The Talos Principle 2

The Talos Principle 2

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Hidden Easter Eggs (Updated for DLC)
By tjm
Locations of hidden Easter Eggs that can be found by exploration.
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What This Guide Includes
Croteam's games have traditionally had many hidden Easter Eggs, hard-to-find references to other media or out-of-game concepts. The Talos Principle 2 didn’t have many at launch, but a significant number have been added in post-launch updates.

This guide will list the Easter Eggs that have been found so far, with spoiler tags for players who would like to attempt to track them down themselves. It will try to avoid spoilers for puzzles and story, but some may be inevitable, so take care.
What This Guide Doesn’t Include
  • It doesn’t include collectables that are tracked by the game (including Prometheus sparks, Straton audio logs and human artefacts). These all have their own guides on Steam.
  • It doesn’t include media references in normal dialogue or text, such as in the city museum or character dialogue. While these can be considered Easter Eggs, this guide is focused on Easter Eggs that can be found by exploration.
  • It doesn't currently include secrets that can only be found with noclip or console commands (photomode is fine); the intention is to limit the guide to only those secrets that can be found in some sense legitimately.
  • It's a guide made with and for the Steam version of the game. Versions for consoles and other stores are expected to have the same Easter Eggs, but it's not guaranteed.
In the Simulation (Game Start)
  • What it is: Smashed Terminal
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Right of the green puzzle “Within Reach”
  • How to find it: In “Within Reach”, put the cube on the right edge of the first platform, jump onto it, then jump to the wall. Then just drop down the other side to get to the terminal.
  • What it references: The terminal dialogues in The Talos Principle were often a source of frustration for players; apparently someone lost patience with this one.


  • What it is: Thoth Baboon Statue (credit: 🐟Atlascian Sarnosian IV🦈)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind the red puzzle “Two Colors, Two Doors”
  • How to find it: From the room with the blue source, look out across the sands, past the treeline; the statue is visible in the middle distance.
  • What it references: This is of course a statue of the Egyptian god Thoth, in its aspect as a dog-faced baboon. At a first glance this looks like any other statue in the area, but this statue is not an asset that Talos has ever used in its levels; together with the low-poly model, that makes it clear that this is a reference to the same statues found in the Karnak level of Serious Sam: The First Encounter (also made by Croteam), as seen here (image from Serious Sam wiki):
In the City (Any Visit)
  • What it is: Sam standees
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In the Museum of the Simulation
  • How to find it: In the Land of Faith puzzle, find a fenced archway hidden by trees on the right as you enter.
  • What it references: This is Sam, the protagonist of games in the Serious Sam series, also made by Croteam.


  • What it is: Lambda landscaping
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind and to the right of the main tower, as you look at it.
  • How to find it: This is only visible in photo mode. Go to the corner of the plaza in front of the tower, on the right as you look at it. Switch to photo mode, fly the camera up, and look at the ground past the tower.
  • What it references: This lambda is the logo of another famous video game series, Half-Life. From certain angles you can see that the lambda here is surrounded by three small circles; Half-Life 3 confirmed?!?


  • What it is: TAL 9000
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Hidden on the side of a wall buttress near the Gehenna memorial pavilion.
  • How to find it: Follow the wall right as you come out of the tower; it’s hidden behind the first buttress at ground level. You can activate it to hear a secret message.
  • What it references: HAL 9000, the AI from the book and movie 2001: A Space Odyssey.


  • What it is: Handheld game
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind Drennan Memorial
  • How to find it: From the path behind the memorial, climb onto the raised woodland and follow it around to the back; the secret is on the floor.
  • What it references: Serious Sam Gold was an alternative name for the collection including Serious Sam: The First Encounter and Serious Sam: The Second Encounter. In our world it was probably never released as a standalone handheld game.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Out of bounds behind the building site.
  • How to find it: This is (probably mostly) only visible using photo mode. From the building site where Wren is, fly the photomode camera around the back of the circular building on the city wall.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Dumpster room
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In a sealed room at the top of the tower.
  • How to find it: This is only visible using photo mode. At the top of the tower elevator is a sealed red door. This door never opens, but the photomode camera can fly straight through it to the (rather buggy and unfinished) room beyond. Note the graffiti on the left wall.
  • What it references: The room, and the graffiti "SG was here", reference a scene from the season 2 premiere of the TV series “Better Call Saul”.


  • What it is: Commodore 64 (credit: ChelOis)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In the meeting room.
  • How to find it: This is just in the back corner of the meeting room, as shown.
  • What it references: The C64 was a home computer made in the early 1980s, one of the first “gaming PCs”.


  • What it is: Beach paraphernalia (Disputed)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind the “Land of Death” puzzle in the museum.
  • How to find it: Before passing through the purple barrier to enter the puzzle, head left or right to the back of the puzzle. The items should be obvious.
  • What it references: This doesn’t obviously reference anything, and these objects (while slightly hidden) have plausible in-world reasons to be where they are, so the status of this as an Easter Egg is disputed.


