While gamers can theoretically ignore much of The Evil Within 2's game world, those that take the time to explore the twisted city of Union will be rewarded for their efforts. Not only will they be rewarded with powerful new weapons they would have otherwise missed out on, but players will also come across some neat easter eggs, like the eight mysterious objects that reference other Bethesda games.
Collecting all the mysterious objects in The Evil Within 2 is worth it for more than just having them appear in Sebastian's office. They look great on display, sure, but these objects also unlock the "All in the Family" achievement/trophy, making them especially worth seeking out for completionists.
Read on to discover the locations of all eight mysterious objects hidden in The Evil Within 2, or if you prefer a video guide, we recommend this one by PS4Trophies:
Chapter 3: Resonances
Protagonist Sebastian Castellanos can start collecting mysterious objects as early as Chapter 3: Resonances. In this chapter, which allows players to freely explore Union's open world, there are a total of three mysterious objects to collect. However, it's worth noting that while players can snag these early on, they don't necessarily have to, and so these are a few of the mysterious objects in the game that they don't have to worry too much about skipping over.
The first mysterious object is the Mysterious Mask, which Bethesda fans will recognize as Corvo's mask from the Dishonored franchise. Finding this mask is not that difficult if you know where to look. Simply go to the western-most side of Union and follow the path north until coming across some red train cars. At the end of one of these train cars will be a dead woman lying on the floor. While facing her, check the seats to Sebastian's right to find the mask.
The second mysterious object is the Mysterious Weapon Replica, which looks like the rocket launcher from Quake. Open the map and look at the cluster of trees to the northeast of O'Neal's safe house. Take note of the building located at the northern tip of this cluster and mark it. Head there now to find that Sebastian can actually climb onto the roof, where the Mysterious Weapon Replica can be found.
The third and final mysterious object players can find in Chapter 3 is located in the Tredwell Trucking warehouse area where players encounter the twisted photographer Stefano Valentini. There's a red semi parked here, and if players go around to its back they can open the shutter to find the Mysterious Machine on the ground near the back. Wolfenstein fans will recognize it as a Panzerhund from Wolfenstein: The New Order.
Chapter 6: On the Hunt
The next mysterious object isn't until players reach the game's sixth chapter, and even then, there's only one to collect. Players can collect the Mysterious Bobblehead after the run-in with the giant monster made of white goo. When that sequence is over, instead of exiting The Marrow, turn around and return to the warehouse area with the forklift. The Mysterious Bobblehead - a typical bobblehead from the Fallout franchise - will be found on the floor behind some crates.
Chapter 7: Lust for Art
Players can find the next mysterious object, the Mysterious Action Figure from the 2016 Doom reboot, in the Business District of the Union. It's located near a Resonance Point where the corpse of a female Mobius operative can be found sitting against a fence in an alley. Right around the corner is a large dumpster that Sebastian can climb into, and in the far corner of that is the Mysterious Action Figure.
Chapter 12: Bottomless Pit
The Mysterious Trophy can be missed completely, so players will need to make sure they collect it while in Chapter 12: Bottomless Pit. This chapter features the dream sequence where Sebastian can explore his old house - before it was destroyed in a fire, that is. On the second floor of the house is Sebastian's office, and the Mysterious Trophy, the logo from The Elder Scrolls Online, is found on the dresser sitting against the wall.
Chapter 13: Stronghold
In Chapter 13, Sebastian will end up in the Sanctuary Hotel. Once here, check behind the reception desk to find the Mysterious Mug, which is a coffee mug that can be found on the Talos I space station in the 2017 Prey reboot.
Chapter 17: A Way Out
The final mysterious object in The Evil Within 2 is actually a reference to the first Evil Within game. Once in Sebastian's house, go into the living room and check the bookshelf against the far wall to find the Mysterious Toy. Those that braved the terrors of the first game will recognize The Keeper enemy immortalized in toy form. So even though Shinji Mikami didn't direct this game, at least one of his twisted creations still makes an appearance.
After collecting The Keeper, the "All in the Family" achievement/trophy should unlock.
By collecting all the Bethesda easter eggs, or "mysterious objects," players will be making a major step toward collecting all of The Evil Within 2's trophies and achievements. However, there are still many more collectibles to seek out, including all of the hidden files, locker keys, photographic slides, and more.
The Evil Within 2 is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.