Summary
Mini-games enrich the game world’s culture and lore, helping players feel part of the universe. They provide a refreshing break from the main story or gameplay, offering a different type of fun and keeping players engaged. Many mini-games reward players with in-game currency, items, or skills, motivating participation and aiding overall progress.
Card-collecting mini-games especially attract completionists, who spend hours trying to collect all cards or reach the highest rank. Physical versions of mini-games generate extra revenue for companies and let fans own tangible products tied to the game world.These collectibles hold real valueand preserve memories beyond the digital experience. In this list, we highlighted some beloved mini-games that also have physical versions.
Tetra Master is a key mini-game and side activity in Final Fantasy IX. Players can challenge various NPCs throughout the game, including tournaments and one-on-one matches. Each card has unique stats and directional arrows that determine attacks. The game is played on a four-by-four square grid where the goal is to capture more cards than your opponent by outmaneuvering them.
Although less popular than Triple Triad from FFVIII, Tetra Master offers its own strategic depth with unpredictable arrow directions and changing attack and defense values. A licensed physical card set featuring FFIX characters and monsters was released in Japan, making it a collectible for fans.
Pazaak is a card minigame featured in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). Players use strategy to prevent their opponent from reaching 20 points, making it a galactic twist on blackjack. Though not essential to the main story, it adds depth to the game’s world and offers rewards through matches with NPCs.
Its simple rules and strategic depth made it a fan favorite. Official physical Pazaak decks were released in the KOTOR Master Edition byLimited Run Games. High-quality licensed versions, like those from Hyperspace Props, include full 126-card sets. Due to limited production, these are now collectible items and hard to find.
Caravan is a unique card game introduced in Fallout: New Vegas. Players receive a 54-card starter deck and rulebook from Ringo in Goodsprings. The game can be played with various NPCs across the Mojave Wasteland, including merchants and figures like Ambassador Crocker. The goal is to build three “caravans” with values between 21 and 26.
It’s not part of the main story but adds depth through role-playing, betting, and strategy. Caravan stands out for its original rules, unlike poker or blackjack. A physical 54-card Caravan deck was included in the Fallout: New Vegas Collector’s Edition, featuring retro-futuristic designs and fully playable cards.
Caravan cards share the same suits as standard playing cards (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) but are presented with retro designs unique to the Fallout universe. Caravan can be played with regular playing cards, but owning the official Caravan deck offers a distinct experience with authentic Fallout style and collectible value.
Queen’s Blood is a deep and engaging card mini-game integrated into the main story of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Players can find Queen’s Blood tables across towns, settlements, and camps in the game world. By playing against various NPCs, including story characters, players earn new cards, rank up, and join tournaments.
The game features unique card abilities and a ‘frontline’ mechanic on a three-by-five grid board, making each match strategic and dynamic. Easy to learn but hard to master, it appeals to a wide audience. The Collector’s Edition includes an official physical card set, allowing fans to play Queen’s Blood outside the game with high-quality replicas.
An iconic part of the Star Wars universe, Sabacc appears in various films, games, and theme parks—most notably in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where visitors can find official Sabacc decks and even play at themed tables. This high-stakes card game is known across the galaxy as the one where Han Solo famously won the Millennium Falcon from Lando Calrissian.
Its gameplay blends elements of blackjack with unique mechanics like the unpredictable “Sabacc Shift,” where card values can change at any moment. The game’s mix of strategy, luck, and lore-rich design makes it a fan favorite. Official physical versions are produced by Fantasy Flight Games and sold at Disney parks.
Triple Triad is one of the most iconic and central mini-games in Final Fantasy VIII. Nearly every NPC in the game—including soldiers, students, townsfolk, and even some bosses—can be challenged to a match. Each card features a unique creature or character image and has numbers on all four sides. Players aim to collect rare cards, complete their decks, and progress through certain side quests.
The game’s popularity comes from its blend of strategy and collectibility, along with simple yet clever rules. In Japan, a limited physical set called the Final Fantasy VIII Memorial Card Collection was released, showcasing official cards. Fan-made tabletop versions also exist, closely replicating in-game rules.
Orlog is a Viking-themed dice mini-game embedded throughout the open world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Eivor can find Orlog tables in villages, ports, and inns across England and Norway. Played as a social and relaxing diversion, Orlog lets players face off against various NPCs to earn silver, unlock new God Favors, and collect unique tokens.
Despite its simple rules, the game has surprising strategic depth, blending luck with tactical decision-making. Its distinct Norse dice, deity-themed abilities, and atmospheric design helped it gain cult status. Due to its popularity, Ubisoft released a physical version, complete with engraved dice, god cards, and playmats—making it a standout crossover from game to tabletop.
Gwent is one of the most immersive and expansive mini-gamesin The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Found across towns, taverns, and even main story characters from Novigrad to Skellige, it’s more than a side activity—it’s a fully realized card culture within the game. Players build decks and challenge NPCs in strategic matches, aiming to collect rare cards and win unique rewards.
Each faction—Northern Realms, Nilfgaard, Monsters, Scoia’tael, and Skellige—offers distinct mechanics. Its simple rules, layered strategy, and use of iconic Witcher characters make it deeply addictive. Gwent became so popular that it spawned both a standalone digital game and official physical card sets.
