Highlights

• Nintendo Switch games can be expensive, but there are plenty of fun free-to-play games you can enjoy.
• Many of the Switch's best free games are iconic battle royales, including Fortnite and Apex Legends.
• If you want to play with friends, you can try games like Fall Guys and Rocket League without paying a cent.

The Nintendo Switch remains one of the most popular consoles available, with so many people still picking one up for the first time. While the growing library of games hosts some excellent titles, the number of choices might be a little too much to sift through — and some, in particular, are still on the pricey side.

However, the Switch eShop boasts a whole bunch of free games that are just as great to play. From simpler, pick-up-and-play titles to more in-depth games that will keep you coming back for more, these are the best games you can play on Nintendo Switch entirely for free!

Updated on April 5, 2024, by PJ Molloy: Let's face it - Switch games are more expensive than ever. With some of the best titles costing as much as $70, high-quality free-to-play games are more important now than ever. We've added a new recommendation that you can play without paying a cent.

12 Trove

A Dungeon-Crawler With Minecraft-Style Building Mechanics

Trove is a sandbox MMO that blends dungeon-crawling and building mechanics. After picking a class, you're dropped into a vast fantasy world that you can explore alone or with a party. You must craft a weapon, charge into dungeons, destroy towering bosses, and collect as much treasure as possible.

Fans of Minecraft will feel right at home with the combat, crafting, and blocky visuals. What makes Trove unique, however, is the wide array of creatures you can ride while adventuring. You really haven't lived until you've fought monsters from the back of a giant red panda.

11 Pokemon Cafe ReMix

A Cozy Pokemon-Themed Puzzle Game

Have you ever wanted to run a cafe with Pokemon, serving other Pokemon? You can do so for free in Pokemon Cafe ReMix. To serve your customers with dishes and drinks, you’ll need to complete various challenging puzzles, where you must connect the matching Pokemon icons.

Pokemon Cafe ReMix is a fun, casual game to dip into regularly, especially when new Pokemon make their way to your shop. If you’re extremely lucky, you might even receive a visit from a Shiny Pokemon. That’s motivation to keep making those drinks, right?

10 Smite

A Fantasy MOBA Inspired By Mythology

One of the most popular Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBA), Smite is a free-to-play game that has you team up with other players and face down another squad in small-scale maps.

With over 100 Deities to pick from and play as, you'll need to make use of various abilities and play styles if you're going to come out on top. Work together with your team to claim victory and turn the tide of battle.

9 Fallout Shelter

A Post-Apocalyptic Management Simulator

If you're not feeling up to a huge adventure through an apocalyptic wasteland — or, you know, being as there are no Fallout games on Switch — then Fallout Shelter is the best pick for that slice of slightly-radioactive survival gameplay.

As an overseer, you build up and manage a Vault of survivors. Keep them happy, distribute jobs and power, and send people out on missions for supplies; just be prepared, because sometimes things will want to get into the Vault.

8 Dauntless

A Great Action RPG To Play With Friends

If you mix Monster Hunter with the style of Fortnite, you're left with Dauntless — and it's every bit as great as you could want. If you've never played Monster Hunter or are just looking for something similar, then Dauntless is a great option.

Arm yourself in town, head out on missions to fight large, dangerous beasts, and use what you gather to upgrade yourself — rinse, repeat. Whether you're going solo or with some friends (or strangers), this game offers plenty for you to get stuck into and has quite a bit of depth, considering it's free.

7 Apex Legends

An Iconic Free-To-Play Battle Royale

Though it's not perfect, the fact that Apex Legends is available on the Nintendo Switch is a feat unto itself. This beloved battle royale from Respawn Entertainment offers up fantastic characters, plenty of cosmetics to unlock, and an intense FPS experience.

With different modes to try out, Apex Legends remains one of the big hitters in the genre, and to be able to play it on the go for free is all the more reason to have it installed.

6 Pokemon Unite

Bringing The Classic Pokemon Gameplay To The MOBA Genre

Another MOBA, Pokemon Unite brings the world-renowned series to the competitive arena genre. Play as various Pokemon, each with unique abilities and powers, as you hone your skill sets to come out on top.

Work with your team and pair up the best Pokemon in order to outlast your opponents. There are a lot of microtransactions and purchases that speed along progress, but with consistent support, it's still a game you can get plenty out of without spending a penny.

5 Tetris 99

A Legendary Puzzle Game Free With Nintendo Switch Online

You'll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for this free game, but as it's online anyway, that makes little difference. Tetris 99 takes the classic game you know and love and turns it into a battle royale. While this does sound strange on paper, it works well to make a fantastic experience.

Survive as long as you can, earn power-ups to use against the other 98 players, and be the last one standing in order to win. It's simplicity at its finest, and if you just want something arcadey to dive into, but seek a little bit of challenge, then this is an excellent pick.

4 Overwatch 2

A Fantastic Free-To-Play Sequel To An Iconic Shooter

The sequel to the 2016 hit multiplayer title Overwatch 2 launched with a free-to-play model. Yes, you can purchase certain things, which will speed up progress, unlocks, and all that fancy cosmetic stuff—but you don't need to do any of that to have a good time.

Hop into various multiplayer modes, pick your hero, and fight against the other teams with unique abilities and weapons. With so much to unlock over time, so many maps to familiarize yourself with, and so many characters to learn, this game can be a great way to kill time and save your wallet.

3 Rocket League

An Intense Soccer Game Played With Cars

While the game was not originally free, the extensive popularity saw Rocket League shift to a free-to-play system, with seasons and additional content serving as the source of income and sustainability. However, if you just want to play, you don't need to buy anything at all.

In the game, you will be driving around in little cars as you try to hit a giant ball into a goal, while the opposing team will be doing the same on their side. Yes, it's car soccer. Yes, it's as fun and simple as it sounds.

2 Fall Guys

A Goofy Battle Royale

What if a bunch of silly little beans all got together to compete in some over-the-top obstacle courses in ridiculous outfits? Well, they'd probably call it Fall Guys. Hop into the game, compete in various missions, races, and courses, and try to be the last bean standing.

You can earn unique customizations and outfits, including crossover content if you purchase season passes or items from the store. However, if you don't want to do that, there's still plenty to unlock for free, and the rest of the game is open to you at no cost. It's a great time alone or with friends and easy to jump back into.

1 Fortnite

A Must-Play Free Third-Person Shooter

At this point, Fortnite is one of the most well-known and most popular games out there. The battle royale was an instant hit, and with consistent updates, changing seasons, and the introduction of pop culture crossovers with each chapter, it still stands strong.

If you have a Nintendo Switch and feel like jumping into a little competitive multiplayer from time to time, then Fortnite is a great option. While you do have to buy the battle passes if you wish to fully unlock everything available, you can just ignore all of that and play the game limitlessly.