You've been through the Az-Tech Trail in the Gorilla Nebula. You’ve punched the blocks, you’ve rescued the bots, and you probably thought you were done.
But you aren't.
There’s a massive gap in your "Lost Galaxy" map because of a disco ball you likely walked right past. It’s kinda frustrating, honestly. Team Asobi loves hiding these things in plain sight, and the aztech trail portal astro bot players are searching for is one of the sneakiest early-game secrets. Finding it isn't just about completionism; it’s the only way to unlock the Fan Club level in the Lost Galaxy.
Where the Portal Hides
Most people miss this because they're focused on the platforming gauntlet. To find the secret exit, you need to reach the room where you encounter a Russian Doll enemy (the nesting doll kind that keeps popping out smaller versions).
Look at the back wall. You’ll see four large golden torches (sconces).
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They aren't just background decoration. You have to extinguish all four of them. The bottom two are easy—just walk up and punch them. But the top two? They're way too high for a normal jump.
How to reach the torches
Basically, you have to use the environment as a weapon. There’s a ladybug enemy (the bouncy kind) right there in the room. Don't just kill it and move on. You need to hit it to flip it over, then use it as a trampoline to launch yourself into the higher torches.
- Punch the two lower torches.
- Flip the ladybug.
- Bounce off the ladybug to punch the top-left torch.
- Repeat for the top-right.
Once all four are dark, the wall between them doesn't just open—it vanishes.
The Lost Galaxy Unlock
Behind that wall, you'll find a dangling cable attached to a disco ball. This is the aztech trail portal astro bot fans need for the 100% trophy. Pulling that cable triggers the "Black Hole" animation that sucks Astro into a different dimension.
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It feels a bit "diabolical," as some Redditors have put it, because it’s tucked away in a corner of a room that feels like a transition space. If you go through the "normal" exit at the end of the level first, you have to replay the whole thing just to get back here.
Why the Fan Club Level Matters
Pulling this portal unlocks Fan Club, a secret stage where you'll find more bots and puzzle pieces. It’s one of the more visually striking levels in the game, featuring a lot of wind-based mechanics and some really cool cameos.
Common Mistakes in Az-Tech Trail
Wait, did you actually get the bots while looking for the portal? People often get so focused on the secret exit that they miss the Jak Bot (the Eco Warrior) or the Crash Bandicoot bot.
- The Vibrate Wall: At the very start, if you feel a weird vibration in your DualSense, stop. You need to find the specific block that's "buzzing" and push it to reveal a hidden path.
- The Giant Sling-Shot: You’ll use the Twin-Frog Gloves to pull back a massive slingshot. If you don't aim this right, you'll miss a platform containing one of the three puzzle pieces.
- The Hidden Cacti: There's a section with cactus enemies where you can pull a red tab on a wall. Pulling it doesn't just give you coins; it often coughs up a bot that’s been trapped behind the masonry.
Mastering the Twin-Frog Gloves
The aztech trail portal astro bot experience is defined by the frog gloves. They aren't just for punching. They’re a grappling hook.
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If you're struggling with the timing of the swings near the end of the level, remember that you can "hover" using your feet lasers to adjust your trajectory mid-air. It's a lifesaver when trying to reach the higher platforms where the Jak Bot is chilling.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're stuck, do this:
- Check your map: If the Gorilla Nebula shows 6/7 bots or 2/3 puzzle pieces, you missed a collectible, not just the portal.
- Go back to the nesting doll room: If the torches are already lit, you didn't finish the puzzle.
- Jump and hold Square: When you see the disco ball, some players struggle to grab the wire. You need to jump and hold the attack/interact button (Square) while pulling back on the stick.
- Unlock Fan Club: Once the portal is open, jump in immediately. It saves your progress for the current level anyway.
The aztech trail portal astro bot secret is just the beginning. Every main world has at least one of these "Lost Galaxy" exits. Keep an eye out for anything that looks like a light fixture or a suspicious pile of leaves—in this game, if it looks like you can interact with it, you probably should.