5 Best Walking Simulators on Nintendo Switch

Walking simulators allow players to slow down their gameplay and slowly take in their world. This is a significant aspect to have in terms of keeping the player immersed in the game's gameplay and lore. It is partially due to these reasons that walking simulators are so popular. They are really accessible and often make for unforgettable stories. So if you like us, enjoy these titles. Also, please enjoy our list of the 5 Best Walking Simulators on Switch (2023).

5. Valley

Starting off our list of fantastic walking simulators for Nintendo Switch, we have Valley. Valley is a first-person adventure game that does contain some combat elements in the late game. However, for the most part, players will have to explore and make their way through the game's lush environments. Players will have access to an object called a L.E.A.F suit, which will make the traversal of this beautiful world a breeze. Having this aspect of the game being made so accessible and freeing really helps the player soak in the world.

The game also has interesting mechanics surrounding death. In Valley, when players die, the Valley dies with them. This is a simple yet effective way of conveying the consequences of dying without having it overwhelm the player. Along their journey, players will be able to interact with a number of flora and fauna that make up this beautiful world. So if you are into walking simulators for the Nintendo Switch and want one with a decent balance of challenge, Valley is an excellent choice for new players to jump into the genre.

4. Shape of the World

Next up on our list of walking simulators for the Nintendo Switch is Shape of the World. Shape of the World does quite a few things well that really make it stand out, even within its own genre of walking simulators. This first-person game allows players to explore serene and picturesque locations. These locations have been rendered in a lovely style to really immerse the player. That isn't to say that the game takes up too much of the player's time either, as the runtime for the game is relatively short. However, this can be seen as a positive thing as it allows players to experience what it offers and either invite them back for more or simply leaves them content with the journey.

Another remarkable aspect of the game is the fact that the environments are procedurally generated. This places players as the driving force of what makes this world tick. This means that players will almost always have something new to discover on their journey. This is great and encourages the player to explore every nook and cranny when possible. All in all, Shape of the World is a tremendous example of what walking simulators can be on the Nintendo Switch.

 3. Night in the Woods

For our next entry, we have a game that embraces its more psychedelic elements to bring a thrilling world to life. Night in the Woods is an adventure game that ticks a lot of boxes for players. The game does a beautiful job of encouraging exploration and interaction with the game's many varied characters. Additionally, the art style and direction for the game are so distinct that it is easy to pick this game from a lineup of other titles. This really helps the game stand out among other walking simulators for the Nintendo Switch.

The distinct and lovable art style makes this game stand out from the game's first moments if players are fans of character development in stories. As well as an exciting narrative about the aimlessness of life. This game is a great choice. For humor fans, the game even goes out of its way to have several hilarious moments. These bring a sense of fun and improve the player's journey. To close, Night in the Woods is a fantastic example of one of the great walking simulators available for Nintendo Switch.

2. Before I Forget

Switching things up considerably, we have a title that places its narrative at the forefront. Before I Forget is an unforgettable tale about a character who is struggling with dementia. As this is something that affects a lot of people around the world, the game's story is instantly relatable. The game does a great job of conveying simply through gameplay how dementia makes someone feel. This is certainly hard to capture, but the game does a fantastic job of doing just that. This isn't easy to accomplish either, as the balance between intuitive gameplay and narrative depth is one that is difficult to achieve.

However, rather than take up too much of the player's time, this game gets straight to the point. This pointed nature drives home not only the severity of the game's story but also the realities behind it. So if you are someone who enjoys walking simulators for Nintendo Switch, and wants to embark on a journey that will stick with you long after it's over, definitely check out Before I Forget.

1. What Remains of Edith Finch

For our final entry on our list of walking simulators for the Nintendo Switch. We have What Remains of Edith Finch. This is a game that certainly stands out from the crowd through its art style as well as its storytelling. The game does a great job o breaking up the broken story of the Finch family into concise pieces. It approaches this by allowing the main character to I've out moments from past family members' lives. This not only brings variety to the game but aids the game's overall message.

However, a few gameplay constants manage to keep the experience grounded. These include things such as all of the stories taking place in the first person. This perspective allows players to insert themselves into the game's world and characters easily. There are also several tonal shifts in the game, which manage to keep the player engaged and on their toes. In conclusion, if you are a fan of walking simulators for the Nintendo Switch, then you owe it to yourself to have What Remains of Edith Finch in your game library.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Walking Simulators on Switch (2023)? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.