The Nintendo Switch has incredible games, from Super Mario Odyssey to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to smaller indie titles such as Dead Cells and Golf Story. While these premium paid games are worth your time and attention, what if you want to try out something on the less expensive side, namely, free-to-play games?
Free-to-play games are in abundance on Switch, especially if you are a fan of multiplayer experiences. There are well over one hundred free multiplayer Switch games to start playing immediately, but not all are worth your time. The following free multiplayer Switch games can be played now and are best enjoyed with others.
Updated on March 9th, 2023, by Chris Sanfilippo: Our latest update of free multiplayer Switch games focuses on Nintendo-exclusive titles and multi-console smash hits. For instance, if you're a new Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, you must check out games like Super Kirby Clash, Tetris 99, and PAC-MAN 99. However, we also think you'll love the Switch ports of games like Rocket League and Fall Guys, which both support cross-platform play!
14 Sky: Children Of The Light
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Sky: Children of the Light is a highly unique and artistic take on a social game that hopes to have you unwind from the real world while moving through a heartfelt connected world. From the creators of the beloved indie hit Journey, Sky: Childen of Light is about connecting with other online players, soaring through the gorgeous skies, and bringing light and hope to those in need.
What makes this free-to-play game so darn special is how it weaves flowing and fluid gameplay with personalized stories. You are encouraged to interact with other players in this free-roaming sky island paradise while being swept up in entrancing music, lovely visuals, and even some fun character customization. As a result, it's not only a free multiplayer Switch game but an incredible free multiplayer Switch experience.
13 Rocket League
What do you get when you combine soccer (football) with a demolition derby? One of the most competitive eSports of this console generation! Of course, we're talking about Rocket League, the free-to-play automotive sports game that has taken the world by storm.
One of the reasons Rocket League is one of the best free multiplayer Switch games is its Nintendo-exclusive content. Any Switch player who logs into the game receives a free Mario, Luigi, and Samus skin for their vehicle! And unlike Mario Kart, Rocket League is a primarily skill-based game with no dastardly blue shells!
12 Super Bomberman R Online
The Bomberman games have covered a wide gamut of gameplay styles, from story-based experiences in Bomberman 64 to this unique take on the property in the form of a battle royale. Super Bomberman R Online features the traditional arcade-style Bomberman gameplay but infuses it with an online, free-to-play competitive experience.
In this free multiplayer Switch game, you can battle up to 64 other players worldwide. Each mini-victory during a match means you can move on to face more formidable Bomberman opponents. While the game has plenty of purchasable cosmetic goodies, none are necessary if you want to enjoy the arcade gameplay without dropping any money.
11 Pokemon Unite
If you haven't heard of Pokemon Unite for some reason, then know you are missing out on an incredibly fun and accessible MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena). Unfortunately, MOBAs, by nature, are generally impenetrable to new players and often breed tight-knit communities that can be tough to break into, especially if you also happen to be green to the genre.
Fortunately, Pokemon Unite strays away from the traditional MOBA tactics by mixing the regular strategic team versus team gameplay with Pokemon's fun and lovable nature. In Pokemon Unite, you play as one or many of your favorite Pokemon as they attack and defend strategic points, level up, gain new abilities, and get stronger overall. It's a fun free multiplayer Switch game with a bevy of content to sink your teeth into.
10 Super Kirby Clash
Another fantastic free-to-play game based on a Nintendo series is Super Kirby Clash. This cooperative boss raid game enlists gamers into four-player Kirby squads who battle against enemies like Waddle Dee, King Doo, and Mr. Frosty. Each Kirby takes on a different role in battle, like Sword Hero or Doctor Healmore, each with its unique skill set. Players must use these skills to support each other and take down foes.
Super Kirby Clash is a fantastic free multiplayer Switch game because of its shallow learning curve. The control scheme is straightforward and familiar to anyone who has played a Kirby or Smash Bros title. Plus, Kirby Clash's teamwork component allows more advanced players to cover for new players on their team, thus allowing less experienced players to learn through battle.
9 Fortnite
Fortnite is a cultural phenomenon and a free-to-play gaming juggernaut. Unless you live under a rock, you have likely heard of Fortnite's success. This highly colorful, vibrant, and long-running battle royale continues to thrive year after year. Fortnite is unique in its many gameplay options, especially for those wanting a free multiplayer Switch game.
Of course, the game is known for its solo, duo, trio, and quads battle royale modes. However, if you decide to eschew the battle royale gameplay, you can easily hop into a boatload of creative-type matches and game modes. Likewise, multiplayer fans can jump into Fortnight immediately since the game is only monetized with optional cosmetic goodies.
8 Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
It's pretty confounding that Yu-Gi-Oh!, the card game, has been around for over two decades and continues to draw new players. One of the latest free multiplayer Switch games on this list, Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel takes the tried and true competitive multiplayer card game and ups the ante with beautiful animations, hundreds of cards, and new ways to enjoy this long-running game on Switch.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is a great free multiplayer Switch game since it encourages players of all skill levels to hop in and enjoy its card game goodness. If you are brand new to Yu-Gi-Oh! in general, the game provides an in-depth tutorial to get you up to speed so you can gather more cards and take on other players in rotating tournaments.
