Finding every collectible in the latest installment of the franchise requires a keen eye and a bit of patience, especially when it comes to the life is strange reunion hiding in plain sight objective. As Max and Chloe navigate their complicated reunion after a decade apart, players are treated to a deep, choice-driven narrative that rewards exploration. The life is strange reunion hiding in plain sight collectible is particularly notorious among trophy hunters because it breaks the traditional "eye-level" scanning rules that most players follow. Located in the "Chloe's Decision" chapter, this specific interaction is essential for those looking to unlock the "All These Memories" and "Drugstore Makeup" achievements. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly where to find the hidden gnome, how to trigger the sketch prompt, and the narrative context surrounding this elusive piece of environmental art.
The Context of "Chloe's Decision"
Before diving into the specific location of the gnome, it is important to understand the chapter structure. "Chloe's Decision" takes place at the Snapping Turtle bar and the surrounding brewery area. Unlike Max, who uses her iconic Polaroid camera to document her journey, Chloe Price uses a sketchbook to capture moments that resonate with her.
In this chapter, the atmosphere is tense. Chloe is investigating the connection between Ren, Noelle, and the impending fire. While the primary story objectives involve winning Backtalk encounters with Ren and making a final accusation to Noelle, the collectibles are scattered in the quieter corners of the map. The life is strange reunion hiding in plain sight sketch is the standout collectible of this area because it is physically separated from the main paths where you speak to NPCs like Amanda or Lucas.
| Chapter Segment | Primary Objective | Key Collectible |
|---|---|---|
| The Entrance | Listen to Podcast Overload #4 | N/A |
| The Main Bar | Talk to Amanda and Lucas | Hiding in Plain Sight (Gnome) |
| The Brewery Room | Investigate Ren's backpack | N/A |
| The Decking | Confront Noelle | The Memorial Wall (Max only) |
Step-by-Step: Finding the Hiding in Plain Sight Gnome
The life is strange reunion hiding in plain sight collectible is located in the transition area between the main bar and the brewery room. Most players miss this because they are focused on the "Vox Populi" posters or the NPCs sitting at the booths. To find it, you must adopt a vertical perspective.
1. Locate the Fox Graffiti
As you move through the bar, look for a large, vibrant piece of fox graffiti on one of the wooden walls. This graffiti serves as your primary landmark. If you have reached the stage where Ren is standing, you have gone slightly too far.
2. Look Toward the Rafters
Once you are standing in front of the fox graffiti, do not look at the wall. Instead, tilt your camera upward toward the ceiling rafters. Tucked away on a high beam, you will see a small, weathered garden gnome. It is positioned as if it is watching the patrons of the bar from above.
3. Trigger the Sketch Prompt
Unlike many items that only offer a "Look" prompt, you must wait for the "Sketch" option to appear. Chloe will make a brief comment about how the gnome managed to "creep in from high above." Once the sketching animation completes, the collectible is officially logged in your journal.
⚠️ Warning: You must interact with the gnome before talking to Noelle on the decking. Once you make the final accusation against Ren, the chapter will transition, and you will lose the ability to explore the bar interior.
Why "Hiding in Plain Sight" is Easily Missed
The developers at Deck Nine and Square Enix intentionally placed this item out of the standard field of view to challenge the player's environmental awareness. In previous games, gnomes have often been used as "easter eggs," and Reunion continues this tradition.
- Verticality: Most interactive objects in the Snapping Turtle are on tables, walls, or at eye level.
- Lighting: The rafters are dimly lit compared to the neon signs of the bar, making the gnome blend into the shadows of the wooden beams.
- Distractions: The "Chloe's Decision" chapter is heavy on dialogue. Players are often rushing to find Ren or check the podcast posters, leading them to ignore the ceiling.
Related Collectibles in the Chapter
To earn the "All These Memories" trophy, you cannot rely solely on the life is strange reunion hiding in plain sight sketch. You must also find the other environmental interactions available in the surrounding chapters.
| Collectible Name | Location | Action | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Portly Fellow | Near recycling bins by the statue | Photo | Max |
| Too Soon to be Spooky | Across from the bar (Pumpkins) | Sketch | Chloe |
| Hiding in Plain Sight | Bar Rafters (Gnome) | Sketch | Chloe |
| The Things We Cannot Escape | Memorial Wall on the Decking | Photo | Max |
Trophy and Achievement Breakdown
The life is strange reunion hiding in plain sight collectible is a prerequisite for several high-level trophies. If you are playing on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, ensure you have a backup save at the start of the chapter just in case you trigger the ending cutscene prematurely.
- Drugstore Makeup: This trophy unlocks once Chloe has found all of her specific sketches. The gnome is often the final one players find for this set.
- All These Memories: This is the "Platinum" style collectible trophy, requiring every photo from Max and every sketch from Chloe across the entire game.
- Sass Queen: While not directly related to the gnome, you can earn progress toward this by winning the Backtalk encounter with Ren in the same room where the gnome is located.
For more information on the game's mechanics and official updates, visit the official Life is Strange website for the latest patch notes and community guides.
Advanced Exploration Tips for 2026
By 2026, the Life is Strange community has identified several "speed-run" friendly ways to grab collectibles without breaking the narrative flow. If you are replaying the game to clean up missed trophies, follow these efficiency tips:
- Ignore the NPCs: You can walk directly to the rafters as soon as you enter the bar. You do not need to speak to Amanda or Lucas to trigger the gnome's visibility.
- Brightness Settings: If you are struggling to see the gnome, temporarily increase your "Gamma" or "Brightness" in the video settings. The rafters are notoriously dark on OLED screens.
- The "Look" First Rule: Always use the "Look" interaction before "Sketch." While not required for the trophy, it provides unique dialogue that adds flavor to Chloe's character development in Reunion.
FAQ
Q: Can I find the "Hiding in Plain Sight" gnome as Max?
A: No. This specific collectible is exclusive to Chloe's segments. Max has her own set of collectibles (photos) in the same areas, but the gnome in the rafters can only be sketched by Chloe.
Q: What happens if I miss the gnome and finish the chapter?
A: If you miss the life is strange reunion hiding in plain sight sketch, you will need to use the "Chapter Select" feature from the main menu. Fortunately, Life is Strange: Reunion allows you to play chapters in "Collectible Mode," which lets you find missed items without overwriting your main story choices.
Q: Is there a specific prompt for the gnome?
A: Yes, you must look up at the rafters until the "Sketch" prompt (typically Square on PlayStation or X on Xbox) appears. If you only "Look" at it, the collectible will not count toward your total.
Q: Does the gnome appear in any other chapters?
A: While gnomes appear as recurring motifs (such as "A Portly Fellow" earlier in the game), the "Hiding in Plain Sight" version is unique to the Snapping Turtle bar rafters in the "Chloe's Decision" chapter.