  • What it is: More beach paraphernalia (Disputed)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On a sandbar behind the museum.
  • How to find it: Head through the water to the right of the museum to the nearest sandbar that runs alongside the building. The items should be obvious.
  • What it references: This doesn’t obviously reference anything, and these objects (while slightly hidden) have plausible in-world reasons to be where they are, so the status of this as an Easter Egg is disputed.
Landing Site (First Visit Only)
  • What it is: Breaker box counter (Credit: Solenya)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Among the power transformers between the station and the star temple.
  • How to find it: The first time you visit the landing site from New Jerusalem, head along the path to the right to find a small group of old power transformers. At the far end are some breaker boxes that Melville will investigate; the easter egg is on them. Once you leave the area to go to East 1, the breaker boxes disappear and won’t return.
  • What it references: The counter shows “42”, the Answer to the Great Question from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”.
Landing Site (Any Visit)
  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the reverse of a pillar in a structure in the reservoir east of the golden doors.
  • How to find it: This is (probably) only visible in photo mode. Stand against the rock wall, fly the photomode camera up and into the reservoir; find the structure in the middle and circle around the pillar in the centre. The secret only appears when the camera is quite close.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3
East 1 - Grasslands Ring
  • What it is: Movie Posters
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: The far southwest corner of the grassy area behind the station.
  • How to find it: Go behind the gold puzzle and head past the station and tram line, all the way to the furthest corner; the posters are hidden there.
  • What it references: ”The Talos Principle”, a fictitious movie starring Peter Ustinov that is referred to in some late-game social media conversations.


  • What it is: Carved rock (Credit: EhrgeiZ)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Between puzzles 5 and 6.
  • How to find it: On the path from puzzle 5 to puzzle 6, check out the walls to the right as you go through the water.
  • What it references: Athena and Cornelius.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: High on the outer wall near lost puzzle “Elevation”.
  • How to find it: This is (probably mostly) only visible using photo mode. Follow the wall left of “Elevation” to the edge of the map, then fly the photomode camera up and around to the far side of the buttress to find the secret.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Bomb hologram
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind gold puzzle
  • How to find it: Circle around the gold puzzle to the back; the purple glow is pretty visible.
  • What it references: Bombs were a common hazard in the first The Talos Principle game.
East 2 - Wooded Plateau
  • What it is: Solar Panels
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Difficult path left of the lost puzzle “Keeping Connections”.
  • How to find it: Facing the entrance of “Keeping Connections”, head left; there’s a
    difficult sequence of jumps on the rocks shown here to reach the other side of the chasm. On the other side follow the hill upward to get to the secret. Using the secret significantly increases your run speed for a short time.


  • What it is: Fireworks
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: High up in the hills.
  • How to find it: There are probably a few ways to get to this, but the easiest path I found starts north-west of puzzle 7. Look for these rocks as a trailhead, and climb up here. Then just follow the hill upwards and they shouldn’t be too difficult to find. Press the switch to start the display.


  • What it is: Crashed Drone
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Over a cliff directly west of lost puzzle “Loop”.
  • How to find it: Follow the cliff edges and look down; this aerial view may help.
  • What it references: An Octanian combat drone from Serious Sam 4.


  • What it is: Hatchet
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind gold puzzle.
  • How to find it: No specific path to this one; go behind the gold puzzle and look at trees. The hatchet will be stuck in one of them.


  • What it is: Paintings
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Left side of the bridge island.
  • How to find it: Build the first half of the bridge, then explore the wooded area on your left.
  • What it references: Some of the paintings seem to match the ones seen in the city tower; others are only found here.


  • What it is: Teddy Bear
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On a plateau right of Lost puzzle “Keeping Connections”
  • How to find it: This is (probably) only visible through photo mode. From the right of “Keeping Connections” fly the photo mode camera up and around to the side facing out from the level.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Cliff to the left of tower entrance.
  • How to find it: This is (probably) only visible through photo mode. From the tower end of the bridge, send the photomode camera around the rocks to the left; the secret will only appear when you're quite close. This screenshot, taken from the “Trevor” panel, shows the general area.
  • What it references: It’s another kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Boot and sock (Credit: Trailblazer)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In the hills, pretty tough to find.
  • How to find it: There are probably a few ways to get to this, but the easiest path I found starts north-west of puzzle 7. Look for these rocks as a trailhead, and climb up here. Then just follow the hill downwards to the lowest point you can reach without jumping off to find the secret; the second screenshot shows the specific location.


  • What it is: Lamenting people hologram
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Up cliff to the left of puzzle 4.
  • How to find it: Take the path up the hill left of puzzle 4, then follow the rock edge to your right until you reach the secret.
East 3 - Eastern Wetlands
  • What it is: Altar of the Homeland (Disputed)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: A building left of the path between puzzles 7 and 8.
  • How to find it: This one’s in plain sight, hence its disputed Easter Egg status.
  • What it references: From an elevated vantage point you look down at a checker pattern of rocks. (image) This is similar (though definitely not identical) to the Oltar Domovine, a famous war memorial in the developers’ home country of Croatia that is traditionally viewed from a similar elevation (image from wikimedia commons[commons.wikimedia.org]).


  • What it is: Faces
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On a path behind a big rock, between the giant statue and the sixfold tower Straton was under.
  • How to find it: See this aerial view:
  • What it references: The cover of the Pink Floyd album “The Division Bell” (image from wikipedia[en.wikipedia.org], believed to be fair use in this guide).


