10 Coolest In-Game Arcades And Mini-Games

Arcade games and mini-games offer short, enjoyable distractions from larger tasks, and can even reward you with useful items, money, or improvements to your character. You’ll find them in dedicated entertainment areas, but also in places like bars, towns, and even on your ship. These games often feature high scores, unlockable rewards, and can contribute to your overall progress, making them worth the effort to learn. Here are ten of the best – they’re easy to find, quick to pick up, and satisfying to become skilled at.

‘Club SEGA’ in ‘Yakuza’ series

Throughout Kamurocho and other areas, you’ll find ‘Club SEGA’ arcades filled with classic cabinets. You can play games like ‘Out Run,’ ‘Space Harrier,’ and ‘Virtua Fighter 5’ on actual arcade machines with working scoreboards and sound. There are also claw machines where you can win plush toys and other items to collect or give as gifts. Playing these games, completing challenges, and winning prizes all contribute to points that let you unlock upgrades.

‘Gold Saucer’ in ‘Final Fantasy VII’

The Gold Saucer is a multi-level theme park filled with fun things to do. You play games and participate in events to earn GP, which you can then use to buy tickets and special prizes. Activities like battle tournaments, racing, and carnival games keep track of your scores and offer rewards. Plus, the park’s events and side quests can help you develop your character.

‘Gwent’ in ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’

Gwent is a card game played against characters you meet while exploring the world, like innkeepers and merchants. You collect cards by completing quests, buying them from shops, and winning special matches, allowing you to create powerful decks based on different factions. Winning matches and completing quests unlocks rare cards and rewards. You also earn crowns and make progress in each region by playing.

‘Poker and Five Finger Fillet’ in ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’

Saloons and campsites offer games like poker, blackjack, and dominoes, as well as dangerous challenges like ‘Five Finger Fillet’. Players can join games, control how much they bet, and observe other players. Winning money helps fund the camp and lets you improve your character. Some story events and special tasks happen at certain game tables and involve high-stakes gambling.

‘Dead Ops Arcade’ in ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’

Dead Ops Arcade is a fast-paced, top-down survival game where you fight in arenas, earn score multipliers, and grab temporary power-ups. The game features hidden rooms and bonus levels that add extra paths to explore beyond the main map. Collecting items increases your potential score, and each round lets you climb the leaderboards. You can replay levels to find better routes and uncover secret content.

‘Journey of the Prairie King’ in ‘Stardew Valley’

The saloon features an arcade game called ‘Journey of the Prairie King,’ a fast-paced, twin-stick shooter. Players use coins earned during gameplay to temporarily boost their abilities between levels. Completing the game unlocks a farmhouse trophy and an in-game achievement. Later on, a second arcade cabinet becomes available, offering ‘Junimo Kart’ – a racing game with its own set of challenges and rewards.

‘Armax Arsenal Arena’ in ‘Mass Effect 3’

The Armax Arsenal Arena on the Citadel lets you test your skills in combat simulations. You can customize your gear and team, then battle through different maps with specific goals and a time limit. Winning earns you tokens to unlock new enemies and rewards. Compete on leaderboards and take on weekly challenges to maximize your earnings and keep coming back for more.

‘Holotape Games’ in ‘Fallout 4’

You can find old-fashioned games on holotapes hidden throughout the world – in vaults, diners, and offices. These games, like ‘Red Menace’, ‘Atomic Command’, and ‘Zeta Invaders’, are simple to play but become more challenging as you progress. Once you find a tape, you can play its game whenever you want on your Pip-Boy. Some tapes are locked away or given as rewards for completing quests, encouraging you to explore everywhere.

‘Batting Cages and Darts’ in ‘Persona 5 Royal’

Tokyo’s districts feature batting cages that track your performance and offer prizes and improvements to your stats. In Kichijoji, you can also find darts and billiards, with extra benefits if you play well. Visiting in the evening helps you build relationships with characters and unlock special items. The rewards and available items change regularly with the seasons, keeping things fresh.

‘Shield Surfing and Snow Bowling’ in ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’

In the Rito and Hebra regions, you can compete in shield surfing time trials to earn rupees and gather materials. At Pondo’s lodge, try snow bowling – getting strikes means bigger rewards! Keep in mind that the weather and how durable your shield is will impact your runs, so having extra gear is a good idea. The game keeps track of your best times and scores so you can keep trying to beat them.

Tell us about your favorite arcades and mini-games within games! Share your tips and any secret locations you’ve found with the community in the comments.

2025-11-19 22:46