Stray: World exploration Stray guide, walkthrough
Exploring the game world of Stray can lead to discovering collectibles and interesting locations, but it can also be dangerous. Our guide provides advice on exploring the world.
Last update: 22 July 2022
The world of Stray is inhabited by both friendly robots as well as hostile machines and bloodthirsty monsters. On this page of the guide, you will find tips and information on exploring the game world. From here, you will learn about the most important ways to control the cat and the rules of exploring new locations.
- Linear or open world?
- Climbing and jump icons on objects
- Environmental puzzles
- Collectibles and secret locations
- Encountering robots and your inventory
Linear or open world?
Most of the stages in Stray are fully linear, i.e. you have to stick to a predetermined route to your destination and perform the actions planned by the authors in the correct order. You can explore a bit more on your own, but this only applies to small locations.
There are 2 larger, semi-open areas in the game - The Slums and Midtown. You have a lot more freedom in these locations. In addition to visiting locations that allow you to advance in the game, you can explore shops, meet robots, look for well-hidden collectibles, complete the requirements of smaller trophies, and more. You will visit the slums in chapters 4, 6 and 7 (the final, short visit), and the Midown only in chapter 10, but as you complete stage 10, new sections of the city will be unlocked.
Climbing and jump icons on objects
In order to reach new places, you have to climb - for example, your cat can jump to higher and lower ledges and platforms, or avoid pits and small water reservoirs.
Your cat's jump range is limited, but the game helps by showing jump button icons on ledges and objects that you can jump to. If no icon is visible, the platform in question is unavailable or is too far away. When this happens, you have to look for a different way or get closer to a given ledge. In the game, there is no risk of falling from great heights, because the game won't allow you to jump in such cases.
Environmental puzzles
The game's environmental puzzles vary in scope. Minor puzzles include, for example, pushing a paint can or a board - one simple interaction is all it takes. More complex puzzles may involve a series of actions that need to be completed in the correct order. For descriptions of the more complicated puzzles, check out the following chapter: Puzzle solutions.
Regardless of the type of puzzle, look for the interaction icons - they suggest that an action available in a given spot. B-12 will aid you during many puzzles, but the drone's help is automatic and you don't have to give it detailed instructions.
Collectibles and secret locations
Thoroughly exploring areas can help you find secret areas and items. The main types of collectibles in the game are:
- B-12's Memories;
- badges;
- sheet music.
You can and should also look for optional locations, which may contain secrets or, for example, other items related to the game's achievements.
Encountering robots and your inventory
In the game, you can communicate with the robots using B-12 as a translator. Chatting to robots is optional in most situations, but it can net you interesting information.
Some robotic encounters are required to advance in the game. These may involve:
- Getting information on what to do next.
- Showing / giving items from your inventory to robots (you have to open the inventory and highlight the correct item). In some scenes, this is the only way to get help or get further instructions on how to complete a stage.