Celeste Achievement Guide

Welcome to our definitive Celeste Achievement Guide! Whether you're a seasoned Mount Celeste climber or a newcomer braving the heights for the first time, this guide is designed to help you unlock every achievement and conquer all the challenges this critically-acclaimed indie platformer has to offer. From mastering the General Achievement Walkthrough to collecting elusive Strawberry Jam, nabbing the shining Golden Feather, discovering the elusive Moon Berry, and uncovering the Heart of the Mountain, we've got you covered. Dive in, stay determined, and let's scale new heights together!

General Achievement Walkthrough

If you’re looking to bag all the achievements in Celeste and become a true mountain-climbing champ, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the more challenging achievements and offers tips for snagging each one.

Prologue: Birth of the Mountain Climber

When you start the game, you’ll quickly get your first achievement for completing the Prologue. This one’s a gimme and just an introduction to the controls and basic mechanics. Easy peasy!

Chapter Completions

There are eight main story chapters in Celeste, plus some additional content. Completing each chapter awards you an achievement. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Forsaken City: Beat Chapter 1
• Old Site: Beat Chapter 2
• Celestial Resort: Beat Chapter 3
• Golden Ridge: Beat Chapter 4
• Mirror Temple: Beat Chapter 5
• Reflection: Beat Chapter 6
• The Summit: Beat Chapter 7
• Epilogue: Contains no direct achievements but wraps the story nicely.

Most of these will come naturally as you progress through the game. Just keep chipping away at them!

B-Sides & C-Sides

Aside from the main chapters, each level has a more challenging B-Side and a downright brutal C-Side. Here’s what you need to know:

• Complete any B-Side: Unlock the B-Side for a chapter by finding a cassette tape hidden in the level. B-Sides remix the levels to be more difficult.
• Full Clear B-Sides: Each chapter’s B-Side is considered complete when you reach the end.
• Complete any C-Side: Only available after beating the B-Side of the same chapter.
• Full Clear C-Sides: C-Sides require incredibly precise platforming and are only recommended for seasoned players.

Collectibles

Strawberries

Scattered throughout the levels, there are 175 strawberries to collect. They don’t impact your progress, but they do count toward achievements. Here are some tips:

• 'Strawberries': Collect all in Chapter 1: Start here for both a taste of the challenge and some easy berries.
• Hidden Strawberries: Often tucked away behind hidden walls or through tough platforming sections. If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to check a guide.

Heart Gems

Each chapter contains a Crystal Heart, often hidden behind puzzles or challenging sections:

• Blue Hearts: Found in normal chapters.
• Red Hearts: Found in B-Sides.
• Golden Hearts: These are awarded for completing the C-Sides.

Finding these can be tricky, but they’re necessary for unlocking Chapter 8 (The Core) and a true completion.

Speedrun Achievements

If you’re looking for a true test of skill, try the achievement 'Wowzers': Beat the game in under an hour. Here are some top tips:

• Practice movement techniques: Mastering dashes, wall jumps, and advanced techniques are crucial.
• Route Optimization: Time yourself on individual chapters to figure out the quickest paths.
• Watch Speedrunners: They often have excellent tips and tricks for shaving off those precious seconds.

Final Tips

• Assist Mode: If any achievement seems too tough, Celeste’s Assist Mode can help. It’s designed to make the game more accessible without removing the challenge.
• Patience: Many of these achievements require practice and patience. Don’t get discouraged if it seems too hard at first--keep at it!
• Community: The Celeste community is fantastic and filled with guides and videos. Don’t hesitate to reach out for tips!

Every mountain climbing journey in Celeste is different, but with this walkthrough, you’re equipped to tackle the toughest challenges and snag every achievement. Good luck and happy climbing!

Strawberry Jam

What is Strawberry Jam?

