Games With The Best Mini-Games

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Minigames have been a part of video games almost since the beginning. They’re a fun way to take a break from the main game, but sometimes they become so engaging that players end up spending more time with the minigame than the core story!

Lots of games include mini-games like fishing or card games to add variety, while others create completely original games to keep players entertained. Whether it’s a relaxing activity or a friendly contest, sometimes players need a break from the main story.

8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Taking A Break From The Questing And Killing

Details:

  • Gwent card game with collectibles and fully unique mechanics
  • Smaller games like fistfighting and horse racing

Many consider The Witcher 3 to be one of the greatest role-playing games ever made. When players need a break from the main story’s action, they can enjoy Gwent, a detailed card game within the game. Gwent is much more than a simple card game like poker; it’s a complete trading card experience where you build decks and collect rare cards, offering a fun diversion within the world of The Witcher.

This game is very easy to learn and play, quickly drawing players into a captivating world beyond the starting area. It feels like a welcome distraction from the main storyline, offering hours of enjoyable gameplay before you return to the central quest.

7. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Everything You Could Want From An Island Getaway

Details:

  • Everything from racing to karaoke
  • Fully-fledged island simulator built into the game

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is overflowing with side activities – it almost feels like a collection of minigames! What’s impressive is that these aren’t just simple add-ons; they’re fully developed games and challenges that can easily keep you busy much longer than the main story.

Every activity offers ways to advance, with new content to unlock and long-term goals to work towards. The highlight is Dondoko Island, a relaxing escape where players can build and manage their own five-star hotel, becoming so engrossed they’ll forget they’re even playing a game within a game.

6. Fallout 4

Minigames In The Palm Of Your Hand

Details:

  • Simple games accessible through the Pip-Boy
  • Based on real-world games from the 1980s era

Fallout 4 offers a huge amount of content, and when the open world feels like too much, players can relax and play retro-style games on their in-game wrist device. These games, like Donkey Kong and Space Invaders, are inspired by classics but feature a unique Fallout aesthetic.

The games are so engaging because players discover them gradually while exploring the game world. You don’t get a complete list upfront; instead, you unlock each game as you play. Once you’ve collected them all, it’s hard to stop playing thanks to their captivating and nostalgic pixel art style.

5. Final Fantasy 10

Mounted Racing And Underwater Sports

Details:

  • Blitzball is playable throughout the world
  • Different characters can be recruited to play

Final Fantasy 10 is well-known for its compelling story and excellent turn-based battles, but its Blitzball minigame is surprisingly addictive. What starts as a required part of the story quickly expands into a complete sports league where you can recruit players, improve their stats, and manage a team, adding a lot of extra gameplay to an already huge game.

Honestly, I keep finding myself stopping the main story just to play Blitzball over and over again – some people spend way more time on it than actually progressing the game! The Final Fantasy series has always had cool side games, like Triple Triad in FF8, but Blitzball is still the one everyone talks about and keeps coming back to, even after all these years. It’s just… really addictive!

4. Stardew Valley

Calming Escapes From An Already Calming World

Details:

  • Basic activities like fishing feel like complete minigames
  • Arcade with additional games, along with rewards

Stardew Valley is essentially a collection of repeating mini-games. Whether it’s relaxing fishing, exploring caves, or other activities, the game creates a satisfying cycle of improvement that can be incredibly engaging for players, keeping them hooked for many hours.

Aside from the core gameplay, players can visit the arcade and enjoy games like Journey of the Prairie King and Jumino Kart, offering a break from the usual activities. These smaller games can be surprisingly time-consuming, and many players end up spending more time playing them than actually building up their village.

3. It Takes Two

Enough Games To Fill A Whole Evening

Details:

  • Smaller games are scattered throughout the story
  • Both cooperative and PvP options for each player to enjoy

It Takes Two is a charming and heartfelt game designed for two players, telling a sweet story through a series of fun, connected mini-games. However, players might find themselves spending hours on optional side activities without realizing how much time has passed.

Beyond the main story, the game offers fun side activities like Whack-a-mole challenges and player-versus-player battles. These aren’t just simple distractions; they’re genuinely enjoyable and can be quite engaging. Some require players to work together, while others let you test your skills and reactions against opponents, providing a mental break from the core plot.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

The Cowboy’s Life

Details:

  • Playing poker for in-game currency
  • Meaningful incentives for playing the games well

Red Dead Redemption 2 offers an unforgettable adventure, and even when you’re not engaged in thrilling chases or shootouts, the game keeps you captivated. You can easily spend time doing simple things like playing cards in a saloon – and many players enjoy these smaller activities just as much as the main story, even if it’s just for a little extra money.

Beyond horseback riding, the game includes enjoyable side activities like dominoes and Five Finger Fillet. It’s easy to get lost in these relaxing moments, and the excitement of winning a hand often becomes more captivating than the gambling itself.

1. The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess

One Cast Is All It Takes To Get Hooked

Details:

  • Fishing with a surprising amount of depth
  • Other games, like snowboarding, are equally replayable

The Legend of Zelda series is famous for its fun side games, and fishing is a common favorite across many titles. Twilight Princess continues this tradition, offering minigames that feel like a natural part of the adventure. Players will find these games surprisingly captivating and enjoyable.

These aren’t just simple additions; each minigame feels like a complete, well-developed experience. Fishing offers a surprising amount of strategy with different baits and spots, the Clawshot challenges really test your skills, and you’ll probably find yourself spending more time with these optional activities than with the main story!

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2025-12-02 07:05