TL;DR
- Split Fiction contains over 15 clever references to major gaming franchises and pop culture
- Developer Hazelight includes multiple self-references to their previous hit games
- The game blends action sequences with nostalgic homages to classics like Crash Bandicoot
- Anime fans will appreciate the detailed Sailor Moon transformation sequence
- Successful easter egg hunting requires specific strategies and careful observation
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Split Fiction stands as a love letter to gaming history, packed with carefully crafted references that reward observant players. Developed by Hazelight Studios, the same team behind the acclaimed co-op adventure It Takes Two, this game continues their tradition of embedding clever nods to pop culture and gaming milestones.
For optimal easter egg discovery, I recommend playing with the sound enabled and examining environmental details thoroughly. Many references are time-sensitive or require specific character interactions, so multiple playthroughs may be necessary to catch them all.

Early in the prologue, players witness Mio and Zoe performing a dramatic descent into a haystack that directly mimics the iconic ‘leap of faith’ from Assassin’s Creed. This isn’t just a visual callback—the camera angle, character pose, and landing animation all faithfully recreate the signature move that has defined the AC series since its inception.
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During The Hollow level, the discovery of a circular table surrounded by embedded swords immediately evokes Elden Ring’s Roundtable Hold. Mio’s dialogue “Woah, is this like a safe haven?” confirms the reference while highlighting the area’s non-combat status, much like its inspiration.
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The Isolation level introduces stealth mechanics through a classic Metal Gear Solid reference. Zoe discovers a cardboard box that provides perfect concealment from patrolling drones—a direct nod to Solid Snake’s preferred hiding method. Pro tip: moving while inside the box makes noise that can alert nearby enemies.
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Crash Bandicoot fans will instantly recognize the perspective-shifting chase sequence where ogres pursue the protagonists. The camera angle creates the illusion that characters are running toward the screen, replicating one of Crash’s most memorable gameplay elements.
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Hazelight’s previous Game of the Year winner, It Takes Two, receives multiple callbacks throughout Split Fiction. The most prominent appears in Neon Revenge level, where Cutie the Elephant perches above Mastodon Pet Store as a plush toy.
Zoe’s comment “Look, what a sweet plushie!” signals the reference, and using her grappling hook to remove the elephant’s ears recreates the memorable boss fight from their earlier title.
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The Moon Market side story features a clever cameo from It Takes Two protagonists Cody and May, who peek from a doorway wearing witch hats. To reveal their true forms, players must purchase a specific spell from a vendor and cast it on them—a detail many players miss on their first playthrough.
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Another subtle self-reference comes through Dr. Hakim’s book, which appears on a shelf in the library section. This continues Hazelight’s tradition of connecting their game universes through minor but meaningful details.
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The Final Dawn level opens with a scene straight from Halo: Combat Evolved. A military captain gathers troops for a mission briefing with the exact dialogue “Listen up, soldiers!” used by Sergeant Johnson in the iconic sci-fi shooter.
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Platforming sections contain several barrel obstacles that function identically to Donkey Kong’s classic challenges. The positioning and movement patterns deliberately echo the 1981 arcade classic that defined the genre.
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Rest points throughout the game feature campfires that closely resemble Dark Souls’ bonfires, complete with similar resting animations and healing properties.
Common mistake: Many players rush through these sections without noticing the visual details that confirm the references. Take time to examine the environment design for maximum appreciation.
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Perhaps the most unexpected reference comes during the Rise of the Dragon Realm sequence, where Zoe’s costume transformation perfectly replicates Sailor Moon’s iconic henshin sequence. The sparkles, pose changes, and transformation duration all match the anime’s distinctive style.
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Desert areas feature massive worm-like creatures that emerge from the sand, paying homage to Frank Herbert’s Dune universe. The audio cues and sand displacement effects enhance the reference’s authenticity.
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Puzzle sections incorporate portal mechanics that directly reference Valve’s iconic game. The visual effects and physics behave similarly to the original implementation.
These pop culture nods demonstrate the developers’ broad influences beyond gaming, creating a rich tapestry of references that appeal to diverse audiences.
Based on my experience analyzing gaming references, successful easter egg hunting in Split Fiction requires specific strategies. First, play with headphones to catch audio cues that signal hidden content. Many references have distinctive sound effects that precede their visual appearance.
Time your exploration carefully—some references only appear during specific story moments or time-of-day cycles. The Cody and May cameo, for instance, is only accessible during the Moon Market side quest’s nighttime phase.
Common oversight: players often miss the weapon customization options that reveal additional references when specific loadouts are equipped.
For optimal discovery, I recommend consulting community resources and playing cooperatively. Different players may notice references the other misses, and discussing discoveries can reveal patterns in the developers’ reference placement logic.
Remember that complete game guides often document these easter eggs in detail if you’re struggling to find them independently.
Advanced tip: Some references require backtracking to previously completed areas with new abilities or items. The grappling hook obtained later in the game unlocks several earlier missed references.
Action Checklist
- Play through prologue watching for Assassin’s Creed leap sequence
- Examine Neon Revenge level for Cutie the Elephant plush reference
- Complete Moon Market side quest at night to find Cody and May cameo
- Purchase spell from vendor and cast on witch-hatted characters
- Backtrack to earlier areas with late-game abilities to find hidden references
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » All Split Fiction Easter Eggs You Might’ve Missed: Elden Ring, Halo, And More Discover 15 clever gaming easter eggs and pop culture references hidden throughout Split Fiction's adventure
