You’re soaring through the Lost Galaxy, dodging asteroids and wondering where the heck that last bot went. It happens to everyone. High-Suction Hero is one of those stages in Astro Bot that feels like a fever dream, mostly because you’re constantly juggling three different physical states of matter. One second you're heavy as a block of ice, the next you're bouncing on honey like a caffeinated kangaroo.
Honestly, the level title is a bit of a giveaway, but it doesn't prepare you for the sheer verticality of the thing. You aren't just walking; you’re building the floor beneath your feet.
The Power of the Elephant (and Why It’s Tricky)
Most players think they can just spam the platform creation button and breeze through. Wrong. The core mechanic here relies on the Elephant Power-Up, which lets you suck up various materials—honey, ice, and that weird lunar liquid—to create temporary platforms.
Here’s the thing: those platforms don’t last forever.
If you’re too slow, you’re falling into the abyss. If you’re too fast, you miss the collectibles tucked away in the corners. I've seen people get incredibly frustrated with the "steam blaster" sections because they try to jump before the platform is fully formed. You've gotta wait for that split-second haptic click in the DualSense. It's satisfying, but it requires patience that a lot of us just don't have when we’re trying to 100% a game.
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Finding the Lost Galaxy Portal
You can't even play High-Suction Hero until you find the secret exit in Djinny of the Lamp. Most people miss it because they’re too focused on the boss fight. You have to look for the invisible platforms revealed by the sand—if you aren't paying attention to the way the particles move, you'll walk right past the entrance to one of the best levels in the game.
Tracking Down Every Single Bot
There are five bots in this level, and let me tell you, Team Asobi was feeling particularly devious when they hid them. Three of them are actually Killzone themed bots (the Helghast soldiers), which is a nice nod to PlayStation history.
- The Steam Vent Bot: Early on, you’ll see a bot hanging from a wall above some lava. You need to use the steam blaster as an elevator. The trick here is creating a platform above the vent so the steam pushes you up like a piston.
- The UFO Chase: This one is classic Astro Bot. You’ll see a UFO flying around with a bot in its clutches. Don't just stand there. Clear the enemies first, use the yellow trampoline, and then smack that saucer into the next dimension.
- The Satellite Bot: In the asteroid belt, there’s a cylindrical satellite floating around. The bot is literally sitting on an ice block on top. It looks like a decorative element from a distance, so keep your eyes peeled for that telltale waving animation.
- The Rocket Booster Bot: This one is sneaky. When you reach the big spaceship/rocket area, look under the engines. A bot is hanging from the booster. You have to jump and hit it to set it free.
- The VIP Bot: This is the one most people miss. While climbing the side of the spaceship, there’s a platform on the far right. You need to use the elephant to create a staircase of platforms to reach the very top of that tall raised platform.
Solving the Puzzle Piece Mystery
There are only two puzzle pieces, but they are positioned in ways that feel like a platforming test.
The first piece is near the yellow trampoline. Instead of just bouncing, you have to use the juice in your pack to create two platforms mid-jump. It’s all about the timing. If you hit the trigger too late, you won't have the height. The second piece is way out on an asteroid to the right of the main path. You’ll need the moon material (the light blue liquid) to float your way over there. It’s a bit of a leap of faith, but the gravity in this level is pretty forgiving.
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Why the Physics Matter
A lot of the "hard" parts of High-Suction Hero aren't actually about reflex; they’re about understanding the materials.
- Honey: High bounce, sticky landing.
- Ice: Fast movement, low friction, creates ramps.
- Moon Liquid: Low gravity, slow descent.
If you try to use the ice ramp logic while you have honey equipped, you're going to overshoot your target every single time. It sounds simple, but in the heat of a platforming sequence with enemies shooting at you, it’s easy to forget which "fuel" you have in the tank.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The biggest mistake is ignoring the DualSense feedback. The controller actually tells you when your platform is about to dissolve. There’s a specific vibration pattern—a sort of frantic rhythmic pulsing—that starts about two seconds before the platform disappears. If you play with the volume down or the vibration off, you’re playing on "Hard Mode" without even knowing it.
Also, don't ignore the penguins. The penguin encounter gives you the ice material, and you must use all three charges to navigate the gelatinous structures and trampolines. If you try to save them, you’ll just end up falling.
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Actionable Insights for a 100% Run
If you're stuck at 98% completion, here is exactly what you need to do.
First, go back to the central hub where the materials are laid out like a buffet. Practice the "jump-create-jump" sequence. You should be able to create a platform at the apex of your jump, land on it, and immediately jump again to create a second one. This "infinite" staircase technique is the only way to reach the VIP bot.
Second, check the rocket boosters again. It's the most "hidden" spot because the camera angle doesn't naturally point there. If you’re missing one bot, it’s almost certainly that one or the one on top of the satellite.
Finally, remember that the Lost Galaxy levels are designed to be a bit more experimental. Don't be afraid to die a few times exploring the edges of the map. There are often hidden coins or small Easter eggs tucked away on distant asteroids that have nothing to do with the main path.
Once you finish High-Suction Hero, you'll be one step closer to unlocking the Great Master Challenge, which makes this level look like a walk in the park. Grab those Helghast bots and move on to the next planet.