Most video games these days are about destruction. Whether you're slashing, shooting, or blowing something up, you're pretty much doing the same thing: eliminating things from the world.
And while that can be tons of fun, it can also be nice to build things for a change. Some might even call it satisfying.
The games we're gathering for this article aren't all similar to each other, but they do have one thing in common: crafting. Most of them also happen to feature gameplay that's more laid back than what you normally get in a lot of games, which is a double whammy of nice.
Here are the best crafting games you can play on Nintendo Switch, and we're not even including Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
10. Crashlands
Crashlands was around for years before it came to the Nintendo Switch, starting off as a mobile game.
This means that this action RPG performs excellently on the console, but it's also had plenty of times to streamline the gameplay and crafting systems.
9. Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness and the Secret Hideout
If you're not sure whether you're looking for a crafting game or a JRPG, why not both? All of the Atelier games are heavy on crafting, but this entry is one of the first to see widespread acclaim.
8. Forager
The makers of Forager don't try to hide their inspiration, having gone on record and stating outright that the game is inspired by Stardew Valley, Terraria, Zelda, and such games.
This open-world adventure game is worth playing even if you've played those games, as it picks and chooses the right elements from each to make for a compelling experience.
7. Terraria
When Terraria first launched, it was pegged as "2D Minecraft." That's not an entirely inaccurate way to describe it, but it's not entirely accurate either.
With an emphasis on combat an exploration, Terraria doesn't feel anything like that game. Though this is an older game, the Nintendo Switch is the perfect home for it.
6. LEGO Worlds
LEGO toys were sort of a physical Minecraft before Minecraft even existed, so it makes sense that LEGO Worlds takes that game's approach with the trademark LEGO presentation.
This may seem like an easy cash-grab of a game, but it's definitely not. There's a lot to do, and you'll have tons of fun creating whatever you want in its procedurally-generated sandbox world.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
If you own a Nintendo Switch and don't already own Breath of the Wild, there's a good chance you just aren't interested.
But you should reconsider. Breath of the Wild has interesting cooking and crafting systems, on top of all its other awesome gameplay mechanics.
If you think Breath of the Wild is like previous Zelda games, throw those preconceptions out the window.
4. ARK: Survival Evolved
ARK: Survival Evolved came during a whirlwind of survival game releases, but this one actually managed to last.
Staying alive in this world isn't easy, thanks to killer dinosaurs and other players who are also looking to survive, so you'll need to rely on your crafting skills to give you an advantage.
3. Minecraft
Everyone knows what Minecraft is at this point, even if they've never played the game once. What you may not know is just how well it works on the Nintendo Switch.
While performance wasn't great at first, a few patches have made in much more playable. Perfect for crafting on the go.
2. Stardew Valley
You probably don't need me to tell you about Stardew Valley. The game has been popular for years, and for good reason.
That said, if you've got a crafting itch you're looking to scratch, you could do a whole lot worse than this game. It's basically Harvest Moon kicked up several notches!
1. Dragon Quest Builders 2
I mean, c'mon, it's right there in the name! While the first Dragon Quest Builders game was fun in how it mixed elements of Minecraft with the lore and style of the Dragon Quest series...
...the second Dragon Quest Builders game refines and perfects the recipe, resulting in an addictive game that'll keep you hooked.