In Celeste, "Strawberry Jam" isn’t a breakfast spread, but a sweet reward for dedicated explorers. Strawberries are collectible items scattered throughout each level. These berries challenge players with tricky platforming sections and hidden areas. Collecting them isn’t essential to completing the game, but they’re key for unlocking achievements and bragging rights.

Why Should You Care?

Collecting strawberries doesn’t impact the main story, but it does affect your final screen at the end of the game. Plus, they offer a fun, extra challenge. If you’re aiming for 100% completion or just want to show off your skills, grabbing every strawberry is a must.

How to Collect Strawberries

Here’s a breakdown to make sure you can snag every last berry:

1. Explore Thoroughly

Celeste rewards players who venture off the beaten path. Look for hidden passages, suspicious walls, and alternate routes. Often, strawberries are tucked away in places where you need to think outside the box.

2. Master Your Moves

You need to be confident with Madeline’s abilities. Double dashes, wall jumps, and precise timing are key. Practice the basics and complicated maneuvers to get through more challenging sections.

3. Use Your Environment

Pay attention to environmental hints. Different levels have unique mechanics like moving platforms, bubbles, and disappearing blocks. Learning how to use these to your advantage often leads to hidden strawberries.

Tips for Specific Levels

Forsaken City

• First Strawberry: Early in the level, you’ll notice a platform high above. Use the sprung platforms and double dashes to reach it.
• Hidden Strawberry: Watch for a crumbling wall; once it’s broken, you'll find a hidden path leading to your berry.

Old Site

• First Strawberry: After meeting the mirror version of Madeline, navigate through the mirrored blocks. Don't rush; take your time.
• Difficult Routes: These levels introduce many new mechanics. Watch closely for any unusual reflections - they often mark hidden passageways.

Celestial Resort

• Cluttered Rooms: Often, strawberries are hidden behind the piles of floating debris. Clear the rooms meticulously and use the debris for platforming when possible.
• Madeline Clone: Your clone will imitate your movements after a short delay. Use this timing wisely to reach areas blocked by obstacles.

Don’t Panic

Some strawberries disappear if you touch the ground before grabbing them. Don’t panic--take your time to study the pattern and figure out the best route to collect and stay airborne.

A Strawberry in Every Chapter

Remember, every chapter has its own set of strawberries to find. If you missed one, don’t stress. You can always replay levels to hunt them down.

Achievements

• "Unraveling" Achievement: Collect all strawberries in Chapter 1.
• "Pointless Machines" Achievement: Grab each berry in the Mirror Temple.
• "Strawberries Forever" Achievement: Obtain every single strawberry in the game.

Final Thoughts

Collecting strawberries in Celeste isn’t just about getting all the achievements--it’s about mastering the game’s mechanics and pushing your platforming skills to the limit. Plus, nothing beats that satisfying feeling when you finally snatch a tricky strawberry!

Happy berry hunting, explorers! If you’ve got any cool tips or want to share your strawberry stories, drop them in the comments below.

Read Next

• [Celeste Guide: Tackling the B-Sides]
• [Celeste: Advanced Techniques in Platforming]

Credits: Guide compiled with love by Celeste player community on Kotaku/Polygon

Golden Feather

In the wonderful world of Celeste, the Golden Feather isn't just your regular old collectible. It's a super cool power-up that can make climbing that daunting mountain a whole lot easier. If you're having trouble reaching tough spots or need a speed boost, the Golden Feather has got your back! Let’s break down what it does and how you can use it effectively.

What is the Golden Feather?

The Golden Feather is a shiny, golden power-up that you’ll encounter in a few levels throughout the game. When Madeline (that's your character) picks it up, she gains the ability to fly for a limited time. No more hopping from ledge to ledge--now you can swoop through the air like a pro!

How to Use the Golden Feather

Using the Golden Feather is super simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you soaring:

1. Pick it Up: First, find and grab the Golden Feather by touching it.
2. Take Flight: Once you’ve grabbed it, Madeline will automatically start flying.
3. Control Your Flight: You can steer by tilting your left stick or pressing arrow keys (depending on your control setup). Be smooth and gentle with your movements to maintain better control.
4. Clock is Ticking: Keep an eye on Madeline’s glowing aura. It will start to fade as your flying time runs out, signaling that you need to find a safe spot to land soon.

