Who doesn’t love hidden secrets in their games? Within the expansive realm of video gaming, Easter eggs stand as captivating enigmas, elevating the player’s experience. Fromridiculous alternative endingsto stumbling upon game developers seamlessly integrated into the gaming world, there is something for everyone. The joy of discovering subtle tributes to other gaming classics adds an extra layer of thrill to the gameplay experience.
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What makes an Easter egg truly great and rewarding? It’s the element of surprise, a twist that engages or amuses, leaving players with a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s a nonsensical cameo or a quirky reference, the reward lies not just in finding it, but in the sheer delight of the unexpected.
!!!SPOILER ALERT: This list contains spoilers on the endings of the following games: Dead Space and Silent Hill 2!!!
Grand Theft Auto 5
How To Find This Easter Egg?
Commencing as a mere Easter egg, theMount Chiliad MysteryinGrand Theft Auto Vhas turned into a fully-fledged myth. This intricateconspiracystarted with players navigating the game’s map in search of an elusiveJetpack. Gaining momentum within the gaming community, it encourages players to tirelessly explore the mountain, decode cryptic messages, and chase enigmatic clues.
It all started with a map’s discovery inside thecable car station, portraying what seems to be a mountain. Upon scaling the peak, a platform urges you to returnpost-gamecompletion. If you heed the call, return at night during stormy weather, and you’ll encounter aUFO. Fans speculate that there’s more to the map and mountain, possibly unlocking a jetpack. The truth remains elusive as developers remain tight-lipped, leaving the mystery unsolved.
9Various Pop Culture References
Fallout: New Vegas
How To Find These Easter Eggs?
Fallout: New Vegasis a treasure trove of Easter eggs, subtly nodding to popular movies and shows. Notably, the game pays homage toDoctor WhoandIndiana Jones, with references seamlessly integrated into its vast wasteland. Close to Goodsprings, you can find a scene that echoes Indiana Jones' fridge escape in Kingdom of the Crystal Skull –a skeleton in a fedora inside a fridge.
TheDead Money DLCtakes a Doctor Who turn, featuring enemies wearing gas masks and a graffiti nod toThe Empty Childepisode. Securitron robots mimic Daleks with their battle cryEXTERMINATEin combat. These playful nods, alongside references to Monty Python, Futurama, Alien, and Frank Sinatra, showcase the game’s rich tapestry of hidden gems, leaving players wondering if they’ve uncovered them all in this expansive wasteland.
8Super Mario Bros. References
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time(stillone of the best games in the Zelda series) has various Easter eggs that offer a nostalgic nod toSuper Mario Bros. fans. One of the most popular references is thehidden portraitsof Mario, Luigi, and Bowser that are concealed within the walls of Hyrule Castle. After catching a glimpse of Princess Zelda, players can peek through the right window to spot them.
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Guaranteed to get you spooked on the small screen (or big one).
But that’s not all the references — the Gerudo Fortress hidesSkyward Sword posters,Melon’s scarfresembles Bowser, and the characters ofTalonandIngobear a striking resemblance to the Mario brothers. It should be noted, however, that some of these eggs may not appear in different versions of the game.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
7Hidden Message In Chapter Names
InDead Space, a plethora of Easter eggs awaits players, but none rival the impact of thehidden messageconcealed in plain sight. Upon completing all 12 chapters, attentive players discover a chilling revelation: the first letter of each chapter title spells outNicole is Dead. This cleverly hidden message addresses the lingering question that haunts you throughout the game:the fate of Nicole.
Dead Space (2023)
6Hidden Minecraft Area
Borderlands 2
Borderlands 2, renowned for its irreverent humor, surprised players with ahidden Minecraft-themed area, exemplifying the game’s penchant for unexpected crossovers. Venturing into theCaustic Caverns, explorers stumble upon a blocky landscape resembling Minecraft, complete with pixelated textures and iconic cubes. As if thepixelated nostalgiaisn’t enough, the area also introduces Minecraft’s explosiveCreeperenemies.
