Debunked Urban Myths in Video Games

Key Takeaways

Some rumors about video game secrets are proven false but still inspire actual features in future games.
Urban myths in games like Pokemon, Diablo, and Tomb Raider often stir confusion and curiosity among players.
Clear-eyed developers set the record straight about myths like the 9/11 level in Call of Duty.

As a seasoned gamer and a survivor of the traumatic events of 9/11, I find it utterly appalling that such rumors could even surface about a video game like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The pain and loss inflicted by those attacks are still raw in my heart, and to trivialize them for the sake of entertainment is unconscionable.

Discussions about hidden features or mysteries within different video games are quite common in the gaming community. Occasionally, these game secrets do exist, but due to modern internet connectivity, they’re not particularly secret anymore. On other occasions, rumors about specific games might just be speculation, as there’s no solid evidence to back them up.

It’s much simpler these days to distinguish truth from falsehood when it comes to video games, thanks to the cleverness of gamers and their ability to document extensively. Occasionally, a rumor will be debunked upon its release; in other cases, developers are forced to confirm that it’s untrue. In essence, many urban legends surrounding video games have been exposed as false, though some stirred up more controversy than others.

5 Mew Under The Truck (Pokemon Red And Blue)

Many Believed That A Mew Could Be Found Beneath A Truck

The rumor arose due to a part of the game that was seldom explored by players because it required a specific move (HM03: Surf) to access an area, such as the SS Anne’s port, which is not usually visited after completing the initial traverse. The truck located there can only be found through this method, but it’s challenging for players to obtain HM01: Cut, which grants the ability to surf, until they board the SS Anne, a task that becomes impossible once they finish with the ship. This uncommon area was believed by some fans to contain Mew, the initial Mythical Pokemon, leading to the rumor.

After acquiring the Cut ability, the player should make the SS Anne ship disappear (blackout) and then revisit the Pokemon Center. Using Cut later on will allow them to explore the Safari Zone, where they receive Surf. This skill lets them eventually reach the mysterious truck. Regrettably, there’s no Mew hidden under the truck in the original games – it was merely designed as a unique backdrop element. The remakes, Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green, hint at this rumor subtly by having the docked truck conceal a Lava Cookie instead. In the Let’s Go remakes, you’ll find a continuously respawning Revive there instead.

4 The Secret Cow Level (Diablo)

Clicking On A Cow Enough Times Was Meant To Bring Players To A Secret Cow Level

It was believed that the original Diablo game had a hidden feature where clicking on a cow repeatedly would unlock a secret level called the “Secret Cow Level” for players. However, this turned out to be untrue. Yet, the myth lived on and influenced the development of Diablo 2, which did indeed incorporate the legendary level. To reach this level in Diablo 2, one must first overcome difficulties at levels that have already been completed, thus creating a portal to access it.

By merging Wirt’s Leg with a Town Portal Scroll in the Horadric Cube, gamers can unlock a specific level featuring demonic cattle called “Hell Bovines,” apparently commanded by a figure known as “The Cow King.” Similar references and levels modeled on this “Secret Cow Level” have been observed across other installments within the Diablo franchise.

3 Nude Raider (Tomb Raider)

This Rumor Suggested That A Code Could Leave Lara Croft Naked

In various video games, Lara Croft, the star character of Tomb Raider, has been widely recognized as an iconic figure. Her physical appearance has sparked intrigue among some players, leading them in the original game to search for a secret code called “Nude Raider.” The relatively simplistic graphics used in video games during the 1990s didn’t stop enthusiasts from this pursuit. However, it’s important to clarify that no legitimate means of making Lara Croft appear nude actually exist within the game.

The developers found the rumor and its prolonged existence frustrating. Since the game was popular, they were seen negatively due to allegations that adult content had been inserted into a game marketed for teenagers. It’s said that the management itself had asked for such content, but it’s uncertain if this was a jest. An article by TheGamer discusses a statement from Gavin Rummery, one of the developers, who claimed that the shower scene in Tomb Raider 2, where Croft shoots at the player upon being seen undressed, was created as a response to this rumor.

2 Bigfoot Sightings (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas)

The Presence Of This Sasquatch Was Made Even More Believable Due To Mods

Bigfoot lore is one piece of the greater trend of cryptozoology, where odd beings with unclear origins are sighted and studied by various people. Sightings of these beings tend to, at first, vary greatly in description. That is until a clear enough picture emerges, and consensus is mysteriously reached. The various beings documented are themselves fascinating examples of how urban myths get started and perpetuated. In the realm of gaming, many rumors were spread when some people claimed to have spotted Bigfoot in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

In many cases, the subject of the rumors is kept at a distance, making it easy for people to deny the validity of the claims. These rumors gained traction so much that they were mistakenly believed to be part of the original game. Even the instructions for San Andreas acknowledged Big Foot (a pseudonym for a developer), adding fuel to the fire of these rumors. However, it was later revealed by the developers that Bigfoot did not exist in reality. Despite this, the widespread belief in this myth eventually led to the inclusion of the Sasquatch in Grand Theft Auto 5.

1 9/11 Level (Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6)

Treyarch Had To Publicly Denounce The Rumors Of A 9/11 Level

On September 11, 2001, a series of airplane hijackings orchestrated by al-Qaeda terrorists resulted in catastrophic loss of life, making it one of the most devastating terrorist incidents ever. The impact is still deeply felt by those affected even after many years have passed.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my excitement for the upcoming release of “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” set to hit shelves on October 25th this year. Even though it hasn’t officially dropped yet, there’s already a buzz surrounding its gameplay, fueled by rumors that swirl around the internet. This series is renowned for blending real-world events with imaginative twists to create its unique brand of military-themed gaming. In the past, we’ve seen some daring narrative choices, like staging battles in civilian areas and even taking down an airport. It’s always intriguing to see where they’ll take the story next!

While it’s important to note that Black Ops 6 is set during the Gulf War and not the events of September 11th, Treyarch has confirmed that there will be no level or campaign related to 9/11 in the game upon its release. This decision stems from both the sensitive nature of the topic and the historical context, as the attacks occurred about a decade after the Gulf War.

2024-10-20 02:34