The 13 best hidden object games available in the Google Play Store
Fantastic Play Store games will have themes that pull you in without complexity. Hidden object games have become atop choice for mobile titleswhen looking for a genre mixed with intrigue, mystery, and simplicity. These games often incorporate gameplay that tests your observation and problem-solving skills. Given this app genre’s insane popularity, thecasual Android phoneuser becomes spoiled for choice regarding hidden object games. Since the selection of hidden object games is vast, we’ve gathered our top picks with apps garnered around these games' intricate art, engaging gameplay, and passionate presentation.
What is a hidden object game?
Hidden Object games are explorative puzzle apps that evoke the classic point-and-click adventure genre. The gameplay usually involves scanning a stylized scene for clues and inventory items, eventually finding the key (or answer) required to progress the level. This genre has open-ended themes and versatility, fitting in anywhere from a haunted house to a blooming garden. While this genre isn’t exactly intense pulse-pounding action, hidden object games' slower and more contemplative tone provides a unique satisfaction, rewarding clever play.
Jump into a grand journey right on your Android device
13June’s Journey: Hidden Object
An exciting game up first, June’s Journey: Hidden Object is a 1930s-themed murder mystery in which you play the titular June on her quest to find the truth about a death in the family. The gameplay hardly needs a tutorial; a beautifully detailed picture is in front of you with a list of objects you need to find along the bottom of the screen. There is no time limit, at least at the early levels, so you can take your time and enjoy the music that is just sinister enough to fit the theme. There is a mechanic where the faster you find the randomized objects, the more money you make for the game’s secondary mechanic, but that is entirely optional. This secondary mechanic is a base building sim not unlike Simcity Buildit, where you spend money accrued in the hidden object gameplay on furnishings and upgrades for a mansion. Overall, June’s Journey makes a great entry point for getting your feet wet, simple, and uncomplicated.
12Secret Cat Forest
Taking the tranquility theme to the next level, Secret Cat Forest is a hidden object game set in an isolated house owned exclusively by cats. Gameplay requires that you gather resources like wood and fish to attract various wild felines to your house with furnishing designed just for them. The game goes into detail about the differences between the cats and what attracts them. The hidden object link is a bit complicated; this gameplay isn’t just finding objects hidden in a detailed picture. Fishing has a little mini-game where you must release your finger at the exact right time to get the maximum amount of fish from a fish, and the wood gathering mini-game has more in common with a clicker game. The environment is pretty and calm, and the cats are cute. This is about as peaceful as things get, so it’s recommended if you’re stressed out.
11Hidden objects of Eldritchwood
On the complete opposite side of the tonal spectrum, Hidden objects of Eldritchwood is a mysterious fantasy narrative where the intrigue hinges entirely on your ability to find popcorn and guitars at a carnival. The gameplay is once again made up of finding randomized objects concealed within detailed pictures, with unnecessarily ominous music, before being transferred to a hub map where you select the next puzzle. The production value for this game is almost strangely high, with the first cutscene featuring a reasonably realistic, albeit brief, car-driving sequence that seemed almost out of place. This one is worth checking out simply for the aesthetic design, with satisfactory gameplay included.
10Criminal Archives: City on fire
Criminal Archives: City on fire is a hidden object games that thrusts users into a crime stricken San Francisco, following a string of murders committed by a mysterious plague doctor. Users must investigate crime scenes, solve puzzles, and complete mini-games in order to progress the case and pursue the killer. In terms of immersion, this game is brilliant, committing to the theme and suspenseful tone with striking art and music. Criminal Archives: City on fire also offers bonus side stories for users to enjoy, hidden collectibles that give context to the setting, and challenging achievements for dedicated users.
If you’re looking for something a bit more impactful and engaging in terms of story, Criminal Archives: City on fire is a good choice.
9Hidden through time
As the name may have given away, Hidden through time is a historically themed hidden object game with a doodle art style that gives it a surreal charm. The images presented feature stick people clad in clothes of the period running around and performing tasks; while you are tasked with finding specific objects. The game does feel a little busy with the constant movement and shifting of time periods, combined with the fast and whimsical music. Having said that, the game still presents a solid primary loop, and the amount of assets on screen is very impressive. Check it out if you’re in the mood for something a little more energetic.
8Hidden Folks
Weirdly similar to the previous entry, Hidden Folks is a hidden object game with a doodle art style that requires you to search detailed moving scenes packed with moving characters. In terms of gameplay, this title is almost the same as Hidden Through Time, with two major differences. Firstly, the historical gimmick is absent, and you get to play in various settings, from forests to industrial cities and towns. The second big difference is the sound design, as the sound effects in Hidden Folks are made up of acapella sounds. This feels like it should get annoying, but strangely, it doesn’t. This one is worth a download simply for the sound design or if the music in Hidden Through Time was too much for you.
7The Room 3
The Room 3 is by far the most immersive game here, presenting an ominous ethereal soundtrack and 3D gameplay that could pass for a TellTale game. The plot involves you being lured to an island by a mysterious character, “The Craftsman,” who forces you to solve a series of physics-based trials to progress. Like Saw, but not Saw. The TellTale comparison was not made lightly; these puzzles draw you into the world and make you feel like you’re interacting with it. You don’t just touch a toaster that’s sitting on a fountain in this game. Add to that a creepy atmosphere that brings it all together.
6Mystery Manor: hidden objects
Mystery Manor: hidden objects tasks the player with finding specific items in an extremely cluttered manor, with the narrative building as you clean out the rooms. Completing levels yields currency, more levels to explore, and plot developments. Gameplay is easy as hidden object games go, so consider Mystery Manor: hidden objects for relaxation purposes rather than an actual challenge.
5Cube Escape: Paradox
On the surreal side of things, Cube Escape: Paradox brings across this unsettling atmosphere right from the start. You are a famous detective, who was woken up in a mysterious room with amnesia, being taunted by an old enemy. You must solve your foe’s intricate puzzles to win your freedom, slowly reconstructing your memory. This is one for challenge lovers, as some of these puzzles are genuinely hard to solve. Add to that, the storybook visuals and the sinister soundtrack make for an unnerving experience. If you can overlook the odd bug, Cube Escape: Paradox is pretty absorbing.
4The Secret Society: Mystery
The Secret Society: Mystery is another fantasy-themed hidden object app that follows a member of The Secret Society, an organization that specializes in jumping to alternate dimensions. Your character must travel through these different worlds in search of their missing uncle, finding items in cluttered scenes to move forward. Users also gain access to mini-games based on Bejeweled and Pipe Dream for some added gameplay variety; good for a break if you need one. Players with G5 accounts are capable of saving their game and earning in-game currency that grants access to additional content; as well as engaging with other users.
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