Wako Tako is basically the moment Astro Bot goes from "this is a cute platformer" to "this is a genuine masterpiece." If you've been playing through Team Asobi’s latest hit on PS5, you know the vibe. You're cruising through the Tentacle System, and suddenly, there he is. A massive, neon-purple octopus wearing boxing gloves. It’s absurd. It’s colorful. Honestly, it’s one of the most satisfying boss fights Sony has put out in years.
Getting to the Wako Tako Astro Bot encounter isn't just about the fight itself; it's about how the game teaches you to use the Frog Gloves. You spend the whole level—Wako Tako’s lair—stretching those springy limbs to slingshot across gaps and punch enemies from a distance. By the time you reach the summit of the shipwreck, you think you’re a pro. Then the music shifts, the giant cephalopod rises from the depths, and you realize you actually have to put those skills to the test.
Finding Your Rhythm with the Giant Octopus
The fight starts with a lot of noise. Wako Tako isn't shy. He’s going to try to squash you immediately with those massive, gloved tentacles.
The trick is staying mobile. Don't just stand there waiting. You need to keep Astro moving in wide arcs. When Wako Tako slams a tentacle down, it stays there for a few seconds. This is your window. You have to use your Frog Gloves (L2 and R2) to grab the handles on his boxing gloves. Pull back. Release. It feels incredibly tactile thanks to the DualSense haptic feedback. You can actually feel the tension in the springs before Astro lets go and sends the tentacle flying back into the boss's face.
Most players mess up by trying to be too aggressive too fast. Take your time. The first phase is really just a rhythm game. Dodge the slam, grab the glove, snap it back. Repeat.
Phase Two: When Things Get Windy
Once you’ve smacked him around a bit, Wako Tako gets annoyed. He retreats and starts using the environment against you. This is where the Astro Bot level design really shines. He’ll start blowing air or trying to sweep you off the platform.
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You’ll notice some smaller enemies spawning now. Don’t ignore them. They’re there to distract you while the boss prepares a massive lunge. Use your spin attack or quick punches to clear the deck. The real challenge here is the "wind" mechanic. When he starts sucking in air, you need to use your hover jets (double jump) to reposition yourself so you don't get pulled into his maw. It's not an instant kill, usually, but it's annoying and resets your flow.
The Secret to the Final Hit
The climax of the Wako Tako Astro Bot fight is pure spectacle. After you’ve neutralized his arms, he’s going to expose his head. This is the "mask" phase.
You’ll see a giant red target. It looks obvious, right? But the timing is tighter than you’d think. You have to slingshot yourself directly at his face. If you miss the timing, he’ll dive back underwater and you have to repeat the last cycle of tentacle slams. The key is to wait for the animation where he dazes himself. He’ll wobble. His eyes will roll back a bit. That’s your cue.
Launch Astro. Hit the goggles.
The payoff is great. You don't just "win"; you get a cinematic finish that leads directly into the rescue of a VIP Bot. In this case, defeating Wako Tako is how you unlock the Sly Cooper bot, which is a massive nostalgia hit for anyone who grew up with the PS2.
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Why Wako Tako is a Design Masterclass
Team Asobi knows exactly what they’re doing with boss scale. Wako Tako feels huge, but the arena never feels cramped. It’s a delicate balance. If the boss is too big, the camera gets wonky. If the arena is too big, the boss feels unthreatening.
Here, the camera stays pulled back just enough so you can see the tells. Watch the eyes. Every single attack Wako Tako does is telegraphed by his facial expressions. If he looks angry and winds up, a slam is coming. If he looks like he’s about to sneeze, he’s going to blow you away. It’s classic Nintendo-style design philosophy applied to the power of the PlayStation 5.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
I’ve seen a lot of people struggle with the "snap back" mechanic. They hold the triggers but don't pull back far enough on the analog stick. You really have to "stretch" the frog arms. Think of it like a slingshot. If you just tap the button, you’ll just do a light punch and get countered.
Another tip: don't forget your hover. The laser-jump is your best friend for avoiding the shockwaves that ripple out when his tentacles hit the floor. Jumping isn't enough; you need that extra bit of airtime to stay above the damage zone.
- Priority 1: Watch the shadow on the floor. It tells you where the tentacle will land.
- Priority 2: Use the Frog Gloves to pull the handles, not just punch.
- Priority 3: Kill the small seafaring enemies immediately so they don't trip you up during the vacuum phase.
What Happens After the Fight?
Once Wako Tako is toast, you get more than just a trophy. You get access to the rest of the Tentacle System and, more importantly, you start filling out your Crash Site with more iconic PlayStation characters.
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The Sly Cooper bot you rescue isn't just a static collectible either. If you head back to the hub world, you can interact with him. If you’ve found his cane in a different hidden level, he’ll even perform a little animation. This is the real soul of Astro Bot. Every boss fight like Wako Tako is a gatekeeper to a piece of gaming history.
If you’re going for the Platinum trophy, you’ll eventually need to come back here to clean up any missed bots in the earlier sections of the level, but the boss itself doesn't have a "hard mode" or secret phase you missed. It’s just a rock-solid piece of platforming action.
Actionable Steps for Your Playthrough
To make the Wako Tako encounter as smooth as possible, follow these specific beats. First, ensure your controller is fully charged; the haptic feedback in this fight eats battery faster than usual because of the constant tension in the triggers.
Second, pay attention to the audio. The 3D audio in Astro Bot actually tells you which side the tentacle is coming from before it enters your field of vision. If you’re wearing headphones, you’ll hear the "whoosh" of the boxing glove on the left before it slams down.
Lastly, when you get to the final slingshot move, hold the analog stick down firmly until Astro's face looks strained. That's how you know you've got maximum power for the finishing blow. After the fight, make sure to explore the wreckage behind where Wako Tako was standing. There’s usually a bit of extra currency there that people miss in the excitement of the victory.
Go back to the Crash Site immediately after. Talk to the Sly Cooper bot. See what he does. It’s the best way to soak in the reward for taking down the biggest bully in the Tentacle System.