8 Must-Play Online Multiplayer Indie Games for Switch

By Beau Feeny

Sony’s PlayStation, Microsoft’s Xbox, and PC gaming are the platforms best known for online gaming, but the online catalog for Nintendo Switch is no slouch either. While Nintendo features such well-known first-party juggernauts as “Super Smash Bros Ultimate,” “Mario Kart 8” and “Animal Crossing” for online multiplayer, there’s a wide world of indie games for Nintendo Switch offering both co-op and competitive online play. Here’s a roundup of some must-play online multiplayer indie games for the Nintendo Switch console—all for $30 or less on the Nintendo eShop.

1. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge”

Cowabunga! Released in June 2022, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge” is one of the newest Nintendo indie games on this list, despite having the longest history. A brawler featuring iconic New York locations and characters from across the TMNT franchise, this game affords co-op play for up to six players online. The game was an instant hit with critics, for both its gameplay and its nostalgia factor.

2. “Totally Accurate Battle Simulator”

Already popular on Steam, “Totally Accurate Battle Simulator” boasts the world’s “wobbliest” physics engine, which you can use to send goofy armies to war. The Nintendo Switch port was announced at Nintendo Indie World 2022 and will feature an online two-player mode.

3. “Don’t Starve Together”

Released in April 2022, Klei Entertainment’s “Don’t Starve Together” is a co-op wilderness survivor game spun off from “Don’t Starve.” The game boasts an impressive score of 83 on Metacritic, features an appealing hand-drawn art style and offers cooperative online play for up to four players. The crafting-focused simulation supports multiple play styles, sports all sorts of environments and characters and has—famously—all sorts of ways to lose.

4. “Stardew Valley”

Already a stone-cold indie classic, developer Concerned Ape’s “Stardew Valley” is a delightful distraction. This farm simulator—stay with me—has been out for years now and continues to enjoy a massive cult following. Don’t let the 16-bit-style graphics fool you: “Stardew Valley” is a rich, lovingly rendered tale of capitalism and the simple life, and supports up to four players working together online.

5. “Wargroove”

“Wargroove” is a turn-based strategy game that supports up to four players online—in both co-op and competitive modes. Released in 2019, the game was a critical darling, with a metascore of 84, considered by some to be a “spiritual successor to the Advance Wars” GameBoy Advance series (slated for a “Re-Boot Camp” on Switch).

6. “Astroneer”

“Astroneer” is a sandbox adventure game featuring procedurally generated worlds, meaning no two planets on your adventure will be exactly the same. Critics scored the game lower than other titles on this list, but with one important caveat: The game is better with friends! It supports “drop-in/drop-out” multiplayer, meaning friends can jump in and out of the game as availability allows. Take note: At 30 bucks, it’s one of the priciest games on the list.

7. “Streets of Rage 4”

“Streets of Rage 4” represented the first entry to the beloved beat-’em-up street fighting series in over two decades, so expectations and stakes were high. Critics loved the game, citing its excellent soundtrack, chill vibe and exciting cast of characters, making it one of the best indie Switch games of 2020. Check out Polygon’s loving review here and Nintendojo’s A-minus here. The game features local and online co-op multiplayer, for up to four and two players, respectively.

8. “Runbow”

Released summer 2018, “Runbow” is an oldie but goodie by this list’s standards. The game supports up to nine players competing or cooperating on clever, color-based platforming stages. It’s a party game that anyone can learn quickly, and each round only takes a few minutes, making it perfect for short sessions and marathons alike. Note that it supports Nintendo Joy-Cons, so local multiplayer is a breeze as well.

The best multiplayer Nintendo Switch games require a great internet connection

First, you need a fast connection to ensure your gameplay stays synced up with your opponents (or teammates). Next, many indie games are download-only, meaning you can’t buy physical copies in the store. Further, you can only download one game at a time, and downloads pause while you use online features in gameplay. This means you need a fast connection so you can download games quickly and get back to competing—or collaborating—with your friends. Sounds like fiber, if it’s in your neighborhood, is your best bet.

Product features and availability may have changed and are subject to change.