Asone of the best-selling consoles in video game history, the Nintendo Switch is home to a vast array of games that vary in scope and genre. While it’s more often associated with Nintendo’s own exclusives likeThe Legend of Zelda,Mario, andXenoblade, the platform has also seen strong support from third parties with major releases.
Though Nintendo’s titles are generally lighter in terms of narrative and setting, the Switch hosts some significant dark fantasy games. These titles offer grim settings, accompanied by sinister narratives where hope has long been abandoned by the characters, creating an intense and immersive atmosphere for players.
Heavily inspired by games likeDark Souls,Salt and Sanctuaryis a 2D RPGknown for its high difficulty and oppressive atmosphere. In this title, players explore a dark and desolate world, filled with terrifying creatures and deadly challenges. The narrative, though minimalist, is rich in mystery and symbolism, inviting players to uncover hidden secrets in every corner.
What truly makesSalt and Sanctuarya standout example of dark fantasy is the combination of gothic elements and challenging gameplay. The dark visual aesthetic, with gray and black tones, reinforces the feeling of isolation and constant danger faced by the character. On the Nintendo Switch, the game retains its intensity and oppressive atmosphere, providing an immersive experience for fans of the genre.
A metroidvania with strong religious art and dark symbolism,Blasphemousstands out in the dark fantasy genre and is available on the Nintendo Switch. Inspiredby sacred art and Spanish mysticism, the game transports players to the grim world of Cvstodia, where they take on the role of the Penitent One.
The story, rooted in themes of guilt and penance, is accompanied by a disturbing and fascinating atmosphere. However, the most notable aspect ofBlasphemouswithin the dark fantasy genre is how it uses religious symbolism to create oppressive environments, immersing players in despair while making the adventure intense.
Divinity: Original Sin 2is known as one of the best tactical RPGs ever released,available on the Nintendo Switch. Although the game features a colorful setting, its narrative presents a morally ambiguous storyline, with many choices leading to dark outcomes.
Additionally, from the very first moments in Fort Joy, the game shows its strong dark fantasy inspiration, both through how magic users are treated and the characters introduced in the story.Divinity: Original Sin 2offers players great freedom in exploration and decisions that shape the characters’ fate.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisenstands as one of the finest examples of dark fantasy on the Nintendo Switch, offering a blend of engaging narrative and dark setting. In this game, players assume the role of the Arisen, tasked with defeating a dragon that threatens the world, though the story has some twists, and certain choices impact the fate of characters and the world.
What truly setsDragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisenapart as a great dark fantasy experience is its setting. Desolate landscapes, dark dungeons, and dangerous creatures all contribute to the atmosphere of danger and desolation that follows the protagonist throughout the story.
The release ofDark Soulsnot only marked the expansion of From Software into the market, establishing it as one of the best developers, but also helpedpopularize the Soulslike genre. Known for their difficulty, the franchise is a milestone in the dark fantasy genre, with the first game available on the Nintendo Switch.
Heavily inspired by anime likeBerserk,Dark Souls Remasteredintroduces players to the Kingdom of Lordran, where they assume the role of a cursed human who must face powerful enemies to decide the world’s fate. Despite its fragmented and enigmatic story, the game excels in its immersive atmosphere and strong dark fantasy elements.
Known for its distinctive art style and brutal difficulty,Darkest Dungeonis a dark fantasy RPG available on Nintendo Switch that tasks players with building a party of adventurers to explore dungeons filled with horrors.Difficulty is a major gameplay mechanic, requiring careful planning for each incursion.
Poor decisions during adventures can lead to the demise of characters, who may go mad or succumb to despair due to stress. The sanity system inDarkest Dungeoncontinuously tests the adventurers, reflecting the essence of dark fantasy.
Diablo 2: Resurrectedcan be considered the embodiment of the dark fantasy genre in video games, capturing the essence of darkness and horror through its immersive setting and narrative. The story revolves around the eternal battle between good and evil, where players mustdefeat the Lord of Terror and a horde of infernal creatures.
Available on the Nintendo Switch, this dark fantasy game takes players through various settings that contribute to its dark atmosphere, showcasing more of the decaying world where it takes place. The soundtrack, which also enhances the immersion, reinforces the pervasive sense of hope being scarce in this setting.
The vibrant landscapes may be deceiving at first glance, but the setting ofThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntis deeply rooted in dark fantasy. As one of the best ports on the Nintendo Switch, the game places players in the third chapter of Geralt of Rivia’s saga, searching for his adopted daughter, Ciri, in a kingdom ravaged by war.
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntexplores heavy themes throughout its narrative, such as the moral ambiguity of its characters, where there is no clear good or evil, only survival. Even Geralt, the protagonist, faces tough choices throughout the story, with consequences that can dramatically alter the available endings. With thebest side quests in the RPG genre, and a playtime running well past 100+ hours,The Witcher 3delivers a can’t miss dark fantasy experience.
Hollow Knight, available on the Nintendo Switch, takes players to the dark and desolate kingdom of Hallownest,where unknown dangers (and tough bosses) lurk around every corner. The oppressive atmosphere and engaging narrative create an immersive experience, marked by mystery and despair, capturing the essence of dark fantasy. The art style doesn’t immediately scream dark fantasy, but the moody environments and deteriorating kingdom (and its inhabitants) make for a compelling dark fantasy adventure as you delve into the depths of this once prosperous kingdom.
Meticulous gameplay and increasing challenges keep players engaged, while the dark visual aesthetic and melancholic soundtrack reinforce the grim atmosphere. On the Nintendo Switch,Hollow Knightoffers an epic and intense journey, ideal for fans of the genre seeking a deep and atmospheric adventure.
TheShin Megami Tenseifranchise has never hidden its dark fantasy elements, and inShin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance, these themes are even more pronounced. Here, players explore a Tokyo devastated by awar between angels and demons, where they can decide humanity’s fate, ending the conflict.
Available on Nintendo Switch, the game’s narrative and setting are laden with dark themes, such as the struggle for survival in a world destroyed by war. The game also delves into many occult themes, leading players on a journey filled with religious references. With an expanded story from the base game, players simply must explore apocalyptic Tokyo’s distinct sense of dread in this turn-based dark fantasy adventure.
