Poker has always been a beloved game of skill, strategy, and luck. But sometimes, we get to enjoy it in unexpected places—like within our favorite video games! Whether you’re taking a break from the main quest or seeking a diversion in the middle of an intense storyline, poker mini-games add a fun layer of excitement. Here are some of our favorite video games that feature poker as a mini-game, where you can test your card skills while exploring new virtual worlds.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
In Red Dead Redemption 2, the Wild West isn’t just about gunfights and horse riding. Rockstar’s masterpiece gives players the chance to sit down for a hand of poker in various saloons across the expansive map. Whether you’re in Valentine, Saint Denis, or Blackwater, you can take a break from your outlaw life and try your luck at the poker table.
Why We Love It:
- Authentic Old West atmosphere that makes you feel like a real cowboy.
- Well-implemented poker mechanics with AI that mimics the unpredictable nature of human players.
- High-stakes games allow you to wager your in-game money and test your luck. You can try out poker strategies you’ve learned online.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
While The Witcher 3 is best known for its rich storytelling and monster hunting, it also offers Gwent, a card game that took the world by storm. However, it also has its fair share of poker moments in the form of “Dice Poker,” which was more prominent in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. It’s not exactly Texas Hold’em, but dice poker adds a gambling element that feels like a mix of poker and chance.
Why We Love It:
- Fits the medieval setting perfectly, offering a unique spin on traditional poker with dice instead of cards.
- Gritty and immersive environments make every dice game feel like a high-stakes challenge.
3. Far Cry 3
In Far Cry 3, when you’re not fighting off pirates or wild animals, you can kick back with a game of poker. Throughout the tropical islands, players can join poker games at various outposts, which provide a fun break from the action. The poker mini-game even allows you to win money to spend on upgrading your gear or supplies, adding to the sense of reward.
Why We Love It:
- High-tension games of poker that fit perfectly with the survival theme of the game.
- Opportunities to earn extra cash in a game where resources matter.
- Great animation and atmosphere that make the poker scenes stand out.
4. Fallout: New Vegas
Set in a post-apocalyptic version of Las Vegas, Fallout: New Vegas is the perfect setting for a poker mini-game. In this wasteland, you can visit various casinos to play traditional poker variants like Caravan, Blackjack, and Texas Hold’em. The stakes are high, and so is the fun, as you gamble your hard-earned caps to increase your wealth in the barren desert.
Why We Love It:
- True Vegas-style poker in a futuristic wasteland setting.
- Poker and other casino games are fully integrated into the storyline, with rewards tied to your gameplay.
- Tons of atmosphere with unique characters and iconic settings that immerse you in the experience.
5. Grand Theft Auto V
Another Rockstar game, Grand Theft Auto V brings poker into the virtual gambling experience via the Diamond Casino & Resort. While poker isn’t as heavily featured as other games on this list, the casino offers a variety of gambling options, including poker-style games like Three Card Poker. It’s a great way to spend your virtual currency while taking a break from the high-octane heists and missions.
Why We Love It:
- Luxurious casino setting in the heart of Los Santos.
- Smooth poker gameplay that captures the feel of real-world casinos.
- Great for winding down between chaotic missions and criminal activities.
6. Prominence Poker
This game takes poker to the next level by making it the core gameplay experience. In Prominence Poker, you dive into a poker-only world where you can build your character, customize your avatar, and climb the ranks by winning poker tournaments. Whether playing online against others or progressing through the single-player story, this game delivers a rich poker experience like no other.
Why We Love It:
- Poker is the central focus of the game, with deep mechanics and strategy.
- Fun multiplayer matches with players around the world.
- Highly customizable characters and immersive settings make it feel like a true poker experience.
7. Watch Dogs
In Watch Dogs, poker is just another tool in the hacker’s arsenal. You can sit down at a poker table in various locations around Chicago and play hands with the locals. While the poker mini-game is fun on its own, there’s an added twist—you can hack into your opponents’ phones to gain an upper hand. It’s a clever and unique way to incorporate poker into the game’s tech-savvy, crime-filled world.
Why We Love It:
- The added element of hacking to outsmart your opponents makes poker feel strategic and innovative.
- Seamlessly integrated into the world of crime, hacking, and surveillance.
- Provides a fun break from the main story while maintaining the high-tech theme.
