Team Asobi’s platformer has generated widespread praise with the launch of Astro Bot. This sequel to PlayStation 5’s 2020 tech demo, Astro’s Playroom, has received review scores of strong 9s and perfect 10s. This was all thanks to its inventive levels, responsive gameplay and a treasure trove of iconic videogame nostalgia.
Inside Astro Bot’s wonderland of easter eggs and cameos are secret levels that offer their own unique challenges. Some contain sneaky ninjas that ambush you, some will have you cannonballing your way through a big Pirate Boss. They can be difficult to find on the first playthrough even though some of them are hidden in plain sight.
These mystery portals contain the best easter eggs in the game.
Unlocking the Secret Level Fan Club
The trick to unlocking the first secret level is fairly simple. During the Az-Tech Trail level, after acquiring the Crash Bandicoot mascot, you will encounter a small temple guarded by a giant matryoshka doll.
Using your trusty punching gloves, eliminate the succeeding enemies and observe the room before pulling the red sticky material on the right side.
You will notice four lit braziers. To trigger the secret area, extinguish the flames by using the Ladybug-bot to jump and snuff them out. After the four braziers are off, the walls will open alongside a sound effect you will grow to love.
This opens a path leading to a disco ball which you could pull using the square button. Once triggered, a platform with a portal will appear, sucking you into a different dimension called the Lost Galaxy.
From there you can enter the Fan Club level containing bots from the iconic Oddworld franchise.
Note that the Lost Galaxy in Astro Bot is separate from the five major nebulas you can explore. This can also whisk you out of your current level if you have not finished it.
There are 10 available levels to unlock, with the 11th and final one revealed after completing the first 10. Additionally, some require more than just keen observation. The later levels will have you platforming over distances to unlock it.
These are also different from the endgame challenges called the Lost Voids which contain the hardest platforming sections in the game.
Astro Bot’s Secret Levels are completely optional, but they're an easy and relatively fun way to grind extra coins. Most of them even unlock memorable bots including Ghost Of Tsushima’s Jin Sakai and The Last Of Us duo, Ellie and Joel.