15 best hidden object games in 2023

Take a closer look at these amazing hidden object games

Source: The Room 3, Hidden through time, The Office Quest, June's Journey

One of the Play Store's most tried and true gameplay philosophies is time-wasting, apps that offer users great gameplay loops that intellectually stimulate without becoming overbearing or needlessly stressful; ideal games to play during commutes or wait times. Hidden object games shine in this area, providing gameplay that tests nothing but your observation and problem-solving skills. Given this app genre's insane popularity, the casual Android phone user is spoiled for choice when it comes to hidden object games. So we've gathered our prestigious favorites in this roundup of the Play Store's best hidden object games, chosen for their intricate art, engaging gameplay, and passionate presentation. Read on, and keep your eyes peeled!

What is a Hidden object game?

Hidden Object games are explorative puzzle apps that evoke the classic point-and-click adventure genre. Gameplay usually requires the scanning of a stylized scene in search of clues and inventory items; using your head to find the key that will allow you to progress. This genre has great context versatility, capable of 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; working hard to make you feel clever.

An interesting game up first, June's Journey: Hidden Object is a 1930s-themed murder mystery in which you play the titular June on her journey quest to find the truth about a death in the family. The gameplay hardly needs a tutorial; there's a beautifully detailed picture in front of you with a list of objects you need to find along the bottom of the screen. There is no time limit, in the early levels at least, 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. This is a good entry point for getting your feet wet, simple, and uncomplicated.

2 Secret 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.

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.

4 Criminal 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.

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.

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.

7 The 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.

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.

9 Bridge to another world: Escape from Oz

One of the better creations of Big Fish Games, Bridge to another world: Escape from Oz is a hidden adventure game based on The Wizard of Oz. This dark retelling of the familiar tale doesn't hold back, complete with voiced cutscenes and slick animations. The gameplay is your standard point-and-click adventure complete with scene exploration, combinable items, and a thread of logic that strains credulity. If it's too hard for you, the game does offer a few difficulty settings, increasing the number of hints you can take advantage of. This is a solid hidden object puzzle game with a cool dark fantasy aesthetic, passable voice acting, and brilliant art.

10 Cube 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.

11 Bonfire Stories: Faceless Gravedigger

Another atmospheric adventure from Big Fish Games, Bonfire Stories: Faceless Gravedigger presents a true horror experience on your Android device. You're on a mission to save your partner as intrigue builds regarding a haunted resort develops. The puzzles are your standard collection of mini-games but are helped along by foreboding music and unsettling vibes. While it is a cheesy experience, the game does manage to hit that sweet spot of making you feel clever without spoon-feeding information. The game can be a little slow and overbearing with the dialogue here and there, but this is a high-quality and legitimately entertaining little game. Very highly recommended, especially for fans of cheesy horror.

12 Mirrors of Albion

With a story and aesthetic inspired by Lewis Carolls Alice in Wonderland, Mirrors of Albion is a hidden object game that presents players with a twisted version of Victorian London. You are given the task of progressing through the world by finding inventory items and using them to solve puzzles. The gameplay takes you to several densely detailed locations with varying levels of difficulty, but never insurmountable for the determined eye. While the inspiration does some of the work in terms of theming and imagery, Mirrors of Albion does enough to distinguish itself with unique characters with interesting designs.

13 The 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.

14 The Office Quest

To end on a weird one, The Office Quest is a puzzle game following a bored-looking man in a dog onesie going on a procrastination-based adventure. Along the way, you will be required to solve complex, office-based puzzles that open a window into this strange and nonsensical world. A world where onesies are the dress code, and the dress code is the law. The game's humor is largely based on its randomness, the effectiveness of which varies from person to person. But the jokes are made with energy and confidence, and the puzzles present challenges that manage to be reasonable without being too easy. By far the funniest game here; check it out.

Home Makeover - Hidden Object puts the player in charge of renovating rooms in a house. Locate specific clutter in attics and bedrooms, then sell it on to finance furnishings and decor for the new room; this works great for instant gratification. Home Makeover is laid back, satisfying, and unexpectedly hard to put down.

See the unseen on the Play Store

Hidden object games scale back the scope of what the best Android gaming phones are capable of in terms of presentation, relying on refined simplicity in the visuals to the benefit of other design aspects like plotting and atmosphere. Some of the most immersive and adventurous gaming experiences out there use point-and-click style gameplay, manufacturing unforgettable experiences across multiple locations, situations, and even time periods. Whether you're into creepy stuff like Faceless Gravedigger or more stylized games like Hidden Folks, hidden object games can find something for you.