What Game Has the Most Collectibles? Exploring the World of In-Game Collectibles

In recent years, video game collectibles have become more than just bonus items or trophies—they have evolved into intricate and rewarding systems that enhance the gaming experience. These collectibles come in all shapes and forms, from hidden items scattered across expansive worlds to rare in-game items that offer bragging rights or unlock new content. But which game has the most collectibles?

Let’s dive into some of the most popular games known for their wealth of collectibles and discover why they’re so captivating for players.

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Collectibles: Dragon Priests, Shards, Books, and More

• Overview: Skyrim is a massive open-world RPG where the player can discover hundreds of collectibles. From finding all the Dragon Priest masks to collecting rare books, Skyrim offers a treasure trove of items for players to hunt down. The most notable collectible in Skyrim is the hidden “Shards of the Past” or artifacts like the Daedric Artifacts and the pieces of the Wabbajack, a unique weapon.
• Why It's Worth Collecting: Skyrim's open world encourages exploration. The sheer number of quests and hidden objects gives players a satisfying reason to continue playing long after the main story has ended. Whether you are seeking out all the collectibles for a trophy or to unlock hidden secrets, Skyrim has plenty of rewarding treasures.
• Unique Feature: The game boasts a variety of collectibles tied to different storylines and characters, making every find feel unique and important.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Collectibles: Gwent Cards, Monster Trophies, Armor Sets, and More

• Overview: The Witcher 3 is a sprawling RPG set in a dark fantasy world. It’s filled with a plethora of collectibles, including Gwent cards (used in a card mini-game), monster trophies (from slaying the game's many beasts), and collectible armor sets. Each collectible item ties into the game's narrative or offers players a new skill or bonus.
• Why It's Worth Collecting: The amount of collectibles you can find in The Witcher 3 adds layers to its world-building. Completing the Gwent card collection, for instance, involves traveling across the game’s massive map and battling NPCs for cards that help build your deck. It’s more than just finding items—it’s about how these collectibles impact gameplay and story progression.
• Unique Feature: The richness of the world encourages players to dive deeper into side content. The game’s many side quests and hidden items complement the main story perfectly.

3. Grand Theft Auto V

Collectibles: Spaceship Parts, Letter Scraps, Underwater Loot, and More

• Overview: In the chaotic world of GTA V, you won’t just be racing through the streets and committing heists. There are a huge number of collectibles scattered across Los Santos and its surrounding areas. From spaceship parts to hidden letter scraps that unlock secrets of the game, there are more than 250 unique collectibles in GTA V.
• Why It's Worth Collecting: GTA V’s collectibles are a great way to explore the massive open world, encouraging players to explore every corner of the map. Collecting these items unlocks special abilities, vehicles, or even achievements that elevate the game further.
• Unique Feature: The variety of collectibles in GTA V, including underwater loot and elusive items that require exploration in both urban and rural settings, makes collecting feel like an adventure in itself.

4. Assassin’s Creed Series

Collectibles: Flags, Artifacts, Synchronization Points, and More

• Overview: The Assassin’s Creed franchise is well-known for its wide variety of collectibles. From flags to templar artifacts and hidden glyphs, players are constantly encouraged to collect items while completing stealth missions and parkouring across ancient cities.
• Why It's Worth Collecting: These collectibles are not just about completion; they often tie into the lore of the Assassin's Creed universe. For example, finding all the Assassin’s seals in Assassin's Creed II will unlock secret areas and provide new in-game rewards.
• Unique Feature: The way collectibles tie into the lore of the series is particularly engaging for fans who enjoy learning more about the story and world-building of the game.

5. Red Dead Redemption 2

Collectibles: Cigarette Cards, Dinosaur Bones, Fish, and More

• Overview: Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game built on immersion, and its collectibles are no different. The game includes a variety of rare collectibles, including cigarette cards, dinosaur bones, and fish species. These collectibles play an important role in the game’s exploration and its completionist aspect.
• Why It's Worth Collecting: The beauty of collecting in RDR2 is that many of the collectibles are tied to the environment, such as fossils and fish species, which require players to travel through different biomes and climates. Completing a set of collectibles rewards you with significant in-game bonuses.
• Unique Feature: The collectibles in Red Dead Redemption 2 are often part of a larger puzzle that ties into the game’s backstory, adding a narrative dimension to the act of collecting.

6. Pokémon Series

Collectibles: Pokémon, TMs, Items, and Achievements

• Overview: The Pokémon series is all about catching ‘em all, and with over 800 Pokémon in most main series games, there’s no shortage of collectibles. In addition to the Pokémon themselves, players can collect various items, such as TMs (Technical Machines) and battle achievements.
• Why It's Worth Collecting: Pokémon games have been a staple of the collectible game genre since their inception. The thrill of collecting different Pokémon species and assembling a perfect team of creatures has kept players coming back for more. The sense of completion when you “catch ‘em all” is unmatched.
• Unique Feature: The interactivity of the Pokémon world and its connection to trading with other players adds a layer of social connectivity to the act of collecting.

Conclusion: The Most Collectible Games

Collecting items in games provides an extra layer of engagement, and while no game can claim to have the most collectibles, certain games have risen to prominence for their vast array of items. The Witcher 3, Skyrim, Grand Theft Auto V, Assassin's Creed, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Pokémon all stand out for their impressive number of collectibles, which reward players in different ways—whether through deeper lore, special abilities, or the joy of completing a collection.

Ultimately, the best game for collectibles depends on the type of experience you're looking for. Whether it’s a massive RPG world like Skyrim, the historical exploration of Assassin’s Creed, or the immersive atmosphere of Red Dead Redemption 2, there’s no shortage of games to satisfy your inner collector. Happy hunting!