10 Most Brutal Games On Nintendo Switch, Ranked

The Nintendo Switch is often associated with family-friendly, colorful titles that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. However, the platform also hosts some incredibly brutal games. Through dark themes and challenging gameplay, these titles are known for their graphic violence, punishing difficulty, or both.

These games also showcase the console’s versatility, offering more violent experiences that often contrast with its exclusive titles. This way, players have access to a diverse library of games, capable of satisfying different tastes and showcasing the full potential of the console.

10 Mortal Kombat 11

An Extremely Violent Fighting Game

Like Doom, one of the trademarks of Mortal Kombat 11 is its brutal combat. The game is filled with gore and violence in the strikes delivered during the fight, especially when the player has the option to finish the match with a Fatality. Thanks to graphical advancements, these scenes have become even more intense.

Unfortunately, due to the console’s limitations, the Switch port of Mortal Kombat 11 isn’t one of the most visually stunning in its library. Despite this, it remains an essential game for fans of the franchise, offering the opportunity to enjoy it on the go.

9 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

A Stunning & Insightful Game

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is one of the most impressive ports available on the Nintendo Switch, offering players a gorgeous yet brutal experience. While it may not showcase as much gore as other games, the combat is intense due to the protagonist’s vulnerability. Battles often end with Senua’s enemies being dismembered by her sword.

The dark atmosphere of Hellblade amplifies the sense of desolation. Senua faces not only her inner demons, but also a world filled with corpses. Bodies impaled or hanging from trees are a constant reminder of the ruthlessness of the game’s universe, creating an oppressive atmosphere that keeps players immersed from start to finish.

8 Darkest Dungeon

A Brutal Dark Fantasy RPG

Although not as graphic as other violent games on the Nintendo Switch, Darkest Dungeon stands out for its relentless violence. The dark fantasy setting, combined with a constant atmosphere of desolation, makes characters feel oppressed by the environment with each step, creating a tense and hopeless atmosphere.

In addition to the difficulty, Darkest Dungeon challenges players to devise meticulous strategies. Luck also plays a crucial role in survival. Despite its cartoonish visual style, the game presents grotesque enemies and scenes of gore, solidifying itself as one of the most challenging and engaging RPG titles on the Switch.

7 Ape Out

An Explosion Of Violence And Artistic Style

Devolver Digital is known for publishing unique games, and Ape Out is a prime example of this. It combines visceral violence with a distinct artistic style, putting players in control of a gorilla that must escape from its captors. The gameplay is frenetic, challenging the character to destroy everything in its path in a fast-paced and ferocious manner.

Despite its minimalist design, this element, combined with the dynamic soundtrack that Ape Out offers, enhances the game’s sense of intensity. For players seeking something unique and brutal in the Nintendo Switch library, this game is a must-have.

6 Hotline Miami

Violence And Strategy With Retro Vibes

Brutal games don’t necessarily need to be realistic, and Hotline Miami is proof of that. Even with retro graphics and simplistic appearance, this is one of the most violent games available on the Nintendo Switch. The fast-paced gameplay challenges players to defeat enemies in claustrophobic environments, requiring quick reflexes and strategic planning.

Besides the explicit violence, the game stands out for its psychedelic atmosphere and captivating soundtrack. Hotline Miami proves that violent games don’t need modern graphics to deliver a challenging and memorable experience.

5 Resident Evil 4

A Classic Of Gruesome Horror

The original version of Resident Evil 4 is still considered a classic and one of the most influential horror games ever released. Facing hordes of grotesque enemies, Leon must use a variety of weapons to survive the dangers of the game, which doesn’t shy away from the violence that fans have come to expect from the series.

The Capcom game also has an intense atmosphere, creating a constant sense of danger. This keeps players on edge as they explore sinister locations. Resident Evil 4 is a perfect example of how the Switch can offer an immersive and brutal experience.

4 Bayonetta 3

Stylized Violence And Humor In Combat

Bayonetta 3 brings back the iconic witch in an adventure filled with stylized combat and violent moves. The battles against bosses, often colossal creatures, are a visual spectacle. The protagonist uses her abilities to execute intense finishers that, despite being vicious, also have doses of humor.

The exaggerated scenes and tongue-in-cheek tone make Bayonetta 3 a unique experience for Switch players. Even with the brutality of the combat, the game manages to pull off comedic moments, proving that violence doesn’t always have to be taken seriously.

3 Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

An Alternate World Where Germany Won World War 2

Reimagining what humanity’s history would be like if Germany had won World War II, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus places players in the role of B.J. Blazkowicz, a member of the resistance against the Nazi regime.

To save the world from these malevolent forces, the protagonist has access to devastating combat mechanics, with weapons that allow for the explosive dismemberment of enemies. The story also contains moments of great tension and violence, making it one of the best third-party games available on the Nintendo Switch.

2 The Witcher 3

Geralt’s Brutal Adventure

From the very first moment, The Witcher 3 makes it clear that the universe created by CD Projekt Red is unforgiving. Amid war-ravaged landscapes, Geralt’s journey is marked by morally complex decisions, such as in the mission involving the Bloody Baron. Every choice carries heavy and unavoidable consequences.

The combat in The Witcher 3 is equally intense. Geralt performs precise moves that often result in enemies meeting gory deaths upon the protagonist’s sword. The port to the Switch, despite the graphical limitations, keeps the essence of the game intact, offering an unforgettable experience.

1 Doom Eternal

A Classic That Stays True To Its Origins

Doom is one of the most significant franchises in the world of video games, primarily due to its association with excessive gore during gameplay. That particular tradition continues to this day. In Doom Eternal, the protagonist, Doom Slayer, returns to wreak havoc on demons.

The gameplay has a frenetic feel to it. Players are pushed to face large hordes of enemies, equipped with an arsenal designed to destroy anything in the Doom Slayer’s path, along with an incredible soundtrack. For players who prefer the nostalgia of the franchise, some other classic Doom games are also available on the Nintendo Switch.