Frequently featured in first-person and third-person video games, a mini-map or minimap is an element of a video game’s HUD that helps players navigate the world and its obstacles. Games with expansive areas to traverse often contain a map for players to easily navigate to their objectives. While these expanded maps are often quite detailed, the mini-map is a condensed version that is always visible on the screen. A mini-map allows a player to quickly glance at a corner of the screen to ensure they are moving in the right direction.
Because mini-maps are more minimalistic than the full-scale map, they often omit smaller objects and details, leaving only essential information. If an open-world game features a GPS-style navigation system, the player can often choose a destination using the full map, and then continue toward that destination on the mini-map.
Popular games with mini-maps
- Animal Crossing
- Borderlands
- Call of Duty
- Fortnite
- Grand Theft Auto
- Legend of Zelda
- Red Dead Redemption
- Skyrim
- World of Warcraft
Game terms, UI
