Astro Bot DLC Walkthrough: Rising Heat and Unlocking VIP Bots in Record Time
Key Takeaways
- Rising Heat Essentials: Learn how to use Monkey Arms and Tilt Assist to breeze through Astro Bot’s final speedrunning stage.
- VIP Bots Unlocked: Discover the hidden locations and strategies to unlock Exalted Exo and Suave Traitor in under 75 seconds.
- Advanced Speedrun Tactics: From skipping sections to spinning bars, these pro tips will help you finish the Rising Heat stage faster than ever.
Astro Bot fans, get ready to tackle “Rising Heat” the ultimate challenge in the game’s DLC lineup. As the fifth and final DLC stage, Rising Heat offers a thrilling conclusion to the speedrun series, demanding quick reflexes, precision, and clever use of Astro’s unique power-ups. This stage is packed with obstacles and, like previous stages, includes two exclusive Cameo Bots as rewards. But be warned: to unlock these special VIP Bots, you’ll need to reach the finish line faster than the two coloured birds, which isn’t as easy as it sounds.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best strategies to complete Rising Heat in under 75 seconds, outpace the birds, and collect the highly coveted Exalted Exo and Suave Traitor bots. Ready to set a new personal best? Let’s dive in.
Overview of the Astro Bot DLC Release Schedule
The “Rising Heat” stage is part of a series of free DLC speedrun challenges that rolled out weekly from October 17 through November 14. Each stage in this series introduces new mechanics and obstacles, pushing players to optimize their runs and shave off precious seconds. Rising Heat is the final installment and is, fittingly, the most challenging of the lot.
With Rising Heat, Astro Bot players will encounter a fast-paced, heat-themed level designed to test their skill with the Monkey Arms power-up and strategic use of in-game mechanics like Tilt Assist. Here’s how to master it.
How to Complete Rising Heat in 75 Seconds or Less
Rising Heat requires players to utilize the Monkey power-up, one of the trickiest abilities in Astro Bot. Mastering this power-up is key to navigating the level’s obstacles quickly. Fortunately, there are several techniques and shortcuts to help you save time.
Step 1: Enable Tilt Assist
To make swinging through Rising Heat easier, go to the Accessibility menu and turn on Controller Tilt Assist. This feature allows you to control the monkey arms with greater speed by alternating the L2 and R2 buttons. Additionally, it enables smoother control when swinging from poles, making it easier to maneuver Astro in mid-air. This adjustment is a game-changer, as it helps you avoid the clunky mechanics that often slow players down in this stage.
Step 2: Watch Out for Key Obstacles
As you progress, you’ll encounter two primary obstacles that can impede your speed:
- Slam Disk: Partway through the stage, you’ll see a circular disk on the ground that needs to be slammed with both hands to proceed. Be prepared to do this quickly so you can maintain your momentum.
- Tilting Platforms: Use Astro’s jet propulsion to tilt platforms at steeper angles, allowing you to bypass certain obstacles, such as a cluster of bananas that would otherwise slow you down. With Tilt Assist on, navigating these platforms becomes far simpler.
Step 3: Use Astro’s Jets for Speed Boosts
Astro’s jets aren’t just for evasion; they can be used strategically to control platform angles and propel yourself faster through certain sections. Experiment with the jets to find ways to skip over small segments of the stage, trimming seconds off your time.
By following these tips, you should be able to finish Rising Heat in 75 seconds or less perfect for unlocking the two VIP Cameo Bots waiting at the finish line.
Rising Heat VIP Bots: Exalted Exo and Suave Traitor
Astro Bot’s Rising Heat stage features two exclusive VIP Bots, each inspired by characters from popular gaming franchises. However, to rescue these bots, you’ll need to beat the times set by the blue and red birds.
How to Unlock the Exalted Exo VIP Bot
To unlock the Exalted Exo Bot, modeled after Cayde-6 from Destiny, you must finish Rising Heat in under 90 seconds, beating the blue bird. Exalted Exo is a nod to Cayde-6’s rogue personality and comes with unique accessories like a Hand Cannon and Light Partner that can be collected from the Gatcha Lab at the Crash Site.
How to Unlock the Suave Traitor VIP Bot
For the more challenging Suave Traitor bot, inspired by Resident Evil’s Albert Wesker, you’ll need to finish in under 75 seconds, beating the red bird’s time. This bot is a true collector’s item for fans, representing Wesker’s sinister charm. Once unlocked, you can visit the Gatcha Lab to find Wesker’s signature accessories, including a Viral Vial.
These Cameo Bots don’t just look cool; they also add a fun collectible element to the game, enhancing the overall experience of Astro Bot’s free DLC.
Advanced Speedrunning Tips for Rising Heat
If you’re aiming for leader board-worthy times in Rising Heat, the following advanced tips will help you cut even more time off your runs.
1. Master the Monkey Arms Technique
Using the Monkey Arms effectively requires finding a rhythm when grabbing ledges. Try to avoid using both arms on the same ledge; instead, aim to alternate between grabs so you can move from one ledge to the next with fluidity. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in your overall time.
2. Spin on Bars for Momentum
In the middle of the Rising Heat stage, there’s a section with horizontal bars. Most players use these as standard ledges, but if you hold on and spin, you can build up momentum and launch yourself forward. This technique allows you to skip over certain climbing segments, saving precious seconds.
3. Skip Over Obstacles with Precise Jumps
When possible, use the momentum from swinging or jet propulsion to bypass small sections of the course. Precise jumps can help you avoid obstacles like bananas or uneven platforms, allowing you to keep a steady pace throughout the stage.
By incorporating these tactics, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Rising Heat and achieving times that rival even the top players.
Rising Heat Collectibles and Secrets
Rising Heat may not feature traditional collectibles like Puzzle Pieces, but it’s packed with secrets and shortcuts that are essential for speedrunning. Here’s a quick overview of the notable items in this stage:
- VIP Bots: Exalted Exo and Suave Traitor, inspired by Cayde-6 and Albert Wesker.
- Monkey Arms: The primary ability required to complete the stage.
- Tilt Assist: Highly recommended for smooth gameplay and faster movement.
Mastering the Rising Heat stage isn’t just about speed; it’s also about skillfully navigating the course and taking advantage of every opportunity to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to complete Rising Heat in under 75 seconds to unlock both VIP Bots?
A: No. You only need to finish under 90 seconds to unlock Exalted Exo, but you’ll need to complete it in under 75 seconds to unlock Suave Traitor.
Q: What’s the best way to use the Monkey Arms without losing time?
A: Find a rhythm with your grabs. Alternating between arms and using momentum to swing forward can help you move more efficiently.
Q: Is Tilt Assist necessary for Rising Heat?
A: While not mandatory, Tilt Assist makes controlling the Monkey Arms significantly easier and can improve your time by smoothing out the controls.
Q: Are there any checkpoints in Rising Heat?
A: No, Rising Heat does not feature checkpoints, so practice and consistency are key to mastering this stage.
Q: Can I replay the Rising Heat stage to improve my time and collect missed VIP Bots?
A: Yes, you can replay the stage as many times as you want, allowing you to refine your strategy and aim for faster completion times.
Astro Bot’s Rising Heat stage is a true test of speedrunning skills, demanding both precision and mastery of the Monkey Arms power-up. With Tilt Assist enabled and these pro tips in hand, you’re well-equipped to tackle this challenging level. Whether you’re aiming to unlock the Exalted Exo or the elusive Suave Traitor bot, following this guide will help you achieve those coveted under-75-second times.