10 Best story-driven games on Switch to play in 2024

For Nintendo Switch gamers who want more story instead of combat, the eShop's search function isn't particularly helpful. But for the best story-driven games on the Switch in 2024, you're in the right place.

The best narrative games on the Nintendo Switch in 2024

Now, these aren't new releases. I've focused on 2019-2024 for these games so they're all recent(ish), but there haven't been too many narrative-driven Nintendo Switch games yet this year. Some are due to come out, such as The Garden Path and other cozy games coming to PC and the Switch this year. Anyway, let's take a short look back and dig up some of the Switch's best indie and story-heavy games.

10. Life is Strange: True Colors (2021)

Alex Chen moves to the small town of Haven Springs to reunite with her long-lost brother Gabe and start a new life. Shortly after she arrives, Gabe dies in a mysterious accident while they're out together on a small adventure. Alex has the power to experience the emotions of others, and during this tragedy, she can no longer stop herself from holding back her power.

As Alex begins to ask questions about what happened to Gabe, she uncovers more of the town's secrets and makes friends with some of the locals along the way. As the player controlling Alex, you will face her grief with her and be influenced by the story in your actions towards other townspeople. It's all too easy to make others experience what Alex is going through... Or you can decide to center yourself and unravel this mystery before another catastrophe strikes.

9. Spiritfarer (2020)

The trailer alone almost made me cry. Above all else, Spiritfarer is a game where you learn to say goodbye. You play Stella, a young girl who has a trusty kitty companion by the name of Daffodil. Together, you try your best to help local spirits with their problems until they're ready to journey on to the afterlife. When it's time, you accompany them in your magical boat and they become one with the stars.

Each of the spirits that you interact with will have their own stories and final wishes. No two are alike, and you'll come to see them as friends by the time you need to help them crossover. Although that sounds a bit depressing, Spiritfarer has similar themes of loss and grief that you will find in Life is Strange: True Colors, but without the looming danger that you experience as Alex Chen. It's a beautiful game, and I cannot recommend it enough to those looking for one of the best cozy Nintendo Switch games.

8. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (2019)

For a game with such a sad start, the absolute abruptness of Oliver's 'No.' gets me every time. In Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, you play Oliver on his journey to become a wizard and save his mother's lookalike in the Other World. Oliver's mother dies rather abruptly after saving him from drowning in the river because she has a weak heart that couldn't handle the stress of what had happened.

Oliver, desperate for a way to bring his mother back to life, listens somewhat skeptically as Drippy — a fairy born from Oliver's tears falling on a doll his mother made for him — tells him all about parallel worlds. Drippy, Lord High Lord of the Fairies (not a typo), goes on to tell Oliver that he must be the 'Pure-Hearted One' and that it's his job to save their world. No pressure.

A little bit of manipulation later, and you're off to the Other World to find and rescue someone who looks like your mother in the hope that your real mother will come back to life. Good luck.

7. Along the Edge (2020)

Along the Edge is an interactive graphic novel where your choices affect both the personality and appearance of the main character. You play as Daphné, who is at a loss with her life and is getting ready to move into her ancestral home with everything she owns.

Soon after arriving in the countryside, you'll figure out that the locals have some pretty strong opinions about Daphné's family and her presence in the village is stirring up some old issues. Daphné will need to try and navigate her way through this new web of secrets while attempting to make nice with her neighbors — not all of whom are happy that she's moved in.

It's up to you to make Daphné's choices for her and decide what parts of herself she embraces.

6. Disco Elysium (2019)

Disco Elysium is one of the darker games on this list, but it fits in well with the next two entries. It has a really gritty feel that threw me back to my Shadowrun days, without the threat of combat hiding around every corner.

You wake up in a room with no memory of who you are, how you got there, or what you're doing. It doesn't take you long to figure out that you're a detective who is supposed to be figuring out the story behind the man hanging from a tree. Thankfully, you have a partner, and though he's incredibly rigid and proper, he will keep you on your feet and walking in the right direction.

During character creation, you get to pick one of four traits to reside over the others. As you level up throughout the game, you'll start to hear the 'voices' of your traits, trying to prod you down one path or another while you're interacting with the residents of Revachol to get to the bottom of the murder behind the cafeteria. Instead of having set dialogue choices that are good, neutral, and bad, your traits try to sway you to say one thing or another. It's a pretty unique mechanic!

5. What Remains of Edith Finch (2019)

A horror game that came to Switch in 2019 following its release on other platforms, What Remains of Edith Finch is the story of one lone survivor who outlived the rest of her family. As 17-year-old Edith, you will spend time exploring the ancestral Finch home as you're dragged into the final memories of your family members.

Whenever you uncover a story in the house or the surrounding woodland, you get to live out that family member's last day — the day of their death. Edith's goal is to figure out why she is the last Finch alive, which she attempts to do by playing through each person's memory. Instead of watching the memories, you get to experience them in first-person POV as that family member lives out their last day on earth.

Will you figure out why Edith is the last Finch left?

4. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter (2019)

You arrive too late to save Ethan Carter, who vanishes amidst a murder after writing to you and asking for help. As detective Paul Prospero, you start asking questions in town only to find out that this isn't the only local murder that catches your attention. Enjoy communicating with the dead to find out the truth of the events of Red Creek Valley and try to uncover where Ethan has gotten to.

Throughout the investigation, you'll traverse through the eerie landscapes of the valley, piecing together clues and solving puzzles to unravel the secrets hidden within its depths. While you continue looking for Ethan and solving other local mysteries, you'll encounter plenty of other characters who have their own stories and motives. Discover the haunting legacy of the Carter family, but remember that not everyone is what they seem.

3. A Highland Song (2023)

You're running away. Across the paths of the Highlands, climbing cliffs, and taking shortcuts that you've never seen before, you're off on a journey and you won't be stopped. Playing 15-year-old Moira, you're trying to reach your Uncle's lighthouse, but the Highlands are dangerous and vast. Are you lost? You might not find your way back. Experience weather changes as they affect your control over Moira's body, hear the songs of the Highlands as you run across them, and avoid danger hidden in the hills.

As you run across the rugged terrain, you'll encounter challenges that test your skills and survival instincts. From climbing peaks to spelunking caves, every step you take brings you closer to uncovering the secrets of the Highlands. Along the way, you'll collect map fragments to unlock faster routes and learn the stories and myths woven into the landscape. Will you make it to your Uncle's in time?

2. Open Roads (2024) 

Tess and her mother embark on a road trip after finding a trove of letters and notes hidden away in the attic of their house. Together, you'll explore long-forgotten family properties, discover ruins brimming with memories, and recover family secrets that Tess' mother had long hoped to bury.

As they travel down the winding roads, Tess and her mother will dive into the mysteries of their past, piecing together the truth of their family while navigating their own relationship.

There are miles to go before they can sleep.

1. Endling: Extinction Is Forever (2022)

In a desolate world, you play the last surviving mother fox. You must care for your cubs, teach them what they need to know, and ensure their survival as you cross through various lands that have been ruined beyond all hope. As you play, the world around you changes, and you meet more challenges while trying to keep your kits alive.   

You will witness firsthand the effects of human actions on the natural world as you play through Endling: Extinction Is Forever. Pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction have left the land barren, presenting constant threats to the survival of your family. You will quickly take on a very real role in your kits' lives, trying your best to protect them against the things your own kind have wrought.

Looking for more great game lists from Pro Game Guides? Try our guide on the Best Visual Novels of 2023 and 15 Best Cozy Games to play on Steam Deck.