Games With Secretly Hidden Second Playthroughs That No One Knows About

Some games have secrets so well hidden that even dedicated players don’t know they exist. One of the most exciting secrets is the hidden second playthrough—a special version of the game that only unlocks under specific conditions. These aren’t just regular “New Game+” modes; they are entirely different experiences, often with new enemies, story twists, or mechanics.

We’ll uncover some of the most fascinating games with hidden second playthroughs, explain how to access them, and explore why developers include these mysterious extra layers of gameplay.

What Is a Hidden Second Playthrough?

Most players think a game is over once the credits roll, but sometimes, developers include a secret way to play the game again with significant differences. These can include:

• New enemies and more complex challenges
• Hidden story elements that change the way you understand the game
• Alternate endings based on choices made in the first playthrough
• Entirely new mechanics that weren’t available before

These hidden second playthroughs aren’t always obvious. Sometimes, they require specific actions to unlock, such as:

• Completing secret objectives
• Finishing the game under a particular time limit
• Finding hidden collectibles

Let’s explore some of the best-hidden second playthroughs that most gamers have never discovered.

1. NieR: Automata – A Game That Changes Everything

How to Unlock the Second Playthrough

In NieR: Automata, finishing the game once isn’t the end. If you restart after reaching Ending A, you don’t just replay the game—you experience it from a different perspective.

• The second playthrough puts you in control of 9S, a character with a completely different playstyle.
• You uncover new story details that completely change your understanding of the world.
• The third playthrough brings even more changes, leading to multiple endings.

Why It’s Special

NieR: Automata isn’t just a game—it’s a story that unfolds over multiple playthroughs. You’re missing more than half the game if you stop after the first ending.

2. Resident Evil 2 Remake – The Real Ending Lies Beyond the First Playthrough

How to Unlock the Second Playthrough

After beating Resident Evil 2 Remake once, you can start a 2nd Run mode. This isn’t just a more complex version of the game—it’s an alternate version of the story:

• Playing as Leon first? The second playthrough makes you Claire.
• Playing as Claire first? The second playthrough makes you Leon.
• The events change, with new encounters, puzzles, and a final boss you won’t see in a normal playthrough.

Why It’s Special

Many players finish the game once and never realize they only got half the story. The second run reveals secrets about what the other character was doing, filling in the gaps in the main plot.

3. Chrono Trigger – A Time-Traveling Second Playthrough

How to Unlock the Second Playthrough

If you beat Chrono Trigger, you unlock New Game+, but this is much more than a simple replay:

• You can access new endings depending on when you defeat the final boss.
• Some bosses and events change, allowing you to see the story differently.
• You can challenge Lavos (the final boss) much earlier, revealing hidden story details.

Why It’s Special

Most games force you to follow a linear path, but Chrono Trigger lets you rewrite time itself. You can defeat Lavos at different points in the story, leading to different endings.

4. Silent Hill 2 – The Secret Dog Ending (And More)

How to Unlock the Second Playthrough

Silent Hill 2 is famous for its multiple endings, but some can only be unlocked in a second playthrough:

• The “Dog Ending” – After completing the game once, you can find a hidden item that triggers a hilarious secret ending featuring a dog controlling everything.
• The “UFO Ending” – Another hidden ending that involves aliens abducting the main character.
• Different choices lead to different endings, but you won’t see them all in one run.

Why It’s Special

These endings are part of what makes Silent Hill 2 legendary. The game rewards curious players who return to explore after their first playthrough.

5. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain – The Secret Truth

How to Unlock the Second Playthrough

After reaching the “end” of Metal Gear Solid 5, a hidden second chapter unlocks:

• Missions are repeated but with new story twists.
• A hidden truth about the main character is revealed.
• The “real” ending isn’t shown until you play again.

Why It’s Special

If you stop playing after the credits roll the first time, you miss out on a plot twist. The second playthrough changes everything you thought you knew about the story.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask – A World That Remembers

How to Unlock the Second Playthrough

While Majora’s Mask doesn’t have a “New Game+” mode, the entire game is designed around replaying events:

• You relive the same three days over and over.
• NPCs remember your actions and change their behavior accordingly.
• Side quests and secret interactions are only accessible after previous attempts.

Why It’s Special

Instead of a traditional second playthrough, Majora’s Mask builds replaying into its core design. When you restart the three-day cycle, you unlock new opportunities and hidden storylines.

Conclusion: Don’t Stop at One Playthrough

Many gamers finish a game once and move on, but the best hidden secrets often lie beyond the first run. Whether it’s NieR: Automata’s completely different second playthrough, Resident Evil 2’s missing half of the story, or Chrono Trigger’s multiple endings, these games reward those who dig deeper.

So next time you beat a game, don’t assume you’ve seen it all. You may be one step away from a secret second playthrough that changes everything.

Did we miss any games with hidden second playthroughs? Share your favorites in the comments!