Video games are sprawling worlds, meticulously crafted by developers who love to hide little surprises for eagle-eyed players. These Easter eggs can be anything from pop culture references to in-jokes amongst the development team, and they add a layer of fun for those who manage to unearth them. So, put on your detective hat and grab your magnifying glass, because we’re diving into the top 10 video game Easter Eggs you likely missed on your playthrough!
1. The Chicken of Chaos (Gears of War 3): Remember those rusty pipes lining the walls in Gears of War 3? Most players probably just saw them as part of the scenery. But for those curious enough to approach and interact with them, a special surprise awaited. Shooting all four pipes in a specific order summons a legendary beast – a pixelated chicken! This silly Easter egg is a lighthearted nod to a developer’s inside joke, a reminder that even amidst the gritty world of Gears of War, there’s room for a bit of fun.
2. The Mostly Infinite Hole (The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe): This one’s a bit of a mind-bender. In the quirky world of The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe, players often find themselves presented with seemingly endless hallways or rooms. But one particular office hides a particularly curious Easter egg. By carefully navigating a specific path, players can stumble upon a “mostly infinite hole.” It’s not truly bottomless, but it stretches on for an absurdly long time, warping your perception of space and offering a humorous commentary on the game’s exploration mechanics.
3. A Secret Rave in the Wasteland (The Evil Within): The world of The Evil Within is a dark and disturbing one, filled with nightmarish creatures and a constant sense of dread. So, you might not expect to find a secret rave happening in the background. In a specific location, players can find flickering lights and hear faint techno music. It’s a bizarrely out-of-place but strangely welcome moment of levity in this otherwise oppressive game.
4. The Cow Level… Maybe? (Diablo II): This one’s a legend whispered amongst gamers for years. In Diablo II, rumors swirled about a hidden “Cow Level” accessible only through a complex series of steps. While there wasn’t actually a cow level (at least not officially), developers did cleverly include a “Moo Fields” level in a later expansion, a playful nod to the persistent rumor.
5. A Homage to a Gaming Giant (Red Dead Redemption 2): Rockstar Games is known for its meticulous attention to detail, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is no exception. In a hidden cabin, players can find a dusty phonograph. When interacted with, it plays a distorted rendition of the iconic “Grand Theft Auto” theme song. It’s a subtle but delightful tribute to another one of Rockstar’s most beloved franchises.
6. Breaking the Fourth Wall with Greg Miller (Spider-Man PS4): Remember all those news articles peppering the world of Spider-Man PS4? Look closely at some of the bylines, and you might recognize a familiar name – Greg Miller, a prominent gaming journalist. This is a fun Easter egg referencing Miller’s public campaigning for a shirtless Spider-Man costume in the game. While the costume didn’t make the cut, Miller’s name immortalized in the game is a nice touch.
7. A Shoutout to a Beloved Classic (Super Mario Odyssey): Keen-eyed players exploring the Luncheon Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey might stumble upon a peculiar painting. It depicts a pixelated scene that looks suspiciously familiar to fans of the original Super Mario Bros. This charming Easter egg is a loving tribute to the game’s legacy and a reminder of how far Mario has come.
8. A Personal Touch (Black & White 2): Black & White 2 takes player interaction to a whole new level. During character creation, the game asks you to enter your name. But for those with common names, a surprise awaits. Throughout the game, players might hear a disembodied voice softly whispering their name. It’s a creepy yet strangely personal touch that adds a layer of unease to the already unsettling experience.
9. A Gruesome Surprise (Mortal Kombat): Fans of the gory Mortal Kombat series know to expect fatalities and brutalities. But some Easter eggs take things to a whole new level. In older versions of the game, players could trigger a hidden “crypt” fatality by performing a specific sequence of moves. This resulted in a horrifying close-up of a grotesque monster, a jump scare that left many players wide-eyed and bewildered.
10. A Real-World Mystery (SSX Tricky): Sometimes, Easter eggs become ongoing mysteries. In the snowboarding game SSX Tri
