After a long day of adventuring, saving princesses from evil turtles, and slaying the all-powerful world eater, players need to relax. Some prefer to go right back into the dungeons, they're heroes after all and that's how they relax. Others try to become master fishermen.
Fishing in video games can be much more engaging than the real-world counterpart. It doesn't take as long, players can sometimes fish for mythical creatures, and it's a nice break from hunting down enemies.
Disclaimer: For a game to be considered, fishing cannot be its main mechanic.
10 Red Dead Redemption 2
Fishing in Red Dead Redemption 2 finds the perfect blend of useful and fun. There are unique lures that work better in different bodies of water, fishing actually improves the player's health stat, and there are events where people can battle for the title of master fisherman.
When players are finished robbing trains, many of them will strap on their wellies, wade into the river, and try and catch the biggest fish they can find.
9 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The most satisfying fish to catch in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the fisherman's hat. Ocarina of Time's fishing mechanics may not have the same amount of polish as later additions in the series but they still hold up today.
As far as side quests go, fishing is one of the most fun activities to waste time on. Link might be the chosen one, destined to slay Ganondorf, but he also needs this last piece of heart. Zelda can wait.
8 Stardew Valley
Farmer? Check. Miner? Check. Fisherman? Check. There are so many things to become in Stardew Valley. Players can choose to abandon the farm entirely and set out to catch all the fish in the valley.
Nothing is off-limits and every path players take is rewarded with achievements, unlockables, and progress with the Community Center. Some events throughout the season revolve around fishing so players will need to practice if they don't want to embarrass themselves. Meet with Willy and help bring fishing back to the valley.
7 Fantasy Life
Who knew that fishing could be a major questline? Fantasy Life transforms every side job into a full-on adventure. Players can grow from a humble fisherman to a master angler who hunts legendary fish in uncharted waters.
Fantasy Life also allows players to combine jobs. Switch to a chef's hat and make 5-star meals out of the scaly beasts. The progression system for each job truly makes players feel as though they are becoming masters of their craft.
6 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the latest installment in the series and arguably one of the best. There's an overload of features and customization options. With an endless amount of things to do, fishing may not be the most important hobby on the island but it is fun.
Fishing is also an essential skill for players looking to make a few bells. Scour the ocean for their fishy shadows and prepare to make some money.
5 Pokemon Magikarp Jump
Pokemon Magikarp Jump is one of the strangest spin-off games in the series...and one of the best. Players are tasked with fishing for the most powerful Magikarp in the world and using them to compete in jump showdowns.
Gone are days where two trainers would unleash their Magikarps and splash until one of them quits. The game also encourages players to keep on fishing as the more Magikarps the player catches, the more they can improve their rod. Magikarp has never been more powerful. Gyarados who?
4 Sea of Thieves
Fishing in Sea of Thieves just makes sense. When players are tired of looting treasure, sinking ships, and drinking on deck, they can always turn to fishing.
Every ship should have a master angler who can reel in the crew's grub whenever they are out to sea. Let the other players storm the beachfront, battle skeletons, and find the lost treasure. The joke will be on them once the fish sell.
3 World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is the most popular MMORPG on the planet. Believe it or not, WoW is nearly 17 years old and through constant updates has added all manners of content to the game. Fishing is basically its own game at this point.
There are different rods and lures that grant players specific fishing abilities, consumables that temporarily increase the player's fishing skill, and apparel to truly look the part. Players can strap on their boots of the bay and engage in one of the best hobbies in WoW.
2 Far Cry 5
Far Cry 5 is the first game in the series to introduce fishing mechanics. Some fans believe that the series will never reach the heights of Far Cry 3 but the new features are a welcome addition to the franchise. One example is the surprisingly fleshed-out fishing mechanics.
Completionists will take great delight in tracking down all the different types of fish and improving their rods to make the catch easier. Take a break from battling maniacal factions to battle fish instead.
1 Terraria
Fishing in Terraria is far more than just a mini-game. Not only is fishing an excellent way to make money early on, but it can also provide amble crafting materials for potions and food. Terraria definitely takes fishing very seriously as it's required to summon Duke Fishron, one of the game's bosses.
Fishing may not be essential to complete the game, but it adds another level of gameplay. Players should definitely wield a fishing rod in their right hand and a weapon in their left.