Easter Eggs & References

Easter Eggs & References

Assassin's Creed III, while deeply rooted in historical events, is also a treasure trove of delightful Easter eggs and clever references. From subtle nods to previous games in the franchise and historical inaccuracies played for comedic effect, to outright pop culture tributes and developer inside jokes, the game rewards vigilant explorers. This section will guide you through some of the most notable hidden gems, encouraging you to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of colonial America to uncover even more.

The development team at Ubisoft Montreal meticulously crafted a world brimming with secrets. Many of these are found by simply exploring the vast environments – be it the bustling streets of Boston and New York, the serene wilderness of the Frontier, or the intimate confines of the Homestead. Keep an eye out for unusual character behaviors, peculiar objects, and unexpected dialogue. Some Easter eggs require specific actions or conditions to trigger, while others are simply there for observant players to discover.

Types of Easter Eggs & References to Look For

As you traverse the game world, keep an eye out for these categories of hidden content:

• Franchise Lore & Callbacks: References to past Assassin's Creed games, characters, or events. These often provide a deeper connection to the overarching narrative.
• Historical Humor & Anachronisms: Playful twists on historical facts or the inclusion of items/concepts that wouldn't exist in the 18th century, often for comedic effect.
• Pop Culture Nods: Tributes to popular movies, TV shows, video games, or literature that were contemporary to the game's release or are widely recognized.
• Developer Inside Jokes: Humorous references or self-aware commentary from the game's creators.
• Mythological & Cryptid Sightings: Encounters with legendary creatures or figures from folklore, adding a touch of the fantastical to the historical setting.

Notable Easter Eggs & How to Find Them

The Turkey Assassin

One of the most beloved and bizarre Easter eggs in Assassin's Creed III is the "Turkey Assassin." This peculiar avian friend can be found at the Homestead and has a unique interaction sequence.

• Location: Davenport Homestead, specifically near the manor house.
• Discovery Steps:
  1. Travel to the Davenport Homestead.
  2. Locate a turkey wandering around the grounds, typically near the main manor.
  3. Approach the turkey and target it.
  4. Input the Konami Code: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B (or Circle on PS, A on Xbox), A (or X on PS, B on Xbox).
  5. If entered correctly, the turkey will don a tiny Assassin's hood, complete with a hidden blade on its wing, and begin to follow Connor.
  6. It will remain your loyal, albeit silent, companion until you fast travel or leave the Homestead area.
• Significance: A purely cosmetic and humorous Easter egg, showcasing the developers' playful side. It's a nod to classic gaming culture (the Konami Code) and a delightful absurdity.

The Headless Horseman Reference

The legend of the Headless Horseman, popularized by Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," finds a subtle but chilling reference in the game.

• Location: The Frontier, particularly in the northern regions near the border of New York.
• Discovery Steps:
  1. Explore the Frontier at night, especially during foggy or stormy weather.
  2. Listen for the distinct sound of galloping hooves without a visible rider.
  3. Occasionally, you might spot a riderless horse galloping through the woods, sometimes carrying a pumpkin.
  4. While there's no direct interaction or quest associated with it, the sight and sound are a clear homage to the famous legend.
• Significance: A fantastic example of environmental storytelling and a nod to American folklore that fits perfectly with the game's colonial setting.

Bigfoot Sighting (The Sasquatch)

Another cryptid makes an appearance in the vast wilderness of the Frontier, offering a brief, mysterious encounter.

• Location: The Frontier, specifically in the Black Creek region.
• Discovery Steps:
  1. Travel to the Black Creek area of the Frontier.
  2. Explore the dense forest, particularly the more remote and mountainous sections.
  3. At certain, rare times, you might catch a fleeting glimpse of a large, ape-like creature moving quickly through the trees in the distance.
  4. It will quickly disappear, making it difficult to get a clear view or pursue.
• Significance: A classic cryptid reference, adding a touch of mystery and the unknown to the historical setting. It's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, making its discovery all the more rewarding.

Desmond's Animus Room Easter Eggs

Even in the modern-day segments, the Animus room where Desmond and his companions reside holds a few secrets.

• Location: The modern-day Animus room.
• Discovery Steps:
  1. During modern-day sequences, take time to look around the room.
  2. Assassin's Creed II & Brotherhood Posters: On the walls, you can find posters for fictional video games that are clearly parodies of Assassin's Creed II and Brotherhood, often with humorous titles like "Assassin's Creed: Rome" or "Assassin's Creed: Venice."
  3. Ezio Auditore Figure: A small action figure resembling Ezio Auditore da Firenze can sometimes be spotted on a shelf or table.
  4. Game Consoles: Various modern-day game consoles (Xbox 360, PS3) can be seen, further blurring the lines between the game world and reality.
• Significance: These are fun meta-references that acknowledge the franchise's history and add a layer of self-awareness to the modern-day narrative.

Historical Inaccuracies for Fun

While the game strives for historical accuracy, some elements are intentionally skewed for comedic effect or to fit the narrative.

• Benjamin Franklin's Almanacs: While Franklin was a real historical figure, the content of his almanacs in the game often contains humorous, anachronistic, or slightly absurd advice and observations. Collecting all of them reveals some truly bizarre entries.
• The "UFO" in the Frontier: In a very specific, high-altitude location in the Frontier (often requiring careful climbing or a well-placed jump), you can sometimes spot a strange, metallic object hovering briefly in the sky before disappearing. This is a classic "flying saucer" reference.

Tips for Discovering More Easter Eggs

• Explore Thoroughly: Don't just stick to the main path. Venture off-road, climb every accessible structure, and investigate every unusual sound or sight.
• Listen Carefully: Pay attention to ambient sounds, character dialogue, and even the music. Some Easter eggs are auditory.
• Interact with Everything: Try interacting with seemingly mundane objects or NPCs. You never know what might trigger a hidden event.
• Vary Your Playtime: Some events or sightings might only occur at specific times of day (day/night) or under certain weather conditions.
• Check the Database: Sometimes, the Animus Database entries will contain subtle hints or expanded lore related to an Easter egg you've found.
• Revisit Areas: Some Easter eggs are not always present and might require multiple visits to an area to trigger.

Uncovering these Easter eggs and references adds another layer of enjoyment to Assassin's Creed III, rewarding players who take the time to truly immerse themselves in its meticulously crafted world. Happy hunting!