Secret levels offer additional challenges and rewards in Guardian Tales. The secret levels are scattered in different worlds, and the players have to hunt carefully and meet some conditions to unlock them. The majority of players check gaming forums and fan sites for tips on locating these secret levels.
In this guide, we’ll go over how to find hidden stages, key requirements for unlocking them, and the best rewards they offer.
What Are Hidden Stages?
Hidden stages are secret levels that are not part of the main story progression. They often contain:
- Exclusive rewards (gold, gems, or rare items)
- Secret boss fights
- Extra lore and story details
Every world in Guardian Tales has at least one hidden stage, so exploration is necessary for 100% completion.
How to Unlock Hidden Stages
1. Find Hidden Paths and Breakable Walls
Most hidden stages need finding secret paths or breakable walls in regular story levels. Here's how to find them:
✅ Search for Cracks in Walls – Some brittle walls have tiny cracks to indicate that they can be shattered.
✅ Use Bombs or Special Abilities – Some places require bombs or hero abilities to blast walls.
✅ Walk Into Unlabeled Areas – Some secret routes aren't labeled on the map but can be accessed by walking into suspicious-looking areas.
Example: In World 1-3, there is a secret path behind a waterfall that contains a hidden area.
2. Finish Side Quests and NPC Interactions
Certain hidden stages are only visible after completing specific side quests. Always:
✅ Speak with all NPCs in a level.
✅ Take side quests and review your quest log for secret objectives.
✅ Solve environmental puzzles to reveal secret paths.
Example: In World 2-5, helping an NPC retrieve a lost item unlocks a secret dungeon.
3. Use the Hidden Stage Indicator
Some maps show a hidden stage indicator if there is a secret level. Look for:
✅ A small, incomplete node on the world map.
✅ Locked stage icons that need puzzle-solving.
✅ World completion percentage (if it is less than 100%, there could be missing stages).
4. Meet Certain Requirements in a Level
Certain hidden stages only open after doing specific things in the main level. These include:
✅ Defeating a particular enemy or boss.
✅ Touching obscured objects (e.g., a secret switch or statue).
✅ Utilizing a special hero for reaching a concealed section.
Example: In World 3-2, a mini-boss, undefeated by damage, unlocks a hidden challenge room.
5. NPCs and Item Descriptions Should Provide Clues
NPCs typically give hints to hidden locations. Be attentive for:
✅ Dialogue cues mentioning secret rooms or lost treasures.
✅ Item explanations quoting secret mechanics.
✅ Icons on the map that may point to secret objectives.
Example: In World 5, a character hints at a secret library that is accessed by pushing a bookshelf in a certain direction.
Best Hidden Stages to Unlock
Some of the most satisfying secret stages in Guardian Tales are:
- World 1: Secret Garden – Offers early-game powerful weapons.
- World 2: Ghostly Crypt – Contains rare upgrade materials.
- World 4: Abandoned Ruins – Features a hidden boss fight with special loot.
- World 6: Ancient Archives – Unlocks lore-rich cutscenes and puzzles.
Each hidden stage has unique rewards, so they are worth it to unlock.
Pro Tips for Unlocking Hidden Stages
✔ Explore Every Corner – Hidden stages tend to be in unusual locations.
✔ Check Fan-Made Guides – Websites like Reddit and Discord channels tend to publish detailed stage maps.
✔ Upgrade Your Heroes – Some secret levels require stronger heroes to survive.
✔ Revisit Old Worlds – Once new skills are unlocked, you can access previously inaccessible areas.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking hidden stages in Guardian Tales is a rewarding experience, with exclusive items, lore, and extra challenges. By exploring each level thoroughly, completing NPC quests, and looking for breakable walls and secret paths, you can unlock all of the game's best-kept secrets.