Here are 10 hidden game features you probably didn’t know existed, spanning a variety of genres and platforms.
1. The Konami Code: Unlock Hidden Bonuses
Arguably the most famous hidden feature in gaming, the Konami Code—Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start—is a cheat code first introduced in Contra to give players extra lives. It has since become a fun Easter egg in numerous games, unlocking everything from secret levels to bonus content in titles like Castlevania, Metal Gear Solid, and even modern games like Fortnite.
- Fun Fact: Google and Netflix have also integrated the Konami Code into their platforms as playful nods to gaming history.
2. Skyrim’s Sneaky “Bucket Over the Head” Trick
In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players can bypass NPCs’ line of sight by placing a bucket over their heads, effectively blinding them. This quirky feature allows you to steal from shops without being noticed. While it’s unclear if this was intentional, it became one of the game’s most amusing hidden mechanics.
3. FIFA’s “Celebration Secrets”
The FIFA series is known for its depth, but did you know it hides special player celebrations? By performing specific button combinations after scoring a goal, players can trigger unique, often hilarious animations, such as Ronaldo’s famous “Siii!” jump or even quirky dances.
- Tip: Experiment with the joystick or look up specific button combos for your favorite players’ celebrations.
4. Doom’s “IDCLIP” Cheat and Hidden Levels
The original Doom is packed with secrets, but one of the coolest hidden features is the IDCLIP cheat code, which allows players to walk through walls. Combined with the game’s secret levels—like the one modeled after Wolfenstein 3D—this cheat offers endless exploration possibilities.
- Bonus: Many modern shooters pay homage to Doom’s cheat codes, with variations like “noclip” in other titles.
5. Hidden Toad House in Super Mario Bros. 3
In Super Mario Bros. 3, an invisible white mushroom house is hidden on specific levels. To access it, players must collect a certain number of coins (often matching the level number). This house contains rare items, like the powerful P-Wing, making it worth the effort to uncover.
6. Animal Crossing: The Resetti Feature
In earlier Animal Crossing games, if you reset the game without saving, the grumpy mole Mr. Resetti would appear to scold you. While this was initially a way to encourage saving progress, repeated offenses unlock longer dialogues, hidden jokes, and even mock punishments. It’s a clever blend of humor and game design.
- Tip: In newer titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mr. Resetti’s role is reduced, but his spirit lives on as a fan favorite.
7. The GTA Series’ Secret Phone Numbers
Grand Theft Auto games are known for their Easter eggs, but did you know you can call hidden numbers for surprises? In GTA V, dialing specific numbers triggers unique audio messages, prank calls, or even spawns vehicles. For instance, calling 1-999-759-3255 spawns a stunt plane instantly.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for numbers written on walls or in missions—they often lead to unexpected results.
8. The Hidden Dog Companion in Dead Cells
In the popular roguelike Dead Cells, players can unlock a hidden dog companion by interacting with the Hunter’s Mirror after meeting specific conditions. The dog doesn’t impact gameplay directly but adds a delightful touch of personality as it follows you during runs.
- How to Unlock: Look for subtle visual cues and lore hints scattered throughout the game.
9. The Creepy Totaka’s Song in Nintendo Games
The mysterious Totaka’s Song, a short 19-note tune composed by Nintendo’s Kazumi Totaka, is hidden in several games he worked on, including Animal Crossing, Luigi’s Mansion, and Mario Paint. The song is often buried deep within menus or triggered by unique conditions, making it a recurring secret across multiple franchises.
10. Assassin’s Creed’s Fourth Wall Breaks
The Assassin’s Creed series is full of hidden features, but one of its cleverest is the frequent fourth-wall-breaking interactions between characters and the Animus system. In Assassin’s Creed II, for example, Leonardo da Vinci cracks jokes about being “in a video game,” while the developers added Easter eggs in the Animus interface that comment on player behavior.
- Tip: Explore every nook of the Animus menu for subtle nods to the game’s development and lore.
Conclusion
Gaming is full of hidden features and secrets that make exploring your favorite titles even more rewarding. From Easter eggs that pay homage to gaming history to mechanics that allow you to bend the rules, these surprises showcase developers’ creativity and love for their craft. The next time you dive into a game, take a closer look—you might just uncover something amazing!
