Video Games for Blackjack Fanatics
The chances are, if you’re here, you like cards! Well, it turns out, so do a lot of the video gaming community. Blackjack has woven its way into video games as a side activity, adding a bit of depth and realism wherever it pops up. Whether you’re exploring an immersive RPG or navigating a bustling open-world adventure, stumbling upon a blackjack table can feel like finding a hidden gem. Here’s our pick of the video games where blackjack is a prominent player.
Red Dead Redemption II
Set in the rugged backdrop of America’s late 19th century, Red Dead Redemption II immerses you in a world filled with outlaws, high-stakes heists, and all the gritty details of frontier life. One of the surprising features in this open-world epic is the opportunity to play blackjack at various saloons scattered across the map. These tables aren’t just for show as they offer a full mini-game experience where you can win (or lose) your in-game cash and test your strategic thinking. All the while dodging glances from suspicious cowboys!
The game even includes blackjack as part of its Gambler Challenges, requiring you to win specific hands under tricky conditions. Completing these tasks isn’t just about luck; it demands a solid grasp of the rules and a strategic mind. Many people actually turned to full online versions of blackjack to try and complete some of the more fiendish challenges in Red Dead Redemption II. Getting to grips with blackjack, perhaps on a site with demo mode, is a good way to get in some practice outside of those smoky saloons.
Fallout: New Vegas
This post-apocalyptic RPG takes players into the heart of the New Vegas Strip, where a variety of casino games, including blackjack, come to life. Unlike in Red Dead Redemption II, the experience here is more flashy, complete with neon lights and futuristic wastelands blending seamlessly with the old-world charm of classic blackjack. While it’s not a game focused solely on cards, the option to pull up a chair at one of the casinos adds to the immersive atmosphere. Winning big can help players gain extra caps—essential for buying weapons, armor, or even bribing their way out of trouble.
Grand Theft Auto V
In Grand Theft Auto V, players can take a break from the mayhem of Los Santos and head to the Diamond Casino & Resort for a bit of luxury and high-stakes fun. Among the many activities available, blackjack stands out as an excellent diversion from the game’s usual chaos. The digital casino replicates a classic blackjack setup, complete with an animated dealer and authentic betting mechanics. It’s the perfect way to indulge in some strategic play before heading back to heists, fast cars, and wild pursuits.
Final Fantasy VIII
This entry in the legendary JRPG series may not seem like the go-to for card games, but Final Fantasy VIII offers an interesting twist. While the game’s main collectible card game, Triple Triad, takes center stage, fans of blackjack will find that certain side missions and interactions allude to classic card play mechanics, adding a layer of strategy and anticipation to the journey. It’s a nod to the idea that even in worlds filled with magic and battles, the thrill of card-based games never truly goes out of style.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Although Gwent is the signature card game in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players who dig deeper will find that various NPCs and lore hint at the enjoyment of other classic card games, including blackjack. In this sprawling fantasy world, cards and gambling serve as social rituals that break up the intense monster hunting. While Geralt might be more inclined to play Gwent, the presence of gambling dens and talk of card games like blackjack flesh out the setting, making it feel all the more alive.
Blackjack may not be front and center in these video games, but it often appears as a side activity that adds richness to the overall experience. Whether you’re practicing in a virtual Wild West saloon or placing bets under neon lights in a post-apocalyptic casino, these games capture the strategic thrill that blackjack enthusiasts know and love.