Welcome to the ultimate guide for conquering every trophy in Shadow of the Colossus! This guide helps you unlock all 38 trophies, including the prestigious Platinum, by providing strategies, tips, and tricks for defeating colossi, finding hidden collectibles, and mastering the game’s mechanics.
Overview of the Game and Trophy System
Shadow of the Colossus is a timeless classic remastered for the PS4, offering a unique gaming experience where players hunt and defeat 16 massive creatures known as Colossi. The trophy system in the game is designed to reward skill, exploration, and completion, with a total of 38 trophies: 25 bronze, 7 silver, 5 gold, and 1 platinum. The platinum trophy, while challenging, is achievable with dedication and the right strategies. Trophy requirements include defeating all Colossi, completing Time Attack Mode, and uncovering hidden items like shining lizards and fruit trees. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to help both newcomers and seasoned players navigate the trophy system efficiently.
Importance of Completing the Game for Trophies
Completing Shadow of the Colossus is essential to unlock its full trophy potential. Each Colossus defeat and hidden item discovered brings you closer to the coveted Platinum trophy. The game’s design rewards perseverance and mastery, with trophies reflecting both story progression and skill-based challenges. Completing the game not only enhances your gaming experience but also showcases your dedication as a player. Trophy hunting in Shadow of the Colossus is a journey that combines exploration, strategy, and precision, making it a fulfilling achievement for any gamer.
Preparation and Tools Needed for Trophy Hunting
To efficiently hunt trophies in Shadow of the Colossus, proper preparation is key. Equip yourself with a reliable bow for stunning Colossi and a harpoon for specific strategies. Collecting shining lizards and fruit from trees boosts stamina, crucial for challenging achievements. A detailed map of the Forbidden Lands aids in tracking collectibles and Colossus locations. Utilize online guides for tips on defeating bosses and finding hidden items. Time Attack Mode requires precise knowledge of each Colossus’s weaknesses. Recording your progress ensures you don’t miss any missable trophies. With the right tools and mindset, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the game’s challenges and earn the Platinum trophy.
Trophy Overview
Shadow of the Colossus features 38 trophies, including 1 Platinum, 5 Gold, 7 Silver, and 25 Bronze. The Platinum trophy requires completing all achievements, showcasing mastery of the game.
Total Number of Trophies and Their Distribution
Shadow of the Colossus offers a total of 38 trophies, distributed as follows: 25 Bronze, 7 Silver, 5 Gold, and 1 Platinum. The Bronze trophies are primarily awarded for defeating the 16 colossi, while Silver and Gold trophies are tied to specific challenges, such as completing the game on Hard Mode or finding hidden items like shining lizards and fruit trees. The Platinum trophy, titled “Shadow of the Colossus,” is unlocked upon earning all other trophies; With a difficulty rating of 6/10 and an estimated completion time of 20-30 hours, this trophy set is achievable for both newcomers and experienced players. Proper planning and strategy are essential to avoid missing any trophies.
Platinum Trophy Requirements
To earn the Platinum trophy in Shadow of the Colossus, you must complete all 38 trophies. This includes defeating the 16 colossi, finding all hidden collectibles, and completing challenges in both Normal and Hard modes. Additionally, you’ll need to unlock all Time Attack items and achieve specific feats like mastering stamina management. The Platinum trophy, titled “Shadow of the Colossus,” is a testament to your dedication and skill. With a completion time of around 20-30 hours and a moderate difficulty rating of 6/10, it’s an accessible yet rewarding achievement for players of all skill levels. Ensure you follow a structured approach to avoid missing any requirements.
Missable Trophies and How to Avoid Them
Several trophies in Shadow of the Colossus are missable if not obtained during specific moments in the game. For example, the “Fruit of Knowledge” trophy, which requires finding and eating a certain number of fruit trees, can be missed if you fail to explore thoroughly. Similarly, the “Boon of the Nomad” trophy, earned by finding all shining lizards, can be overlooked if you don’t actively search for them. To avoid missing these, ensure you explore every nook of the world, save frequently before critical points, and refer to collectible guides. By staying vigilant and methodical, you can secure all trophies and progress smoothly toward the Platinum.
Strategies for Defeating the Colossi
Mastering Colossus battles requires precision and patience. Use the environment to your advantage, exploit weak points, and manage stamina wisely to secure victories efficiently.
