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The Nintendo Switch has so many amazing indie titles that can be considered some of the best games on the system.

There are a lot of them, so instead of sifting through that eShop, we’ve made a list of 40 fantastic indie titles that simply must be played by any Nintendo Switch owner (as of August, 2018).

Disclaimer: We are only listing titles that we have personally played as we do not believe in putting a game on a list that we have not personally experienced. Therefore, there may be a few notable exclusions (such as The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+, Overcooked 2 and Darkest Dungeon), but we will try our best to get to them and consider them for our future updated list in September. If there are any games that you believe should be a candidate for this list, please let us know in the comment section below.

Note: All prices and ratings are in USD.

40. Kamiko

Price $4.99

Published By Flyhigh Works

Genre Action / Arcade

Rating E

Players 1

This game is for when your grandparents don’t know what to give you for your birthday, and your parents tell them that you would like a game for your “Nintendo”, but they have no clue when it comes to games so they give you an eShop card. After you use that card to buy an expensive game, what are you going to do with the remaining $5? You buy Kamiko, of course! This indie darling is similar to topdown Legend of Zelda games with an arcade twist. Battle demons, solve puzzles and break all the seals to face off against various stage bosses.

39. Pool Panic

Price $14.99

Developed By Rekim

Published By Adult Swim Games

Genre Adventure / Multiplayer / Party / Puzzle

Rating E10+

Players 1 – 4

Don’t panic, it’s only pool. But it’s pool in a wacky world full of crazy scenarios. Run around as a cue ball and pot all of the other balls, including: raccoon balls who will only come down when you’ve knocked the meat off of the barbecue grill and ballerina balls who glide away when you aim at them. Pool Panic contains that Adult Swim vibe that may seem familiar from many wacky cartoons, and this game bursts with so much personality that it’ll all oddly make sense in the end.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Quick Review.

38. Splasher

Price $14.99

Published By Plug In Digital

Genre Platformer / Arcade / Action

Rating T

Players 1

Splasher is an incredibly challenging 2D platformer that takes place in a construction factory that is conducting some shady business. Put and end to it and stop the mad scientist by shooting different color ink in order to stick on to or bounce off of walls. Just imagine Splatoon as a 2D platformer.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Quick Review.

37. Thumper

Price $19.99

Published By Drool LLC

Genre Action / Music / Arcade

Rating E10+

Players 1

As soon as you boot this one up, you’ll realise that Thumper sets out to purely overstimulate your senses. It’s a rhythm game that requires your unwavering attention with its original fast-tempo tracks and reflex-testing obstacles.

36. Graceful Explosion Machine

Price $12.99

Developed By Vertex Pop

Published By Vertex Pop

Genre Action / Arcade / Shooter

Rating E

Players 1

This shoot ‘em up indie game has you controlling the GEM fighter in order to blast your way through alien worlds. Collect jewels for high scores and feel every shot with HD Rumble to be truly engrossed in this wacky arcade shooter.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Quick Review.

35. Thimbleweed Park

Price $19.99

Developed By Terrible Toybox, Inc.

Published By Terrible Toybox

Genre Adventure / Puzzle

Rating T

Players 1

From the creators of the phenomenon Monkey Island, Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick have made another masterpiece with Thimbleweed Park. This game takes place in a town of the same name and is set in neo-noir 1987. Play as five characters, all trying to uncover mysteries of murder and terror. With serious themes coupled alongside witty humour, this indie gem will bring out a range of emotions as it encapsulates the magical storytelling that Gilbert and Winnick are known for.

34. Fast RMX

Price $19.99

Developed By Shin’en

Published By Shin’en

Genre Racing / Action / Arcade

Rating E

Players 1 – 4

Players (Local / Online) 2 – 8

Some of you may have played Fast Racing Neo on the Wii U. If so, then this game might seem a little familiar. Fast Racing RMX combines fast action-packed racing with futuristic graphics and smooth controls. Even though fans have been screaming for a new F-Zero game for well over a decade now, at least we have this indie gem to tie us over.

33. Bleed 2

Price $14.99

Developed By BOOTDISK REVOLUTION

Published By Digerati

Genre Action / Adventure / Fighting / Platformer

Rating T

Players 1 – 2

Bleed 2 is a run n’ gun 2D sidescroller that improves on everything that its predecessor had done before it. With smooth controls, heart pumping music and off the walls action, the game is an adrenaline kick that delivers in every way. Fight big bosses and utilize its slow motion mechanic to make last second dodges and feel like Neo from the Matrix. Bleed 2’s main story is a short experience that can be finished in a single hour, but there are plenty of modes to keep you coming back. So if you were looking for something quick to play through in a single afternoon, then this is the game for you.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Quick Reviews On Bleed and Bleed 2.

32. Freedom Planet

Price $14.99

Developed By GalaxyTrail

Published By Marvelous (XSEED)

Genre Action / Adventure

Rating E10+

Players 1

You gotta go fast, and we’re not talking about Sonic. No, Freedom Planet is a fast-paced action platformer that combines the exciting speed of Sonic with action-based combat. Play as Sash Lilac, a mystical dragon who must recover the Kingdom Stone in order to bring back peace throughout Avalice. Freedom Planet features a surprisingly deep story, complete with voice acting (albeit a little corny at times).