  • What it is: Football, pump and goalposts
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In the small forest in front of the giant statue.
  • How to find it: From the T-junction path in front of the giant statue, head into the forest. The goals blend in well but aren’t too difficult to spot, and the other objects are next to them. Collect the pump first, use it to fill the ball, then dribble it into the goal that’s still standing up.
  • What it references: Football - a subject close to the developer’s hearts, based on their previous game “Football Glory”.


  • What it is: Speaker
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On top of rocks on the eastern edge of the island.
  • How to find it: This is pretty difficult without photomode. These screenshots show the rock’s location, and a possible (but challenging) jumping route to get there.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On a tower strut.
  • How to find it: This is only visible using photo mode. Stand under the north-east strut of the tower, next to the rock with a fixed connector on it. Switch to photomode and fly the camera directly up; the secret is in a small indentation on the upper eastern side of the strut.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Elephant slide hologram
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Far north-east shore.
  • How to find it: Head east towards the shore from puzzle 2; the secret is in a grove of trees near the beach.
North 1 - Desolate Island
  • What it is: Ducks
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the shore, directly north of the entry point.
  • How to find it: This is a view from the sphinx statue looking down; you can just spot the ducks in the central inlet.


  • What it is: Purple Bench
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Far eastmost point of the island.
  • How to find it: It’s just visible on these screenshots from the back of puzzle 1, and from the entry rail. Head to the tip of the mountain where it reaches the water.
  • What it references: We’re not really sure. The bench has been there since release, but in 1.1.0 it was made purple to highlight it so it’s assumed to be *something*. The fan next to it can be removed, unlike the other fans on this level, but there doesn’t seem to be anything to do with it.


  • What it is: Snowmen
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: To the right of puzzle 7.
  • How to find it: Follow the wall of puzzle 7 to the right; the secret is hard to miss.
  • What it references: Snowmen are a common recurring easter egg in Croteam games.


  • What it is: Guitar
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Rocks on the shoreline east of the tower
  • How to find it: See this shot from behind puzzle 1:
  • What it references: This guitar appears to belong to Igor Ledov, a character from Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem


  • What it is: Speakers
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the wall left of the tower bridge.
  • How to find it: In puzzle 4, stack up copies so you can jump over the entrance gate with a box. Use that box to climb onto the concrete walls left of the bridge, and follow them round to the secret. You can stand on the button to trigger various effects.


  • What it is: Wall Star (Credit: Daimos and Trailblazer)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Outside the wall of the raised platform behind puzzle 1.
  • How to find it: Use a platform and a friend (e.g. from puzzle 4) to get on top of the large structure surrounding puzzle 1; walk down to behind the back of the puzzle and drop down onto the platform to find the secret.
  • What it references: In the first Talos Principle game, stars were represented by five-pointed gold stars that could be collected in the world. While this one is not collectable and could be considered just decoration, since it was added to the game in the update that added many other Easter Eggs it’s assumed that this is still intended to be a findable secret.


  • What it is: :3 (Credit: EhrgeiZ)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the SW face of the tower, extremely difficult to spot.
  • How to find it: This is only visible using photo mode. Enter photo mode on the platform just after the bridge, just before entering the tower. Fly the camera up and to the left, up the side of the tower; the secret is nestled in a small notch, between two metal struts. I recommend using the image as a guide.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Falling tetrominoes hologram
  • What it looks like: It’s impossible to get a good shot of these.
  • Where it is: Left of and far below puzzle 6.
  • How to find it: Drop down to the left of the path leading to puzzle 6; the secret is on the slopes.
  • What it references: Tetris, another video game with an obsession with tetrominoes.
North 2 - Flooded Valley
  • What it is: AAA Poster
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind puzzle 5.
  • How to find it: You’ll need to do some platforming to get behind puzzle 5; I find it’s easier to go left when looking at the entrance, but both paths are possible. Once you’re back on solid ground the secret is in a small nook in the puzzle wall.
  • What it references: Alien Artifact Acquisition is the task force that Sam Stone works for in the Serious Sam games.


  • What it is: Football Glory 4
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Around the left side of the tower.
  • How to find it: Girders make up a slightly tricky jumping path over water leading to this secret.
  • What it references: Football Glory was one of Croteam’s earliest games. In our world, it did not get three sequels.


  • What it is: More Snowmen
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: West of puzzle 7.
  • How to find it: A little way into the forest, they blend in quite well. Here is a shot of them from along the coast.
  • What it references: Snowmen are a common recurring easter egg in Croteam games.