Navigating with the Golden Feather

When you're flying, you have to think fast and react even faster. Here are some tips to make the most out of your flight time:

• Plan Your Route: Before grabbing the Golden Feather, take a moment to look around. Plan your path to ensure you can get where you need to go before the flight ends.
• Avoid Obstacles: Keep an eye out for any spikes, walls, or other obstacles that could cut your flight short.
• Use Other Boosts: Remember that you can still dash while flying. Combine your feather's flight with Madeline's dash for extended reach or dodging tricky spots.

Hidden Challenges and Secrets

The Golden Feather is not just for getting past hard parts of levels--it can also help you reach secret areas. Be on the lookout for suspicious gaps in walls or hidden sections. Golden Feathers often hide the way to secret strawberries, extra rooms, or even new routes through levels.

Practice Makes Perfect

Flying with the Golden Feather can be a bit tricky at first. If you find yourself hitting walls or getting stuck, don’t get frustrated! Take some time to practice and get used to the controls.

Each try will get you better and better at gliding through those tough sections. Remember, patience and practice are key to mastering the Golden Feather!

Conclusion

Mastering the Golden Feather can make a huge difference in your Celeste adventure. With its ability to elevate your maneuverability, it's an invaluable tool in your quest to conquer the mountain. So go ahead, grab those feathers, and let Madeline’s journey reach new heights!

Hopefully, with this guide, you're ready to tackle any Golden Feather encounters like a pro. Happy climbing!

Moon Berry: The Ultimate Challenge in Celeste

So, you've scaled the summit and conquered all eight hearts. You might think you're done, but there's one more challenge that stands above the rest: the Moon Berry. It's a single hidden collectible in the Core section of Celeste that tests your skills to the limit. If you manage to grab it, you'll join the elite ranks of Celeste's finest players. Ready to take it on? Let's dive in!

Where to Find the Moon Berry

To begin your quest for the Moon Berry, you need to unlock the C-Sides. If you haven't done this yet, here's a quick rundown:

1. Complete the A-Sides: Finish every chapter in the main storyline.
2. Collect the Hearts: You need four Crystal Hearts per chapter to unlock the B-Sides.
3. Beat the B-Sides: Now, play through and complete all the B-Sides.
4. Unlock the C-Sides: Finally, with every B-Side conquered, the C-Sides will be available to you.

The Moon Berry itself is hidden in the C-Side of Chapter 8, the Core.

Getting to the Core C-Side

First things first, access the Core C-Side from the Chapter Select screen in your menu. This will plunk you down in an even more challenging version of the Core level. Only this time, you’ve got your eyes set on the glittering prize.

Navigating the Core C-Side

The Core C-Side is short but brutal. Here are some tips to help you power through:

• Red and Blue Orbs: You'll be dealing with those tricky temperature-changing orbs again. Red means you're in normal mode, and blue means you need to handle heat and timing. Quick reactions and precision are your best friends here.

• Feather Power: Utilize feather power-ups wisely to ease flying through tricky sections.

• Timing Is Everything: Watch out for the precise timing needed for dashes. Sometimes waiting a split second longer can make all the difference.

Finding the Moon Berry

Here's where things get intense. The Moon Berry is hidden in plain sight, but grabbing it requires perfection. After braving through the C-Side, you'll reach a screen where the path ahead splits, one with the typical path and the other leading to the Moon Berry spot.

• Deadly Detours: To reach the Moon Berry, you have to take an alternate, more dangerous route. It starts with a narrow path filled with spikes. Carefully use your dash, wall climbing, and those trusty red and blue orbs to navigate this perilous journey.

• Checkpoint Patience: When you die (and you will), it’s important to not get discouraged. Learn from every attempt and refine your strategy.