31. Poi: Explorer Edition

Price $29.99

Developed By PolyKid, LLC

Published By PolyKid

Genre Platformer / Adventure

Rating E10+

Players 1

For those who grew up in the golden age of 3D platformers, this game will surely tickle that nostalgia bone. Poi is an ambitious title that takes inspiration from classic Super Mario and Banjo-Kazooie games on the Nintendo 64. Embark on a grand adventure across many worlds, and don’t forget to pick up many collectibles along the way!

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our review of Poi.

30. Severed

Price $14.99

Developed By DrinkBox Studios

Published By DrinkBox Studios

Genre Action / RPG

Rating T

Players 1

Developed by the same company that brought us Guacamelee, Severed utilizes their iconic artstyle with a unique gameplay twist. Use touch screen controls to slash at enemies with precision and timing. This first-person dungeon crawler is bursting with personality and is definitely one to consider if you like to play the Switch in handheld mode.

29. Jotun: Valhalla Edition

Price $14.99

Developed By Thunder Lotus Games

Published By Thunder Lotus Games

Genre Action / Adventure

Rating T

Players 1

Jotun: Valhalla Edition is a beautifully hand-drawn action game that immerses you in Norse mythology. Thora, a female viking warrior who has suffered an inglorious death, must prove herself to the Gods in order to enter Valhalla. Featuring nine levels filled to the brim with Viking mythology, take down ferocious Jotuns (giant Norse elementals) with Thora’s two-handed axe and powers bestowed upon her by the gods.

28. Minit

Price $9.99

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1

Minit is a black and white action adventure game akin to classic Legend of Zelda games. But there’s a twist: You only get 60 seconds until you die and are sent back to the house. Get to the bottom of the cursed swords by gaining hints and uncovering your next move. Use the time that you have to make quick progress, and save the world one minute at a time.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Quick Review.

27. Gorogoa

Price $14.99

Developed By Buried Signal

Published By Annapurna Interactive

Genre Puzzle / Adventure

Rating E

Players 1

Gorogoa is an artistic puzzle game that is laid out on a square with four images. The player must delve deeper into each image to find connections with each other. Guide the young boy across various religious and spiritual themes in a 20th century European setting.

If you’d like to know more about this game, then click here to read our Quick Review.

26. Blaster Master Zero

Price $9.99

Developed By INTI CREATES CO., LTD.

Published By INTI CREATES CO., LTD.

Genre Action / Adventure / Shooter

Rating E

Players 1 – 2

With the return of a classic NES platforming series, Blaster Master Zero fits right at home on the Nintendo Switch. Go back and forth between side-scrolling 2D and topdown areas to experience the best that this unforgotten era has to offer.

25. Night in the Woods

Price $19.99

Developed By Infinite Fall

Published By Finji

Genre Adventure / Platformer

Rating T

Players 1

Night in the Woods may seem cute and fluffy with its stylistic design, but it contains more mature themes than you’d initially expect. This game brings up everyday issues of local businesses and the pressures of adulthood. Explore a vibrant world and talk to the furry residents to reveal some truly deep and emotional moments.

24. West of Loathing

Price $11.00

Developed By Asymmetric

Published By Asymmetric

Genre Adventure / RPG

Rating T

Players 1

Don’t let West of Loathing’s simplistic art style fool you, there is so much more to this game that what appears on the surface. Combat is surprisingly deep and the world contains much to explore and discover. But where this game truly shines is in its dialogue. With witty banter set in a classic western, West of Loathing will actually make you laugh out loud. Play one of three character classes and fight back as the cows have literally come home.

23. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

Price $9.99

Developed By INTI CREATES CO., LTD.

Published By INTI CREATES CO., LTD.

Genre Action / Platformer

Rating T

Players 1

Inti Creates is responsible for some of the most memorable Nindies, and Curse of the Moon continues that trend by paying homage to classic side-scrolling Castlevania games. This title keeps the core gameplay elements of the series like platforming, boss fights, and falling backwards into pits, but eases newcomers in with some needed difficulty settings. Experienced players might still find the “veteran” setting too easy, but the post-game which restricts your party should alleviate any of those concerns, and helps keep the experience fresh. It’s short, but stands as a great appetizer to the upcoming Ritual of the Night.

22. Enter the Gungeon

Price $14.99

Developed By Dodge Roll

Published By Devolver Digital

Genre Action / Adventure / Arcade

Rating T

Players 1 – 2

Enter the Gungeon is a unique dungeon crawler that pits you against hordes of enemies and big baddies in order to find the gun that can kill the past. With seven heroes to choose from and an array of guns to fight with, you’ll be gunning down enemies for hours on end!

21. Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap

Price $26.79

Published By DotEmu

Genre Adventure / Action / Platformer / Other

Rating E10+

Players 1

Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a wonderful recreation of the classic Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap (basically the same name) on the Sega Master System. This indie darling features beautiful recreations of its artwork and music, with the ability to go back to the old retro style on a whim. Play as a boy (or as a girl in this remake) who gets inflicted with curses that transforms him/her into various animals, each with their own unique abilities. This remake is a love letter to retro gaming and a gift to fans of simpler times.

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