Collectibles
Welcome, Predator! Beyond the thrill of combat and the pursuit of Alpha Ceph, the New York Liberty Dome holds many secrets. Collecting these hidden items not only enriches the lore of Crysis 3 but also provides valuable upgrades and achievements. This detailed guide will help you uncover every last collectible scattered across the seven wonders of the Liberty Dome.
Types of Collectibles
There are two primary types of collectibles you'll encounter:
- Data Pads: These provide fascinating insights into the events leading up to and during the game, offering backstory on CELL, the Ceph, and Prophet's journey. Collecting them all unlocks the "Data Miner" achievement.
- Blackboxes: These contain crucial intelligence on CELL operations and personnel. Gathering all Blackboxes will earn you the "Geared Up" achievement.
While not strictly "collectibles" in the same vein, remember to also prioritize finding and utilizing Suit Upgrade Kits. These are vital for enhancing your Nanosuit's abilities and are often found in well-guarded or slightly off-path locations.
General Collection Strategies
- Utilize Nanosuit Visor: Your Nanosuit's tactical visor is your best friend. Frequently activate it (default key/button) to scan your environment. Collectibles will often highlight, making them easier to spot, especially in dense foliage or dark areas.
- Explore Thoroughly: Many collectibles are not directly on the main path. Take detours, check behind structures, under bridges, and in elevated positions. If an area feels suspiciously empty or has an unusual path, investigate!
- Listen for Audio Cues: Sometimes, as you approach a collectible, you might hear a faint electronic hum or a subtle audio cue. Keep your headphones on for the best chance to catch these.
- Revisit Missions: Don't worry if you miss something on your first playthrough. You can always replay missions from the main menu to track down any elusive items. Progress on collectibles is saved immediately upon pickup.
- Clear the Area First: Before attempting to retrieve a collectible, especially in heavily contested zones, it's often wise to eliminate all immediate threats. This allows you to explore at your leisure without interruption.
Mission-Specific Collectible Locations
Below is a detailed breakdown of collectible locations per mission. Follow these steps precisely to ensure you don't miss a single one.
Mission 1: Post-Human
- Data Pad 1: After Prophet regains his Nanosuit and exits the initial containment area, you'll enter a large, open room with several CELL soldiers. Look for a small office area to your left as you enter. The Data Pad is on a desk inside.
- Blackbox 1: Following the first major firefight where you encounter the Ceph Stalkers, you'll proceed through a ruined building. Before dropping down to the next objective marker, look for a small, elevated platform accessible via some debris. The Blackbox is located there.
Mission 2: Welcome to the Jungle
- Data Pad 2: Early in the mission, after you've dealt with the initial CELL patrol and are moving through the overgrown streets, you'll come across a derelict bus. The Data Pad is inside the bus, near the back.
- Blackbox 2: As you approach the first major CELL outpost with the large searchlights, stick to the right-hand side of the area. There's a small, partially submerged building. The Blackbox is on the upper level, accessible by climbing some rubble.
- Suit Upgrade Kit 1: After disabling the first anti-air turret, you'll move into a more open, swampy area. Look for a small, isolated shack on stilts in the middle of the swamp. The Upgrade Kit is inside.
Mission 3: The Root of All Evil
- Data Pad 3: Once you enter the large, circular research facility, you'll be tasked with reactivating power. Before heading to the main control room, explore the lower levels. One of the side labs, partially flooded, contains this Data Pad on a workbench.
- Blackbox 3: After restoring power and fighting through more CELL forces, you'll ascend to an upper walkway overlooking the central chamber. Before proceeding to the next objective, check a small, dead-end corridor off this walkway. The Blackbox is at the end.
Mission 4: Safeties Off
- Data Pad 4: In the section where you're traversing the rooftops and dealing with Ceph Prowlers, look for a collapsed building with a visible interior. The Data Pad is on the second floor, accessible by carefully jumping across gaps.
- Blackbox 4: During the sequence where you're using the mounted turret to defend against waves of Ceph, once the immediate threat is neutralized, explore the area around the turret. The Blackbox is hidden behind some crates near the edge of the platform.
Mission 5: Red Star Rising
- Data Pad 5: After the intense battle against the Ceph Devastator, you'll enter a large, open area with several ruined buildings. Head towards the building furthest to the northwest. The Data Pad is on the ground floor, tucked away in a corner.
- Blackbox 5: As you make your way through the underground tunnels, you'll encounter a section with several explosive barrels. Before proceeding, look for a small, dark alcove to your right. The Blackbox is nestled there.
Mission 6: Only Human
- Data Pad 6: In the massive, open area where you first encounter the Ceph Scorchers, look for a partially destroyed train car on a raised track. The Data Pad is inside the train car. You may need to use your Nanosuit's strength mode to pry open a door.
- Blackbox 6: After navigating through the flooded subway tunnels, you'll emerge into a large station. Before heading towards the exit, explore the platforms. The Blackbox is on the far end of the platform, near some vending machines.
Mission 7: Gods and Monsters
- Data Pad 7: In the final mission, during the initial push towards the Ceph structure, you'll pass through a heavily damaged office building. On the top floor, amidst the debris, you'll find this Data Pad on a desk.
- Blackbox 7: Towards the very end of the mission, just before the final confrontation with the Alpha Ceph, you'll be in a large, circular chamber. Look for a small, elevated control room accessible via a ramp. The final Blackbox is inside.