Astro Bot MiniBoss Guide: How to Beat Specter

Have you started your journey in Astro Bot and wondered how to beat Specter, the elusive boss? We’ll be giving you all the details you’ll need to deal with this escape artist, as well as how to reach him in this Specter guide!

The level Apes on the Loose pays homage to the 1999 platformer Ape Escape in more ways than just cosmetic appearances. Much of the mission is structured around gameplay similar to the original release and even features a returning antagonist!

How to Reach Specter in Apes on the Loose

The level starts, as with all other Astro Bot levels, with the player landing in the world using their glider. The landing site itself hints at how bananas the rest of the adventure is going to be. Dealing with some enemies and crossing the bridge, Astro will spot a very familiar face to those who have played Ape Escape.

A bot sporting the same red-yellow spiky hairstyle as Spike, the protagonist of the 1999 game, is chasing after an ape. However, once he spots Astro, he throws over the net, causing our little bot to now take on the same appearance! As the original Spike Bot kicks back against a stump, it’s now our job to round up the scattered simians, with the very first being our easiest catch.

One thing to note is that when you use the net it creates a shockwave in its immediate vicinity. It’s one of the many gadgets that Astro will use on his journey and are reference to previous titles. This can stun the fleeing Ape and give you an extra second to swing and catch them. You also have a radar gadget that allows you to hone in on the missing Ape bots.

The Apes are scattered throughout the level and require the player to be quick with their fingers to catch them. They will always run in the opposite direction, no matter the angle of your approach. The best strategy for most of them is to get as close as possible and swing your net, take advantage of their stunned state, and then quickly swing again to catch them.

There are a total of 10 Ape bots in the level, but you need to find a minimum of six to activate the platform in the center and ride the rail up to Specter.

How to Beat Specter in Astro Bot

Once you rail-grind your way to the top of the statue in the center of the garden, you’ll spot two things. The first is the Mothership’s Memory component entrapped in a pink containment field. Then, you’ll be introduced to the boss of the arena, Specter, atop his floating throne.

He’s gone so far as to complete the king look with his Peak Point Helmet crown, and we also now know there will be new bosses in the upcoming DLC who could reference other games.

The fight starts with several regular mob enemies entering the arena and rushing the player. Dealing with these guys is easy enough, as all you need to do is swing at them or use your thruster lasers to take them out. Be careful with timing your swings, as a single missed attack will leave you open to a counter. You can also use the net shockwave to take out multiple enemies with a single move.

After three waves of enemies, you’ll spot a cable in the ground that you can pull. Doing so will equip you with a throwable bomb you can use to knock Specter off his throne. However, the fight doesn’t end there!

Much like the apes, Specter too will evade you by running along the edge of the arena. The best way is to get him to move and follow his path in a smaller circle. Doing this will eventually get you close enough to swing your net and catch the boss!

With that, you’d have freed the Mothership’s Memory component and also completed the Apes on the Loose level. Which boss have you had difficulty against in the game? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our other Astro Bot boss guides.