7 Super Animal Royale
Are you someone that likes battle royale games? If you answered no to that question, what about trying a fun and fierce multiplayer version of the genre where you get to play as a host of adorable animals? Super Animal Royale is just that, a battle royale game that features super colorful graphics where you play as a cat, a dog, a fox, a bird, or any of the other dozens of characters as you duke it out across an expansive map.
On paper, Super Animal Royale isn't that much different from other battle royales in that you must avoid an ever-shrinking play area while defeating the other players in a given match. However, this free multiplayer Switch game is much more accessible since the map is not too large, the loot pool is smaller, and most matches finish in under ten minutes. So gather your animal friends together to try this one out on Switch.
6 Fall Guys
Have you ever wondered what being on a game show like WipeOut or the cult classic Takeshi's Castle would be like? In that case, you'll have a blast playing the free multiplayer Switch game Fall Guys! This free-to-play "party royale" has players compete in bizarre obstacle courses and mini-games. Then, the best-performing players move on to the following rounds until a winner gets crowned.
Fall Guys is a fantastic free multiplayer Switch game for competitive and casual players. On the one hand, playing in public matches will keep you busy for hours as you attempt to reach the finals of each competition. But on the other hand, playing private games with friends is a fun and whacky occasion that will encourage silly showdowns, dramatic trash talk, and boisterous laughter!
5 Knockout City
Knockout City might be one of the most creative free multiplayer Switch games. This rollicking good time is a free-to-play dodgeball game where you and your small team must face off against another team in a fantastic assortment of themed maps. The game thrives off of its jazzy charm, host of well-crafted characters, and nuanced dodgeball gameplay.
On the surface, it might sound quite simple to throw a dodgeball at another player to knock them out. However, Knockout City allows for strategic play with specific throws, jumps, dodges, and even some awesome specialized balls to throw around. This title is a no-brainer for those who want a fast-paced, kinetic, free multiplayer Switch game.
4 Ninjala
Ninjala might be among the most underrated free multiplayer Switch games, mainly because it is hard to pin down its gameplay. So what exactly is Ninjala? The most obvious comparison when looking at gameplay or screenshots would probably be Splatoon, where you play multiple rounds in third-person on smaller maps (minus the paint-splashing gameplay).
Ninjala is a multiplayer action game where you play as cartoony ninjas who use gum-based weapons and abilities to deal damage and lay the smackdown on opponents. Your goal in each match is to use your character's specific gum attacks and abilities to knock out opponents while getting the highest score for style and substance. It's a wacky game with a great community and plenty of content to enjoy.
3 Tetris 99
Who doesn't love Tetris? The fast-paced tetromino stacking puzzler has endeared fans since its inception in the mid-80s. This game has many versions on various consoles, including the zen-like Tetris Effect, the music/rhythm mobile game Tetris Beat, and the Puyo-Puyo Tetris crossover series. Still, only one version of Tetris is exclusive to the Switch: Tetris 99. The game is free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Tetris 99 expands its gameplay to a massively-multiplayer scale. In this iteration, 99 players worldwide compete against each other to become the last one standing. In addition, players can participate in team battles where players separate into four competing factions. Both game modes offer a compelling experience of strategy and endurance, making Tetris 99 a fantastic free multiplayer Switch game.
2 PAC-MAN 99
Tetris isn't the only game to receive Nintendo's battle royale treatment. On the contrary, PAC-MAN 99 turns Namco's acclaimed single-player action puzzle game into a no-holds-barred waka-waka to the death! 99 Players compete to last the longest while eating as many ghosts as possible. As each Pac-Man consumes more spirits, they send opposing Pac-Men to chase opponents through the iconic black and blue maze. The last Pac-Man standing wins!
Like Tetris 99, PAC-MAN 99 is free-to-play if you are a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber. Furthermore, you can purchase additional DLC, including local-play modes and themes based on other Namco classics, like Dig Dug and Bravoman. Still, its rebooted competitive experience makes PAC-MAN 99 one of the best free multiplayer Switch games!
1 Dauntless
Dauntless is a unique monster-pummeling game that feels like equal parts Monster Hunter and a Saturday morning cartoon. This game tasks you and your party to take on giant monsters across multiple biomes and lands. While not as complex and nuanced as something like Monster Hunter, this free multiplayer Switch game rewards you for patience, teamwork, and specializing in the various weapons on offer, namely, giant swords, axes, hammers, and the like.
Dauntless is the unsung hero of free multiplayer Switch games (or any free-to-play games, for that matter). Of course, you don't hear too many people talking about how fun it is to smash giant monsters in the face with a team of players. However, Dauntless provides a deep, extensive, and gratifying experience.