  • What it is: Hatchet (Credit: Trailblazer)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: West of the entrance to Lost puzzle “Field of View”
  • How to find it: Should be relatively easy to spot looking into the trees from the coastline, following it around. Use the screenshot for reference.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On pillar east of tower.
  • How to find it: This is only visible using photo mode. Standing in front of the tower looking at it, head right and take the jumping path over girders to its end. From there fly the photomode camera over to the pillar behind the tower; right at the extreme boundary of photomode you can find the secret on the back of the tower.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Piano hologram
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind Prometheus statue.
  • How to find it: Head straight through the legs of the prometheus statue; you should hear this secret before you see it (slightly on your left).
  • What it references: The piano is playing a Mozart piano sonata.
North 3 - Lost Marshes
  • What it is: The Return of Volvy (Disputed)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where is it: In a valley behind puzzle number 6.
  • How to find it: The Easter Egg status of this one is disputed because it’s part of the intended method of finding a Prometheus Spark. A concrete structure on the path holds a button and a Prometheus spark. Behind the structure, nestled between some rocks, Volvy can be found.
  • What it references: Volvy is the famous mascot of Devolver Digital, publishers of The Talos Principle 2. At least, he probably is. At the time of writing.


  • What it is: Good Grief, More Snowmen
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On a large ridge, south-east of the tower leg Straton sits under.
  • How to find it: The noisy terrain makes these very difficult to spot; they’re visible in the centre of this image, taken from above the tower leg Straton sits under.
  • What it references: Can you tell that snowmen are a common recurring easter egg in Croteam games?


  • What it is: Recorder
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the far north-east coast of the island.
  • How to find it: This one is extremely difficult to spot; there are no landmarks anywhere nearby and it blends in very easily with the landscape. This aerial image may help a little. Once found, you can use it like a regular puzzle element.
  • What it references: The “recorder”, a less-popular mechanic from the original The Talos Principle game.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the back of one of the monorail pillars, underwater.
  • How to find it: This is (probably mostly) only visible using photo mode. Follow the monorail track back as far as you can go, then use photomode to examine the back of the furthest pillar you can reach, underwater.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Sigil holograms
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind Lost puzzle “Elegance”.
  • How to find it: Circle around to the back of “Elegance”; the purple glow should be obvious.
  • What it references: All the different types of sigils found in The Talos Principle are shown here.
South 1 - Southern Coast
  • What it is: QR Code
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind the lost puzzle “Minimalism”.
  • How to find it: This is difficult to reach without photo mode. The QR code is at ground level on the outside wall of “Minimalism”, facing the cliffs; it may be possible to get in there by jumping, but using photo mode is much easier. The QR code translates to “Dead End Secret has been found!”


  • What it is: Cannon
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In a cove behind the “Trevor” log panel.
  • How to find it: Go under the right hand side of the natural bridge that the “Trevor” log panel is built on. A shallow path through the water leads to an isolated cove with this secret. Activate it to set the fuse.


  • What it is: Kleer Skull (1) (Credit: EhrgeiZ)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In the cliffs near the lost puzzle “Minimalism”.
  • How to find it: This is (probably mostly) only visible using photo mode. From the upper level of Minimalism, fly the photomode camera over the wall and down into the cliffs. The secret is behind some rocks with a tree over them.
  • What it references: The Kleer are skeletal enemies from the Serious Sam games.


  • What it is: Kleer skull (2)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: High on a cliff east of Puzzle 7.
  • How to find it: This is (probably) only visible from a distance or with photo mode. Climb onto the wall of puzzle 7, to the right as you look at the entrance, and follow it around to the end; the secret will be just visible in the cliffs opposite.
  • What it references: The Kleer are skeletal enemies from the Serious Sam games.


  • What it is: Sandcastle
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Right of puzzle 4
  • How to find it: From the entrance to puzzle 4, head around to the right; the sand castle can be seen on the beach.
  • What it references: The sandcastle fairly closely resembles the "Church of Sacred Blood" from Serious Sam: The Second Encounter (itself based on the real-life Zagreb Cathedral).


  • What it is: Seashells
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Below puzzle 2
  • How to find it: From the isolated area with the driller, drop down at the leftmost point, hugging the wall, to land at the seashells. Alternatively you can drop off elsewhere in the puzzle and work your way around the base anticlockwise.
  • What it references: This is unclear, but the shells bear an image of robot hands that matches one seen in other easter eggs.


  • What it is: Cool Tree (Credit: Trailblazer)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Under the transport system rail, near puzzle 6.
  • How to find it: This is (probably mostly) only accessible in photo mode. Stand between the rail line and puzzle 6, fly the photo mode camera up, and into the little canyon under the line. The secret is in the middle, on the ground.
  • What it references: This is an "avenger plant", a secret enemy from Serious Sam: The Second Encounter's Zuggurat level (credit: Tune).


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On a rock out of bounds near the lost puzzle Aerial Warp.
  • How to find it: This is (probably mostly) only visible using photo mode. Solve Aerial Warp as usual. Standing at the end, fly the photomode camera up and ahead of you, then turn around to see the secret on the back of a rock.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Dancing people hologram
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind the tower, at the base.
  • How to find it: Drop off the bridge just before entering the tower; the secret can be found on the reverse side of the tower base.
South 2 - Verdant Canyon
  • What it is: ”I Was Here ♡” graffiti
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In puzzle S2-5.
  • How to find it: This is only visible in photo mode. The graffiti is inside the wall behind the gravity panels where the hexahedron starts. This wall is completely contained, except for some thin gaps in the roof. You’ll need to fly the camera up onto the roof, then look down through the gaps, getting close enough that the camera adjusts to the darkness.
  • What it references: Maybe nothing? “I was here” is a common phrase in real world graffiti, a Beyoncé song, and a Gayle Forman novel. This may be a reference to one of those, or it may just be a simple developer message for the curious to find; the orthography (with a dotted capital I and an unfilled heart) doesn’t particularly point to any specific answer.


