One unlikely sport featured in many games is fishing, and the best part about it is that every depiction is entirely different.
There’s everything from 2D adaptations to on-rail shooters! If you’re too cool to play a full-blown fishing game (give it time), here are some excellent titles with great angling minigames!
Games on this list all include fishing in some form, but it’s not the primary focus. I’d love to include Dredge and theAngler, but fishing is a fundamental part of these titles.
10Dave the Diver
Literally Fishing For Your Supper
Dave the Diver
I feel a bit cheeky addingDave the Diverto the list, as fishing is a massive part of the game. Still, there’s much more to the game than just catching fish, including agrand underwater adventure.
You have multiple ways to catch fish inDave the Diver, from nets to harpoon guns. You must actively dive for your fish, and the depth determines what you’ll encounter. The best part about fishing in this game isyour catches end up on the menuof your very own Sushi Bar.
Rare and dangerous hauls are rewardedwith more money, which you can spend on various upgrades. You must dive for your fish, and the Blue Hole Lagoon changes every visit to keep things fresh.
You Shouldn’t Be Surprised
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
TheYakuzaseriesis known for its wild but incredible minigames. You can fish inYakuza 0andYakuza 6, and while they both offer great adaptations,Yakuza 6takes the cake for me.
Kiryu is up for aspot of harpoon fishingand does it in a way you’d only find in aYakuzagame. The activity is performed as anon-rails shooter, and you can shoot harpoons to catch anything that moves.
Anything from tiny fish to sharks is fair game for Kazuma Kiryu. Once you’ve put a dent in the nearby aquatic population, you can see the mountain of fish on the deck of your boat during the debriefing.
Yakuza 6easily offersthe most ridiculous depiction of fishingon the list, and it feels decidedly “on brand” for the franchise!
8The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
A Beautiful Reimagining
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Link’s Awakeningon the Nintendo Switch is a faithful remake of theGameBoy Classic, and it’s easily one of my favorite games in the franchise.
The game has a fun, 2D fishing minigamewhere you can see under the water and aim to catch the big fish for prizes.
Fishing is pretty simple, although it’s harder than it should be as it’s poorly explained in-game. You must carefully reel the fish in, so the line doesn’t snap, and thebigguns won’t come in without a fight.
While entirely optional, fishing is well worth the trouble asPieces of Heart and Seashellsare up for grabs.
This minigame also existed in the original, and it’s a real treat to see it spruced up in the remake.
7Breath of Fire 3
You Can’t Beat The Classics
Breath of Fire III
Breath of Fire 3has a surprisingly deep fishing minigame that’s addictive and rewarding.
This time, you’re lure fishing and must coax your target into biting. The minigame is pretty busy, witha strict timing windowfor reeling in.
There are plenty of species to catch, and your gear choices can determine if you get a bite. It’s fun to experiment with different combos to see if you can attract anything to nibble.
While it’s an optional side activity,fishing can aid your quest at large. Fish sell for a pretty penny during the early game and can even be traded at Manillo shops for rewards.
There’s also a fishing ranking system for you hungry Completionists out there!
Even Space Ninja’s Need To Chill Sometimes
you’re able to find fishing minigames in the most unlikely places, but the strangest has to be inWarframe.
If you travel to Earth, Venus, or Deimos, you canfish in any body of water with a Spear. Your gear dictates what you can catch, and you must carefully time your strike to reel in your prize.
The minigame is surprisingly intricate, withspecial items like Dyesto aid your fishing endeavors.
Fish can be mounted for display or traded for Standing. If you choose the latter, you’re able to open up some cool opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise, so it’s a rewarding side activity.
If you’re going to try your hand at fishing,I recommend using Ivara, as she can go invisible. Enemies are rather rude in Warframe and will still attack you on sight, even if you’re minding your own business.
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Rockstar Does It Again
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2is known for its stellar graphics and attention to detail, which encompass every activity in the game. The game was also aworthy GOTY contender, even if it ultimately missed out.
Thathigh-quality bar even extends to fishing, with a master-crafted, addictive minigame that’s pretty lucrative to boot.
Fishing is fairly realistic inRDR2. You can tire fish out with your rod angle, and you’ll get absolutely nowhere if you’re reckless with your reeling.
Your catch can be sold for a decent profit, andthe activity is pretty fleshed outwith multiple lures. you’re able to even eat your fish, which means you have infinite food if you put in the time.
4Far Cry 5
The Fishing Sim You Never Knew Existed
Far Cry 5containsone of the most impressive fishing minigamesI’ve ever played, and it has enough depth that it could be a standalone title.
Fishing is grounded in realism inFar Cry 5, with myriad lures and rods. Youcan’t just use brute forceto reel in your catch. Just like in real life, you must tire the fish out by angling your rod correctly and be careful not to snap the line.
It’s immediately apparent how much effort was put into this minigame, and it feels like a fully fleshed-out activity.
There are even perks baked into the skill tree to make angling easier.
3Final Fantasy XIV
How Does The Warrior Of Light Relax?
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
Final Fantasy XIVhas a superb fishing minigame withhundreds of missionstied to it.
The fishing minigame inFinal Fantasy XIVis very straightforward; simply wait for the prompt and reel in your catch. The complexity lies in the number of fish and achievements tied to the activity.
If you want everything,you must cast your line all over Eorzea. The rewards are worth it, too, as there are rare mounts up for grabs, like a Flying Shark.
The best part aboutFinal Fantasyfishing is you’re able to take your finest catches home and proudly display them. Some fish can fit in a tank, while others can be mounted on the wall. You can evendisplay fish in your Free Company(FC) House so your guildies can see.
2Stardew Valley
This Game Really Does It All
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valleyis everyone’s favorite cozy farming simulator. The title has something for everyone, including any keen anglers.
The fishing minigame in Stardew Valley issurprisingly challenging and satisfyingly intricate. There’s a knack to it, and learning how to control the timing will take practice.
The fish you encounter depends entirely on where you are fishing and in what season, so there’s a ton of information to memorize.
you may sell your catch for some quick cash, andan entire skill tree is dedicated to the activity. Specific fish are even required to restore theStardew ValleyCommunity Center, even if you can get them through other means.
Surprisingly,Stardew Valleyfishing is a little divisive, and there are even mods to remove it. That said, I adore it! There’s even legendary fish to put your skills to the ultimate test.
1Sea of Thieves
An Underrated Game For Anglers
Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thievesis a game thatcan ruin friendshipswith the wrong group. It’s also a title where you canrelax and enjoy a fantastic fishing minigamewith incredible rewards.
Fishing is mechanically simple inSea of Thievesand a great way to pass the time as you travel across the map. The best part of the activity is there’s anentire faction dedicated to angling.
The Hunter’s Call will reward you for dropping fish off at their docks, and you can earn some pretty sought-after cosmetics from them. There are also plenty of rare fish in the game that only appear in specific locations or are bound to the weather.
While the minigame is pretty basic, thecollectathon to find every fish takes skill, dedication, and patience.
Not convinced? Venture into the heart of a storm for a Shadow Stormfish without losing your ship in the process. I’ll wait.
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