RNG is a mechanic that is very prominent in modern games. We have also seen the use of RNG in several classic video game titles including several iterations of Pokémon games.
This formula is used by games to drop loot, to create in-game events, or to decide the outcome of certain inputs. After all, randomness keeps players more engaged.
So, what exactly is RNG? RNG also known as Random Number Generator is a software or algorithm that works by producing numbers randomly from a given set of distributions.
The range of values can also be unlimited. Some simplest examples of RNG are dice rolls and coin flips.
Gamers love randomness and the rarity of drops makes them feel a sense of achievement for collecting items. With that in mind, we have compiled a short list of popular RNG-heavy games.
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5. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is a popular free-to-play first-person shooter that incorporates elements of both MMO and RPG.
To put it simply, the game is grind and shoot with the former part being heavily based on RNG. You’ll be playing for hours just to get your desired drop.
The game features several co-op missions that you can play with your friends, single-player missions, and a lot of PVP content.
Destiny 2 has hundreds of legendary and exotic weapons which makes grinding a fun task rather than tiring, especially when playing with friends.
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
4. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley has become a global phenomenon in recent years, and it is still played by many players today.
Stardew Valley is a farm life sim where you inherit your deceased grandfather’s dilapidated farm. You begin your new life with just enough resources to get you started.
On your journey to rejuvenate the farm you explore vast, mysterious caves, encounter NPCs, monsters and discover treasures.
Stardew Valley uses RNG to generate events and decide certain outcomes in the game like other RPGs. The RNG elements of Stardew Valley keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, macOS, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, Windows
3. Online Casino Games
One category of games that make the most use of RNG is gambling games that you can find on online platforms.
Online casino games are developed and engineered to mimic the nature of outcomes of real-life games of poker, blackjack, and more.
These digital casino games are integrated within bigger video game titles, as well with the same formula in use. GTA V and Grand Theft Auto V are two notable examples of this.
Since the games are digital, players get more freedom with their gameplay and pace – no matter the speed of the game, the outcome is always truly random.
It’s important to note that other calculations such as house edge are also considered by these RNGs used in online casino games.
Popular online casino Bovada provides an array of games that employ RNG in various ways to reward players and decide the outcome of their rolls.
This also includes their jackpot prizes and Live Dealer tables, where players are met with professional, human live dealers that lead the game – be it blackjack, poker, or baccarat.
Platforms: Web Browser on Windows, Android, MacOS and iOS
2. Fortnite
Fortnite is a popular battle royale game where 100 players drop onto a battlefield to remain last one alive.
Players can either hop into the game solo, or in a team and then proceed to build their inventory by looking for guns and resources which are randomly scattered around the map.
The objective is simple yet exhilarating: be the last player or squad standing.
The placements of guns and resources in the game are decided by RNG, there are cases when items don’t even spawn in some places.
There’s a rarity mechanic in the game that affects certain items including guns which roughly coincides with their availability.
Fortnite features seven different rarities from “common” to “exotic” with “common” being the weakest rarity and most likely to spawn.
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
1. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact’s core gameplay revolves around RNG, from characters to upgrade materials.
The game features a banner system also known as gacha which operates akin to some casino mechanics.
With the help of banners, players can pull unique characters, each character has its own set of skills useful for exploration and battles.
Players farm the upgrade materials and other resources by fighting weekly bosses and enemies to collect the drops which are decided by RNG.
Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG game set in the fantasy world of Teyvat. The game’s story follows the Traveler who is separated from their twin sibling at the start of the game.
Following the event, the traveler sets off on a journey to find their lost sibling which leads them to explore various nations of Teyvat while also unraveling its mysteries.
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, Android
A Quick History of RNG in Games
The concept of randomness has been an integral part of gaming since its inception. Originally, simple mechanical devices were used to generate random outcomes in physical casino games.
As technology advanced, the gaming industry embraced sophisticated computer algorithms to create random number generators (RNGs), becoming the foundation of trust in online gaming as a whole.
RNGs play a crucial role in video games, determining random events like critical hits or rare item drops.
Titles like Pokémon, Mario Kart, and Diablo rely heavily on RNG, and some procedurally generated games like The Binding of Isaac or Minecraft wouldn’t even exist without it.
However, RNG can also be a double-edged sword, especially in competitive multiplayer games, where luck can sometimes overshadow skill, leading to frustration among players.
The reason behind this is that RNGs can sometimes underplay the element of skill, creating outcomes determined by chance rather than player prowess, potentially diminishing the competitive integrity and enjoyment of the experience for skilled players.