  • What it is: Television
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On a path behind Straton.
  • How to find it: After collecting the Straton fragment, circle to the right around the rocks and climb up to find this secret.
  • What it references: JFK’s “Address at Rice University on the Nation’s Space Effort”, considered a pivotal speech in the run up to the first human landing on the moon.


  • What it is: Mars Rover
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Over the cliff behind the “Trevor” log panel.
  • How to find it: This is (probably) only visible from a distance or with photo mode. Climbing the large rocks to the left of the “Trevor” log panel can get you into a position where this secret is visible, but it’s still difficult to spot. This shot is taken from there; the secret is just visible on the right hand side.
  • What it references: NASA’s Mars Exploration Rovers, *Spirit* and *Opportunity*.


  • What it is: Message bottle
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the path between puzzle 5 and the Lithrasir terminal.
  • How to find it: From the Lithrasir terminal, head towards puzzle 5; the secret is nestled between some rocks on the right of the path. Interact with it to pick it up.
  • What it references: This is unclear, but the parchment inside bears an image of robot hands that matches one seen in other easter eggs.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In a crevasse on an out-of-bounds rock past Straton.
  • How to find it: This is only visible using photo mode. Go to the end of the valley past where Straton is located, then fly the camera up and out of the valley. The secret can be found in a small gap in the large rock up here; see the image for a guide.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Cat holograms
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind Lost puzzle “Stowaway”
  • How to find it: Circle around “Stowaway” to the back; the purple glow around a tree should be fairly obvious.
  • What it references: The developers really seem to like cats.
South 3 - Circular Oasis
  • What it is: Stone Talus
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Directly west of the main tower.
  • How to find it: It’s quite difficult to distinguish these rocks from the ones around them from a distance. Look for the field of rocks west of the main tower; the one you want is one of the furthest away.
  • What it references: The “Stone Talus” enemy from The Legend of Zelda - of course named after the same Talos from Greek mythology that The Talos Principle is.


  • What it is: Licence plate
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: North of the tower, past the lone tree
  • How to find it: Directly north of the tower, deep in the desert; you’ll find a lone tree. Slightly past it, behind a rock, you’ll find this secret.
  • What it references: The licence plate reads “OUTATIME”, a reference to the time-travelling DeLorean from the Back to the Future series.


  • What it is: (Jumpscare) Kamikaze standees
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Directly east of the main tower, in the desert.
  • How to find it: Pass through the legs of the pandora statue and continue on in a straight line; if you don’t deviate, the secret will jump out at you.
  • What it references: Headless kamikazes are a standard enemy from the Serious Sam series.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the side of the tower.
  • How to find it: This is only visible using photo mode. Standing in front of the tower entrance, fly the camera to the right of the tower and up to the level of the laser. The secret is in a small corner between two girders.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Criosphinx hologram
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Plinth behind gold puzzle
  • How to find it: Enter the gold puzzle surroundings from the side opposite the gates, and head to the westmost corner; climb up the slope, and jump to the westmost plinth to reach the secret.
  • What it references: A Criosphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a ram. This model may be reused from a Serious Sam game, but no specific source has been found.
West 1 - Western Delta
  • What it is: Cap
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: North-west of puzzle 2.
  • How to find it: Head north-west from puzzle 2 to find this secret on a lone tree on a small island.
  • What it references: This resembles the cap worn by Daniel Carter, a supporting character in Serious Sam 4.


  • What it is: Chest and Key
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Chest: Directly south of puzzle 5. Key: Between rocks below the gold puzzle.
  • How to find it: Chest: Head right from puzzle 5’s entrance, across the marsh, and around the coast to find this secret clearly visible on the coast. Key: Before ascending the hill to the gold puzzle, follow the rocks around to the left; the key can be found behind the puzzle. Bring it to the other secret to receive a reward.


  • What it is: Banana
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind the gold puzzle.
  • How to find it: Head right from the gold puzzle doors; this initially requires some difficult jumps across the rocks, but you’ll soon arrive at solid ground leading to the secret.
  • What it references: ”Pedro”, the friendly banana from DeadToast Entretainement’s “My Friend Pedro”.


  • What it is: Bird Feeder
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: West of the Lost puzzle “Jailbreak”
  • How to find it: Head west from the entrance to “Jailbreak” to find this secret on the side of a tree facing the tower.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On a low wall to the right of the tower approach, past some challenging jumping.
  • How to find it: After crossing the bridge, head to the rocks to your right. A difficult sprint jump can land you on the concrete above the water; after that, work your way around and on top of that concrete, then jump off to the right to find the secret on a wall facing the tower. The image shows a possible path.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Terminal hologram
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind Lost puzzle “Vertical Locomotion”
  • How to find it: Circle around the back of “Vertical Locomotion”; the secret is under the raised platform of that puzzle.
West 2 - Anthropic Hills
  • What it is: Dive
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Fan between the legs of the puzzle 8 statue.
  • How to find it: From the Prometheus sprite’s location, jump around between the legs of the statue. Take the fan, to polite applause from the audience.


