Top 10 free Nintendo Switch games ranked
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Fortnite free games Nintendo Switch
Provided by Fortnite and Nintendo.

Top 10 free Nintendo Switch games ranked

How to get playing great games for free on the Switch

New games can be pretty pricey, especially when you start adding up every game you want. And there are a lot of games we want. But even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, there are luckily a ton of awesome games you can play on Nintendo Switch. Here are top 10 free games on the eShop right now!

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The top 10 free Nintendo Switch games

Nintendo Switch free games
The Nintendo Switch logo. | Provided by Nintendo.

Here are the top 10 free-to-play Nintendo Switch games, in descending order. A lot of these games are free-to-start, with paid items within, but almost entirely cosmetical. Also, not only are these games free, but all games on this list do not need a Nintendo Online subscription to play!

10. Fall Guys

While not nearly as popular as it was when it was first released, Fall Guys is the perfect kind of quick, mindless fun that you can pop in and out of. It’s a multiplayer battle royale, in the style of popular old TV shows like Wipeout. Fun both alone and with friends, Fall Guys makes the list.

9. Tetris 99

The first of its kind, Tetris 99 is a multiplayer battle royale, but with everyone trying to stay alive by successfully playing the block-stacking game that is Tetris. Simple enough, but depending on your speed and skill, you can slow down your opponents while trying to be the last one standing. As is expected, a lot of the free-to-play games on this list are battle royales, but Tetris 99 is unique thanks to its classic gameplay.

8. Warframe

Warframe Nintendo Switch
The thumbnail for the Warframe on the Switch reveal video. | Provided by Nintendo.

One of the older free-to-play games in the gaming sphere, Warframe has held the test of time. An action role-playing game and third-person shooter, Warframe brings a unique experience to free-to-play games. A story-driven game with multiplayer aspects, this game is great to try out if you can’t afford some of the more expensive games available.

7. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

Out of all the potential card games playable on the Switch, Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel stands above the rest. Thanks to its solid gameplay and replayability, it fits that free-to-play card game niche that players can have while ticking some nostalgia bones as well.

6. SMITE

In terms of free MOBAs available on the Nintendo Switch, SMITE is one of the best ones available. The third-person gameplay mixed with the more standard battle arena rules allows for some fun both grinding alone and teaming up with friends.

5. Brawlhalla

Another unique free-to-play game, Brawlhalla is the only fighting game on this list. Thanks to its classic 2D style along with its well-developed fighting gameplay, it allows players to get into the genre without having to access older titles or pay anything.

4. Apex Legends

Apex Legends Nintendo Switch
Apex Legends gameplay on the Nintendo Switch. | Provided by Apex Legends and Nintendo.

One of the best available free-to-play Switch games is also one of the best free-to-play games ever: Apex Legends. Whether you enjoy it or not, Apex has consistently been a challenging but fun romp ever since its introduction to the gaming sphere. It misses the top three since its performance on the Switch is lightyears behind the other systems it is on.

3. Rocket League

One of the best free-to-play games across all systems, Rocket League is unique thanks to its simple idea of car soccer (or football). Originally a game that needed to be paid for, it keeps its high quality while creating quick and fun gameplay with lots of potential for growth within.

2. Pokémon UNITE

The best free-to-play MOBA on the Nintendo Switch just happens to be a game exclusive to it in Pokémon UNITE. Not only has it brought together two massive communities in Pokémon and MOBA fans, but it has a lot of nuances and nice touches to it despite its relatively simple design.

1. Fortnite

What can be said that hasn’t already been said about Fortnite? Not only is it the staple battle royale game, but it’s a hallmark of free-to-play games with one of the biggest player bases known to man. While the third-person controls can take some time to get used to on the Switch, it’s still a very well-made and supported free-to-play game.

Author
Image of Michael Czar
Michael Czar
Polish-Canadian game enthusiast. I've been entrenched in gaming for as long as I can remember, with my first game being Pokemon Yellow and my most played games being Borderlands 2 and Overwatch. I have a degree in Film Studies, but writing about esports just makes my job all the better.