Team Asobi really leaned into the whimsy for most of the Astro Bot experience on PS5, but then they hit us with Spooky Time. It’s brilliant. It’s also kinda stressful if you’re a completionist trying to track down every single hidden cameo and puzzle piece while ghosts are literally trying to jump-scare the mechanical soul out of your body.
You’ve probably noticed that the difficulty spike in this level isn't about the platforming. It’s the observation. The level uses light and darkness as a mechanic, forcing you to use your built-in light to reveal paths that aren't actually there—or rather, paths that are invisible until you shine a light on them. It’s a classic trope, sure, but in the context of the DualSense haptics, it feels different. You can almost feel the "weight" of the darkness.
Honestly, the first time I played through, I missed three bots. Three. That’s embarrassing for someone who grew up on Rescue Mission. But that’s the thing about Spooky Time Astro Bot—it rewards you for slowing down in a level that’s designed to make you want to run as fast as possible to the exit.
The Mechanics of Fear (and Light)
Most of this level revolves around the light-bulb power-up. It’s your lifeline. Without it, the ghosts in the graveyard section are basically invincible, and the platforms are non-existent. But here’s what most people get wrong: they keep the light on 100% of the time.
You actually need to toggle it. Some secrets in Spooky Time Astro Bot only reveal themselves when you flicker the light or look for the faint glimmer of a bot’s eyes in the pitch black. For instance, early in the level, there's a section with floating candelabras. If you're just rushing, you'll miss the breakable wall behind the second set of candles. It doesn't look like a wall; it looks like a shadow.
The level design borrows heavily from the "Ghost Mansion" aesthetic of Super Mario World, but with that high-fidelity Sony polish. You aren't just jumping; you're investigating.
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Where Those Tricky Bots Are Hiding
Let’s get into the specifics because that’s why you’re here. You want the list. You want the locations. You want to stop hearing that muffled "Help me!" crying from behind a wall you can't find.
The Resident Evil Cameo: Right near the start, after you get the light bulb, look for a series of disappearing platforms. Most players follow the obvious path to the right. Don't. Go left. Use the light to reveal a hidden walkway leading to a bot dressed as Chris Redfield. It’s a tiny detail, but the green herb he’s holding is a dead giveaway.
The Grave Digger: About halfway through, you’ll reach a circular arena with several tombstones. You have to defeat the enemies first, obviously. But once the coast is clear, don't leave. Shine your light on the largest grave at the back. It won't open automatically. You have to hover-jump (using your laser feet) on the dirt patch in front of it. A bot will pop out, looking very much like Sir Daniel Fortesque from MediEvil.
The Ceiling Trapped Bot: This one is the worst. In the indoor hallway section where the portraits follow your movement, look up. There is a chandelier that looks slightly off-center. If you throw your light bulb at it—yes, you can throw it—the bot drops down.
It’s these little interactions that make Spooky Time Astro Bot stand out. It’s not just about reaching the end; it’s about poking at the environment until it breaks.
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Why Spooky Time Hits Different
Level designer Nicolas Doucet has spoken before about how the "feel" of Astro is more important than the visuals. In Spooky Time, this is peak performance. The way the controller rumbles when a ghost passes through you—it’s a cold, hollow vibration. It’s distinct from the "warm" buzz of the sunny levels.
There’s a psychological layer here, too. The level uses "negative space" better than almost any other stage in the game. By taking away your sight, the game forces you to rely on the haptic feedback of the triggers to sense where objects are. If you’re playing with the sound off or the haptics turned down, you’re basically playing on "Extra Hard" mode without meaning to.
Common Misconceptions About the Boss Fight
People keep saying the boss of this area is "glitched" because they can't land hits during the second phase. It’s not a glitch. You’re just being too aggressive.
In the Spooky Time Astro Bot boss encounter, the boss becomes ethereal. You literally cannot touch it. You have to wait for the boss to perform its "slam" attack, which leaves its hands stuck in the floor. That’s your window. But here’s the trick: you have to shine your light on the heart, not the hands. If you attack the hands, you do minimal damage and the cycle repeats forever. Aim for the glowing core.
The Secret Puzzle Piece
If you’re sitting at 98% completion, it’s probably the puzzle piece in the library section. Everyone misses this. When you enter the room with the flying books, look at the floor. There’s a rug with a pattern that matches the symbols on the walls. You have to stand on the symbols in a specific order: Moon, Star, Sun.
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If you do it right, the bookshelf slides back. No enemies. No flashy effects. Just a quiet, satisfying click and your missing piece. It’s very Resident Evil in its execution, which fits the vibe perfectly.
Navigating the Final Stretch
The end of the level is a gauntlet. You’ve got disappearing platforms, ghosts chasing you, and those annoying spinning blades. The temptation is to spam the jump button.
Don't do that.
The rhythm of the platforms is tied to the background music. If you listen closely, the "thump" of the bass coincides with the platforms becoming solid. It’s a rhythmic platformer segment disguised as a horror level. Once you catch the beat, the "spooky" factor disappears and it becomes a dance.
Actionable Steps for 100% Completion
- Check the Ceiling: In every indoor room, look up. Team Asobi loves hiding bots on rafters that are only visible when you jump and hover.
- Listen for the Pulse: If your controller starts a rhythmic, low-frequency pulse, a secret is nearby. It’s a "hot or cold" mechanic that isn't explicitly explained.
- Use the Lasers: Your jump lasers aren't just for killing enemies. They can ignite certain blue lanterns in this level that stay lit, providing permanent light to a room so you don't have to carry the bulb.
- Backtrack: Several bots only spawn after you’ve triggered a certain checkpoint further ahead. If a room feels suspiciously empty, try walking back toward the start after you hear a chime.
- The Trophies: Don't forget to "scare" the bots. If you stand near the themed bots (like the Bloodborne hunter) and use your emote (down on the D-pad), they’ll perform a unique animation that often triggers a hidden interaction or a few extra coins.
Stop rushing. The ghosts can't actually hurt you if you stay in the light, and the bots aren't going anywhere. This level is a masterclass in atmosphere, so soak it in. Use the photo mode. Look at the textures on the gravestones. Then, get that Chris Redfield bot and get out of there.