  • What it is: Cinema
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Cliffside on the south side of the mountains.
  • How to find it: Drop down to the left of the statue with a spark on top of it to find an entrance. Go to the projection booth, pick up a film reel and put it in the projector to start the show.
  • What it references: This is a sequel to the hidden cinema easter egg in the first The Talos Principle.


  • What it is: Don’t Look Down
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: To the right of puzzle 1’s statue.
  • How to find it: Follow the rocks around to the right of puzzle 1’s entrance, dropping down once you reach the end. Look down, or not, as you prefer.
  • What it references: The Talos Principle had a similar secret with a “Don’t Look Up” sign.


  • What it is: Monolith (Credit: Trailblazer)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In a cave on a ledge SW of and above puzzle 3.
  • How to find it: Taking the path from the station to the gold puzzle, jump off to the left one turn before you reach the top to land outside the secret.
  • What it references: The monolith from the book and movie 2001: A Space Odyssey.


  • What it is: Model kit
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Right of puzzle 8.
  • How to find it: Go around the outside of the ribcage on the right of puzzle 8’s entrance; the secret is through a gap in the rocks.
  • What it references: This is a scale model of a Mech from Serious Sam 4. (Image source: Serious Sam Wiki[serioussam.fandom.com])


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the lower back of the highest statue on the mountain.
  • How to find it: This is (probably mostly) only visible using photo mode. Climb the stairs up past the gold puzzle to the highest accessible area of the level, then fly the photomode camera up and check out the back of the statue; the secret is at its lowest point.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Giant connector hologram
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Left of the stairs leading to the Prometheus statue.
  • How to find it: On the stairs from puzzle 7 to the Prometheus statue, drop off the rising stairs to the left to reach the secret.
  • What it references: This resembles the giant connectors that connect laser beams to the megastructure.
West 3 - High Plain
  • What it is: Secret Remnant (Disputed)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the edge of the map, off the side of a path between puzzle 7 and a lost puzzle.
  • How to find it: Head west and south of puzzle 7 to find a path that leads past a Straton audio log. Keep an eye on the right of the path for a an unusual red remnant.
  • What it references: This isn’t an out-of-game reference, hence its disputed Easter Egg status. It is a hidden secret that other guides generally won’t mention, though, so I’m making an exception and including it here anyway. It is a remnant much like the other remnants, but this one appears different, doesn’t get recorded in your research tab, and isn’t required to complete the “all remnants” achievement.


  • What it is: Red Room
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In the cliffs behind the Lost puzzle “Hexahedral Stacking”.
  • How to find it: Wade through the water right of the entrance to “Hexahedral Stacking”, and take the stairs up to the cliffs behind it to find the secret entrance hidden behind trees. Explore at leisure.
  • What it references: The “Red Room” from the series Twin Peaks by Mark Frost and David Lynch.


  • What it is: Floating rocks
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Off cliff edge behind puzzle 2.
  • How to find it: Head right around puzzle 2, past a forest to the cliff edge; the secret is located at the rightmost side of the cliff edge.


  • What it is: Mushroom Toilet
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Left of the eastern path leading to lost puzzle “Alternator”.
  • How to find it: This requires some very difficult jumping around the end of the cape; follow the illustrated path, then run back along the plateau to find the secret in a distant corner. You probably shouldn’t eat anything you find here.
  • What it references: Some types of mushroom are potent hallucinogens.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind a rock off the edge of a difficult-to-reach plateau near lost puzzle “Alternator”.
  • How to find it: This is only visible using photo mode. This requires some very difficult jumping around the end of the cape; follow the illustrated path, then run back along the plateau to the rightmost distant corner. Switch to photo mode and fly the camera around the rocks at the end of this plateau to find the secret.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Chess hologram
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: By the central tower.
  • How to find it: From puzzle 6, head towards the central tower; the secret will be visible at the base.
Orpheus Ascending (DLC)
  • What it is: Vault 404
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind puzzle 6
  • How to find it: A tunnel in the far wall behind puzzle 6 leads to a rock face with this easter egg.
  • What it references: This is a “vault” from the fallout franchise. The number “404” refers to the standard error message returned when a web page cannot be found.


  • What it is: Archaeologist’s Hat
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the path to puzzles 5-8.
  • How to find it: As you pass the statue to your left early on the path, go around the front of it to find this.
  • What it references: The classic puzzle game Indiana Hat and the Temple of Puzz The Indiana Jones franchise.


  • What it is: Burnt out car
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In the desert behind puzzles 9-12
  • How to find it: Look for a lighter path in the sand leading into the desert; following this carefully will allow you to approach the car and trigger a scene.
  • What it references: The creature that appears is a Sandwhale from Croteam's other game franchise (specifically Serious Sam 3: BFE), which kills players who attempt to leave the map area.


  • What it is: Kettle and skull
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Near puzzle 12
  • How to find it: Go a little way into the desert behind and to the right of puzzle 12; the secret should be easy to spot.
  • What it references: This poor fellow has been buried to his neck in sand as a form of torture, with only a kettle for water. This may specifically be a reference to the soviet film “White Sun of the Desert”, where a kettle with a similar design is used.


