Since the HD generation first started in the mid-2000s, more and more companies have been tryingtheir hands at free-to-play games.Nintendodabbled but would not get into full free-to-play, or free to start, mode until theSwitchlaunched. There are tons of free games to check out directly from them and other publishers.
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There are also “free” offerings toNintendo Online members. There is the great retro library that is slow to update but is still filled with Nintendo classics. There are even new games such asTetris 99. Those aren’t exactly free though so let’s focus on the games fans can one hundred percent check out now.
10Pokemon Unite
Pokemon Uniteis a new take on the MOBA genre. It has lanes, cannon fodder enemies, and playable heroes based on classic creatures. Getting points is different though in that it is also a sports game. Players have to accrue points and then sort of slam dunk them into goalposts. It’s pretty inventive for a free spinoffin the series.
9Rocket League
Rocket Leagueis another odd mashup of genres. It’s a soccer game played with cars and giant balls. Driving and keeping the ball in play can be tricky. It’s not a game about winning though. It’s all about having funand this gamehas plenty of it. It even has a lot of crossover vehicles from other franchises although one needs to play to get a lot of the good ones.
8Fortnite
Fortniteneeds no introductions nor does it need any further promotion. If someone hasn’t heard or played this game at least once before then that person may have had their head in the sand for a few years now.
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It’s a game not for everyone but one can’t certainly deny how big it is. It’s free, full of content that rolls out guest characters, and is a fairly harmless-looking shooter to appeal to any aged gamers.
7Sky: Children Of Light
Sky: Children of Lightfirst hit the mobile scene before eventually making its way to consoles via the Switch first. It’s a little bit likeJourneyboth aesthetically and gameplay-wise. That game had players team up with a random stranger to go on a literal journey.
That’s the core of this game too, exploring new worlds, except with more players and more in-depth mechanics. It’s an always-online game too if that matters.
6Knockout City
Knockout Cityis not the best dodgeball game of 2021 on Switch. That reward should gotoDodgeball Academiawhich is an action sports RPG.Knockout Citydoes have that game beat since it is free to try out on Switch and the multiplayer is better. It hasn’t reached levels of infamy like other free sports games out there but if given time and it may yet reach those heights.
5Super Kirby Clash
Super Kirby Clashis like a 2D version ofMonster Hunter. Players can play alone or with friends to tackle famous bosses from the series.Kirbyheroes can also be equipped with classic powers from the series which act like classes or weapons inMonster Hunter.
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It is not the most in-depth game in the franchise, but it is an interesting one that is worth a shot since it is free.
4Warframe
Warframeis the game that keeps on giving. It is one of the most miraculous free-to-play games out there as the content updates are still dropping hot. It doesn’t look or run the best on Switch compared to the other consoles.
It’s a little bit behind at times in terms of content too. It’s still great tosee this gamesomehow run on the Switch as some sort of free equivalent to a game as service title.
3Brawlhalla
Brawlhallais very much like a free version ofSuper Smash Bros. It started off with original characters and because of that, not much attention was given. Since its launch, the developers have added more andmore guest charactersto improve its image including the turtles fromTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The roster is still behindSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate’sand it doesn’t play as well, but for free,Brawlhallais good for a few rounds.
2Dauntless
Dauntlessis a more robust take onMonster Hunter. It is a more literal clone in other words. It’s not as open as some of the more recent entries in the series but that’s okay. What this game does better is that matches are quicker.
The grind is also not as taxing. Plus, again like all of these, it is free. It doesn’t run as well on Switch compared to the other consoles it is on but only marginally so. Itdoes have crossplaywhich is always nice to see.
1Pinball FX3
Pinball FX3is basically a pinball hub. Players can download this game for free. There are some demos inside and then players can pay about $3 per table. That’s not asking a lot in terms of a free-to-play model.
It has some great tables too based on other games likePortaland TV shows likeBob’s Burgers. $3 is a steal for the amount of fun one can draw from these pinball themes. If that seems like too much to spend then the core hub still has plenty of free content too.
