Crash Bandicoot 3: Relic Roundup – How Many Do You REALLY Need?
So, you’re diving back into the wacky world of Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, and you’re wondering about those shiny Relics. How many do you actually need to conquer this timeless platformer? The short answer: 30 Relics are required to unlock everything necessary for maximum game completion. However, the type of Relic is what matters. To achieve 105% completion, you need to collect all Crystals, collect all Gems, and collect gold or platinum Relics on every level. Sapphire Relics do count towards the needed number of 30 to unlock the complete ending.
Let’s delve deeper into the world of Relics, their significance, and everything you need to know to become a true Crash Bandicoot master!
Relics: More Than Just Shiny Trophies
In Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, Relics are your rewards for completing Time Trials on each level. After obtaining the Crystal in a level, you unlock the ability to activate the Time Trial mode. These trials test your speed, precision, and mastery of Crash’s moveset.
Completing a Time Trial rewards you with a Relic, the tier of which depends on your finishing time. There are three tiers:
- Sapphire Relic: The easiest to obtain.
- Gold Relic: Requires a faster time than Sapphire.
- Platinum Relic: The ultimate challenge, demanding near-perfect runs.
While collecting all Platinum Relics is a fantastic feat, the game only requires Gold Relics or above to achieve complete ending. However, you will need to get at least 30 Relics of any level (Bronze, Gold or Platinum) to unlock everything you need.
Unlocking Secrets with Relics
These rewards also serve a very important purpose. Obtaining a certain number of Relics unlocks new platforms and areas within the hub world, granting access to additional levels and Gems. The Relics unlock secret levels with additional gems, too. This progression system incentivizes you to hone your Time Trial skills and explore every nook and cranny of the game.
Now, let’s address some burning questions you might have about Relics in Crash Bandicoot 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need Platinum Relics for 100% completion in Crash Bandicoot 3?
No, you don’t need Platinum Relics for the true ending or to reach 100% (or 105/106%) completion. Gold Relics (or even Sapphire) are sufficient for these achievements. Platinum Relics are purely for bragging rights and personal satisfaction. However, they will count towards your needed 30 Relics.
2. How many Relics are there in total in Crash Bandicoot 3?
There are 30 Relics available to collect in Crash Bandicoot 3, one for each level that features a Time Trial.
3. Do Sapphire Relics count towards anything?
Yes, Sapphire Relics count towards your total Relic count, which is crucial for unlocking new areas and the complete ending. However, for full completion, you need Gold Relics or above to reach the maximum game completion percentage.
4. What are the two secret levels in Crash Bandicoot 3?
The two secret levels are Eggipus Rex and Hot Coco. These levels are hidden and require specific actions or prerequisites to unlock. The Relics will unlock these areas, and these areas will contain more crystals.
5. How do I unlock the secret levels in Crash Bandicoot 3?
The secret levels aren’t accessed through the Secret Warp Room. You get to the Secret Warp Room after you have gotten 5 Relics, where a new platform will appear. Keep getting relics to open up the secret areas.
6. What’s the best way to improve my Time Trial times?
Practice is key! Learn the level layouts, master Crash’s moves (especially the slide jump and death tornado), and identify optimal routes. Watch gameplay videos of skilled players for inspiration. Also, utilize the Time Trial crates that stop the clock when broken.
7. How do I get a Gold Relic in Crash Bandicoot 3?
To obtain a Gold Relic, you need to complete the Time Trial within the specified time limit for that level. These times vary from level to level, and can be tough to hit on the first try. Keep practicing!
8. Where can I find a list of all the Relic Time Trial times?
Many online guides and walkthroughs provide detailed lists of the Time Trial times required for each Relic tier on each level. A quick web search will yield plenty of resources.
9. How do Relics unlock new areas in the game?
By collecting a certain number of Relics, platforms will appear in the hub world. These platforms lead to the secret areas of each world.
10. What is the maximum completion percentage in Crash Bandicoot 3?
The maximum completion percentage is either 105% or 106%, depending on the version of the game. This requires collecting all Crystals, Gems, and obtaining at least Gold Relics on every level.
11. What happens when I get all the Relics?
When you collect enough Relics, you unlock all available levels and areas in the game. This allows you to collect all the Crystals and Gems, ultimately leading to the game’s true ending and maximum completion percentage.
12. Are Relics in Crash Bandicoot 1 and 2 as important as they are in Crash 3?
No, in Crash Bandicoot 1 and 2, Relics are primarily for trophy hunting and completion percentage, but they’re not necessary to unlock any major content or achieve the true ending. In Crash 3, they are a critical part of the game.
13. What’s the easiest way to farm lives in Crash Bandicoot 3?
One of the easiest ways to farm lives is to replay level 16, Sphynxinator. Grab the one life behind you at the start and the 4 at the end of the left path. Once you get all 5 lives (less than 30 seconds) quit the level and reload the auto save once you are in the hub area.
14. How do I get the colored gems in Crash 3?
The colored Gems are obtained by completing levels in a specific way, such as completing the Death Route without dying (for the Purple Gem) or by finding them in secret levels unlocked by collecting Relics (Yellow Gem).
15. How do perfect relics work?
The Perfect Relic is obtained by breaking every crate and finishing the level without dying a single time. Bonus round deaths do not void the requirement as they do not increase the deaths counter. Perfect Relics are obtained in every level, barring Flashback Tapes and Boss Levels.
Mastering Time Trials: Tips and Tricks
Getting those Gold Relics can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you improve your times:
- Practice makes perfect: Replay levels to learn the enemy placements, crate locations, and hidden shortcuts.
- Master the slide jump: The slide jump is your best friend for covering large distances quickly.
- Utilize the Death Tornado Spin: The Death Tornado Spin makes the game so much easier.
- Optimize your route: Plan your path through each level to minimize wasted time.
- Break Time Trial boxes: These boxes stop the clock temporarily, giving you a breather.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different approaches and find what works best for you.
The Joy of Relic Hunting
Collecting all the Relics in Crash Bandicoot 3 is a rewarding experience that tests your platforming skills and dedication. It encourages you to master the game’s mechanics and explore every corner of its vibrant world. Whether you’re aiming for 100% completion or simply challenging yourself to achieve the fastest possible times, Relic hunting adds a significant layer of depth and replayability to this classic platformer. So, get out there, spin those crates, and conquer those Time Trials!
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