  • What it is: :3
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: In a wall overlooking Hysteresis.
  • How to find it: This is easiest to spot in photo mode, but it can be reached personally. You’ll need to drop out of the floating ball onto the roof of the entrance area - a suggested route is shown - then jump across the wall of Hysteresis to find the crevice in the rock containing this secret.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3
Isle of the Blessed (DLC)
  • What it is: Message bottle
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Near the blue lighthouse.
  • How to find it: Descend to the beach behind the blue lighthouse; this is near some driftwood, quite difficult to spot. Interact with it to get a useful hint.


  • What it is: Key (see above secret first)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind puzzle green-10 (the gold doors puzzle)
  • How to find it: This is resting on a rock, close to the wall of the gold puzzle that faces the triangle puzzle. Difficult to spot unless you’re close to it. Interact to collect it.


  • What it is: Chest (see above secrets first)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Near puzzle red-4.
  • How to find it: Facing the map signboard head directly forward past it into the mist; there is a square opening in the rock wall. If you have the key, you can interact with it and claim the item inside - note that some people have reported the interaction prompt not appearing in third person.


  • What it is: Cassette player (see above secrets first)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind the red area prometheus statue.
  • How to find it: Head out to the outermost point of the sandbar visible behind the statue; the secret can be found hidden in some rocks. If you have claimed the contents of the chest you can use it here.
  • What it references: ”Crab Rave” is a widely-referenced 2018 single by Noisestorm, that serves as the basis for several memes. The music used in this easter egg is of a similar style, but instead it is a club mix of "Dunes" from the Serious Sam: The First Encounter OST. (credit: puddingtopf)


  • What it is: Sandcastle
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Near the green triangle puzzle.
  • How to find it: Follow the beach that runs along the south-east of the green triangle puzzle; this is easy to spot.


  • What it is: The Hatch
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Near puzzle red-2
  • How to find it: From the entrance head left around the side of the puzzle, one level down. The secret is hard to spot, buried amongst foliage. There (probably) isn’t any way to open it or anything under it.
  • What it references: Though the design is different the numbers printed on this hatch make it clear that it’s a reference to The Hatch from the TV series Lost.


  • What it is: Wilson
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind the green lighthouse.
  • How to find it: Drop down to the island behind the green lighthouse; this is found amidst some rocks.
  • What it references: ”Wilson”, from the 2000 Tom Hanks movie “Cast Away”. (image courtesy of wikipedia[en.wikipedia.org])


  • What it is: Crewmate
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Underwater, in the distant ocean behind the red Prometheus monument.
  • How to find it: This is only visible using photo mode. On some graphics settings this can be seen by flying the photo mode camera high up from the red tower and looking out over the ocean, but if you want to see it up close you'll need to follow a more convoluted route. Starting from the red Prometheus monument, head up the river bed. There are some very tight jumps here, and you will need to spend several seconds underwater at one point. Once you reach the far beach, cross over to the beach on your left at a point where the water is shallow, then follow the coast around. You’re thoroughly out of bounds here and can walk through most of the rocks. Eventually you’ll reach a sandbar from which you can see the level again; from here fly the photo mode camera into the water and look around for the secret; it’s easier to see with your draw distance set to low, which will hide most of the obscuring grass.
  • What it references: Innersloth’s breakout hit game “Among Us”.


  • What it is: :3 (Credit: EhrgeiZ)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Hidden in a rock wall far west of Melville’s parasol.
  • How to find it: This is only visible using photo mode. It’s very difficult to get close enough to see this in photo mode. The route I find easiest is as follows: Starting from the red Prometheus monument, head up the river bed. There are some very tight jumps here, and you will need to spend several seconds underwater at one point. Once you reach the far beach, follow it around to the right as far as you can go, then look for a small hole in the wall in photo mode, using the images as a guide.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3


  • What it is: Duck delivery (disputed)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the landing pads.
  • How to find it: On the westmost landing pad, in a crate that’s ajar.
  • What it references: Just beach paraphernalia; added by popular request, but these ducks have every right to be here.
Into the Abyss (DLC)
  • What it is: Guitar and sword
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Behind puzzle 19
  • How to find it: Walk around the edge of puzzle 19; this secret does not stand out, but it’s right in the open.
  • What it references: Like many of the text adventures, this references the 1984 film "The Adventures or Buckaroo Banzai Across The 6th Dimension". (credit: plasticzaku)


  • What it is: Ape head statue
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Right of puzzle 9
  • How to find it: Follow the path right of puzzle 9 ro an overgrown area; this is located between some rocks near the wall.
  • What it references: These ape heads were a feature of the Jungle level of Serious Sam 2. (credit: kablahrz) (Image credit: Serious Sam Wiki[serioussam.fandom.com])


  • What it is: Hammer March
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Near puzzle 24
  • How to find it: Head right of the entrance to puzzle 24, following a narrow path around the edge of the building to a hidden room.
  • What it references: This is a classic image from Gerald Scarfe’s animation of “Pink Floyd - The Wall”. (image courtesy of wikipedia[en.wikipedia.org])


  • What it is: Snowmen family
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Beneath the puzzle 22 entrance.
  • How to find it: Head right from the map, and drop off when you can see a surface beneath you to land on. Then head into the caves and around to the left to find the secret.