General Tips for Fighting Colossi
Observing and understanding each Colossus’s patterns is crucial for success. Use the environment to your advantage, as terrain can often help weaken or distract them. Manage your stamina wisely, as excessive grappling or running can leave you vulnerable. Equip the right weapons, like the bow for ranged attacks or the sword for close combat, depending on the situation. Parry and dodge attacks precisely to avoid damage and create openings. Climbing and grappling strategies vary per Colossus, so adapt your approach accordingly. Timing your attacks during a Colossus’s recovery phase is key to minimizing damage taken. Practice patience and stay persistent, as some battles require multiple attempts to master. Mastering these strategies ensures smoother progression through both Normal and Hard modes.
Specific Strategies for Each Colossus
Each Colossus demands a unique approach, as their weaknesses and attack patterns vary significantly. For Valus, the first Colossus, use your bow to shoot its tail while it charges, then climb onto its back. Quadratus requires precise parrying to create openings for strikes. Gaius, the underwater Colossus, can be defeated by targeting the glowingfish-like creatures attached to its body. Avion, the flying Colossus, must be lured into the sun using reflected light. Phalanx involves riding and destabilizing its platform. Kuromori, the snake-like Colossus, is vulnerable when its head is exposed. Adapt your tactics to each Colossus’s unique traits to exploit their weaknesses effectively.
Advanced Techniques for Hard Mode
In Hard Mode, enemies are tougher, and stamina management is crucial. Exploit parries and dodge rolls to conserve stamina while dealing maximum damage. Use the bow strategically to stun Colossi before climbing. For agile Colossi like Avion, master the art of quick mounting and precise strikes. Against heavily armored foes like Basaran, focus on breaking armor first. To maximize stamina, complete the shrine challenges without using cheats. Optimize weapon usage by switching between the sword and bow based on the situation. Explore efficiently to avoid unnecessary combat, saving time and resources. With practice, these advanced techniques will help you conquer Hard Mode and earn the elusive Platinum trophy.
Collectibles and Hidden Items
Discover the secret locations of shining lizards, fruit trees, and other hidden items that enhance your abilities and aid in your quest to defeat the Colossi.
Shining Lizards and Their Locations
Shining Lizards are hidden creatures scattered across the world of Shadow of the Colossus. There are 24 lizards to find, each emitting a faint hum. They are essential for increasing Wander’s stamina, a crucial ability for defeating colossi and completing challenges. Most lizards are found near shrines or in secluded areas like forests, caves, and cliffs. Use the Sunny Fragrance item to detect their glowing trails. Locations include the Cave of the Light, Lake of the Sun, and the Valley of the Fallen Giants. Tracking all 24 lizards is a key step toward earning the Platinum trophy and maximizing Wander’s abilities for the game’s toughest challenges.
Fruit Trees and Their Benefits
Fruit Trees are a valuable resource in Shadow of the Colossus, offering benefits that aid in your journey. These trees are scattered throughout the game’s vast open world and can be identified by their glowing fruit. Consuming this fruit increases Wander’s health, a vital upgrade for battling the massive colossi. Each fruit provides a permanent health boost, and collecting enough can significantly enhance your chances of survival. Fruit Trees are often found near shrines, in forests, and along cliffsides. Make it a priority to explore and harvest these fruits to maximize Wander’s health, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the challenges ahead and ultimately aiding in your quest to earn the Platinum trophy.
Other Hidden Items and Their Uses
Beyond Shining Lizards and Fruit Trees, Shadow of the Colossus features other hidden items that offer unique benefits. One such item is the Lizard Tail, which can be found by defeating certain colossi. This item permanently increases Wander’s stamina, allowing for longer climbs and more aggressive combat strategies. Additionally, there are hidden shrines across the map that contain valuable Time Attack Items, which grant special abilities when equipped. These items can enhance your combat effectiveness, speed, or stamina recovery, making them indispensable for tackling harder difficulties or speedruns. Exploring off the beaten path and thoroughly investigating each area is crucial to uncovering these hidden treasures, which can significantly aid in your trophy hunt and overall gameplay experience.
Time Attack Mode
Time Attack Mode unlocks after completing the game, challenging players to defeat colossi as quickly as possible. Each colossus has specific time targets, with rewards for success, aiding trophy completion and enhancing gameplay efficiency;
Understanding Time Attack Mode
Time Attack Mode becomes available after completing the main story, offering a challenging way to test your skills. In this mode, players must defeat each colossus as quickly as possible, with specific time targets for rewards. Each colossus has its own time requirements, and completing them unlocks special items like stamina-boosting lizards and fruit. These rewards are carried over to your main save, aiding in trophy progression. Time Attack Mode also encourages speedrunning strategies, making it a great way to refine your techniques. Whether you’re aiming for the Platinum trophy or seeking a new challenge, this mode provides a fresh perspective on the game’s iconic battles, pushing your mastery of the colossi to new heights.
