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 less expensive, 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 July 7th, 2023, by Chris Sanfilippo: Our latest update adds the online multiplayer Switch game Omega Strikers and removes PAC-MAN 99, which ends its service in August 2023. We also performed some quality-of-life updates for better readability.
14 Sky: Children Of The Light
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Sky: Children of the Light is a unique and artistic take on an online multiplayer Switch game that hopes you unwind from the real world by moving through a heartfelt one. From the creators of the beloved indie hit Journey, Sky: Childen of Light is about connecting with other online players, bringing light and hope to those in need.
This free multiplayer Switch game is so special because it weaves 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.
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 online multiplayer Switch 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 skill-based game with no dastardly blue shells!
12 Super Bomberman R Online
The Bomberman games have covered various gameplay styles, from story-based experiences in Bomberman 64 to this unique 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 purchasable cosmetic goodies, none are necessary to enjoy this online multiplayer Switch game.
11 Pokemon Unite
If you haven't heard of Pokemon Unite, you're 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 exclusive communities.
Fortunately, Pokemon Unite strays away from the traditional MOBA tactics by mixing the standard team versus team gameplay with Pokemon's fun and lovable nature. In this online multiplayer Switch game, you play as your favorite Pokemon, attack and defend strategic points, level up, gain new abilities, and get stronger.
10 Super Kirby Clash
Super Kirby Clash is another free multiplayer Switch game based on Nintendo IP. This co-op boss raid game enlists you in four-player Kirby squads to fight enemies like Waddle Dee, King Doo, and Mr. Frosty. Each Kirby takes on a different role with unique skills, like Sword Hero or Doctor Healmore.
Super Kirby Clash is a fantastic online 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, the 4v1 format allows advanced players to cover for new players while they learn the game.
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 online multiplayer Switch game continues to thrive year after year.
Of course, the game is known for its solo, duo, trio, and quads battle royale modes. However, if you eschew the battle royale gameplay, you can hop into a boatload of creative 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 impressive 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 ups the ante of the competitive card game with beautiful animations, hundreds of cards, and new ways to play.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is a great free multiplayer Switch game since it encourages players of all skill levels to enjoy its card game goodness. If you are brand new to Yu-Gi-Oh!, the online multiplayer Switch game provides in-depth tutorials to get you up to speed so you can gather more cards and take on other players.
7 Super Animal Royale
Do battle royale games turn you off? What about trying a fun and fierce multiplayer version of the genre where you play as adorable animals? Super Animal Royale is just that, a battle royale game where you play as a cat, a dog, a fox, a bird, or a dozen other characters as you duke it out across an expansive map.
On paper, Super Animal Royale isn't that much different from other battle royales. You must avoid an ever-shrinking play area while defeating others in a match. However, this free multiplayer Switch game is more accessible, with smaller maps, condensed loot pools, and fast 10-minute matches.
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! In this online "party royale," you'll compete in bizarre obstacle courses and mini-games for the first-place crown!
Fall Guys is a fantastic free multiplayer Switch game for competitive and casual players. Public matches will keep you busy for hours as you attempt to reach the finals. Private games with friends are fun and whacky occasions that 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 is a free-to-play dodgeball game where you and your small team must face off against another team in fantastic themed maps. The game thrives off its jazzy charm, well-crafted characters, and nuanced gameplay.
It might sound simple to throw a dodgeball at another player and knock them out. However, Knockout City allows for strategic play with specific throws, jumps, dodges, and awesome specialized balls to throw around. This title is a no-brainer for those who want a fast-paced, kinetic, online multiplayer Switch game.
4 Ninjala
Ninjala might be among the most underrated free multiplayer Switch games because it is hard to pin down its gameplay. The most obvious comparison when looking at gameplay or screenshots is 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 lay the smackdown on opponents with gum-based weapons and special abilities. Your goal in each match is to KO opponents while getting the highest score for style and substance. It's a wacky game with a great community and plenty of content!
3 Tetris 99
Who doesn't love Tetris? The fast-paced puzzler has endeared fans since its inception in the 80s. Recent versions include the Tetris Effect, Tetris Beat, and the Puyo-Puyo Tetris crossover series. Still, only one version, Tetris 99, is Switch exclusive. The online multiplayer game is free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Tetris 99 expands its gameplay to a massively-multiplayer scale. You'll compete against 99 gamers to become the last one standing. Or you can join a faction in team battles. Both game modes offer a compelling experience of strategy and endurance, making Tetris 99 a fantastic free multiplayer Switch game.
2 Omega Strikers
What if air hockey became a MOBA? You'd likely get Omega Strikers. This online multiplayer Switch game puts you in three-on-three matches to score more goals than the other team. When you're not scoring and guarding goals, you'll beat the teeth out of your opponents with special attacks!
Omega Strikers is easy to learn but hard to master. The tutorial takes less than five minutes. Yet, the game offers plenty of depth, especially with its diverse cast of seventeen characters with unique skills. But even when you're losing, Omega Strikers' gorgeous art style and stellar voice acting will keep you engaged!
1 Dauntless
Dauntless is a unique monster-pummeling game that feels like equal parts Monster Hunter and Saturday morning cartoon. You and your party take on giant monsters across multiple biomes. While not as complex and nuanced as Monster Hunter, this free multiplayer Switch game rewards patience, teamwork, and weapon mastery.
Dauntless is the unsung hero of online 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.