  • What it is: Sand snowman (credit: Lirie)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: Right and behind puzzle 12.
  • How to find it: Follow the island edge around to the right from puzzle 12’s entrance; the secret is behind some rocks.
  • What it references: Yet another in Croteam’s endless parade of secret snowmen (only, not).


  • What it is: :3 (Credit: EhrgeiZ)
  • What it looks like:
  • Where it is: On the back of a floating rock behind puzzle 10.
  • How to find it: This is only visible using photo mode. Go behind puzzle 10, as close to the edge and the floating rock as you can. Fly the photo mode camera around to the back of the rock; you’ll need to go right to the limits of photo mode.
  • What it references: It’s a kitty! :3 :3 :3

Version History
  • 2023/11/18: Guide Created.
  • 2024/01/09: Most Beta Branch secrets added.
  • 2024/01/11: Added (LS) :3, (E2) Boot and sock, (N1) Wall Star, (N2) Hatchet, (W2) Monolith.
  • 2024/01/17: Added (N2) :3, (S1) Cool Tree and :3
  • 2024/01/26: Added (City) :3, (E1) Carved rock and :3, (N3) :3, (S1) Kleer skull (1) - original is now Kleer skull (2), (W1) :3, (W2) :3. Removed warnings that secrets are beta branch only.
  • 2024/01/28: Added (City) Dumpster room and beach paraphernalia (dubious inclusions, but people keep mentioning them), (E3) :3, (S2) :3, (S3) :3, (W3) :3.
  • 2024/02/08: Added (N1) :3. Updated some comments.
  • 2024/02/13: Added (LS) Breaker box counter
  • 2024/02/17: Added (S2) Frog migration
  • 2024/06/16: Added Easter Eggs from DLC.
  • 2024/06/17: Added (IotB) Crewmate
  • 2024/10/20: Added (City) Commodore 64, (W2) Model Kit, (IotB) Duck delivery, (ItA) Sandman, and DLC :3s. Removed (S2) Frog Migration, as it was a bug. Updated some references.
More?
The 1.1.0 update added a great many secrets to the game; while many have been found by now, and the current list has been stable for a while, given how hidden some are it's very possible that not all of them have been found yet. If you find any Easter Eggs that aren't listed here, please mention them in the comments (but please read the "What this guide doesn't include" section above).


Thanks for reading!
60 Comments
Shum 4 hours ago 
For what all secrets under spoiler? This guide about secrets. I'm went here for secrets :D
Yukiko 26 Jul @ 2:08am 
Thank you very much! The guide is super useful!
In South-1, you can climb up to the left of Puzzle 6, and from there, you can reach the cannon (which is used), the tree with the glasses, :3, and one of the skulls.
Kerdwin 13 Mar @ 6:43pm 
GREAT guide, thank you! One correction: South 1 Southern Coast, the cannon
--your instructions reference the Trevor terminal. It's not the Trevor terminal, which is elsewhere and at sea level. The terminal in question is labeled Utha_EXT-1.
martinezsobota 8 Dec, 2024 @ 3:37pm 
On the very edge of Lost Marshes map, near the end of train traction on the horizon and behind the Lifthransir_6 terminal, there are little snowless islands. I have found six holes in the ground there, with shadows being cast right inside them. I expected only a flat surface there, so I started wondering if these little holes in the ground actually mean anything.
Walk 7 Sep, 2024 @ 8:08am 
Great guide!

Since I saw it only after finishing the game, spoilers were somewhat annoying. If you're viewing it in a web browser, you can remove them by pressing F12, opening the Console tab, pasting the code

document.querySelectorAll('.bb_spoiler').forEach(el => el.classList.remove('bb_spoiler'))

and hitting Enter.
plasticzaku 25 Aug, 2024 @ 1:02am 
I'd argue that the guitar, sword, and glasses in Abyss are more likely to be a reference to Buckaroo Banzai, as there's numerous other references to that movie across the Talos games. All the Jeff Goldblum related text adventures, plus a terminal message somewhere (Talos 1, I think?) mentioned it by name. Someone in the staff really loves it! (Good taste.)
SeanAlunni 23 Aug, 2024 @ 6:10pm 
In "Into the Abyss" there's also a sand snowman next to level 12
ChelOis 15 Aug, 2024 @ 6:40pm 
In one corner of the Meeting Room (in the city, the room with the map where you decide to explore the Megastructure) there is a clear reference to a Commodore 64 . Doesn't it count as a Easter Egg?
ChelOis 15 Aug, 2024 @ 6:29pm 
You can definitely access to " Teddy Bear " (East 2) and to " Cool Tree " (South 1).
kablahrz 7 Jul, 2024 @ 4:09pm 
Re: "Snowmen Trio" ... just seems as though Croteam is ramping-up the snowman Easter Eggs over time...

* "Snowman Pair" in TTP2 base game:
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/2520408817798050411/52F8A6E1C75A442030B578DAD3F9DE500B54D286/
* "Lone Snowman" in TTP1-C3, Jammer Quarantine
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/2520408817804501725/5E82901592D5A63D56C45B713BDF745FAE4A753C/