Hidden Object Games

What are Hidden Object Games?

Hidden Object Games (also known as HOGs) are a popular genre of video game puzzles where the player's primary goal is to find objects hidden within detailed pictures, commonly referred to as scenes. These games are characterized by intricately drawn static images that allow the items to be hidden in plain sight, blending into the background, and by their relaxing casual gameplay that isn't overly demanding on players' skills. The nature of non-stressful gameplay is also the reason why Hidden Object Games are very popular among all age groups: anyone can pick up a HOG and enjoy a beautiful story-rich adventure without being pressured by other players or extremely tough challenges requiring fast reaction times, great aim, and other gaming-specific abilities. 

The history of Hidden Object Games can be traced back to the early 1990s when books like I Spy and Where's Waldo? were trending. Then came the era of home PCs, and Hidden Object puzzles started taking their current shape and form as a video game genre. However, the golden age of HOGs came in the late 2000s with the rise of smartphones featuring large touch screens that were extremely handy for the task at hand – finding items in pictures. To this day, Hidden Object Games are one of the most popular casual puzzle subgenres for mobile platforms, and a staple of PC gaming in general.

Today, you can find Hidden Object Games about anything and everything. Whatever your favorite topic may be, there's likely a HOG built around it available for download from an app store of your choice. Police investigations and detective work, secret societies and arcane knowledge, teleportation through multiverses and time travel, pirate adventures and journeys into fantasy lands, you name it! Most of the time, the general gameplay mechanics will be roughly the same, so when choosing a title to start your adventure with, make sure to pick one with a storyline and theme that appeals to you – that way, you'll get the most out of your experience. G5 games are a safe bet in this regard because there's a huge variety of gripping stories to choose from. Our titles are plot-driven, and playing them feels like reading a page-turner novel you can't get enough of.

Why Should I Play Hidden Object Games?

Apart from the obvious reason — having fun — there are other perks to playing Hidden Object Games on a regular basis. First of all, these free games are exercise for your brain, a workout for your mind that develops your cognitive abilities and sharpens skills like pattern finding, perception, and memory. Second, puzzle games in this genre are a good way to temporarily disconnect from the daily routine and have a moment for yourself as you immerse in the story, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of life. Third, Hidden Object Games have flexible gaming session timings – you can pick a game up for 5 minutes to kill some time while waiting in line for your doctor's appointment, or you may spend a whole evening glued to the screen, exploring a new story arch or delving into the plot of a new time-limited event. It's always your call how much time to spend in the game, and whatever you choose, you're guaranteed to have a great time!

How To Play Hidden Object Games

The objective of Hidden Object Games, as previously stated, is to find all the required objects that are hidden in a picture. Completed levels unlock new dialogue options, progress you along the main storyline, and bring you all sorts of rewards that will be useful in your adventure.

The objects you need to find are usually listed at the bottom of the screen, and you must find them all within a specified time limit to successfully complete a level. The faster you are in your search, and the more objects you find one after another in quick succession, the higher your score will be and the more rewards you'll get to claim. Some games have a penalty for clicking on the wrong objects, which adds an extra level of difficulty to the game. However, there is a lot of variety in how the levels look and play. Let's take a closer look at some of the core game modes you're likely to encounter in the best Hidden Object titles from G5.

Words: The items you need to find are listed as words on your screen: Apple, Bell, Bouquet, Clock, Cup, etc.

Shapes: The objects you seek are depicted as silhouettes. First, you identify the item and then look for it in the picture.

Words (Backwards): Similar to the first game mode, this one features a list of words describing objects. However, in this mode, all the words are written backward, so it takes a while to understand what you're looking for. 

Night: The rules are the same, but your visibility is limited by light. Using tools can help in these situations.

Gibberish: The letters in the names of items you need to find are scrambled, and you first need to identify what "noleTephe" stands for (it's Telephone).

Of course, each G5 game offers a number of unique experiences that are specific to it, and the only way to discover those is to download, install, and play any given title.

Another key feature to note is the mini-games available in G5 Hidden Object titles. You will encounter all sorts of puzzles like match-three levels, logical brain teasers, and other unique challenges that will diversify and enhance your experience.

Is It Possible To Play G5 Games For Free?

In short, yes! All G5 games are free to download from any app store, install, and play. G5 titles are distributed via the free-to-play model, which means you get access to the free full version of any game and all of the game content at no cost whatsoever. 

From the moment you download and install the game to the very last level, there are no requirements for spending money - all the plot, all the levels, and all the features of the game are available free of charge, forever. However,  if you wish, you can spend money on in-app purchases that include all sorts of tools, bonuses, and boosters that allow you to find items in pictures more easily, increase your rewards for completing levels, and otherwise speed up your journey through the storyline.

Overall, the story-rich experiences offered by G5 games are available to all players absolutely free from start to finish, making them an ideal pastime for the whole family.