Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage Guide: Tips to Win for Beginners & Pros

Hey there, dragon fans! Welcome to the ultimate Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage guide, your go-to resource for conquering the magical world of Avalar. Whether you're a new player gliding through Summer Forest for the first time or an intermediate adventurer aiming to 100% every level, this guide is packed with Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage tips and strategies to help you succeed. Released in 1999 by Insomniac Games and remastered in the 2018 Spyro Reignited Trilogy, this classic platformer follows Spyro the Dragon as he battles the sorcerer Ripto and his minions. With vibrant worlds, tricky challenges, and epic boss fights, mastering Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage requires skill and know-how. This guide will walk you through the essentials, from collecting gems to defeating Ripto, ensuring you have fun while dominating the game. Let’s dive into Avalar and start collecting those orbs!

Basics of Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage

In Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage, you control Spyro, a plucky purple dragon tasked with saving Avalar from the evil Ripto. The game is a collectathon platformer split into three homeworlds—Summer Forest, Autumn Plains, and Winter Tundra—each filled with realms, speedways, and boss fights. Your main goals are to collect Talismans, Orbs, and Gems while mastering Spyro’s core abilities: flame breath, charge attack, gliding, and new moves like swimming, climbing, and headbashing. These mechanics evolve as you progress, unlocking new areas and challenges.

Core Controls:

• Flame (Circle): Burns enemies and breaks certain objects.
• Charge (Square): Rams enemies and smashes metal chests.
• Glide (X + X): Hold jump and press again to glide across gaps.
• Hover (Triangle): Adds a small boost at the end of a glide.

Each level has Gems (currency), Orbs (earned via challenges), and Talismans (story progression). Use the Guidebook (Options menu) to track progress. For a deeper dive into controls, visit IGN’s Gameplay Basics.

Beginner Tips for Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage

New to Avalar? These Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get a head start:

Master Sparx’s Gem Finder

Sparx, your dragonfly buddy, points to nearby Gems. In the Reignited Trilogy, press L3 (PS4) or hold all shoulder buttons (PS1) to activate this. It’s a lifesaver for finding hidden Gems in levels like Glimmer. IGN Tips notes this is key for 100% completion.

Pay Moneybags Early

Moneybags sells abilities like swimming (400 Gems) and climbing (500 Gems). Save Gems early and buy these in Summer Forest and Autumn Plains to access new areas sooner. Don’t waste Gems on unnecessary purchases!

Explore Every Corner

Levels are packed with hidden Gems behind buildings or in obscure corners. In Colossus, check behind the temple for extra Gems. Revisit levels after unlocking new abilities to grab missed collectibles.

Practice Gliding

Gliding is crucial for crossing gaps. Hold X for a higher jump, then press X again at the peak to maximize distance. Use Hover (Triangle) for a small boost to nail landings in levels like Sunny Beach.

Advanced Strategies for Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage

Ready to level up? These Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage strategies are for players comfortable with the basics but aiming for mastery:

Charge Jump for Extra Distance

An unwritten move, the Charge Jump (Charge + Jump + Glide) extends your glide distance significantly. Use it in hurricanes to reach high platforms. This trick, popular in speedrunning communities, can trivialize tough gaps. Spyro Speedruns Wiki.

Powerup Gates Timing

Powerup gates (Superflame, Supercharge) activate after defeating enough enemies. In Aquaria Towers, clear enemies quickly to unlock Superflame for sealed chests. Plan your route to hit these gates efficiently.

Speedway Success

Speedways like Ocean Speedway require precise flying. Hit all rings and targets in one run to earn Orbs. Practice loops and sharp turns, and use the minimap (Pause Menu) to track objectives. TrueAchievements Speedway Guide.

Revisit Levels Strategically

Some Orbs and Gems require abilities like climbing or headbashing. Note incomplete levels in the Guidebook and return after buying skills from Moneybags. For example, Glimmer’s third Orb needs climbing, unlocked in Autumn Plains.

How to Defeat Bosses in Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage

Spoiler Warning: This section details boss strategies. Skip if you want to avoid specifics!

Crush’s Dungeon (Summer Forest)

Crush is straightforward. Dodge his falling rocks and charge into him when he’s stunned. Grab powerup Orbs dropped by the Hunter to deal damage. Superflame is most effective, as it tracks Crush. Stay mobile to avoid his charges.

Gulp’s Overlook (Autumn Plains)

Gulp eats items for power-ups, so grab Orbs quickly. Use Superflame to hit his large hitbox. Dodge his energy blasts by charging in circles. Timing is key—collect three Orbs for a powerup before Gulp does. IGN Gulp Guide.

Ripto’s Arena (Winter Tundra)

Ripto’s fight has three phases. In phase one, collect three Orbs for powerups (Superflame is best). Charge or flame Ripto to push him back and grab Orbs first. In phase two, Robot Gulp is slower but tankier—use Superflame and stay mobile. In phase three, both fly with Superflame. Lead your shots and dodge Ripto’s plasma blasts by turning 90 degrees left and flying up (Reignited tip). For the Skill Point (no damage), practice dodging in the PS1 version using the “sheen!” sound cue. IGN Ripto Guide.

FAQs for Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage

1. How do I level up fast in Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage?
   Complete levels fully, collecting all Gems and Orbs. Prioritize easy challenges like Glimmer’s lizard-shooting to earn Orbs quickly.
2. What are the best items in Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage?
   Powerups like Superflame and Supercharge are key for breaking sealed chests and defeating bosses. Sparx’s gem-finding ability is also essential.
3. How do I unlock new abilities?
   Pay Moneybags for swimming (400 Gems, Summer Forest), climbing (500 Gems, Autumn Plains), and headbashing (400 Gems, Winter Tundra).
4. What’s the hardest level?
   Many players find Metropolis tough due to its Sheep Saucer challenge. Practice precise gliding and use the minimap. Spyro Wiki.
5. How do I get 100% completion?
   Collect all 14 Talismans, 64 Orbs, and 10,000 Gems. Use the Guidebook to track progress and revisit levels with new abilities.
6. Are there cheats for Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage?
   Yes, cheats like Big Head Mode (PS1: Up, Up, Up, Up, R1, R1, R1, R1, Circle) exist, but don’t affect trophies. IGN Cheat Codes.

Ready to take your Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage skills to the next level? Join the vibrant community on Reddit’s r/Spyro or Spyro Forum to share tips and tricks. For more platformer guides, check out our Game Guides or PS1 Walkthrough. Happy gliding!