The High Road is one of the most infamous levels in the Crash Bandicoot series, renowned for its extreme difficulty, treacherous platforming, and precise timing requirements. The time trial for this level is a daunting task that even seasoned players struggle to complete. However, with the right strategies, patience, and perseverance, achieving a Gold or even a Platinum Relic is possible. This article provides a deThe High Road Time Trial: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Challenge
tailed, step-by-step guide to mastering The Road time trial, covering optimal routes, advanced techniques, and essential tips to improve your run.
Understanding the high road time trial
The High Road is a perilous bridge-based level that follows Road to Nowhere in the Crash Bandicoot series. It features a long, broken bridge suspended the high road time trial above a misty abyss, with unstable wooden planks, ice-covered platforms, bouncing turtles, and aggressive hogs. To complete the level quickly, players must make precise jumps while avoiding falling off the bridge.
Time Trial Requirements
In time trials, players must collect a stopwatch at the beginning of the level, activating the timer. To achieve relics, they must complete the level within a set time:
- Sapphire Relic: The easiest to obtain, but still challenging
- Gold Relic: Requires optimized movement and efficient time-saving techniques
- Platinum Relic: The hardest and demands near-perfect execution
Preparation Before Attempting the Time Trial
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Level
Before starting the time trial, play through the level multiple times at a normal pace to understand the layout, enemy placements, and obstacles. Memorization is key to executing an optimal run.
2. Unlock Crash’s Abilities
If playing Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, completing the game unlocks the Crash Dash (speed shoes), which significantly helps in time trials. The ability allows Crash to run faster, cutting crucial seconds off the timer.
3. Learn the Rope-Walking Technique
A famous trick for The High Road is the rope-walking exploit. Players can walk along the ropes on the sides of the bridge, avoiding most hazards and enemies. While tricky to master, it can dramatically reduce time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Beating The High Road Time Trial
1. Start with Momentum
- Once you grab the stopwatch, immediately start moving forward.
- Don’t hesitate—momentum is key to clearing jumps efficiently.
2. Optimize Your Jumps
- Time jumps carefully to land on solid wooden planks rather than unstable ones.
- Bounce off flipped turtles to cover large gaps quickly.
- Jump onto ice-covered planks with short, controlled hops to avoid slipping.
3. Utilize the Rope-Walking Trick
- If comfortable, move Crash onto the bridge’s ropes for a faster route.
- Keep steady and adjust movement gently to prevent falling.
- This trick allows players to bypass enemy encounters and unstable planks.
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4. Manage Enemy Interactions
- Jump on turtles to use them as platforms.
- Avoid the hogs unless necessary; mistimed encounters can slow progress.
- Use spin attacks sparingly, as they can disrupt your momentum.
5. Hit Time Crates Efficiently
- Break all possible time crates (1s, 2s, and 3s) along the way.
- Prioritize 3s crates to maximize time savings.
- Avoid unnecessary jumps if the crate is not worth the risk.
6. Sprint Through the Final Section
- If you have Crash Dash, activate the high road time trial once on stable ground.
- The last segment has some of the most unstable planks—time your jumps wisely.
- Maintain composure to land safely on the final platform and complete the run.
Advanced Tips for Optimizing Your Run
1. Master Perfect Timing
- Every jump should be deliberate; mistiming one can lead to falling off the bridge.
- React quickly to collapsing planks.
2. Practice Checkpoints (Outside of Time Trials)
- In normal mode, reach each checkpoint consistently before attempting a full time trial.
- Break down the level into sections and practice each separately.
3. Use Speed Shoes Wisely
- Speed shoes can be both helpful and dangerous.
- Use them in safer sections but slow down near ice planks.
4. Watch Expert Speedruns
- Study how top players complete the time trial.
- Analyze their movement patterns and strategies.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Rushing Without Control the high road time trial
- Moving too fast can lead to mistimed jumps.
- Balance speed and precision.
2. Misusing the Rope-Walking Technique
- Overstepping can lead to falling off.
- Walk, don’t run, when on the ropes.
3. Ignoring Time Crates
- Skipping crucial 3-second crates can make the difference between relics.
- Know which crates are worth the detour.
4. Panicking Near the End
- Many players choke in the final moments.
- Stay calm, focus on timing, and complete the run steadily.
Conclusion
The high road time trial is one of the toughest in Crash Bandicoot, but with persistence and practice, achieving a Gold or Platinum Relic is possible. Memorizing the level, mastering advanced techniques like rope-walking, and refining your movement will significantly improve your chances of success. While frustration is part of the challenge, the feeling of triumph upon completion makes it all worth it. Keep practicing, stay patient, and soon, you’ll conquer one of the hardest time trials in Crash Bandicoot history.
