How to Find Hidden Items in Open-World Games
Let me tell you something: there’s nothing quite like the feeling of stumbling upon a hidden item in an open-world game. I mean, you know the ones I’m talking about, right? Those rare weapons, the secret stash of cash, or those quirky little trinkets that make your character just a bit more powerful or give you some cool, out-of-the-way bragging rights. But here’s the kicker — they’re hidden. They’re not sitting out in the open, begging for attention. You have to work for it. And, honestly, sometimes that can be downright frustrating.
If you’ve ever wandered the lush forests of The Witcher 3, trekked across the desolate wastelands of Fallout 4, or explored the towering mountains of Skyrim, you know exactly what I’m talking about. So, I thought I’d share some of the strategies I’ve picked up over the years to help you track down these elusive treasures. I’ve learned a lot (sometimes the hard way) about finding those hidden gems — and I hope you can avoid some of my mistakes.
1. Explore Every Nook and Cranny
Yeah, this sounds obvious, but hear me out. Open-world games are designed to make you feel like the world is alive and vast. The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 are prime examples of games that will tease you with hidden items if you’re not paying attention to the environment.
In my first playthrough of The Witcher 3, I got so caught up in the main quests that I totally missed out on dozens of cool little collectibles. After realizing I’d missed some of the best loot just because I wasn’t being thorough, I had to backtrack and scour every inch of the map. It was tedious, but man, was it worth it.
Tip: Take your time. It’s easy to rush through a quest and miss those hidden treasures tucked away behind some rocks or in a corner of a dungeon. If you’re playing Elden Ring, try checking the high cliffs or hidden caverns – these are often places where rare items are tucked away.
2. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings (Environmental Clues)
Open-world games often hide items in places you wouldn’t expect, and you’ll sometimes need to rely on environmental clues to guide you. For instance, you might spot a rusted chest tucked behind some overgrown vines in Red Dead Redemption 2. If you’re not careful, you’ll miss it completely.
I learned this lesson the hard way in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. There was this ridiculously hard-to-find chest hidden in a cave on an island. I walked past it three times before I realized I needed to climb up to a ledge above the entrance to see it. You’ve got to pay attention to the little details around you. Sometimes the game wants you to notice those little signs that something’s just a bit out of place.
Tip: Look for hints like a broken door, a path covered by bushes, or even strange lighting that seems to illuminate a hidden item. These are often subtle ways the game devs use to guide your exploration without directly pointing things out.
3. Use the Map Wisely
In open-world games, the map can be a treasure trove of hidden secrets — if you know how to read it. Whether it’s a treasure icon in Skyrim, or the map markers in Breath of the Wild, there’s usually something that can point you in the right direction.
I remember in Breath of the Wild, I completely overlooked a small area marked on the map. When I finally paid attention to it, I realized that it was a secret chest location! It was right under my nose the whole time. I could’ve saved a lot of time if I’d just been more proactive with studying the map.
Tip: Use the in-game map or compasses to track your exploration and look for areas marked as points of interest. But be warned: Some items are off the map entirely. That’s when you need to rely on your instincts.
4. Look for Quest Givers Who Offer Hidden Rewards
One of the sneakiest ways to get hidden items is through side quests or hidden dialogues that you might not immediately pick up on. For instance, in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, I almost completely missed the questline that gives you the best armor in the game, just because I wasn’t interacting with NPCs enough.
There are always side quests, little tasks, or secret dialogue options tucked away within the game’s world that might lead you to hidden items. If you’re not actively engaging with NPCs, you’re missing out on some of the best loot.
Tip: Try talking to everyone. I know it sounds tedious, but sometimes the NPCs will reveal hints or offer side quests that lead to hidden items. And don’t be afraid to revisit towns you’ve already cleared — sometimes people open up with new info after certain events.
5. Don’t Forget to Dig Through Containers
Okay, hear me out. This one is probably the most straightforward tip, but it’s one I definitely learned the hard way in The Witcher 3. After hours of hunting monsters and completing quests, I realized I was missing out on a ton of loot because I kept ignoring containers — crates, chests, barrels, you name it.
A big chunk of hidden items are tucked away in things like barrels or crates that you’ll often pass by while exploring. I don’t know why, but sometimes I would just assume they were empty and move on. Don’t make the same mistake. Just open them. Even if you don’t think there’s anything inside, you’ll be surprised how often these things hold something useful.
Tip: Stop and open every chest, box, and barrel you see. Even if it seems mundane at the time, you’ll often find hidden potions, rare ingredients, or valuable armor tucked away. It’s always worth the 5-second pause.
6. Look for Environmental Hazards That Hide Items
In some games, hidden items are tucked away in places that might seem dangerous. Lava pits in Horizon Zero Dawn, poison-swarmed dungeons in Dark Souls — sometimes these items are hidden in plain sight, but surrounded by deadly obstacles.
I remember dying a lot in Dark Souls because I saw a chest right next to a bunch of poison gas, and I really wanted to open it but didn’t know how to safely approach it. It took me a while to realize that I needed to first grab a specific item or upgrade to survive the toxic environment.
Tip: Don’t rush into danger. Instead, take your time to figure out how to navigate these hazardous areas, as the rewards can be well worth the effort. It’s all about being prepared and thinking ahead.
Final Thoughts
Finding hidden items in open-world games is as much about patience as it is about observation. These treasures often require a little bit of legwork, but that’s what makes them so rewarding. Sure, you might feel like you’re wasting time when you’re combing through every corner, but trust me — it pays off.
Take your time, explore everything, and don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll get that epic sword you’ve been hunting for… or even just a few potions to make your journey a little easier.
Enjoy the hunt, and happy exploring!