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- Best overall: Team17 Blasphemous 2 – Nintendo Switch
- Best budget: Akupara Games Rain World – Nintendo Switch
- Best premium: Team17 Blasphemous 2 – PlayStation 5
- Best for survival exploration: Akupara Games Rain World: Downpour – Nintendo Switch Expansion
- Blasphemous 2 is the stronger pick for deliberate combat, weapon choice and a structured action-adventure.
- Rain World: Downpour suits players who want survival exploration and five additional playable slugcat characters.
- The Nintendo Switch editions offer portable play, while the PlayStation 5 edition of Blasphemous 2 is the console-focused option.
- Rain World: Downpour requires the base game, so check your library before choosing the expansion.
- Hollow Knight, Blasphemous and Nine Sols offer distinct alternatives for fans of challenging 2D adventures.
For Black Friday 2026, Blasphemous 2 is the better all-round action pick, while Rain World: Downpour is the standout for survival-focused exploration. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to sort out what each game does best, which edition fits each platform, and where the biggest gameplay differences sit.
Rain World: Downpour is an expansion that adds five playable slugcat characters to the demanding world of Rain World. Blasphemous 2 is a standalone action-adventure with three distinct weapons and a sharper combat focus. Here's the bottom line: choose based on whether you want to endure a living ecosystem or master a weapon-led journey. The guide also covers related games for players weighing up more than the main matchup.
How We Picked
- Compared core gameplay, including survival exploration, combat rhythm and progression structure.
- Checked platform availability and distinguished standalone games from expansions that require a base game.
- Reviewed published feature details, including player counts, weapon choices and Downpour's five additional characters.
- Used owner feedback and review themes to identify strengths, learning curves and audience fit.
- Included alternatives that offer a similar 2D action, exploration or challenging-platforming appeal.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Players | View | Signature count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akupara Games Rain World: Downpour – Nintendo Switch Expansion | Rain World owners wanting new campaigns | 1+ | 2D | 5 added slugcats |
| Akupara Games Rain World – Nintendo Switch | Survival exploration | 1 | 2D | 1 starting slugcat |
| Team17 Blasphemous 2 – Nintendo Switch | Portable combat | 1 | 2D | 3 starting weapons |
| Team17 Blasphemous 2 – PlayStation 5 | Home-console combat | 1 | 2D | 3 starting weapons |
| Team17 Blasphemous – Nintendo Switch | The original series adventure | 1 | 2D | 1 central hero |
| Team Cherry Hollow Knight – Nintendo Switch | Interconnected exploration | 1 | 2D | 1 central knight |
| Red Candle Games Nine Sols – Nintendo Switch | Precision-led combat | 1 | 2D | 1 protagonist |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Akupara Games Rain World: Downpour – Nintendo Switch Expansion
The Akupara Games Rain World: Downpour – Nintendo Switch Expansion is the best survival-exploration add-on for players who want more of Rain World's ecosystem, with 5 playable slugcat characters added to the experience.
Best for: Rain World owners who want new characters and campaigns.
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Added playable characters
- 5 slugcats
- View
- 2D
- Base game required
- 1 game
- Adds five distinct character campaigns.
- Expands the original game's survival and exploration.
- Portable Nintendo Switch play.
- Requires Rain World; it is not a standalone game.
Is the Akupara Games Rain World: Downpour – Nintendo Switch Expansion worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Akupara Games Rain World: Downpour – Nintendo Switch Expansion is a strong pick for existing Rain World players who want five additional slugcat characters and fresh survival campaigns. Buy the base game first if it is not already in your library.
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#2
Akupara Games Rain World – Nintendo Switch
The Akupara Games Rain World – Nintendo Switch is the best starting point for players drawn to unpredictable survival exploration, with 1 slugcat navigating a detailed 2D ecosystem.
Best for: Players who want survival exploration before adding Downpour.
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Players
- 1
- View
- 2D
- Starting character
- 1 slugcat
- Sets up the world and survival systems behind Downpour.
- Rewards observation and careful movement.
- Portable play suits short exploration sessions.
- The open-ended survival design gives limited direction.
Is the Akupara Games Rain World – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Akupara Games Rain World – Nintendo Switch is the right purchase for players who want to learn the survival systems and world before adding Downpour. The 2D adventure prioritizes observation and navigation over straightforward combat.
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#3 · Top pick
Team17 Blasphemous 2 – Nintendo Switch
The Team17 Blasphemous 2 – Nintendo Switch is the best overall pick for players who want demanding 2D action in portable form, with 3 weapons that support distinct combat approaches.
Best for: Players seeking focused combat and portable exploration.
