In Wolfenstein: The New Order, collectibles play a significant role in enriching the gameplay experience and enhancing the story’s depth. The game features a total of 132 collectibles that players can discover throughout their journey, which can be categorized into three distinct types: Enigma Codes, Gold Items, and Letters.

Types of Collectibles:

1. Enigma Codes (72 total):
– These collectibles are intricate coded puzzles that enhance the game’s challenge. Players must locate and collect these codes in-game and then input them into the menu. Successfully solving these codes unlocks specific achievements and reveals hidden secrets within the game. This element encourages players to engage with the game’s mechanics and test their problem-solving skills.

2. Gold Items (50 total):
– Scattered throughout the various levels, the Gold Items include gold statues, medals, and trophies. Collecting these items contributes to achievements focused on gathering all gold collectibles, such as the “All that glitters” achievement for collecting 25 items and the “Heart of gold” for compiling all 50. They add a layer of exploration and incentivize thoroughness in gameplay as players seek out these shiny treasures.

3. Letters (10 total):
– The letters are narrative-driven collectibles that provide background stories and lore, enriching the player’s understanding of the game’s universe. Collecting all letters ties into the achievement “The lives of others,” which underlines the significance of these items in uncovering character histories and world-building.

Gameplay Mechanics and Achievements:
Players can unlock a variety of trophies and achievements upon collecting these items. Examples include:
– “All that glitters”: Achieved by collecting 25 Gold Items.
– “Heart of gold”: Awarded for collecting all Gold Items.
– “The lives of others”: Given for collecting all Letters.
– “Secrets revealed I-IV”: Specific achievements for solving the Enigma Codes.

Notably, none of the collectibles are missable, which eases the pressure on players as they navigate the game. Players can utilize the chapter select feature to revisit any level and search for missed collectibles at their leisure. The game saves progress immediately after collecting items, ensuring that players don’t lose their accomplishments across playthroughs. Additionally, players can employ stealth tactics, such as stealth-killing commanders, to reveal collectible locations on the map, further aiding their quest for completion.

Conclusion:
Collecting Enigma Codes, Gold Items, and Letters in Wolfenstein: The New Order not only enhances player engagement through puzzles and exploration but also deepens the narrative experience. By rewarding thoroughness with achievements and allowing flexibility in gameplay, the game successfully integrates these collectibles into its overall design, ensuring a rich and immersive experience for players.