This unexpected hidden room injects a playful and humorous element into the game, delighting players with the sheer unpredictability of Borderlands' titles. To add to the fun, you’re able to also mine these blocks to acquire aMinecraft skin.
5Game Of Thrones References
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3, known for its rich narrative, weaves in clever Easter eggs, including nods to the acclaimed seriesGame of Thrones. In the questFists of Fury, encountering a skilled fighter concealing their identity, only to reveal a woman, mirrorsBrienne of Tarth’sstoryline.
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Fans also appreciate the subtle reference toTyrion Lannister; his dwarf corpse lies in a prison, a poignant homage. Further enhancing the crossover, players can wield Jon Snow’siconic sword,Longclaw, adding an extra layer of familiarity for enthusiasts of both fantasy universes within this expansive and intricately crafted game.
4Psycho Mantis Reads Your Save Data
Metal Gear Solid
The encounter withPsycho MantisinMetal Gear Solidis considered a groundbreaking and immersive Easter egg that demonstrates the ingenuity ofHideo Kojima. In this memorable sequence, Psycho Mantis takes control of Meryl, forcing players to confront her. As you knock her out, Mantis displays his telekinetic powers byreading your save dataand even seizing control of your controller, causingvibrations.
To outsmart him, you must unhook the controller from the first port and attach it to the second, thus thwarting Mantis’s mind-reading abilities. When reading your data,Mantis recognizes specific titles, commenting on preferences for action, role-playing games, or Konami titles. This innovative and interactive encounter not only challenges players to think creatively but also remains a landmark moment in gaming history for its unique blend of narrative and player engagement.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
3Hideo Kojima Cameo
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077is a treasure trove of Easter eggs, and the fans' favorite has to be the cameo ofHideo Kojima. You can discover him casually seated on a sofa at ahotel’s bar, surrounded by an intrigued audience. Engaging with him allows for a brief yet fascinating dialogue about his work. The nod doesn’t stop there; his in-game name,Oshima, is a clever reference to Kojima’s admiration for the renowned film director Nagisa Oshima.
Cyberpunk 2077 does not stop there with its references; it also pays homage toDeath Stranding, with the appearance of the iconicBB Podhidden within a clinic. Beyond Kojima-centric Easter eggs, you may find various surprises, fromSailor Moon posesin the photo mode andRed Hot Chili Peppers' song lyricsetched as tattoos on various characters.
2The Infamous Dog Ending
Silent Hill 2
Team Silentis known for adding random Easter eggs to their games, and the secret ending ofSilent Hill 2is still one being talked about today. ThisDog Endinghas become a legendary meme in gaming culture. To unlock it, players must find a key hidden in a doghouse in Rosewater Park, which leads to the observation room in the Lakeview Hotel.
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Once opened, players trigger acutscenethat reveals ashiba inuwearing headphones as themastermindbehind the game’s eerie events. This hidden ending and its hilarious soundtrack add a humorous twist to the game’s intense horror elements and have become a testament to the lasting impact of well-crafted Easter eggs in the gaming community.
1Stan Lee’s Cameo & Much More
Marvel’s Spider-Man
InMarvel’s Spider-Man,Stan Lee’spoignant cameo holds special significance as it marks hisfinal voice-actingappearance before his passing. This cameo is seamlessly woven into the narrative, appearing in the missionDon’t Touch The Art. After completing it, players witness a heartwarming scene where Peter and Mary Jane’s date is interrupted, leading to Mary being approached by therestaurant’s cook— revealed as Stan Lee.
His character warmly compliments the couple, expressing how they were always his favorites. This bittersweet moment not only immortalizes Stan Lee in the game but adds a layer of emotional resonance, knowing it was his last voice-acted contribution. Beyond this touching encounter, Marvel’s Spider-Man is a treasure trove of Easter eggs, featuring nods toVenom, other Marvel Universe characters,Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum, Daredevil’s gym, and even a trophy-worthy climb upAvengers Tower.
