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Cave Story

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Navigate the Sand Zone in Cave Story, defeat the boss Curly Brace, and make crucial weapon trade decisions. Find hidden items and overcome environmental hazards.

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Navigate the Sand Zone in Cave Story, defeat the boss Curly Brace, and make crucial weapon trade decisions. Find hidden items and overcome environmental hazards.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    After returning to Arthur's House, talk to Sue.
  2. 2
    Go to Mimiga Village and enter the Assembly Hall next to the Graveyard.
  3. 3
    Use Jellyfish Juice on the fireplace to obtain the Bubbler weapon.
  4. 4
    Return to Arthur's House. You can optionally level up the Bubbler in Egg Corridor.
  5. 5
    Save your game and take the teleporter to the Sand Zone.
  6. 6
    Upon entering the Sand Zone, a girl will walk away. Continue forward, jump up a shaft while avoiding/killing bugs, and enter the building on the left.
  7. 7
    In the Sand Zone Residence, you will encounter Curly Brace.
  8. 8
    Boss Fight: Curly Brace
  9. 9
    After defeating Curly Brace, she will offer to trade your Polar Star for her Machine Gun. This trade is permanent.
  10. 10
    Talk to the Mimiga on the far left, then enter the door marked by a save point.
  11. 11
    In the Small Room, save and heal, then pick up the dog by the bed.
  12. 12
    Easter Egg: Check the Map System for a secret passageway. Follow it to an alcove and press Down to find Curly's Underwear.
  13. 13
    Exit the Sand Zone Residence and return to the Sand Zone.
  14. 14
    Make your way right, destroying star blocks and dealing with spinning blade enemies that spawn mini blades.
  15. 15
    In the first column of star blocks, carve a path to reach a Life Capsule at the top.
  16. 16
    Navigate the next section with tall columns of star blocks and sand pits. Avoid the Sandcrocs in the sand pits by staying on the blocks. If you fall, jump immediately.
  17. 17
    To cross the gaps between block columns, create a safe jumping space and lure blade enemies to kill them and their spawns before jumping.
Tips
  • When fighting Curly Brace, turn the sound on to hear her charging her gun. Avoid jumping carelessly, as landing in her line of fire is dangerous.
  • Missiles are ineffective against Curly Brace due to her force field. The Fireball weapon is recommended as it can hit her while dodging and quickly disables the Mimiga children.
  • The Mimiga children do insignificant damage and can be stunned; focus on Curly Brace.
  • The trade with Curly Brace for the Machine Gun is optional. Consider the pros and cons of each weapon before deciding.
  • Sandcrocs are fast and dangerous; avoid touching the sand.
  • Bubbler weapon
  • Optional: Machine Gun (trade for Polar Star)
  • Optional: Curly's Underwear
  • Life Capsule

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