Look, let’s be real. Astro Bot on the PS5 is mostly a joyride through pure nostalgia, but then you hit the Serpent Starway. You’re cruising along, vibing to the music, and suddenly you're shoved into a level called Wormy Passage. It’s weird. It’s tight. It feels like you’ve been swallowed by a neon-lit organic nightmare, mostly because you basically have.
If you’re stuck here, don't feel bad. This isn't just another platforming level; it’s a masterclass in spatial awareness and timing that catches a lot of players off guard. You're dealing with the Twin Worms—Wormy and his equally annoying partner—and the mechanics here are a bit of a departure from the open-air jumping you've been doing for the last few hours.
Getting through this isn't just about fast thumbs. It’s about understanding the rhythm of the environment. Most people treat it like a race. They rush. They die. Then they get frustrated because the checkpointing, while fair, forces you to repeat some of the more "squishy" platforming sections.
Why Wormy Passage is Such a Difficulty Spike
The Serpent Starway is where Team Asobi stops holding your hand. In earlier levels, the threats are usually right in front of you. In Wormy Passage, the threats are the walls, the floor, and the literal throat of the beast you're traveling through.
You’ve got these sticky surfaces. You’ve got the stretching mechanic. It’s a lot. Honestly, the biggest hurdle is the boss fight at the end against the Twin Worms. It’s a dual-threat encounter that requires you to split your focus, which is something the game hasn't demanded much of until this point. If you’re coming from Astro’s Playroom, this is the moment where the game says, "Okay, now we're playing for real."
The level design is narrow. Very narrow.
When you’re navigating the tunnels, the camera can occasionally feel like it’s fighting you. That’s intentional. It’s meant to feel claustrophobic. To survive, you need to master the Twin Frog Gloves. These aren't just for punching; they’re your primary mode of movement. You need to get used to the "slingshot" physics. If you don't time the release of the triggers correctly, you’ll find yourself overshooting platforms and falling into the digestive abyss.
The Secret to Handling the Twin Worms Boss
Okay, let’s talk about the actual fight. Most players struggle with the second phase. The first worm is a warm-up. It’s predictable. You dodge the lunges, you wait for the stun, and you pull the tongue. Simple enough.
But then the second one joins.
The trick here is visual prioritization. You cannot watch both worms at once—your brain just isn't wired for it. Instead, focus on the ground indicators. Team Asobi is great about telegraphing attacks. See those ripples? That’s your cue to move. Don't look at the worms; look at where they’re going to be.
- Patience is your best weapon. Don't try to get hits in while they're both active and aggressive. Wait for the specific lunge that leaves one of them dazed.
- The Frog Gloves have range. Use it. You don't need to be right on top of them to initiate the "pull" mechanic.
- Jump, don't just run. A lot of their ground-based shockwaves can be completely negated by a well-timed hover.
I’ve seen people try to speedrun this boss by being aggressive. It rarely works. This is a "wait for your turn" kind of fight. When the worm misses a lunge and its tongue is exposed, that's your green light. Grab it, pull back on the sticks, and let 'em have it.
Bots and Puzzles: What You Probably Missed
Wormy Passage hides its collectibles better than most levels in the Serpent Starway. Since the environment is so organic and "fleshy," it’s easy for the metallic shine of a Bot or the glint of a Puzzle Piece to blend into the background.
There’s a specific Bot hidden behind a breakable wall in the second major tunnel section. Most people miss it because they’re too busy trying to avoid the acidic drips from the ceiling. Pro tip: if you see a section of the wall that looks slightly more "calloused" or textured than the rest, punch it. Seriously. Just start swinging.
Also, keep an eye out for the chameleon. It’s tucked away in a corner near the mid-point checkpoint. You’ll hear that distinct digital chirping sound. If you’re playing with headphones—which you should be, the 3D audio in this game is incredible—you can actually pinpoint its location just by turning Astro’s head.
Moving Past the Frustration
If you’re dying repeatedly, take a break. No, really. The level is designed to be high-energy, and when you’re tilted, you start missing the timing on the Frog Glove lunges.
The physics in Astro Bot are consistent, but they are "weighty." If you’re used to the floaty jumping of Mario or the snap-to-grid movement of Crash Bandicoot, the momentum here will trip you up. The gloves have a slight wind-up. You have to account for that half-second of tension before the launch.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Run:
- Check your controller settings. Ensure your haptic feedback is on. The triggers give you a physical "click" when the gloves are fully retracted, which is a vital cue for timing your jumps.
- Focus on the shadows. In the platforming sections, look at Astro’s shadow to judge your landing. The perspective in the tunnels can be deceptive.
- Clear the small fry first. During the boss fight, smaller enemies will occasionally spawn. Don't ignore them. They are there to distract you so the worms can land a hit. Kill them instantly with a spin attack.
- Watch the tongue. The color change on the boss's tongue indicates how close you are to finishing the "pull" sequence. If you see it flashing red, you’re almost there.
The Wormy Passage is a hurdle, but it’s also one of the most creative uses of the DualSense controller in the entire game. Once you stop fighting the controls and start working with the rhythm of the slingshot mechanic, the level opens up. It’s less about surviving a monster and more about mastering a tool. Get back in there, keep your eyes on the floor ripples, and show those worms why Astro is the king of the PS5.
