Skip to content
| Waterway [sect107] |XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cave Story

| Waterway [sect107] |XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A complete Cave Story walkthrough for the Waterway section, detailing how to save Curly, find the notebook, and defeat the boss Ironhead. Includes tips for acquiring the Booster v2.0.

By ···10 min read·Multi-source verified
1 reading this guide  

A complete Cave Story walkthrough for the Waterway section, detailing how to save Curly, find the notebook, and defeat the boss Ironhead. Includes tips for acquiring the Booster v2.0.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Enter the Waterway. Head left, defeating Critters and bats. Jump over spikes.
  2. 2
    Enter the fast-flowing current and let it carry you. Jump to break out of loops.
  3. 3
    In the turbulent room, defeat jellyfish before entering the current again.
  4. 4
    The current will take you in a zigzag pattern. To save Curly, jump out of the water into the alcove with the door at the top right. If you miss this, you must reset.
  5. 5
    Kill the lone bat and enter the door to the Waterway Cabin.
  6. 6
    In the Waterway Cabin, rest on the bed. Check the computer for a clue about a notebook.
  7. 7
    Find the notebook on the bookshelf.
  8. 8
    Talk to Curly and drain the water from her. She will wake briefly.
  9. 9
    Talk to Curly twice more. When asked whether to leave her, select "No" to pick her up.
  10. 10
    Save and exit the Waterway Cabin.
  11. 11
    Jump into the current and take it downwards. Jump over spikes.
  12. 12
    Jump over the first three sets of spikes. For the last set, jump immediately before hitting the first spike.
  13. 13
    Reach calm water and drop down to find another current.
  14. 14
    From the platform above this current, jump off the left side to avoid spikes.
  15. 15
    Run another spike gauntlet.
  16. 16
    After clearing the Waterways, the boss Ironhead will approach.
  17. 17
    Boss Fight: Ironhead
    • Weaknesses: None explicitly stated, but the Blade is effective.
  18. 18
    Attacks: Swims forward and back, firing shockwaves. Floating blocks cause damage on contact. Pufferfish swim in and inflate, becoming hazardous.
  19. 19
    Strategy: Use the Level 3 Blade. It's effective against pufferfish and can hit Ironhead 2-3 times when he moves backward.
  20. 20
    After the fight, Curly will be separated. If you didn't drain her, her life functions will cease.
  21. 21
    Easter Egg: If you take no damage during the Ironhead fight, a swarm of squids will appear, and you will receive the Alien Medal.
  22. 22
    Head out to Mimiga Village.
  23. 23
    Go to Arthur's House.
  24. 24
    Save and heal. If you don't have the Booster v0.8, you will receive the Booster v2.0 from Professor Booster near the teleporter. This allows boosting in any direction. Equip it from the items menu.
  25. 25
    If you still have the Polar Star, continue to the next section.
  26. 26
    Boost to the platform outside the Reservoir.

Items Found:

  • Spur (Weapon)
  • Alien Medal (Optional Item - Easter Egg)
  • Booster v2.0 (Item - Obtained in Arthur's House)
  • Whimsical Star (Optional Item)

Enemies:

  • Critters
  • Bats
  • Jellyfish
  • Pufferfish
  • Ironhead (Boss)

100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content