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Players
- 1
- View
- 2D
- Starting weapon choices
- 3
- Three weapon styles give combat useful variety.
- Exploration and platforming break up fights.
- Portable format fits an action-adventure on the go.
- Combat difficulty asks for patience and precise timing.
Is the Team17 Blasphemous 2 – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Team17 Blasphemous 2 – Nintendo Switch is a compelling choice for players who want a challenging action-adventure they can play portably. The Team17 Blasphemous 2 – Nintendo Switch's three weapons provide different combat approaches, while exploration connects the game's fights and progression.
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#4
Team17 Blasphemous 2 – PlayStation 5
The Team17 Blasphemous 2 – PlayStation 5 is the best console-focused pick for players who want responsive 2D combat on a home system, with 3 weapon choices shaping the opening play style.
Best for: PlayStation 5 players who prefer combat-led adventures.
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Players
- 1
- View
- 2D
- Starting weapon choices
- 3
- Three weapons support varied combat preferences.
- A strong fit for a dedicated home-console session.
- Pairs exploration with demanding action.
- The single-player design has no local multiplayer.
Is the Team17 Blasphemous 2 – PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Team17 Blasphemous 2 – PlayStation 5 is a good pick for solo players who want a combat-driven 2D adventure on a home console. The three starting weapon options add variety, while challenging encounters reward learning enemy patterns.
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#5
Team17 Blasphemous – Nintendo Switch
The Team17 Blasphemous – Nintendo Switch is the best choice for players who want the series' original dark action-adventure, with 1 central hero tackling a 2D world of combat and exploration.
Best for: Players who want the series starting point.
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Players
- 1
- View
- 2D
- Central protagonist
- 1 Penitent One
- Introduces the setting and series identity.
- Mixes platforming, combat and exploration.
- Portable play works well for focused stages.
- Blasphemous 2 is the more direct pick for newcomers seeking a newer entry.
Is the Team17 Blasphemous – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Team17 Blasphemous – Nintendo Switch is worth considering for players who want to start with the series' original adventure. The solo 2D game blends combat and exploration, while Blasphemous 2 is a separate option for players focused on the follow-up.
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#6
Team Cherry Hollow Knight – Nintendo Switch
The Team Cherry Hollow Knight – Nintendo Switch is the best exploration-heavy alternative for players who want a large interconnected 2D world, with 1 knight at the center of its adventure.
Best for: Players who want map-led exploration and precise combat.
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Players
- 1
- View
- 2D
- Central character
- 1 knight
- Interconnected areas reward careful exploration.
- Combat and platforming build around precise movement.
- A strong alternative to both featured games.
- The map-led structure can feel opaque for players who want frequent guidance.
Is the Team Cherry Hollow Knight – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Team Cherry Hollow Knight – Nintendo Switch is a strong fit for players who enjoy discovering routes through a connected 2D world. The solo adventure combines exploration, platforming and combat, offering a different balance from Rain World: Downpour and Blasphemous 2.
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#7
Red Candle Games Nine Sols – Nintendo Switch
The Red Candle Games Nine Sols – Nintendo Switch is the best pick for players who want precision-led 2D combat, with 1 protagonist facing demanding encounters across a science-fantasy adventure.
Best for: Players who enjoy defensive timing and challenging fights.
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Players
- 1
- View
- 2D
- Central protagonist
- 1
- Combat rewards careful timing and attention.
- Science-fantasy setting stands apart from the other picks.
- Portable format suits short focused sessions.
- The demanding combat is not ideal for players seeking a relaxed adventure.
Is the Red Candle Games Nine Sols – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Red Candle Games Nine Sols – Nintendo Switch is a worthwhile option for players who want a tough, combat-centered 2D adventure. The Red Candle Games Nine Sols – Nintendo Switch's single-player structure and science-fantasy setting give the game a distinct identity among the other Black Friday picks.
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Which is better, Rain World: Downpour or Blasphemous 2?
Blasphemous 2 is the stronger all-round action pick, while Rain World: Downpour is better for players who want survival and ecological discovery. Blasphemous 2 builds its action around 3 weapon choices, enemy encounters and exploration. Its combat has clear rhythms to learn, giving players a focused goal from room to room.
Rain World: Downpour takes a less direct route. Five added slugcat characters bring different campaigns to a world where movement, weather and creature behavior shape each run. The ecosystem can feel hostile and unpredictable, which is central to its appeal. Choose Blasphemous 2 for deliberate combat and a more guided action-adventure; choose Downpour for systemic survival and exploration. Remember that Downpour is an expansion, so the base game is part of the buying decision.
Is Rain World: Downpour a standalone game?
