There are plenty of great games available to purchase on theNintendo SwitcheShop. From sprawling adventure games likeThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomto simple online multiplayer games likeTetris 99, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. However, there may be video game fans in search of hidden gems of one particular genre.
Dungeon crawler RPGs are a fairly niche video game genre, featuring the exploration of dungeons, sometimes randomly generated, and RPG elements such as leveling up, classes, and power-ups. These games are the best of the best when it comes to those available for purchase on the Nintendo Switch, even if some of them may not be console exclusives.
Updated July 10, 2025, by Blaise Santi:As the Nintendo Switch’s library of games continues to expand into 2024, there are plenty more dungeon crawler RPGs that fans may be interested in exploring. For the many RPG fans who have already finished the original six dungeon crawlers from this list, maybe try out one of these additional games available now on the Nintendo Switch. Some of these stretch the limits of what’s possible in a dungeon crawler RPG, offering exciting twists on the genre.
9Dungeon Encounters
Dungeon Crawling Has Never Been This Simple
Released in 2021, this dungeon crawler RPG was published by Square Enix, and offers an interesting twist to the sub-genre’s typical gameplay. The game finds players navigating a complicated, 99-floor labyrinth, facing randomized foes in a streamlined combat system. The aesthetics might remind some players on an RPG board game.
The combat system features no animations, just photos of characters and enemies that resemble card game art. With its simplistic graphics and gameplay,Dungeon Encountersstrips back the dungeon crawler RPG to its most essential elements, offering a surprisingly unique play experience that isn’t overcomplicated with story or themes.
8Operencia: The Stolen Sun
A World Trapped In Perpetual Night
Operencia: The Stolen Sunis not a Nintendo Switch exclusive, as it’s also available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The game was developed by Zen Studios, who are most well-known for creating licensed pinball tables. However, in 2019 they branched out into making virtual dungeon crawler RPGs, combining simplistic RPG gameplay with original 3D graphics.
The game incorporates worldwide mythology and folklore, as players assemble a party of four to restore the land of Operencia after the sun king has been kidnapped. The combat system features standard turn-based battles, while levels require players to navigate puzzle chambers. Many feel its gameplay plays second fiddle to its storytelling, but it is an enjoyable experience nonetheless.
7Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection
Atlus’s Long-Time RPG Series Heads To Switch
TheEtrian Odysseygaming franchise, developed by Atlus, dates back to the Nintendo DS, and has been a recurring presence on Nintendo’s handheld devices. The first three games of the dungeon crawler RPG series, released between 2007 and 2010, were remastered and re-released on Nintendo Switch in 2023, which also included a port to the Steam platform.
Aside from its graphics and soundtrack, which have been re-invented for the Switch, the game remains faithful to the original DS version’s story and amount of content. For those unfamiliar with theEtrian Odysseyseries, it’s a perfect intro to the franchise, but all three games can also be purchased separately on the Nintendo Switch store.
6Labyrinth Of Refrain: Coven Of Dusk
Once Upon A Time…
This dungeon crawler from Nippon Ichi Software isas traditional of an RPG as you’ll find on Nintendo Switch, even though it’s also available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and PC. Set in a twisted anime storybook,Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Duskfeatures intricate first-person dungeons as players take on various Classes and face random encounters.
The world ofLabyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Duskhas more than enough charm to sustain any interested dungeon crawler RPG fans. However, it may not satisfy those looking for a little more action in their exploration of dungeons, considering its more straightforward turn-based RPG format.
Released in 2019,Children of Mortacenters on a family of custodians who occupy Mount Morta, a mountain filled with dungeons, caves, and mysteries. There are seven total playable characters that can be unlocked throughout the main story, each representing a different RPG class, including Warrior, Archer, Assassin, and Healer.
What makesChildren of Mortaa unique dungeon crawler on this list is that its dungeons are procedurally generated, meaningevery playthrough is a completely unique experience. By the time players get to the end, they may even find themselves oddly attached to the peculiar Bergson family, making the game both a joy to play as well as endearing.
Darkest Dungeonwas originally released in 2016 but was ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2018. As of 2023, its sequel,Darkest Dungeon 2, has yet to be released on the Switch, but the first game is more than enough fun for dungeon crawler RPG fans. The game is particularly engaging with its real-time movement, giving each playthrough high stakes.
InDarkest Dungeon, players controla character of their choiceexploring intricate, procedurally-generated dungeons underneath an estate they’ve inherited. The game was beloved by critics, who commended its brutal difficulty and how easily players can get sucked into the dark and sometimes traumatizing world underneath their new homes.
3Dreamscaper
Sweet Dreams Are Nowhere To Be Found
Released in 2021,Dreamscapertrades its labyrinthian dungeons for complex dreams and nightmares, forcing players to navigate a consistently changing world of their own imagination. Each dream allows players to battle enemies, grow stronger, and head into their next dream more powerful than they were when they started, rewarding longtime players.
On top ofthe engaging, endlessly replayable gameplay ofDreamscaper, there’s also an underlying mystery to its narrative that most players would be foolish to ignore. Although it’s available on many consoles, including Xbox Series X and PC, it’s best enjoyed on the Nintendo Switch given that players can take their nightmares on the go.
A Different Take On Pokemon’s RPG Norms
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
What if you woke up one day and you were a Pokémon? You can meet and recruit over 400 Pokémon in a dungeon-crawling adventure within their world! Build a rescue team to take on mysterious, changing dungeons and strategically plan your moves as you venture forth to make the Pokémon world a safer place…and uncover your true purpose along the way.As you recruit Pokémon, these trusty teammates will need somewhere to stay, so build rescue team camps to house, manage, and strengthen your Pokémon friends. Think hard about who is right for the job and how to approach each mysterious dungeon as you prepare a rescue team. You’ll move a single square at a time or use Auto mode to speed up movement until you engage other Pokémon in turn-based battles—but don’t forget about Pokémon strengths, weaknesses, and potential rare qualities!Even the most capable rescue teams need help sometimes, so if you find yourself in trouble, you can send a rescue request to other players online or use an offline password system. This version adds Mega Evolved Pokémon, gorgeous watercolor-inspired graphics, and more! Get comfortable being a Pokémon; there’s a lot of work to do.
Pokemon Mystery Dungeonas a franchise began in 2005 with the GameBoy Advance titlesBlue Rescue TeamandRed Rescue Team. They have since seen a remake on the Nintendo Switch in 2020 asPokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX. What makes this franchiseunique as aPokemonspin-offis its status as a dungeon-crawler RPG.
Controlling a party of talking Pokemon, players spend the game navigating randomly generated dungeons, battling other wild Pokemon in the process, and recruiting them for their team. Overall, fans of thePokemon Mystery Dungeonseries loved this new title for how it upgrades the previous game with an all-new art style.
When it comes to the dungeon crawler RPG genre,few games have made an impression in recent years likeHades. Taking place in the Greek mythos,Hadesfinds players controlling the son of the God of Death, as they make several attempts to escape from the Underworld by navigating randomly generated rooms and battling incredibly difficult enemies.
Along the way, players can acquire upgrades in the form ofBoons from the other Greek gods, although if they die they start back at the beginning of their journey, powerless. It’s a game that rewards replayability and can become incredibly addictive, especially for those who love Greek mythology, though completing it might take some incredible resolve.