Rewards for Completing Time Attack Challenges
Completing Time Attack Challenges in Shadow of the Colossus offers valuable rewards that enhance your gameplay experience. By defeating each colossus within the specified time limits, you unlock special items such as Shining Lizards and Fruit Trees. These items boost your stamina and health, making it easier to tackle harder challenges. Additionally, completing all Time Attack challenges on a single save grants exclusive rewards, further aiding your quest for the Platinum trophy. These incentives provide motivation to refine your skills and explore optimized strategies, ultimately enriching your journey through the game’s world and its formidable colossi. The rewards not only enhance gameplay but also add a layer of replayability and achievement.
Best Practices for Speedrunning
Mastering speedrunning in Shadow of the Colossus requires precision and optimization. Focus on minimizing travel time between colossi by using the fastest routes and exploiting the environment. Practice grappling and climbing mechanics to shave precious seconds off your runs. Exploit colossus AI patterns to initiate battles quickly and defeat them with optimized strategies. Use the bow for rapid stun-building and horseback tactics for swift takedowns. Consider sequence breaking, such as defeating colossi out of order, to save time. Utilize in-game tools like the stamina wheel to plan moves efficiently. Timing your attacks and dodges perfectly is crucial. Consistency and knowledge of enemy patterns are key to achieving record times. Stay updated with community strategies and practice regularly to refine your skills and reduce completion times.
Difficulty Levels
Shadow of the Colossus offers two main difficulty levels: Normal and Hard Mode. Normal Mode is ideal for newcomers to learn mechanics, while Hard Mode provides a greater challenge and exclusive rewards, testing even experienced players’ skills and strategy.
Differences Between Normal and Hard Mode
In Shadow of the Colossus, Normal Mode is designed for players to learn the game’s mechanics and strategies, offering a balanced experience. Hard Mode, however, significantly increases the challenge by making colossi more aggressive and resilient, while also reducing Wander’s stamina and health. This mode is ideal for experienced players seeking to test their skills. Additionally, Hard Mode introduces exclusive rewards, such as unique items and trophies, making it a must-play for those aiming to fully master the game. The difficulty gap ensures that players must adapt their strategies to succeed in each mode, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
Expert Mode Challenges and Rewards
Expert Mode in Shadow of the Colossus is the ultimate challenge for skilled players, offering a significantly tougher experience compared to Normal and Hard Modes. In this mode, colossi are more aggressive and resistant to attacks, while Wander’s stamina and health are further reduced, demanding precise play. Additionally, HUD elements like health bars and attack prompts are removed, requiring players to rely solely on observation and reflexes. Completing Expert Mode unlocks exclusive rewards, such as secret items and a unique trophy, making it a rewarding endeavor for those who master the game’s mechanics. This mode is a true test of skill and dedication, pushing players to their limits while enhancing the game’s immersive experience.
Maximizing Stamina for Hard Achievements
Maximizing stamina is crucial for tackling Shadow of the Colossus’ hardest achievements, particularly in Expert Mode. To enhance stamina, focus on equipping the Cloak of Strength and Belt of Strength, which boost endurance. Use food items like Nomadic Tarts and Spicy Pies to increase stamina recovery. During battles, conserve energy by avoiding unnecessary grappling and relying on environmental hazards to weaken colossi. The “Hitch” method, where Wander grabs onto a colossus and regains stamina while holding on, is invaluable. Progress through the game to naturally increase stamina capacity, ensuring you’re prepared for the toughest challenges. These strategies are essential for achieving the most demanding trophies in the game.
Tips and Tricks
Master Shadow of the Colossus by using environmental advantages, managing stamina wisely, and staying patient. These strategies are key to overcoming challenges and earning all trophies efficiently.
Mastering the Grappling and Climbing Mechanics
Mastering the grappling and climbing mechanics in Shadow of the Colossus is essential for both defeating colossi and exploring the vast open world. To grapple, press R2 when near a colossus or climbable surface. Timing is crucial—grab onto a colossus just as it stabilizes to avoid being thrown off. When climbing, use L2 to camera lock and R2 to grip. Stamina management is key; always keep an eye on the stamina bar to avoid falling. Practice on smaller colossi and environmental surfaces to build confidence. This skill is vital for reaching hidden areas, finding collectibles, and overcoming challenges efficiently; Proper use of these mechanics will significantly enhance your trophy hunting experience.
