The Best Hidden Object Games
Can you find a needle in a haystack? Were you always able to spot Waldo? If you answered yes to these questions, then you probably love hidden object games. These often challenging but extremely fun puzzle games dare you to search for various items within a cluttered scene.
Many hidden object games now come with elaborate stories. You will find scary narratives, amusing tales, and colorful chronicles mixed throughout this wonderful game genre. Some invite you to uncover a puzzling mystery at the end of a journey while others test you to earn points and solve mini games with an upbeat theme. Whatever the underlying story of the game, finding those hidden objects is why we play. So, here are several of the best games in this category.
Most fearsome pirate
Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart
Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart immerses you in the tale of Captain Remington, a dangerous pirate who made a pact with the devil long, long ago. No longer on this earth, you will create an exhibit in your museum to showcase this notorious man, but what mysteries will you come across as you do? Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart from G5 Entertainment is universal and available for free with an in-app purchase for the full version.
Some items are super hidden
Sparkly areas indicate a place you should tap. Within the hidden object scenes, you will see highlighted items that are normally hidden even further. Lift objects, move items, and slide things around to find those that are buried deeper.
Keep up with your inventory
As you continue through the game you will come across tools and other items that can be used in certain scenes like keys for locks or flashlights for the dark. Each item has its purpose and helps to unravel more of the mystery behind the loathsome pirate.
Mahjong anyone?
Having trouble with a scene? You can skip a hidden object puzzle by playing a fun game of Mahjong instead.
Become a hero
Nevertales: The Beauty Within
Nevertales: The Beauty Within is part of a series from Big Fish Games with a story of suspense and mystery. After a baby is left on your doorstep, you must discover who she belongs to while knowing it is up to you, and only you, to save her. Travel to a spooky mansion with mystical portals to other worlds in order to unlock the secrets. Nevertales: The Beauty Within is universal and available for free with an in-app purchase for the full version. Nevertales: Shattered Image is currently $1.99 for iPhone and $4.99 for iPad.
All shapes and sizes
The hidden objects games will vary. Some, like this one, will show you silhouettes of the objects to find. This can make the scenes a bit more challenging.
Nifty mini puzzles
To find clues to the mystery, you will have to solve various mini puzzles throughout the game. If you prefer to move on without these, you can wait for your Skip meter to recharge.
Keep track in your journal
Click on your electronic journal at any time to view your previous notes and puzzles, location within the mansion, and current plus previous objectives.
You might also enjoy another game in this series.
A cryptic order
The Secret Society – Hidden Mystery
The Secret Society – Hidden Mystery is another terrific game from G5 Entertainment, but involves very different gameplay than Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart. In this game you discover your powers and use them to find your missing Uncle Richard, a member of an ancient order. Find your uncle, protect the order, and watch out for the evil forces that threaten both. The Secret Society – Hidden Mystery from G5 Entertainment is universal and available for free with an in-app purchase for the full version.
Different gameplay
Each of the hidden object scenes are a bit different in how you must find items. You may have a list of words, pictures, or silhouettes. But, the goal is the same which is to find all items in the scene as quickly as possible. You may also spot hidden clocks that will add more time onto the scene.
Long-lasting game
You will use energy points to play different puzzles and each requires a certain amount to play. Earn crystals and gold to help you get more energy or other tools you may need throughout the game. Create collections of coins, crowns, and more to meet certain objectives. You can even invite Facebook friends and exchange game items for those collections. Then, visit the game each day to earn rewards.
Meeting objectives
You will have a list of objectives, each with a hint for where it can be accomplished. Some will take you to mini games with various types of puzzles, while others will send you to a location such as a room, city, or business.
Travel back in time
Melissa K. and the Heart of Gold
Travel back in time and to another land in Melissa K. and the Heart of Gold where the game begins in Thailand, 1947. Explore myths and legends as you discover twists and turns in this intriguing 3-D adventure. Melissa K. and the Heart of Gold from SDP Games is universal and available for free with an in-app purchase for the full version.
Walk to locations
You will discover different areas with the look and feel as if you were moving yourself. Just move through the scenes and slide your finger to explore each area looking for clues.
Hidden pieces
In this game, you will look for the pieces displayed at the bottom of the screen. After finding each piece, they will be assembled and added to your inventory as a tool to use.
