyrim's evident impact on the sandbox style and unrestricted gameplay seen in Breath of the Wild, it's an obvious choice for fans seeking an immersive experience. Appropriately, players can even equip Link's iconic attire and wield the Master Sword in the Switch version, adding a familiar touch to the adventure.
8. Collection Of Mana
Since its inception during the early Game Boy era, SquareEnix's spinoff of Final Fantasy for handheld consoles has evolved into a commendable action RPG series. This trilogy of RPGs forms an outstanding compilation of three adventure games reminiscent of Zelda, offering extensive customization, engaging narratives, enjoyable magic systems, and breathtaking settings.
Specifically, Secret of Mana and its previously unreleased sequel feel like lost 16-bit Zelda games. For fans seeking a 16-bit Zelda experience on the Switch, it would be challenging to find a game more akin to it than this remarkable gem.
9. Hades
Combine an indie hack-and-slash frenzy with challenging roguelike elements, sprinkle in captivating Greek mythology, and you'll get Hades, released in 2020. It captures that retro Zelda essence through its relentless stream of formidable enemies and dungeon exploration.
Supergiant Games lures players in with a plethora of infernal, randomly generated dungeons teeming with unique adversaries and gratifying weapons. Similar to many roguelikes, the protagonist, Zagreus, faces daunting odds as he navigates through the expansive underworld. Despite the likelihood of repeated defeat, there's an irresistible allure to this addictive, adrenaline-pumping gameplay that keeps drawing players back for more punishment.
10. Hyper Light Drifter
An indie game of this scale rarely emerges with such widespread critical acclaim, yet Hyper Light Drifter surpasses its fame. Crafted by a small team of developers, it reshapes classic Zelda conventions into a distinctive and captivating creation.
Its rapid, demanding gameplay intertwines with a narrative that unfolds through gameplay, inviting diverse interpretations of its enigmatic cutscenes. Navigating through this deceptively intricate pixel-art world may lead players astray, but the experience is enriched by the challenge of exploration.
>>> Read more: The Best Soulslike Games To Try On Nintendo Switch