Rain World: Downpour is an expansion that requires the Rain World base game, while Blasphemous 2 is a standalone game. That difference matters when choosing a Black Friday 2026 purchase: Downpour adds content to an existing game rather than replacing it.
The expansion adds 5 playable slugcat characters and their campaigns, giving returning players new ways to navigate the same demanding world. New players should start with Akupara Games Rain World – Nintendo Switch, then pick up Downpour when they want its added content. Blasphemous 2 asks for no equivalent base-game purchase. Players who want one complete action-adventure purchase can go straight to the Blasphemous 2 version that matches their console.
Which game is better for Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo Switch supports Rain World, Rain World: Downpour, Blasphemous 2, Blasphemous, Hollow Knight and Nine Sols in this guide. The best fit depends on whether portability matters more than the style of play you want.
Akupara Games Rain World: Downpour – Nintendo Switch Expansion is a natural choice for existing owners who want five new characters and campaigns. Team17 Blasphemous 2 – Nintendo Switch is the clearest all-round action option, with three weapons and a single-player structure. Hollow Knight works for players who value exploration through connected areas, while Nine Sols leans into precise combat. Check the game listing carefully before purchase: the Downpour expansion needs Rain World, but the other featured games are separate entries.
Should I choose Blasphemous or Blasphemous 2?
Blasphemous 2 is the better first pick for most newcomers, while Blasphemous suits players who want the series' original adventure. Both games deliver 2D action and exploration, but each is a separate game rather than a requirement for playing the other.
Team17 Blasphemous 2 gives players three starting weapons and a clear combat identity, making it the more direct match for the main comparison. Team17 Blasphemous – Nintendo Switch offers the original setting and protagonist for players who want to experience that entry. Worth it for most players. Choose based on the adventure you want, not a need to complete the original first. Both Nintendo Switch listings offer portable play, while the PlayStation 5 version of Blasphemous 2 targets home-console players.
What should I look for in Black Friday 2026 game listings?
Check the exact title, platform and product type before buying any game in this guide for Black Friday 2026. The Rain World: Downpour listing is an expansion, so confirm Rain World is already in your library or add the base game too.
Match the platform name to the console you own: Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 editions are not interchangeable. For Blasphemous 2, compare the three-weapon action format with Rain World's survival focus before deciding which game fits your taste. Read the current listing details for edition contents, language information and any regional restrictions. A clear match between your console, library and preferred gameplay makes a better purchase than choosing a title only because it appears in a seasonal roundup.
Buying Guide
Choose the gameplay loop first
Blasphemous 2 gives players 3 weapon choices and a combat-led 2D adventure. Rain World: Downpour adds 5 slugcat characters and survival campaigns. Pick combat mastery for Blasphemous 2, or systemic exploration for Downpour.
Check whether you own the base game
Rain World: Downpour requires 1 base game, Rain World. Buy the base game before the expansion if your library lacks it. Blasphemous 2 is a standalone game, so it does not require an earlier series entry.
Match the platform to your console
Team17 Blasphemous 2 is listed for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 in this guide. Check the exact platform on the Black Friday listing before checkout. A console-specific edition needs the matching system.
Compare your preferred challenge
Rain World emphasizes survival and learning a 2D ecosystem, while Blasphemous 2 emphasizes combat and weapon choice. Hollow Knight and Nine Sols provide more alternatives for players who want exploration or precision-led fights.
FAQ
Is Rain World: Downpour worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Akupara Games Rain World: Downpour – Nintendo Switch Expansion is a strong buy for players who own Rain World and want five added slugcat characters with new campaigns. Start with the base game if it is missing from your library.
Is Blasphemous 2 better than Rain World: Downpour?
Blasphemous 2 is better for players who want focused action and three weapon choices. Rain World: Downpour is better for survival-focused exploration and five additional playable slugcats. The right choice depends on whether combat or ecosystem discovery is your priority.
Do I need Rain World to play Downpour?
Yes. Akupara Games Rain World: Downpour – Nintendo Switch Expansion requires Akupara Games Rain World – Nintendo Switch as the base game. Downpour adds content rather than functioning as a standalone adventure, so check your game library before buying.
Which Blasphemous 2 version should I buy?
Choose Team17 Blasphemous 2 – Nintendo Switch for portable play, or Team17 Blasphemous 2 – PlayStation 5 for a PlayStation 5 setup. Both versions center on 3 starting weapons and single-player 2D action. Confirm the platform shown on the listing.
What is the best alternative to Rain World: Downpour and Blasphemous 2?
Team Cherry Hollow Knight – Nintendo Switch is the best exploration-focused alternative, while Red Candle Games Nine Sols – Nintendo Switch fits players who want precise combat. Both are single-player 2D adventures, but each brings a different setting and gameplay emphasis.