Mini scenes
Some locations have smaller scenes where you may need to assemble or fix an item to obtain another clue or tool.
Adventure, mystery, and romance
Pearl’s Peril
Pearl’s Peril is another terrific hidden objects game that continues with new scenes each week. Travel the world with Pearl and explore a great adventure bringing mystery, romance, and even danger. Decorate your island as you solve puzzles to earn adornments and continue to unlock the locations and clues. Pearl’s Peril from Wooga is available for free on iPhone with in-app purchases for game items.
Keep up your energy
Each of the hidden object scenes requires energy points which recharge over time or can be bought with game cash you earn as you play. Try to earn as many points as you can by finding items in the hidden object scenes quickly.
Spruce up the place
Decorate your island to earn prestige points. Then use those points to unlock additional scenes and chapters within the game.
Zoom in to narrow your view
You can easily zoom in on the scene to find items. When you do this and move around, only those items that can be found in that area will be highlighted. Those that are grayed out will lighten again once you move to a different area of the scene. This can be very helpful in finding items quickly.
Not as new, but just as cool
Just as fun as the newer games
Newer is not always better. We still love some of those games that have been around for a year or more because although they might be older, they are still awesome. Some may get regular updates to keep them fresh and others may have sequels to join the family. Either way, you cannot beat a good game, regardless of its age.
A fantasy world
Midnight Castle
Enter a magical world filled with dragons, potions, and royalty in Midnight Castle. You will search for valuable treasures, collect gold and coins, and meet mystical characters as you search for hidden items to help you on your various quests. Midnight Castle from Big Fish Games is universal and available for free with in-app purchases.
Locate the items
There are various hidden object scenes for you to explore, each with its own rewards. Search through the chaos to find the items to move onto your next quest.
Fulfill your objectives
Different characters will have quests for you to complete where you will earn valuable rewards. Be sure to check your objectives and complete them to please the character.
Use your tools
Be sure to zoom in and move around through the scenes to find items. When you get stuck, use your hints, which will recharge over time.
A crazy character
Snark Busters: High Society
Snark Busters: High Society takes you to a bizarre world where you must solve the family mystery while keeping your eye out for the Snark. Is your fiancé really a thief? Follow the clues to find the truth where your world takes a turn in the mirrors hiding the Snark. Snark Busters: High Society from Alawar and the equally fun Snark Busters: All Revved Up! from Big Fish Games are both universal and available for free. Each has an in-app purchase to unlock the full version.
Follow the clues
In each scene you will see several items that have their pieces hidden. Find those objects to assemble, fix, or activate these items. The story continues to unfold as you find the hidden objects. Use clues when you get stuck, but sparingly as they take time to recharge.
Fun mini games
Snark Busters has several mini games you will play to assist you. In this one, you are tasked with obtaining the sausages for the dog. Move the image pieces by tapping the buttons until the picture is complete. Once you accomplish that, the dog will be appeased and the scene will move forward.
Pop over to the App Store for this Snark Busters game.
A beautiful garden
Gardenscapes 2
With a charming, colorful story is Gardenscapes 2, part of a three-game series from Playrix. In Gardenscapes 2 you will help Austin restore the estate garden from a shabby, rundown mess to a beautiful, delightful sight. Sell items to the locals by locating the hidden objects. This will earn money for Austin to rebuild the garden. Gardenscapes 2, along with Gardenscapes and Gardenscapes Mansion Makeover, are all universal and available for free. There are in-app purchases to unlock the full games if you enjoy the free versions.
Find your items to sell
You will see a list of buyers and the amount they will pay you to find their desired items. As time goes on, the amount they are offering will decrease as indicated by the number of hearts. So, try to find the items as quickly as you can and grab your cash.
Look for and use tools
Seek out question marks and cameras as you search for items because they will give you additional hints. And, don’t forget to use those hints if you get stuck. Also keep your eye out for extra coins and be sure to zoom in and move the screen around for harder to find items.
Play the tween games
Between finding and selling your items, you will come across mini games. For example, you might be asked to clean up a room by finding cobwebs or fix a photo album by locating all of the pages.
Take a peek at the other games in this series. You might just love them too.