Optimizing Your Weapon and Bow Usage
Optimizing your weapon and bow usage is crucial for effective combat in Shadow of the Colossus. The bow is ideal for ranged attacks, allowing you to weaken colossi from a distance. Use L2 to aim and R2 to fire, ensuring precise shots on weak points. Melee weapons, like the Ancient Sword, are best for close-quarters combat. Timing your strikes between a colossus’s attacks maximizes damage. Upgrade your bow and sword through shrine offerings to increase their effectiveness. Additionally, arrows can be crafted using resources found in the environment, ensuring you never run out during critical moments. Efficient weapon use not only speeds up battles but also helps in earning specific trophies tied to performance.
Exploring the Open World Efficiently
Exploring the vast, open world of Shadow of the Colossus efficiently is key to discovering hidden secrets and progressing smoothly. Use the environment to your advantage by climbing high points to spot distant landmarks or colossi. Ride Agro, your horse, strategically to cover large distances quickly. Keep an eye out for shining lizards and fruit trees, which are often found near water sources or in shaded areas. Time your exploration between colossus battles to maximize efficiency. Efficient traversal not only saves time but also helps in uncovering hidden items and completing trophy requirements tied to exploration and collectibles.
Platinum Trophy Guide
Earning the Platinum Trophy requires completing all 38 achievements, including defeating all 16 colossi, collecting hidden items, and mastering the game’s mechanics and challenges.
Step-by-Step Guide to Earning the Platinum
To unlock the Platinum Trophy in Shadow of the Colossus, follow a structured approach. Begin by completing the story on Normal Mode, defeating all 16 colossi to unlock essential trophies. Next, focus on collectibles: locate all shining lizards and fruit trees to boost your stamina and health. Complete Time Attack Mode for each colossus to earn rewards and additional trophies. After that, play through Hard Mode to challenge yourself further and unlock the final achievements. Ensure you avoid missing any missable trophies by thoroughly exploring the open world and completing all optional challenges. With dedication and careful planning, the Platinum Trophy is achievable, commemorating your mastery of this epic game.
Time Estimates for Completing All Trophies
Completing all trophies in Shadow of the Colossus typically requires 35-45 hours, depending on your skill level and familiarity with the game. A first playthrough on Normal Mode takes around 20 hours, while Hard Mode adds another 10-15 hours due to increased difficulty. Additional time is needed for collectibles like shining lizards and fruit trees, as well as completing Time Attack challenges. Experienced players can finish faster, but newcomers should allocate extra time to explore and master the mechanics. Plan your progress strategically to ensure all achievements are unlocked efficiently, avoiding unnecessary replays.
Celebrating Your Achievement
Earning the Platinum trophy in Shadow of the Colossus is a remarkable feat, marking your mastery of the game. Take pride in knowing you’ve conquered all challenges, from defeating the 16 colossi to uncovering every hidden secret. Celebrate by sharing your accomplishment online, showcasing your trophy collection, or revisiting your favorite moments in the game. Reflect on the journey, as the satisfaction of 100% completion is a testament to your dedication and skill. This achievement is not just a milestone but a celebration of your perseverance and love for this iconic game.
Completing Shadow of the Colossus and earning all trophies is a rewarding journey. This guide has equipped you with the strategies and insights needed to succeed. Congratulations!
Final Thoughts on Trophy Hunting
Trophy hunting in Shadow of the Colossus is a testament to skill and dedication. With 38 trophies, including a Platinum, the journey is both challenging and rewarding. Patience and strategy are key, especially for the 16 colossi, each requiring unique tactics. Missable trophies demand careful attention, while hidden collectibles like shining lizards and fruit trees add depth. Time Attack Mode offers additional challenges, pushing players to optimize their approaches. Completing the Platinum trophy, estimated to take 28-45 hours, is a badge of honor. Embrace the process, enjoy the game’s beauty, and celebrate your achievements.
Encouragement for 100% Completion
Achieving 100% completion in Shadow of the Colossus is a rewarding endeavor. The journey to unlock all 38 trophies, including the Platinum, is challenging yet fulfilling; Each colossus defeated and every collectible found brings you closer to this milestone. The game’s stunning visuals and emotional depth make the effort worthwhile. With dedication and the right strategies, you can master both Normal and Hard modes, optimize your stamina, and conquer Time Attack challenges. Embrace the satisfaction of overcoming each obstacle and celebrate your perseverance. The Platinum trophy is a testament to your skill and dedication, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Community Resources for Further Help
If you encounter challenges while pursuing 100% completion, the gaming community offers extensive support. Websites like PSNProfiles provide detailed trophy guides. Additionally, forums and YouTube channels share strategies for defeating colossi and finding hidden items. Engaging with these platforms can offer insights and tips from experienced players, ensuring you overcome every obstacle. These resources are invaluable for troubleshooting and refining your approach to earning the Platinum trophy. Utilize them to enhance your journey and connect with fellow players striving for completion.