Top 10 Video Game Easter Eggs of 2020

VOICE OVER: Ryan Wild WRITTEN BY: Matthew Guida

From Doom Eternal to Cyberpunk 2077, 2020 gave us some awesome video game Easter eggs! For this list, we'll be looking at some of the best hidden secrets and references that appeared in video games throughout 2020. Our countdown incldues Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and more!

Script written by Matthew Guida

Defying the expectations that come with most first-person platformers, “Ghostrunner” and its cyborg ninja protagonist, demonstrate this genre’s true potential. The game also features plenty of interesting references to sci-fi and pop culture. One Easter Egg in particular, is guaranteed to appeal to fans of classic anime. While traveling through Dharma Tower, players may notice a red motorcycle that bears a striking resemblance to the one used by Kaneda from the anime film “Akira.” Considered one of the most influential films in the sci-fi genre, it seems fitting that “Ghostrunner” would include such an iconic item for players to discover.

#9: Soul Calibur & Injustice Easter Eggs

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“Mortal Kombat 11” (2019)

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With its incredible story mode, amazing fighting system and large cast of fighters, it’s no wonder that “Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate” won an award for best fighting game of 2020. Another highlight of the game are the occasional Easter Eggs that emerge from the dialogue between certain characters. In the case of the anti-hero Spawn and the demonic ninja Scorpion, both make references to “Soul Calibur 2” and “Injustice: Gods Among Us,” which both characters are respectively featured in. For fighting game fans, this Easter Egg serves as a nostalgic throwback to two of the best games in the genre.

#8: The Winnie the Pooh Easter Egg

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“Assassin's Creed Valhalla” (2020)

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During one of the game’s world events, Eivor is tasked with helping a young girl collect honey for a close friend. Now if the old tree doesn’t give the Easter Egg away, the revelation that the young girl’s friend is in fact a friendly, honey loving bear sure will. Even though the event is over once you give the bear her honey, there is still more to this Easter Egg than meets the eye. If you follow the girl and her bear, you’ll be able to meet her two other friends, a pig and a donkey. Both animals serve as references to the characters Piglet and Eeyore, who are also friends to Winnie the Pooh.

#7: Daisy The Rabbit

“Doom Eternal” (2020)

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Doomguy may be one of the most badass soldiers in video games, but even he has a soft spot when it comes to his pet rabbit, Daisy. While rarely seen, Daisy is referenced frequently throughout the franchise, including in the original “Doom,” where it’s death is what motivates Doomguy to fight the demons of hell. In the series latest installment “Doom Eternal,” Daisy appears as an Easter Egg hidden in every chapter of the game. Furthermore, Daisy also makes a cameo in a painting being held by Doomguy, which can be found in his Fortress of Doom, as well as a pet cage and some rabbit food.

#6: Alien Broadcast

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#5: The SpongeBob SquarePants Easter Egg

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“Maneater” (2020)

If you’re a fan of movies like “Jaws” and “The Meg,” then this game is for you. Along with controlling a man-eating shark with an insane potential for evolution, the game also features plenty of hidden references to TV shows and movies. And we’re not just talking about shark related stuff either. While swimming in the open world waters of the Gulf region, players will discover a familiar looking pineapple house. That’s right, this game about a vicious shark, contains a reference to the Spongebob Squarepants TV Show. The fact that Chris Parnell narrates the discovery of this Easter Egg, makes it all the more funnier.

#4: Tears in the Rain

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“Cyberpunk 2077” (2020)

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While it may have had its ups and downs, there is no denying that “Cyberpunk 2077” features some pretty amazing Easter Eggs, like the cameo of GLaDOS’ voice actress. The game also features not one, but two references to the iconic “Tears in the Rain'' scene from Ridley Scott’s cyberpunk masterpiece, “Blade Runner.” The first is located on the roof of The Advocet Hotel, where players will discover a hunched over figure at the far corner of the rooftop in a near perfect rendition of Roy Batty’s final moments. The second reference is located among the Holo-Memorials, where a grave is marked with the hologram of a bird and Batty’s last words.

#3: Tribute to Chadwick Boseman

“Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales” (2020)

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While the Stan Lee statue is definitely one of the games most important Easter Eggs, we have to give this entry to the tributes honoring the late Chadwick Boseman who passed away in August 2020. Known for portraying King T'Challa of Wakanda, also known as the Black Panther, Boseman became one of the MCU’s most iconic figures. In addition to Boseman’s tribute message that appears after beating the game, another tribute was discovered along the game’s 42nd street in Midtown in the form of a street named Boseman Way. Along with its connection to Miles Morales, the number 42 also references Boseman’s portrayal of Jackie Robinson in the film “42,” adding further depth to this already amazing tribute.