While not a main storyline, video game easter eggs have gradually gained momentum and lie at the forefront of gaming. Easter eggs can be as small as a reference to a creator, or something as elaborate as a whole new section of a video game’s world. Players love to figure out what the developers have hidden within the code, and today, there are decades worth of easter eggs to enjoy. But which ones are the best? While it’s hard to just choose a few, below are some memorable video game easter eggs that gamers love.
6. Cyberpunk 2077 – Hideo Kojima In-Game
Starting our list of video game easter eggs is Hideo Kojima in Cyberpunk 2077. Known for the Metal Gear series and Death Stranding, creator Hideo Kojima makes an appearance in Cyberpunk 2077. While he is quite easy to miss, it is a funny easter egg. During the mission titled “The Heist,” Kojima can be found out and about on a bus, talking about his company and trying to “surpass the expressive limitations of braindances.”
5. Assassin’s Creed 3 – Assassin’s Beak
Fifth on our list of video game easter eggs is Assassin’s Creed 3 and the Assassin’s Beak. The franchise has been alive for nearly two decades and continues to wow fans. In the third edition, while players had to say goodbye to Ezio Auditore, they earned a secret friend easter egg. Players in the game can walk up to any turkey and feed it a treat. Then, by entering the classic Konami code of up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, the turkey will get an Assassin’s hood.
4. Fallout: New Vegas – Indiana Jones
Next on our video game easter eggs list is Fallout: New Vegas. A lover of pop culture, Fallout: New Vegas added a fun film reference for gamers to find. Players who roam the Mojave Wasteland in the game might eventually find an open fridge with skeletal remains inside. Along with the bones is an outfit that resembles Indiana’s, including the iconic fedora. It seems the fridge trick didn’t work for the Atomic War of Fallout.
3. Astro’s Playroom – Homage to Sony’s History
Rounding out the top three video game easter eggs is found in Astro’s Playroom. Those who owned a PlayStation 5 may remember Astro’s Playroom fondly, as it helped users demo the new controller functions, learn about the workings of the system and hardware, while still including some fun levels to play. But, did you know it’s also a huge homage to the history of Sony Entertainment? Players can find Sony’s previous consoles, controllers, Kratos, Atrus, Cloud Strife, and more hidden within the levels.
2. GTA Online – Join the Illuminati
Second on our list of video game easter eggs is Grand Theft Auto and the Illuminati. While tipping a toilet attendant may seem a little weird, you get a fun surprise in GTA. Introduced in 2018’s After Hours update, players can head to the Los Santos nightclub and tip the toilet attendant. After 10 tips, players are “Seeking the Truth.” 155 times, it’s “Chasing the Truth.” Finally, after 575 times, it becomes “Bearing the Truth,” where players receive the Epsilon Program robes to GTA 5’s secret society.
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops – Blowing up the Moon
Last but not least on our list of video game easter eggs is Call of Duty: Black Ops and the moon. The Zombies game mode started as an experiment but quickly became a staple of the Call of Duty franchise. Call of Duty: Black Ops went one step further and used easter eggs to reveal a storyline. In the final map for Black Ops Zombies, called Moon, players must endure a lengthy easter egg, which results in nuclear warheads on the Moon detonating on the Earth. Players literally watch the Earth get scorched with nuclear weapons, though this feat is no easy task.