Star Fox features a dynamic campaign structure where the order of planet visits can be altered by discovering alternate paths and completing specific optional objectives. These choices can range from saving a crew member to sacrificing one, leading to a complex web of over 16 planets and 10 known alternative routes. To experience every planet, players will need to complete at least three full playthroughs.
First Playthrough: The Normal Path
For a player's initial journey through the Lylat System, the recommended path is the straightforward route that presents no branching choices. This allows players to follow the main narrative and reach the standard ending.
The planets on this initial route are: Corneria, Meteo, Fichina, Sector X, Titania, and Venom.
During this playthrough, players should pay attention to Fichina and Sector X. At Fichina, allowing the mission timer to expire will unlock the path to Sector X. In Sector X, players will encounter diverging paths. Choosing the right path leads to the boss Spyborg. Midway through the Spyborg fight, Slippy will attempt to assist. To unlock the path to Titania, players must stop attacking and allow Slippy to be downed, necessitating a rescue mission to Titania.
Second Playthrough: The True Ending Route
This playthrough focuses on taking every available alternate path to achieve the game's true ending. Planets marked with alternate paths require specific actions to unlock.
- Corneria to Sector Y: Save Falco by destroying his pursuers and then successfully fly through all seven stone arches in the subsequent obstacle course. Finally, defeat the Attack Carrier boss to unlock Sector Y.
- Sector Y to Aquas: Complete the mission with a cumulative hit count of 100 or more.
- Aquas to Zoness: This mission requires players to destroy 36 searchlight buoys scattered across the sea without being detected. Players must manually count the buoys as there is no in-game counter.
- Zoness to Sector Z: Midway through the mission, six Copperhead Missiles will target the Great Fox ship in three waves. Players must destroy all missiles before they hit the ship to unlock Sector Z.
- Sector Z to Area 6: This unlocks by completing the mission.
The planets visited on this route are: Corneria, Sector Y, Aquas, Zoness, Sector Z, Area 6, and Venom 2.
Third Playthrough: Unlocking Remaining Planets
The final recommended playthrough focuses on accessing planets not yet visited, specifically Katina, Solar, and Macbeth. This route can also lead to Area 6 and Venom 2, which are considered more challenging stages.
- Meteo to Katina: Fly through all seven energy sources that Slippy will identify. Successfully navigating these will unlock a retro arcade-style bonus level.
- Katina to Solar: Destroy the boss known as the Saucerer before the mission timer expires. This involves targeting its yellow hinges, exposing its core, and then destroying the core.
This path includes: Corneria, Meteo, Katina, Solar, Bolse, and Venom.
Miscellaneous Alternative Paths
Beyond the structured playthroughs, several other distinct paths can be unlocked through specific actions:
- Fichina to Solar: Complete the Fichina mission by defeating all four members of the Star Wolf team before the time limit expires. This is the opposite of the action taken on the first playthrough.
- Sector X to Macbeth: If Spyborg is defeated before Slippy is downed during the Sector X boss fight, the path to Macbeth becomes available, as the crew will not need to rescue Slippy.
- Sector X to Sector Z: At the diverging paths within Sector X, choosing the left path instead of the right will lead to a warp route. Flying through all four gates will unlock Sector Z.
- Macbeth to Area 6: During the Macbeth train boss encounter, players can divert the tracks by activating all eight rail locks and then shooting the switch at the stage's end. Successful activation is indicated by a "+50" hit pop-up.
By following these routes and completing the necessary objectives, players can fully explore the diverse planetary routes within Star Fox's campaign.