Fallout: New Vegas is renowned as an absolute masterpiece. The post-apocalyptic role-playing game (RPG) remains one of the most popular titles in the Fallout franchise from Obsidian Entertainment, as proven by its rare 10/10 rating on Steam. Although New Vegas was released some 13 years ago, a loyal army of gamers still indulge in this award-winning title despite the more recent release of its successors, Fallout 4 and Fallout 76. As you might expect from a game with “Vegas” in the title, this open-world game is set within an area designed to replicate the environment of Nevada and neighboring states Arizona and California.
In fact, the game is set in the year 2281, four years on from the game of Fallout 3 and over two centuries since the nuclear apocalypse of 2077. While the game is best known for its RPG dynamics and immersive storyline, long-serving fans enjoy the side games and missions available to play, which bring a different dynamic to the main plot.
Let’s delve into the virtual playground of mini-games that await in the desolate yet captivating world of Fallout: New Vegas.
Caravan: A card game extravaganza
The unique card game of Caravan is a hugely fascinating mini-game and comfortably one of the most played in New Vegas. Perfectly encapsulating the essence of strategic gameplay within the Fallout universe, it’s played using a conventional deck of 52 playing cards. Your mission is to build “caravans” of numbered cards within a specified range.
With simple rules yet complex strategies, Caravan becomes a game within the game, offering endless hours of diversion.
Blackjack: Hit, stand and conquer
A classic in the casino world, blackjack is also brought to life in Fallout: New Vegas. You head to the various casinos scattered across the Vegas wasteland and try your luck at this iconic game. It’s just like playing “21” in a virtual online casino. Instead of sitting at one of the 14,000+ sites offering real online blackjack tables powered by random number generators (RNGs), you’ll play virtual games of “21” determined by the video game’s RNG.
There’s always the familiar quandary of knowing whether to hit or stand. It’s enhanced further by the desperate, post-apocalyptic backdrop, making every hand a gamble in more ways than one!
Hunting and fishing: Survival skills unleashed
It’s far from your typical mini-game, but the hunting and fishing games allow you to explore the wilderness, track down mutated creatures, and hone your survival skills to thrive in the harsh environment.
These hunting and fishing mini-games bring a realistic touch to the survival aspect of the Fallout series, connecting you to the world outside of the bustling casinos and dangerous encounters.
Lockpicking: a test of hand skill
Enter the lockpicking game to see how good your hand skills are. You’re tasked with opening locked items like safes, ammunition boxes, doors, and other closely guarded items. All you’re given is a screwdriver and bobby pins to try and manipulate each lock along the way. Apply too much force to any locks, and you’ll lose your bobby pins. It’s a battle of minds and wills!
These mini-games aren’t just diversions. They’re integral parts of the Fallout: New Vegas experience. Whether you’re honing your strategic prowess in Caravan or blackjack or engaging in sporting escapades, they provide a dynamic respite from the traverse of the Mojave wasteland.
