The Best Hidden Secrets in Open World Games You Probably Missed

10 June 2025

Let’s be real — open world games are massive. And when I say massive, I mean “you-can-sink-300-hours-and-still-not-find-everything” kind of huge. From creepy caves to out-of-the-way NPCs whispering cryptic lines, you know there’s always something tucked away behind a waterfall or locked door. And no matter how good you think you are at scouring a map, chances are… you’ve still missed something. Yep, even you, Completionist Carl.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what kinds of secret locations, easter eggs, mysterious dialogue, or hidden mechanics you might have walked right past, buckle up. We’re diving into the best hidden secrets in open world games you probably missed. And honestly? You’ll want to boot up your favorite games all over again after reading this.

The Beauty of the Hidden: Why Open World Secrets Matter

Before we unravel the list, let’s reflect for a second: Why do we even care about secrets in these games? Well, it’s not just about collecting rare loot or snagging achievements (although, let’s admit it, those are sweet). It’s about discovery. That feeling of stumbling across something no mission or marker pointed you to — it’s like finding treasure on a digital safari.

Developers put in these little gems for a reason. Sometimes it’s a joke, other times a nod to another game, and often it’s a way to reward curious players who dare to go off the beaten path. It’s storytelling without a narrator, and it’s what makes open world games unforgettable.

1. The Alien Encounter in GTA V

Let’s kick things off with one of the most iconic open world games ever — Grand Theft Auto V. Most players zip through the story, cause mayhem in Los Santos, and occasionally dabble in some golf. But did you know there’s a full-on alien mystery in the game?

At Mount Chiliad, if you reach the top during a thunderstorm at 3 AM, you can spot a UFO hovering in the sky. That’s bananas, right? But it doesn’t stop there. There’s an entire mural in the cable car station hinting at even more alien secrets, and players have spent years decoding it. Whether it’s real or just Rockstar trolling us? That's part of the fun.

2. The Witcher 3’s Talking Roach Easter Egg

Ahh, The Witcher 3 — a masterpiece in every sense. Between monster contracts and card games (Gwent, anyone?), it’s easy to overlook some of the weird gems sprinkled throughout.

One of the funniest hidden surprises? A talking Roach.

During the “Blood and Wine” DLC, if you drink a specific potion during a hallucination, your horse starts talking to you. Yes, your loyal steed suddenly has a lot to say — and the whole scene is hilariously absurd yet oddly touching. It’s one of those moments you won’t get unless you explore every odd option you come across.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2’s Mystery of the Strange Man

If you thought Rockstar only packed GTA with secrets, think again. Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is a treasure trove of cryptic characters and hidden narratives. One of the most talked-about? The Strange Man.

You’ll find a secluded shack in Lemoyne with a creepy painting that slowly changes as the game progresses. Eventually, the Strange Man appears — a sinister figure familiar to players of the first Red Dead Redemption. Who is he? Is he Death? The Devil? Just a well-dressed stalker? Nobody really knows, and that’s what makes it so eerie.

4. Far Cry 4’s "Secret" Ending That Happens If You Do Nothing

Yes, really. If you start Far Cry 4 and do nothing… like literally just wait… you get an ending.

At the beginning, Pagan Min tells you to wait while he takes care of some stuff. Most of us, being gamers, assume this is just flavor dialogue, and we go wander off to start our revolution. But if you wait around for 10-15 minutes? He comes back, and the game ends. Peacefully.

It’s the funniest "non-playthrough" way to beat a game. A total curveball from Ubisoft, and one that many players never even knew existed.

5. Skyrim’s Headless Horseman

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is practically synonymous with secrets. You’d think a game full of dragons and vampires wouldn’t have room for ghostly late-night apparitions, but oh, it does.

At night, usually around 10 PM, you might randomly encounter a headless horseman riding a spectral horse. Follow him, and he’ll lead you to Hamvir’s Rest — a location tied to dark lore. The best part? There’s zero dialogue, no quest marker, nothing. Just a silent, spooky ride through the night.

6. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s Minotaur… and Other Mythical Creatures

For a game rooted in historical fiction, Odyssey doesn’t hold back on the weird. Throughout your journey through Ancient Greece, if you dig deep enough (and I mean deeper than a YouTube rabbit hole), you’ll find mythical creatures — including Medusa, the Sphinx, and yes, the Minotaur.

These aren’t just fanservice battles either. They’re full-on boss fights with detailed environments and lore. Unless you go hunting for them, you could spend dozens of hours in the game and miss them entirely.

7. Breath of the Wild’s Lord of the Mountain

Zelda: Breath of the Wild is full of quiet magic. One of the most peaceful, beautiful secrets is the Lord of the Mountain. It’s a glowing spectral steed that only appears at a specific location — Satori Mountain — during a rare blue-green glow in the distance.

It’s a tribute to the late Satoru Iwata, Nintendo’s beloved president, and many believe the serene moment is meant as a gentle nod to his legacy. If you ride Lord of the Mountain, it disappears when you dismount — as if it was never real at all. Beautiful, bittersweet, and deeply hidden.

8. Cyberpunk 2077’s Hideo Kojima Cameo

Before Cyberpunk 2077 launched, the hype was real. And while it had a bumpy start, the game hides some surprisingly cool secrets. One of the best? A cameo by none other than Hideo Kojima.

You can spot him early in the game at a fancy party. He’s sitting on a couch, dressed stylishly (as always), and talking about advanced storytelling — classic Kojima stuff. It’s a tiny moment, easy to miss, but for fans of Metal Gear and Death Stranding, it’s a fun little wink.

9. Ghost of Tsushima’s Hidden Developer Shrine

This gem is heartwarming more than anything. In Ghost of Tsushima, if you reach the peak of a mountain near the Jogaku Temple, you can find a hidden shrine with a nod to all the developers who worked on the game.

It’s not tied to quests or trophies. It’s just… there. A thank-you from the team to the players. It’s a reminder that games are passion projects, and sometimes the best rewards come from simply looking around.

10. Minecraft's Herobrine Urban Legend

Technically not a developer-planted easter egg, but come on — Herobrine is iconic.

This mythical, Steve-looking character with blank white eyes supposedly haunts players’ worlds, messing with things and lurking in foggy forests. The kicker? He doesn't actually exist… at least not officially.

But the community turned this creepypasta into a full-blown myth with mods, skins, and stories so good they feel real. It’s a testament to how secrets, even imagined ones, fuel the magic in open world games.

Why You Probably Missed These (And Why That’s Totally Okay)

Let’s face it — open world games are overwhelming. You’re juggling side quests, main storylines, collectibles, crafting systems, hunting challenges… the list goes on. It’s no wonder some of these secrets slide right under the radar.

But that’s what makes revisiting these games or watching deep-dive videos so satisfying. The best secrets aren’t just hidden — they’re hidden well. And they reward that childlike curiosity we all still have when we pick up a controller.

It’s like returning to your favorite childhood park years later and realizing… there was a secret tunnel under the slide the whole time.

Pro Tips for Finding Secrets in Open World Games

Want to find cool secrets without watching a 30-minute explainer on YouTube? Here’s how to train your digital explorer senses:

- Look at the map’s edges: Weird stuff is usually tucked away in corners.
- Check the time of day: Some secrets only appear at night (creepy ones especially).
- Follow the animals: Foxes, birds, dogs — they often lead you somewhere.
- Listen to the weird NPCs: If they sound off, they probably are. Follow them.
- Revisit old locations: Things change in-game with time or progress.

Final Thoughts: The Joy of the Unseen

There’s something magical about secrets in open world games. They’re not required. They’re not on a checklist. They’re there just because someone wanted them to be — for you to find. And that? That’s what makes them special.

So next time you fast-travel or rush through a mission? Slow down. Take the long way. Look behind that out-of-place tree. You never know what might be waiting.

And hey — maybe you’ll be the first to find something no one else has.