Collectibles Checklist
Welcome, intrepid time-manipulator! This comprehensive checklist will guide you through the acquisition of all 8 elusive Stars scattered across the worlds of Braid. Collecting these Stars is crucial for unlocking the game's true ending and experiencing the full depth of its narrative. Prepare for intricate puzzles, precise platforming, and clever use of your time-bending abilities.
General Star-Hunting Tips
- Experiment with Time: Don't be afraid to rewind, fast-forward, and manipulate time in unconventional ways. Many Star puzzles rely on creative time mechanics.
- Observe Your Surroundings: Pay close attention to environmental cues, switch placements, and enemy patrol patterns.
- Patience is Key: Some Stars require multiple attempts and careful planning. Don't get discouraged!
- Utilize the "Rewind" Feature: If you make a mistake, immediately rewind to correct it. This is your most powerful tool.
Star Locations and Walkthroughs
World 2: Time and Forgiveness
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World 2-2 Star:
This Star is located in the level "Time and Forgiveness." To obtain it, you'll need to manipulate the moving platform and the green monster. First, position the monster directly beneath the Star's platform. Next, activate the switch that moves the platform, ensuring it carries the monster upwards. As the platform ascends, quickly rewind time to a point just before the platform reaches its peak. This will cause the monster to be "rewound" onto the platform while it's still moving up, allowing you to use it as a stepping stone to reach the Star.
Hub World
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Hub-Level Star:
The Hub-Level Star is a unique collectible found within the main hub area that connects all the worlds. To access it, you must first complete all other worlds and collect their respective Stars. Once all other Stars are acquired, a new path or mechanism will become available in the Hub, leading you to this final Star. Look for subtle changes in the environment or previously inaccessible areas.
World 4: The Pit
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World 4-5 Star:
In World 4-5, "The Pit," this Star demands precise timing and platforming. You'll encounter a series of falling blocks and a switch that controls a door. The key is to activate the switch, then immediately rewind time to "reset" the falling blocks while the door remains open. This creates a temporary window where you can safely cross the gap and reach the Star before the blocks fall again. You may need to experiment with the exact timing of your rewind.
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World 4-7 Star:
The Star in World 4-7 requires an alternative approach to a puzzle involving a cannon and a series of platforms. Instead of trying to directly use the cannon to clear a path, focus on manipulating the cannon's trajectory and the timing of its shots. An easier method involves positioning yourself on a specific platform, then rewinding time to allow the cannon to fire at a precise moment, clearing the obstacle that blocks your path to the Star. This often involves a "rewind and jump" maneuver.
World 5: The Gloom
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World 5-4 Star:
Within World 5-4, "The Gloom," the Star is hidden behind a puzzle involving a moving platform and a specific enemy type. You'll need to lure an enemy onto a pressure plate that activates a platform. However, the platform moves too quickly for you to reach the Star. The solution involves luring the enemy, activating the plate, and then rewinding time to a point where the enemy is still on the plate but the platform has moved into a favorable position, allowing you to jump across and grab the Star.
World 6: The Labyrinth
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World 6-5 Star:
The Star in World 6-5, "The Labyrinth," is a true test of your time-manipulation skills. This puzzle involves a series of switches that control different platforms, and a specific enemy that needs to be guided. The strategy involves using your time-rewind ability to "stack" the effects of multiple switch activations. For example, activate one switch, rewind, activate another, rewind again, and so on, until the platforms are aligned in a way that grants access to the Star. This often requires a long, continuous rewind sequence.
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World 6-6 Star:
World 6-6 presents a challenging Star puzzle involving a key, a locked door, and a monster. The key is located in a precarious position, and the monster guards the path. The solution involves using the monster to your advantage. Lure the monster to a specific location, then rewind time so that the monster is "reset" to its original position while you retain the key. This allows you to bypass the monster and unlock the door to the Star.
World 1: The House
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World 1-1 Star:
The World 1-1 Star is the final Star you'll likely acquire, as it only becomes accessible after completing the entire game and collecting all other Stars. Return to the very first level, "The House." With all other Stars in your possession, a previously hidden or inaccessible area will open up, revealing this last collectible. This Star often serves as a symbolic reward for mastering Braid's unique mechanics.