Top 3-Player Games To Play On Your Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is an awesome console for gaming on the go, but it's also a fantastic way to get your friends and family together for some local multiplayer fun. While many games offer support for two players, finding titles that cater specifically to three players can be a bit trickier. Don't worry, guys! I've put together a list of some of the best 3-player games you can enjoy on your Nintendo Switch. Let's dive in!
Cooperative Chaos: Games Where Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
When you're looking for 3-player games, cooperative experiences are a fantastic choice. These games encourage teamwork, communication, and a shared sense of accomplishment. Here are a few standouts:
1. Overcooked! 2
Overcooked! 2 is a wild and hilarious cooking simulator that will test your friendships and communication skills. You and your fellow chefs must work together to prepare and serve meals in increasingly chaotic kitchens. Imagine trying to chop vegetables, cook meat, and wash dishes while navigating moving platforms, avoiding fire hazards, and battling demanding customers. The stress is real, but the laughter is even more so. This game shines with three players, as each person can take on specific roles and responsibilities. One player can focus on chopping ingredients, another can handle the cooking, and the third can manage the dishes and serving. Effective communication is key to success, as you'll need to coordinate your actions to avoid culinary catastrophes. Overcooked! 2 is not just about cooking; it's about teamwork, problem-solving, and embracing the madness. The game's charming art style and upbeat music add to the overall fun, making it a perfect choice for a game night with friends or family. Just be prepared for some heated debates and plenty of shouting – it's all part of the Overcooked! experience!
2. Heave Ho
Heave Ho is a wonderfully absurd physics-based game where you and your friends control blob-like characters who must swing, grab, and heave themselves across treacherous gaps. The catch? Each player controls only one or two arms, forcing you to rely on each other to reach the goal. This game is all about coordination and trust, as you'll need to carefully plan your movements and communicate effectively to avoid falling into the abyss. Heave Ho is surprisingly challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding when you finally manage to complete a level. The game's silly humor and charming art style make it a joy to play, and the sense of accomplishment you'll feel after successfully navigating a difficult section with your friends is unmatched. With three players, Heave Ho becomes a true test of teamwork, as you'll need to synchronize your movements and rely on each other's strengths to overcome the obstacles. This game is perfect for those who enjoy a good laugh and don't mind a bit of frustration along the way.
3. Trine Series
The Trine series (Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is a great option) offers a blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat, all wrapped in a beautiful fantasy world. Each player controls a different character with unique abilities: a wizard who can conjure objects, a knight who excels in combat, and a thief who is nimble and agile. The key to success lies in using each character's abilities in concert to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. With three players, Trine becomes a dynamic and engaging cooperative experience, as you'll need to communicate and coordinate your actions to solve puzzles and progress through the levels. The game's stunning visuals and enchanting soundtrack create an immersive atmosphere, and the challenging gameplay will keep you and your friends entertained for hours. Whether you're conjuring platforms, smashing through walls, or sneaking past enemies, the Trine series offers a delightful and rewarding cooperative adventure.
Competitive Mayhem: Games Where Only One Can Reign Supreme
If you're in the mood for some friendly competition, the Nintendo Switch has plenty of games that pit you and your friends against each other in a battle for supremacy. These games are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of trash-talking and bragging rights.
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
No list of multiplayer Nintendo Switch games would be complete without Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This kart racer is a classic for a reason: it's easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. With a huge roster of characters, a wide variety of tracks, and a plethora of power-ups, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers endless hours of competitive fun. Whether you're drifting around corners, launching shells at your opponents, or dodging banana peels, this game is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Playing with three players adds another layer of excitement, as you'll need to contend with more opponents and strategize your attacks. The game's colorful visuals and upbeat music create a festive atmosphere, and the thrill of crossing the finish line in first place is simply unmatched. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner who enjoys competitive gaming.
2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the ultimate crossover fighting game, featuring a massive roster of characters from various video game franchises. The goal is simple: knock your opponents off the stage using a variety of attacks and special moves. With its fast-paced action, deep combat system, and endless customization options, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers a truly unique and engaging fighting game experience. Playing with three players creates a chaotic and unpredictable battle, as you'll need to be constantly aware of your surroundings and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the fight. The game's stunning visuals and epic soundtrack enhance the overall experience, and the thrill of landing a perfectly timed smash attack is incredibly satisfying. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a must-have for any fighting game fan who owns a Nintendo Switch.
3. Super Mario Party
Super Mario Party brings the classic board game experience to the Nintendo Switch, with a variety of minigames and a host of familiar characters. The goal is to collect the most stars and coins by moving around the board, competing in minigames, and strategically using items. With its colorful visuals, charming characters, and addictive gameplay, Super Mario Party is a perfect choice for a fun and lighthearted game night with friends and family. Playing with three players adds to the competition, as you'll need to outsmart your opponents and sabotage their efforts to come out on top. The game's minigames are diverse and engaging, ranging from simple button-mashing challenges to more strategic puzzle games. Super Mario Party is a great way to unwind and enjoy some friendly competition with your loved ones.
Quirky and Unique: Games That Offer Something Different
If you're looking for something a little bit different, the Nintendo Switch has a few games that offer unique and quirky gameplay experiences that are perfect for three players.
1. Snipperclips Plus: Cut it out, together!
Snipperclips Plus: Cut it out, together! is a charming puzzle game where you and your friends control paper characters who can cut each other into different shapes. The goal is to solve puzzles by using your shapes to interact with the environment, such as filling in outlines, cutting objects, or triggering mechanisms. With its simple yet ingenious gameplay, Snipperclips Plus offers a unique and rewarding cooperative experience. Playing with three players adds to the challenge, as you'll need to coordinate your shapes and movements to solve the puzzles effectively. The game's adorable art style and lighthearted humor make it a joy to play, and the sense of accomplishment you'll feel after solving a particularly challenging puzzle is incredibly satisfying. Snipperclips Plus is a perfect choice for those who enjoy creative problem-solving and cooperative gameplay.
2. Death Squared
Death Squared is a puzzle game that requires serious coordination and communication. You control colored cubes, and you have to guide them to their corresponding colored goals. Sounds simple, right? Wrong! The levels are filled with traps and obstacles that are triggered by your movements, so you'll need to work together to avoid getting squashed. This game is hilarious as you accidentally (or intentionally) send your friends to their doom. With three players, the chaos is amplified, but so is the satisfaction when you finally solve a particularly tricky puzzle.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch offers a diverse range of 3-player games that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for cooperative challenges, competitive mayhem, or quirky and unique experiences, there's something for everyone. So gather your friends, grab your Joy-Cons, and get ready for some unforgettable gaming moments on your Nintendo Switch!