Honestly, if you’re hunting for every last collectible in Ghouls and Bots Astro Bot, you’ve probably realized by now that the "Lost Galaxy" levels don't play fair. They’re tucked away for a reason. You can’t just stumble into Ghouls and Bots by accident. You have to actively go looking for trouble in the "Free Big Brother!" stage by finding the secret exit. Once you’re in, though? The vibe shifts. It’s spooky, it’s dark, and if you aren’t careful with your light bulb management, you’re going to spend a lot of time falling into the abyss.
Most players treat this level like a standard platformer. That's the first mistake. Ghouls and Bots is actually a masterclass in using light as a physical tool, not just a way to see.
Finding the Secret Entrance
You don't just pick this level from the map. To even see Ghouls and Bots on your radar, you need to head to the "Free Big Brother!" level in the Serpent Starway galaxy. Look for the giant robot lying in the sand. Instead of just finishing the level normally, you have to look for a specific interaction involving the electrified pillars near the end. If you haven't done this yet, go back. You’re missing out on some of the best PlayStation cameos in the entire game.
The Ghouls and Bots Astro Bot Collectible Run
There are five bots and two puzzle pieces hidden here. Some are easy. Others, like the one involving the cauldron, feel like the developers were actively trying to hide them from anyone not playing with a guide.
Bot 1: The Well Dweller
Right at the start, you’ll drop down into a graveyard area. Don’t just rush forward. There’s a raised stone circle with a blue "X" on it. If you use your spin attack (hold Square) on that spot, Astro drills down into a hidden room. You’ll find the first bot just chilling there, probably wondering what took you so long.
Bot 2: The Tree Spit-up
A bit further in, you’ll find your first light bulb. These are your lifeline. You’ll see a creepy tree with a face on the right side. Most people throw the bulb at the ghosts, but if you toss it right into that tree’s mouth, it’ll cough up the second bot.
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Bot 3: Arthur (The Fragile Knight)
This is the first "VIP" bot in the level, and it's a direct nod to Ghosts 'n Goblins. After you use a light bulb to open the big stone gate, look for a bridge that starts to collapse or pull away. You have to throw a bulb at the face on the wall to trigger a trampoline. Arthur is waiting just past that section. He’s iconic, and honestly, seeing him in Astro’s art style is a highlight of the Lost Galaxy.
Managing the Light Bulb Mechanic
The middle section of Ghouls and Bots is where things get hairy. You’ll find yourself in a dark room with invisible platforms. This isn't a "memory" puzzle. As long as you are holding the light bulb, the platforms stay solid and visible.
The trick? Don't throw the bulb unless you absolutely have to.
If you throw it at a ghost, you lose your floor. It’s a tense trade-off. I’ve seen so many people panic-throw the bulb at a single ghost only to realize they just deleted the path to the next checkpoint. Take it slow.
The Secret Bots You’re Probably Missing
The fourth and fifth bots are the ones that usually lead people to search for a Ghouls and Bots Astro Bot guide. They are significantly better hidden than the first three.
Bot 4: Sir Daniel Fortesque (The Eternal Knight)
MediEvil fans, this one is for you. In the area with the invisible platforms, look to your left. You’ll see a cauldron off in the distance. You have to jump across a hidden path that only appears when the light bulb is near. Smash that cauldron, and Sir Dan will pop out.
Bot 5: Pyramid Head (The Impractical Butcher)
This is the big one. Right at the very end of the level, you’ll be crossing a long bridge toward the final goal. Most players are so relieved to be done that they just sprint for the finish. Stop. Look at the railing on the left side of the bridge. Pyramid Head from Silent Hill is actually hanging off the side of the rail. Just punch him to "rescue" him. It’s a hilarious sight given how terrifying he usually is.
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Where are the Puzzle Pieces?
You can't 100% Ghouls and Bots without the two jigsaw pieces.
- The Invisible Path: While you’re carrying the light bulb through the section with the invisible floors, look to the right. There’s a side path that leads away from the main objective. Follow it to find the first puzzle piece floating in the dark.
- The Chandelier Climb: Later, you’ll see a giant chandelier hanging by a rope. Kill the enemies first. Then, climb the rope. Don't jump off at the first opportunity. If you climb to the very top and look behind you, the second puzzle piece is tucked into a small alcove.
Why Ghouls and Bots Matters for Completionists
Astro Bot is a game about nostalgia, but Ghouls and Bots specifically leans into the "spooky" era of PlayStation. Getting the 100% completion here isn't just about the platinum trophy; it’s about reuniting the horror icons of the 90s and early 2000s.
If you’re struggling with the Ecto Gang boss fight at the end, remember that it's all about motion controls. You have to aim your flashlight using the DualSense. It’s not just about pointing; it’s about steadying your hands. Tap R2 to "burst" the light rather than just holding it down. It saves you from getting overwhelmed when the ghosts swarm from multiple angles.
To wrap this up, the best way to handle Ghouls and Bots is to treat the light bulb as part of Astro’s body. Don't discard it until the path ahead is 100% clear.
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Next Steps for Your Run:
- Check your Bot Gallery: Make sure Arthur and Sir Daniel Fortesque actually registered. Sometimes if you die immediately after a rescue, you have to grab them again.
- Visit the Crash Site: Once you have Pyramid Head, go find him in the main hub. The interactions between the special bots are where the real charm of this game lives.
- Master the Hover: Remember that Astro’s laser feet can act as a temporary light source in the dark if you lose your bulb. It’s not as good, but it can save a run.
Go get those last few collectibles. The bridge to the finish line is closer than you think.