The Final Stretch

Once you’ve maneuvered the perilous paths and avoided countless spikes, you’ll finally see it: the elusive Moon Berry. But be warned, you must collect it without dying to truly claim it. One last gauntlet of challenging jumps and dashes awaits before you can proudly call yourself a Moon Berry owner.

1. Precision Jumps: The final area involves nail-biting jumps and quick direction changes. Use your air-dash sparingly and stay calm.
2. Watch out for Spikes: This goes without saying, but spikes will be your worst enemies here. One slip-up, and it’s back to the start.
3. Keep Practicing: There’s no shame in taking breaks and returning when you're feeling sharp.

Celebrating the Achievement

Once you’ve nabbed the Moon Berry and made it out alive, take a moment to celebrate. Snap a screenshot, post it online, and bask in the admiration. You’ve tackled one of the hardest challenges in Celeste and emerged victorious. Not many can say they’ve got the Moon Berry under their belt.

Conclusion

Getting the Moon Berry in Celeste is a real test of patience, precision, and perseverance. It’s a badge of honor for any player who dares to try. So, suit up, stay determined, and good luck--you're gonna need it!

For more tips and secrets on Celeste, keep up with our guides. Good luck on the mountain!

Heart of the Mountain

Congratulations on making it this far! The Heart of the Mountain is the final chapter in Celeste and it brings together all the skills you've learned throughout your journey. Buckle up, because this chapter is not for the faint of heart.

Getting Started

First things first, if you want to unlock the Heart of the Mountain chapter, you need to have collected all the Crystal Hearts from the previous chapters. That's right--all of them. Collecting these hearts can be a challenge in itself, so if you're missing any, take the time to backtrack and scoop them up.

The Setting

The Heart of the Mountain takes place in a special area that pulls in elements from all the other chapters. You’ll find familiar hazards and mechanics, but arranged in new and challenging ways. It’s like a greatest hits collection of the game's toughest parts.

Key Sections

• Intro: You'll begin with some straightforward platforming and climbing just to get you warmed up. Use this time to re-familiarize yourself with the game’s controls and mechanics.

• Star Blocks: Remember those blocks that change their position when you dash? They’re back! You'll need to time your dashes perfectly to navigate through these tricky sections. Make sure to pause and plan your movements.

• Feathers: These let you fly temporarily. You’ll use them to navigate tight corridors and avoid obstacles. They require precise control, so take your time to steer through the areas accurately.

• Bumpers: These will fling you in certain directions when you touch them. Use them to reach new heights or cross large gaps. Be careful, though--mistiming can send you the wrong way!

• Seekers: These little guys chase you down and can be pretty aggressive. Your best bet is to outmaneuver them quickly. Plan your escape routes and keep moving.

The Final Leg

As you progress, you’ll face increasingly complex challenges that combine all the different mechanics you've encountered. This part is truly a test of everything Celeste has taught you. Patience and perseverance are key.

• Heavy wind sections: You'll encounter areas with strong winds pushing you around. Use these to your advantage. Sometimes it's easier to let the wind carry you, but other times you'll need to fight it.

• Double Crystal Hearts: You’ll need to activate two crystal heart buttons in some sections to proceed. Timing and precision are crucial here. Dashing too soon or too late can mean starting again.

The Heart

When you finally reach the end, the Heart of the Mountain itself awaits. You’ll need to solve one final puzzle involving all the mechanics in rapid succession. It’s tricky, but stay focused and remember all the skills you've honed.

Quick Tips

• Take Breaks: This chapter can be grueling. If you start to get frustrated, take a break.
• Plan Ahead: Don’t rush in blind. Study the area ahead, plan your move, then execute.
• Stay Calm: Easier said than done, sure, but staying calm often means fewer mistakes.

By the time you finish Heart of the Mountain, you’ll have proven your mastery over Celeste’s mechanics. Take a moment to soak in the accomplishment--you've earned it!