Kalmyks

The Kalmyks[en.wikipedia.org] are the westernmost branch of the Mongols, a people that originally lived in the Altai region of Siberia, western Mongolia, and Xinjiang China. The ancestors of the Kalmyks were the Oirats, whose name comes from Mongolic words meaning “forest people.” In 1207 the Oirats were brought under the rule of Genghis Khan and remained part of the wider Mongol world for centuries.

In the 17th century, part of the Oirats migrated west and settled near the Volga River, becoming the last Mongol nomads to move into Europe. Some later returned to east, but those who remained became known as the Kalmyks - a name given by the Turkic tribes meaning “to remain” or "remnants". To this day they are the only Mongolic people living in Europe, mainly in the eastern part of the European Plain. The Kalmyk Khanate lasted until 1771 and is often considered the last Mongol khanate in history.

The Kalmyks formed a long-lasting alliance with the Russian Empire and were famous for their cavalry, including their role in the wars against Napoleon. Today they live mainly in the Republic of Kalmykia, the only region in Europe where Buddhism is the main religion. Kalmykia is located roughly between Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Chechnya. Its capital, Elista, is also known internationally for chess tournaments.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/48720
In Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword, the Kalmyks appear as fast, skilled horse archers, reflecting their real-life reputation for mobility and steppe warfare. They serve as mercenary units for the Muscovites, capturing their historical role as allies of Russia in the 17th century.

MB wiki: Kalmyk[mountandblade.fandom.com]

Lightly armored and highly agile, these Kalmyk units excel at hit-and-run tactics, making them the best skirmish unit in the game. This is the most direct and explicit appearance of the Kalmyks in video games, and arguably the most accurate representation of them in any mainstream title.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2959256160

https://store.steampowered.com/app/10500/Total_War_EMPIRE__Definitive_Edition/
In Empire: Total War, the Kalmyks (or Kalmuks) appear as light steppe cavalry. Their inclusion gives players a glimpse of the unique role these nomads played in 18th-century warfare.

TW wiki: Kalmuks[wiki.totalwar.com]

However, while they reflect the historical role of Kalmyk auxiliaries in Russian armies, the game’s focus on gunpowder warfare exposes the limits of archery, making these a weak unit.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/236850/Europa_Universalis_IV/
In Europa Universalis IV, the Oirats, the ancestors of the Kalmyks, are included as a playable faction. Players can lead them in their steppe homelands, complete their faction specific quests, experience the challenges of nomadic life and the politics of Central Asia.

EU4 wiki: Oirats[eu4.paradoxwikis.com]

No matter how the Oirats will develop, the Kalmyks themselves will appear later in the game.

EU4 wiki: Kalmyk[eu4.paradoxwikis.com]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/8930/Sid_Meiers_Civilization_V/

Also worth mentioning is a fan-made mod for Civ5, where the Kalmyks are a full playable faction.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/42960/Victoria_II/?curator_clanid=40611013
https://store.steampowered.com/app/394360/Hearts_of_Iron_IV/?curator_clanid=39012884
Victoria 2 and Hearts of Iron 4 include the Kalmyks as part of playable provinces,
letting players interact with them indirectly.

While these appearances are often limited and not very detailed,
they do highlight the Kalmyks’ presence in European history.

From Pushkin Monument in Moscow:[en.wikipedia.org]
"A word about me will over Russia scatter.
Its every tongue will be to me a proud chap,
A son of Slavs, a Finn, and presently unlettered
Tungus, a Kalmyk — friend to steppes."

So as you can see, the Kalmyks rarely appear as distinct faction or units in video games.
Maybe they have a small part in other historical grand strategy games set in the 18th century, but I couldn't find them (let me know if you do).

The above handful of games offer a glimpse of the Kalmyk's history.
I hope future games will include the Kalmyks (maybe even sci-fi themed - why not?), and I’ll keep this guide updated as new appearances are found.

P.S. Regardless of what the future brings, the Kalmyks have already left a lasting mark on pop culture! The Ewoks in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi were given a language inspired by Kalmyk. Wiki: Ewok[en.wikipedia.org]