Many people have likely grown up reading books such as Where's Waldo? or playing the old-school I Spy games. These put individuals to the test of finding hidden objects and people in a very crowded scenario. The mystery of trying to find where the item is and the satisfaction of discovering it is what makes hidden object games so much fun.
There are plenty of available options for those looking to recapture the magic of hidden object games. One of the best platforms to find and play these types of games is on PC.
Updated on September 17, 2021, by Chris Birsner: Hidden object games are not super popular nowadays, but even if you were a fan of these games, there aren't a ton in the genre out there right now. That said, the games that do exist continue to take from some of the best "hidden object" formats of the past. Whether it's a game that asks you just to look for and click on the item that needs to be found or it's one that asks you to do a ton of puzzles in order to get the item you seek, there is a variety of different approaches to the genre that continue coming out to this day.
15 Wind Peaks
One of the closest games to emulating I Spy on this list is Wind Peaks, a game that surrounds a group of scouts that go on a camping trip. Each level has a set of items that need to be found in order to unlock a cutscene.
The cutscenes tell of a mystery that can be deciphered based on set pieces found throughout the game. The game is hand-drawn and gives off a relaxing aesthetic for people who enjoy wholesome games. The game is also rather short, so it can be a quick experience before diving into a different hidden object game.
14 Lost Lands: A Hidden Object Adventure
For those looking for a much longer experience, check out Lost Lands: A Hidden Object Adventure. A game with over 200 different quests, it tells a story about an ancient elven tribe that has been forced to live their lives on a deserted island.
Most of the quests in the game revolve around hidden object scenes where players will need to check items off a list. However, there are also a few quests that put players' minds to the test with puzzles and mini-games. This game is free-to-play on PC, making it easier to dive right into the adventure.
13 The Room
While there is a distinction between hidden object games and other puzzle games, it's very easy for this subgenre to be just an element of a broader game. The Room is one of those games where the goal is to do a variety of different puzzles to unlock the secrets that are present in the boxes in front of you.
The developers of The Room were so happy by the reception of the first game that it has gone on to release four different sequels, so those who enjoy the first can keep playing for a while longer.
12 9 Clues: The Secret Of Serpent Creek
When thinking about a game revolving around finding objects, it's easy to compare it to a detective game. 9 Clues: The Secret of Serpent Creek is not the first to combine both genres, but it does a solid job capturing the magic of point-and-click adventure games of old at the same time.
A paranormal investigator travels to Serpent Creek to find her friend and reporter Helen Hunter after she left an eerie voice mail. The town is now filled with sleepwalkers and snakes and it's up to the investigator to get to the bottom of what's happening.
11 When The Past Was Around
While frequently overlooked, point-and-click adventure and hidden objects games tend to have some tremendous storytelling. This is especially true for When The Past Was Around. The story is focused on a girl who must find the secrets between herself and her significant other in an abnormal world.
She must do this by finding clues in each of the available rooms and solving a collection of different puzzles. The game has a beautiful art style and calm violin music that plays as you watch the story unfold without any dialogue being said.
10 Milo and the Magpies
In a similar vein to When The Past Was Around, Milo and the Magpies is another game that stands out due to its art. Created by Johan Scherft, who hand-painted every character and setting in the game, Milo and the Magpies revolves around a cat who is looking to find his way home while being bothered by some magpies.
The goal of the game is to do various point-and-click and hidden object puzzles to help Milo get through nine different gardens, each one with its own unique soundtrack and circumstance.
9 Enigmatis 2: The Mists Of Ravenwood
Horror is another genre that can easily be presented in point-and-click hidden object games. From the same creators of 9 Clues comes Enigmatis 2: The Mists of Ravenwood. This tasks you with tracking down a demonic preacher in the area of Ravenwood Park.
On top of visiting various settings that include finding important objects and solving puzzles, players are able to use an evidence board to put together evidence and clues that have been found during the adventure and solve the mystery that has enveloped the town.
8 Labyrinth City: Pierre The Maze Detective
Those who are looking for a game that has a similar art style to the Where's Waldo? books should look no further than Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective. This adventure game lets players explore the beautiful world designed by IC4DESIGN.
Run around these environments as Pierre who is looking to stop his enemy, Mr. X, from running away with the Maze Stone, an important artifact. There are over 100 hidden objects to find along with other puzzles for players to wrap their minds around. There are also over 500 different ways to interact with the environment.
7 Cozy Grove
Among some of the newer games on this list is a life simulator that revolves around finding objects and taking care of an island at a day-by-day pace. In Cozy Grove, you are a Spirit Scout who will examine this haunted island each day for various secrets.
The goal of the game is to take care of the friendly ghosts that live on the land. Players are tasked with collecting spirit animals, going fishing, and crafting items that can be used for decorating the island. The game is meant to be taken slow and played in short spurts, allowing players to take in the game over a long period of time.
6 I Am Dead
The people over at Annapurna Interactive are always publishing unique puzzle games that are worth giving a try. Developed by Richard Hogg and Hollow Ponds, I Am Dead tells the story of a man and his dog who have both died but are still watching over their beloved home island.
When the volcano on the island begins to show signs it's going to erupt, it's up to them to figure out how to warn the locals. This is a unique hidden object game in that the core mechanic revolves around going inside of various objects to help gain the context needed to stop the impending disaster.
5 Sizeable
Another new hidden object game that hit PC stores recently was Sizeable, a relaxing game about examining tiny dioramas. The puzzle exploration game allows the players to grow and shrink various objects that a part of a level to find various objects.
Each miniature area has its own unique theme that you can play with in order to accomplish the goal of finding everything. The developers of the game are planning many future updates that will be free for players, making the game more replayable than other hidden object games out there.
4 Hidden Through Time
A game with a similar art style and gameplay to Wind Peaks but came out a few months earlier is Hidden Through Time. As the title suggests, players have the ability to travel through different points in history and try to find objects that are hiding in crowded and colorful landscapes.
There are four eras with multiple stages. Players must find enough objects to advance to a new stage. You can also create your own map where various set pieces are available to use for custom landscapes. Other players can then go in and play the map you created.
3 Cats In Time
So how about the concept presented in the previous game, only this time with cats? A new game that has hit online shelves is Cats In Time, a game revolving around a scientist whose cats have gone missing thanks to them messing with his time machine.
It is up to you to explore detailed dioramas set in different times in history to find all the cats that may be missing. Some cats are easily spotted by just looking behind a door while others will need to be retrieved through small puzzles.
2 Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride
Developer Artifex Mundi has already had two entries on this list, but many of their hidden object games are so popular that it just makes sense to include a third entry from them. Continuing with the developer's fantastical narratives, Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride takes place in a magical world filled with secrets.
A village known as Ravenbrook is filled with superstitious individuals who are looking to keep the evil spirits at bay, but a stranger has arrived in town that could turn the town upside down. Players can solve the mystery through 24 mini-games and 14 hidden object scenes.
1 Hidden Folks
A black-and-white hand-drawn hidden object game, Hidden Folks has received critical acclaim for being among the best games of 2017. The goal of the game is simple: find hidden individuals that are hidden in interactive landscapes.
The game will have you search for over 300 different "folks" scattered around 32 different areas. Each area also has its own interactions that make them unique and adds to the charm of the game. If players don't like the black-and-white look, you can pick between three different color modes to enhance the experience.