10 Mind-Blowing Easter Eggs You Missed in Video Games
Video game developers have long hidden secrets within their games, known as Easter eggs. These hidden gems can range from playful nods to other games, to hints at upcoming titles, or just quirky secrets for players to discover. Let's dive into ten of the craziest Easter eggs ever found in video games.
1. Grand Theft Auto V – Thelma & Louise Homage
In GTA V, players can witness a recreation of the famous ending from the 1991 movie Thelma & Louise. By flying a helicopter to Raton Canyon between 7 and 8 PM, players can see two women being chased by police in a convertible, eventually driving off a cliff in a blaze of glory. It's an elaborate Easter egg that perfectly references the film’s tragic conclusion.
2. Batman: Arkham Asylum – Arkham City Blueprint
Batman: Arkham Asylum hid an exciting teaser for its sequel, Arkham City, in the warden’s office. Behind a destructible wall, players can find a blueprint for the next game’s setting. This Easter egg remained undiscovered for months until developers revealed its location.
3. Doom II – John Romero’s Head
Doom II features one of the most bizarre Easter eggs ever. The final boss fight reveals a hidden surprise when players use a cheat code. Inside the demon boss is a severed head of game designer John Romero, which speaks in reverse, saying, "To win the game, you must kill me, John Romero." It's a strange and meta twist on the game’s final moments.
4. Borderlands 2 – Minecraft Cameo
In Borderlands 2, players who explore the Caustic Caverns can find a secret area that mimics the blocky world of Minecraft. Here, players battle iconic Creepers and unlock Minecraft-themed skins for their weapons and characters. It’s a fun crossover that caught players by surprise.
5. The Witcher 3 – The Cow Level
The Witcher 3 pays homage to the infamous Cow Level from Diablo. By killing too many cows in the game, players unlock a hidden area where they battle aggressive bovine enemies. This lighthearted Easter egg offers a fun break from the otherwise intense action of the game.
6. Assassin’s Creed III – Assassin Turkey
In Assassin’s Creed III, players can summon a turkey and unlock a quirky Easter egg by entering the classic Konami code (up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A). The turkey will don an Assassin’s hood, poking fun at the game’s stealth mechanics.
7. Grand Theft Auto IV – Statue of Happiness Heart
Grand Theft Auto IV hides a strange secret inside the Statue of Happiness, a parody of the Statue of Liberty. If players fly into the statue and pass a sign warning them of “no hidden content,” they’ll find a massive beating heart suspended inside the statue’s structure—a surreal and unexpected discovery.
8. Silent Hill 2 – Alien and Dog Endings
Silent Hill 2, known for its dark and psychological horror, includes two absurd alternate endings. Players can unlock an alien abduction or find that the real mastermind behind the horror is a Shiba Inu dog operating a control panel. These endings are a humorous contrast to the game’s otherwise grim atmosphere.
9. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past – Chris Houlihan Room
In The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, a secret room named after contest winner Chris Houlihan can be found. Originally designed as a crash prevention measure, the room is filled with rupees and serves as a quirky Easter egg that celebrates a fan’s inclusion in the game.
10. Uncharted 3 – The Last of Us Tease
Uncharted 3 hides a newspaper that mentions a fungal pandemic, subtly hinting at The Last of Us, which would be released by the same developers later. This Easter egg almost spoiled the announcement of the now-famous zombie apocalypse game.
Easter eggs like these add layers of excitement and depth to video games, encouraging exploration and rewarding players with unique discoveries. Whether it’s a tribute to pop culture or a tease for future releases, these hidden gems keep players coming back for more.