15 Games like NieR:Automata™ on Nintendo Switch that you should try

On paper it is what NieR:Automata™ is — strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. The distance is in tone and combat — its own ground is loot and gear systems, and cozy, relaxing feel.

Shelved next to NieR:Automata™ for good reason: strong narrative focus, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. The common ground extends to single-player focus and 2D presentation. Where the two diverge is visuals and setting: a cyberpunk setting and pixel art.

It comes from the same genre as NieR:Automata™ and shares dark, oppressive atmosphere, open world exploration and melee combat. To that it adds fantasy world and single-player focus. They part company on setting and combat: this one brings magic-based combat and historical setting.

Genre puts it alongside NieR:Automata™, and so does strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is visuals and game mode: multiplayer gameplay and an isometric view.

The genre is the same as NieR:Automata™’s, and with it strong narrative focus, melee combat and an anime aesthetic. To that it adds a third-person camera and single-player focus. They part company on visuals and tone: this one brings 3D presentation.

It shares the essentials of what NieR:Automata™ does: strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat. The common ground extends to fantasy world and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is setting and combat: tactical combat.

Genre puts it alongside NieR:Automata™, and so does strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat. To that it adds an anime aesthetic and single-player focus. They part company on game mode and tone: this one brings co-op play.

It comes from the same genre as NieR:Automata™ and shares strong narrative focus, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. To that it adds single-player focus and a third-person camera. They part company on combat and visuals: this one brings tactical combat and 3D presentation.

Shelved next to NieR:Automata™ for good reason: fantasy world, single-player focus and a third-person camera. They part company on setting and visuals.

It comes from the same genre as NieR:Automata™ and shares strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat. To that it adds an anime aesthetic and single-player focus. They part company on game mode and progression: this one brings multiplayer gameplay and skill tree progression.

Same family as NieR:Automata™: strong narrative focus, melee combat and fantasy world. Both also lean on a third-person camera and single-player focus. The distance is in game mode and tone — its own ground is cozy, relaxing feel and multiplayer gameplay.

It comes from the same genre as NieR:Automata™ and shares strong narrative focus, melee combat and an anime aesthetic. To that it adds single-player focus and a third-person camera. They part company on game mode and setting: this one brings offline play.

Same family as NieR:Automata™: open world exploration, melee combat and fantasy world. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and a third-person camera. The distance is in tone and progression — its own ground is cozy, relaxing feel and a sandbox world.

Shelved next to NieR:Automata™ for good reason: strong narrative focus, open world exploration and fantasy world. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and a third-person camera. Where the two diverge is combat and setting: a sandbox world and magic-based combat.

The genre is the same as NieR:Automata™’s, and with it open world exploration, melee combat and fantasy world. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. They part company on tone and game mode: this one brings cozy, relaxing feel and a sandbox world.