Game developers often incorporate sneaky and unconventional tasks, obstacles, or shortcuts that deviate from the usual gameplay, challenging players to think outside the box. These hidden surprises and codes add an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the gaming experience.

Let's take a closer look at a few examples of these clever meta tricks:

1 Martian Buddy (DOOM 3)

A Real Website Was Created That Offered Players A Hint To Access Powerful Equipment Early

In DOOM 3, players had to scour audio logs and emails to find codes and unlock doors, but the game also cleverly featured a fictional company, Martian Buddy, whose defunct website held clues to unlock powerful weapons early in the game.

2 Meryl’s Codec Code (Metal Gear Solid)

Meryl Has Her Codec Number On The Back Of The Game’s Case

Metal Gear Solid incorporated a fourth-wall-breaking puzzle by printing a codec frequency on the back of the game's case, which players needed to progress in the game.

3 Delete Files To Complete The Game (Doki Doki Literature Club!)

The Only Way To Complete The Story Is To Delete Game Files

In Doki Doki Literature Club!, players must delete game files to progress, adding an unexpected twist to the gameplay.

4 Play Super Mario Galaxy For A Faster Unlock (Mario Kart Wii)

An Existing Save Copy Of Super Mario Galaxy Will Reward Mario Kart Wii Players With An Early Unlock

Super Mario Galaxy's save data can be used to unlock content in Mario Kart Wii, providing an unconventional shortcut for players.

5 A Witch’s Secret Commentary (The House In Fata Morgana)

Reading The Dialogue History Back In The Fourth Tale Reveals Secret Dialogue

Players can uncover hidden dialogues by revisiting the dialogue history in The House in Fata Morgana, adding an extra layer of storytelling to the game.

6 Secret Records For Mona’s Fans (WarioWare: Touched)

Playing The Game With A Copy Of WarioWare: Twisted On The DS Console Unlocks A Bonus Record

WarioWare: Touched rewards players with a bonus record when played with a copy of WarioWare: Twisted, offering an exclusive experience for fans.

7 Hallucinations (Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem)

When The Sanity Meter Is Low, The Game Will Occasionally Break The Fourth Wall To Throw Off Players

Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem incorporates hallucinations and fourth-wall-breaking effects, creating an immersive and unpredictable gameplay experience.

8 Secret DLC Code (Borderlands 3)

Secret Numbers And Letters Are Hidden In The Artwork Of The Game, Which Can Be Used To Unlock Additional Loot In The Second Game

Borderlands 3 hides secret codes in its artwork, offering players the opportunity to unlock additional loot in the game, adding an element of mystery and excitement to the experience.