The return of Max Caulfield and Chloe Price has brought with it a new wave of intricate environmental puzzles and hidden secrets. For completionists looking to fill every page of the journal, the Life is Strange Reunion Hiding in Plain Sight guide is essential for tracking down one of the most elusive collectibles in the game. Unlike many items that sit at eye level, this specific sketch requires players to break their usual scanning patterns and look toward the architecture above.
In this comprehensive Life is Strange Reunion Hiding in Plain Sight guide, we will walk you through the exact chapter requirements, the specific visual cues to look for, and the mechanical steps needed to secure the "Hiding in Plain Sight" achievement. Whether you are playing for the story or aiming for the Platinum trophy, finding this hidden gnome is a rite of passage for any dedicated fan in 2026.
Collectible Overview: Hiding in Plain Sight
Before diving into the specific location, it is important to understand the context of this collectible. In Life is Strange: Reunion, collectibles are split between Max’s photography and Chloe’s sketches. This particular entry belongs to Chloe’s journal and is found during a pivotal moment of investigation.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Character | Chloe Price |
| Action Required | Sketch |
| Chapter | Chloe's Decision |
| Object | Hidden Gnome |
| Location | The Bar / Brewery Area |
Warning: This collectible is highly missable. Once you progress past the accusation phase in the "Chloe's Decision" chapter, you cannot return to this area without reloading a previous save or using Chapter Select.
Step-by-Step Location Guide
To find the "Hiding in Plain Sight" collectible, you must reach the chapter titled "Chloe's Decision." During this segment, Chloe is exploring the bar area, gathering intel and speaking with various NPCs like Amanda, Lucas, and Ren. While the primary objective involves investigating the red paint and the "Daddy issues" backtalk, the gnome is tucked away in the environment.
1. Enter the Bar Area
As Chloe, navigate through the main bar. You will notice the atmosphere is tense as the investigation into the fire and the Abraxas Society continues. Do not rush to speak to Noelle or make your final accusation yet.
2. Locate the Fox Graffiti
Walk toward the transition area between the main bar and the brewery room. On one of the walls, you will see a large, stylized piece of fox graffiti. This serves as your primary landmark. Most players stop here, thinking the graffiti itself is the collectible, but the real prize is higher up.
3. Look Toward the Rafters
Position Chloe directly in front of the fox graffiti. Instead of looking at the wall, tilt the camera upward toward the ceiling. Tucked away on the wooden rafters, high above the floor, sits a small garden gnome.
4. Perform the Sketch
Once the gnome is in your line of sight, an interaction prompt will appear. You must select the "Sketch" option. Chloe will take a moment to draw the gnome into her journal, officially marking the collectible as found and triggering the associated trophy notification.
Why "Hiding in Plain Sight" is Easily Missed
Statistically, this is one of the least-found collectibles in the 2026 release of Life is Strange: Reunion. There are several reasons why players struggle with this specific task:
- Verticality: The Life is Strange series typically places collectibles at eye level or on tables. Players rarely think to check the ceiling rafters unless prompted.
- Visual Blending: The gnome’s color palette is somewhat muted compared to the vibrant fox graffiti below it, making it blend into the shadows of the brewery's woodwork.
- Distractions: The "Chloe's Decision" chapter is heavy on dialogue and plot progression. Many players are more focused on winning the Backtalk encounter with Ren than scanning the ceiling.
| Obstacle | Solution |
|---|---|
| Low Visibility | Increase your Brightness settings in the Options menu if the rafters are too dark. |
| Prompt Not Appearing | Ensure you are standing directly under the rafters; the interaction zone is narrow. |
| Progression Lock | Do not talk to Noelle on the decking until you have finished sketching. |
Additional Collectibles in "Chloe's Decision"
While you are using this Life is Strange Reunion Hiding in Plain Sight guide, you should also take the opportunity to grab the other optional items in this chapter to ensure you are on track for the "All These Memories" trophy.
- Podcast Overload #4: Located in the entrance vestibule. Look for a podcast poster on the wall and interact with it to listen.
- Too Soon to be Spooky: Across from the bar, you will find a display of pumpkins. Interact with them to add another sketch to Chloe’s collection.
- The "Daddy Issues" Trophy: While not a collectible, winning the Backtalk encounter with Ren is required for full completion of this chapter's secrets.
💡 Tip: If you missed any collectibles in previous chapters, remember that Life is Strange: Reunion features a "Collectible Mode" that allows you to jump into specific scenes without overwriting your main story choices.
Technical Requirements for the Trophy
Finding the gnome is part of the larger "Drugstore Makeup" achievement (for finding all of Chloe's collectibles) and the "All These Memories" achievement (for finding every collectible in the game). In the 2026 version, these trophies sync across platforms via the Square Enix Members portal, allowing you to track your progress in real-time.
| Trophy Name | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Drugstore Makeup | Find all 10 of Chloe's sketches. |
| All These Memories | Find all 20 collectibles (Max's photos + Chloe's sketches). |
| Sass Queen | Won all backtalk encounters, including the one in this chapter. |
Conclusion
The Life is Strange Reunion Hiding in Plain Sight guide highlights just how much detail the developers have hidden in the environment. By looking up and taking a moment to appreciate the rafters of the brewery, you not only secure a rare collectible but also gain a deeper appreciation for the level design. Ensure you have sketched the gnome before heading out to the decking to confront Noelle and finalize your decision regarding Ren.
FAQ
Q: Can I find the "Hiding in Plain Sight" gnome as Max?
A: No. This collectible is exclusive to Chloe’s segments. Max has her own set of photography-based collectibles, but the gnome in the rafters can only be sketched by Chloe during the "Chloe's Decision" chapter.
Q: I see the gnome, but the sketch prompt isn't appearing. What should I do?
A: This is a common proximity issue. Try moving Chloe slightly closer to the fox graffiti or directly underneath the beam where the gnome is sitting. You may also need to wait for any active dialogue between NPCs to finish before the interaction prompt becomes active.
Q: Is there a specific order I need to follow in this chapter?
A: There is no strict order for the collectibles, but it is highly recommended to follow the Life is Strange Reunion Hiding in Plain Sight guide before you engage in the final conversation with Noelle on the decking. Talking to Noelle triggers the end of the scene and moves the story forward, locking you out of the bar.
Q: Does sketching the gnome affect the story or relationship with Max?
A: Sketches and photos are "flavor" collectibles. They provide insight into the characters' thoughts and fill out the journal, but they do not impact the major branching choices or the ending of the game. They are primarily for trophy hunting and world-building.