Finding every alternate route in Star Fox (2026) requires meeting specific objectives during each mission. While a standard campaign runs through seven stages, unlocking all 16 means locating hidden targets, protecting allies, and meeting precise performance requirements.
This guide maps the three main campaign paths and explains exactly how to unlock every alternate exit through the Lylat System.
The Three Main Campaign Paths
The campaign does not ask you to select a formal difficulty at the start. Instead, its branching routes naturally divide into three paths based on the exits you unlock. After opening an alternate route, you can choose your next destination from the map screen, but you cannot return to stages already completed during that run.
Image credit: Nintendo
The Default Path (Easy)
The lower route features fewer environmental hazards and more straightforward enemy formations.
- Sequence: Corneria → Meteo → Fichina → Sector X → Titania → Bolse → Venom
The Central Path (Medium)
The central route increases the challenge with environmental hazards such as Solar and more demanding combat encounters.
- Sequence: Corneria → Meteo → Katina → Solar → Macbeth → Bolse → Venom
The Upper Path (Hard)
The upper route is the most demanding path, culminating in a large fleet battle and the true final boss.
- Sequence: Corneria → Sector Y → Aquas → Zoness → Sector Z → Area 6 → Venom 2
Complete Stage Exit Requirements
Alternate exits are unlocked by earning a Mission Accomplished result or completing a specific objective during the stage. The requirements below show where each route leads and what you must do to open it.
Aquas
- To Zoness: Complete the stage normally.
Area 6
- To Venom 2: Defeat the Gorgon boss at the end of the stage.
Bolse
- To Venom: Complete the stage normally.
Corneria
- To Meteo: Complete the stage normally.
- To Sector Y: Save Falco from the enemies pursuing him, then fly through all seven stone archways over the water. Falco will open a hidden waterfall route leading to the alternate Attack Carrier boss.
Fichina
- To Sector X: Complete the stage normally.
- To Solar: Defeat the Star Wolf squadron before the base bomb countdown reaches zero.
Katina
- To Sector X: Allow the Saucerer mothership to destroy the defense outpost.
- To Solar: Destroy the Saucerer mothership within the time limit and save the base.
Macbeth
- To Bolse: Complete the stage normally.
- To Area 6: Shoot all eight rail locks during the boss encounter, then hit the final track switch to divert the train into the weapons depot.
Meteo
- To Fichina: Complete the stage normally.
- To Katina: Fly through all seven gold warp rings scattered throughout the asteroid field.
Sector X
- To Titania: Take the right path at the mid-stage fork and allow the Spyborg boss to knock Slippy down.
- To Macbeth: Take the right path at the fork and defeat Spyborg before it knocks Slippy down.
- To Sector Z: Take the left path at the fork, then open and fly through all four warp gates.
Sector Y
- To Katina: Complete the stage with fewer than 100 hits.
- To Aquas: Complete the stage with 100 hits or more.
Sector Z
- To Bolse: Fail to destroy the incoming missiles and allow the Great Fox to take damage.
- To Area 6: Destroy all six Copperhead Missiles before they strike the Great Fox.
Solar
- To Macbeth: Complete the stage normally.
Titania
- To Bolse: Complete the stage normally.
Zoness
- To Macbeth: Allow a searchlight to detect the Arwing.
- To Sector Z: Destroy all 36 radar buoys without triggering an alarm.
Campaign Routes FAQ
How many stages are in Star Fox (2026)?
There are 16 stages in total. Each campaign run contains seven stages, beginning at Corneria and ending at either Venom or Venom 2.
Are there any new campaign routes in the remake?
No. The stage selection, branching routes, and alternate exit requirements are the same as in Star Fox 64.
Can you change routes during a campaign run?
Yes, but only when moving forward. After unlocking an alternate exit, the map screen lets you choose between the newly opened route and the standard path. You cannot return to stages already completed during that run.
Star Fox is available exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Players can also download the free demo through the Nintendo eShop or read our Star Fox (2026) demo impressions for a closer look at its updated controls and performance.
