What are “Easter eggs” in games and how are they found?

Unlocking hidden treasures: Easter eggs in games and how to find them

As gamers, we’ve all had that moment when we stumble upon something in a game that’s completely out of the ordinary. It might be a hidden room, a secret message, or a quirky character interaction — and then comes the realization: I’ve just found an Easter egg! If you’ve ever wondered what these hidden gems are all about, why developers include them, and how you can find them, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’m going to explain what Easter eggs are in video games, give some cool examples, and show you how to become an Easter egg hunter yourself.

What are Easter eggs in video games?

In the world of gaming, Easter eggs aren’t colorful eggs you hunt for during springtime — though they do share the same concept of a hidden surprise. An Easter egg in gaming refers to a secret or hidden feature that developers sneak into games for players to discover. These can range from funny dialogues, hidden game modes, references to pop culture, or even entire playable levels. You can think of them as inside jokes or bonus content hidden deep in the fabric of the game.

These little gems are often intentionally cryptic and not meant to be found on a straightforward playthrough. They can reveal interesting backstory details, celebrate a game’s history, or just serve as pure entertainment. They add replay value, reward inquisitive players, and stir up curiosity within the gaming community. But here’s the kicker: some of the most famous Easter eggs weren’t discovered for years!

Why do developers add Easter eggs?

You might wonder, “Why would developers go out of their way to hide these random secrets?” Adding Easter eggs is often a way for game devs to have a bit of fun with each other and the players. Sometimes, it’s a way to pay homage to the dev team or the culture they love. It’s like saying: “Sure, you think you’ve beaten the game, but have you seen the crazy stuff we’ve tucked away?”

Here are a few reasons developers hide Easter eggs:

• Tributes and homages: Easter eggs are often a way to pay respect to a game series, its history, or even to famous movies, books, or pop culture.
• Game lore enhancement: While Easter eggs might seem random, some provide insight into the game’s storyline, enhancing the overall narrative.
• Fun for the devs: Sometimes, it’s just about the developers sneaking in a fun gag to amuse themselves or their colleagues.
• Community building: Finding Easter eggs often leads to a treasure hunt within the gaming community. It’s a great way to engage fans post-release.

How to find Easter eggs in games: a step-by-step guide

So, how do you find these elusive secrets hidden in the vast worlds of video games? While some are stumbled upon by sheer luck, others can be tricky and require a good eye, a sharp mind, or some good old research. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your Easter egg-hunting journey:

Step 1: Play the game thoroughly and pay attention to details

First and foremost, play the game as much as you can. Easter eggs are typically hidden in places you wouldn’t commonly go during a regular playthrough. By thoroughly exploring every nook and cranny of a game’s environment, you’re more likely to find something off the beaten path. Keep an eye out for unusual objects, patterns, or humanoid characters that don’t seem to fit the game’s normal pacing or plot.

For example, in games like “The Witcher 3,” there are hidden dialogues and side quests that are locked behind specific, timed events. If you’re just speed-running through, you’ll miss these gems! Take your time and think like a detective. Scan rooms and interact with random objects.

Step 2: Examine clues within the game world

Many Easter eggs are hinted at with subtle clues. These can come in many forms, including posters, books, notes, or even cryptic messages from NPCs. Read everything! Even if it seems like a throwaway line or something secondary, there could be a deeper meaning to it.

As an example, in “Grand Theft Auto V,” players found UFOs by piecing together cryptic notes from signs on Mount Chiliad. Paying attention to the details that seem odd or out of place can be your biggest ally.

Step 3: Use the internet, fan communities, and guides

Some Easter eggs are so hidden that discovering them without external help is next to impossible. But don’t worry — that’s where the gaming community comes in! Platforms like Reddit, gaming forums, YouTube, and websites like GameFAQs often have passionate users dissecting games, hunting for any crumbs that lead to Easter eggs.

Get involved! Engage with other gamers and look up discussions or forums about your favorite game. You’ll sometimes find people talking about odd occurrences or incomplete Easter egg discoveries they’ve gotten stuck on. Plus, YouTube channels dedicated to uncovering secrets, like The Easter Egg Hunter, can teach you the ins and outs of finding eggs in certain games.

Step 4: Try unconventional actions in-game

Easter eggs often require players to do something bizarre or completely unconventional: try standing still for minutes, inputting an odd sequence of button presses, or returning to areas that serve no apparent purpose. Part of Easter egg discovery is having the heck of an imagination!

A famous example is the “Konami Code” (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start) working across various games from the 80s and beyond. Or, in games like “Call of Duty: Zombies mode,” performing specific sequences unlocks hidden modes and fun scenarios.

Step 5: Replay the game and find alternate paths

Some Easter eggs are triggered after you complete a game or make specific choices along the way. Once you’ve beaten the main plot, try revisiting the game and exploring areas you might’ve missed. Sometimes side quests that were locked during your first run become accessible, and that’s where the secret lies.

“Mass Effect,” for instance, includes hidden cutscenes or special dialogues based on your romantic choices or the moral decisions you make throughout the trilogy. So, decisions matter!

Step 6: Experiment with in-game mods and cheats

Many games support mods or offer cheat codes that can unlock new possibilities. Some Easter eggs are hidden behind cheats, revealing quirky characters, items, or environments. Try implementing this if you feel you’ve exhausted all conventional means. Remember the old cheat codes in “GTA: Vice City” that spawned a tank? That was an intentional Easter egg designed for fun!

Famous game Easter eggs examples

If you’re still not convinced of how epic Easter eggs are, let’s take a look at some famous examples that made headlines:

• The first known Easter egg: The term “Easter egg” comes from the 1979 Atari game “Adventure.” The game’s creator, Warren Robinett, hid his name inside a secret room. This was the first discoverable hidden secret in a game – and the birth of Easter eggs as we know them today!
• The Mountain in Skyrim: In “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” there’s a hidden reference to the game “Notched Pickaxe,” an homage to “Minecraft” creator Markus Persson aka “Notch.” Find this special pickaxe on top of the tallest mountain in the game!
• The cow level in Diablo II: A long-standing rumor in gaming folklore was about a secret Cow Level in “Diablo I.” Well, “Diablo II” made that rumor a reality by hiding an actual Cow Level — an entire stage filled with warrior cows!
• Call of Duty Nuke Town mannequin Easter egg: On certain “Nuketown” multiplayer maps in the “Call of Duty” games, shooting off all the mannequins’ heads within a time limit could unlock secrets like turning the game into a zombie apocalypse scenario.

Practical tips for better Easter egg hunting

1. Save often: Easter egg hunting can sometimes lead you to a dead end or prevent you from continuing normally. Often, triggering or discovering a hidden sequence can alter the gameplay — so save your progress regularly!
2. Try different platforms: Some Easter eggs are platform-specific or require hardware-specific actions. So, if you’re playing on PC, try it out on console, or vice versa.
3. Trust the community: As mentioned earlier, don’t hesitate to crowdsource your search. Gamers love a good challenge, and bringing in backup can help you uncover long-buried secrets.
4. Stay patient: Recently, hidden Easter eggs in games like “Batman: Arkham City” were only uncovered after years of release. It takes time!

Conclusion: Start your Easter egg hunt today!

Easter egg hunting is one of the coolest ways to get even more out of the games you already love. Every hidden secret found feels like entering a private club where it’s just you and the devs who know about it. Whether you’re exploring games that have been around for decades or diving into newer titles, these hidden surprises can add a new layer of fun to your experience.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to dig into your favorite games and see what secrets await. Join a community, keep your eyes peeled for oddities, and remember — the best hidden treasures are often right under your nose. So, what Easter eggs will you uncover next?