Unlockable Characters

Learn how to unlock diverse characters in Super Meat Boy. Find hidden Warp Zones and master unique character abilities to tackle challenging levels.

While Meat Boy is the star of the show, Super Meat Boy features a fantastic roster of unlockable characters, each with unique abilities that can drastically change how you approach levels. Unlocking them often involves finding hidden Warp Zones, which are secret portals tucked away in specific levels. These Warp Zones transport you to special challenge stages where you must complete a series of trials to earn your new playable friend.

Finding Warp Zones

Warp Zones are typically hidden behind false walls or in areas that seem inaccessible at first glance. Look for subtle visual cues, such as slight discolorations in the environment or areas that break the usual pattern of the level design. Sometimes, you'll need to perform a precise jump or wall slide to reveal their entrance. Once you enter a Warp Zone, you'll be presented with three challenging levels. Successfully completing all three will unlock the character associated with that Warp Zone.

Character Unlock Guide

• CommanderVideo (Bit.Trip Runner)
  • Location: Forest (World 1), Level 1-12.
  • Strategy: In level 1-12, proceed normally until you reach the final stretch with the rotating sawblades. Instead of heading directly for the exit, look for a false wall to the left of the last sawblade. Wall-slide down this hidden passage to find the Warp Zone.
  • Abilities: CommanderVideo has a unique "float" jump. After a regular jump, press and hold the jump button again to slow your descent and gain extra horizontal distance, making him excellent for levels with large gaps or precise aerial maneuvers.
• Ogmo (Jumper)
  • Location: Hospital (World 2), Level 2-4.
  • Strategy: In level 2-4, after navigating the initial set of moving platforms and sawblades, you'll come to a section with a vertical shaft. Instead of going up, look for a hidden alcove to the right, near the bottom of this shaft. The Warp Zone is concealed behind a breakable wall.
  • Abilities: Ogmo has a double jump, allowing for two consecutive jumps in mid-air. This provides incredible verticality and can bypass many obstacles that other characters struggle with.
• The Kid (I Wanna Be The Guy)
  • Location: Salt Factory (World 3), Level 3-16.
  • Strategy: In level 3-16, after the initial descent through the salt piles, you'll encounter a series of horizontally moving platforms. Instead of following the main path, look for a small opening in the ceiling above the second moving platform. You'll need a precise jump to reach this hidden area, where the Warp Zone awaits.
  • Abilities: The Kid has a unique "bullet jump" ability. After a jump, pressing the jump button again will launch him a short distance in the direction he's facing, allowing for quick, precise movements and dodging. However, The Kid is also incredibly fragile, dying to almost any contact, making his levels exceptionally challenging.
• Gish (Gish)
  • Location: Hell (World 5), Level 5-7.
  • Strategy: In level 5-7, after the initial section with the lava and fireballs, you'll reach a vertical shaft with crumbling blocks. Instead of ascending directly, look for a small, dark opening on the left side of the shaft, about halfway up. You'll need to wall-slide down a bit to reveal the entrance to the Warp Zone.
  • Abilities: Gish can stick to walls and ceilings, allowing him to traverse surfaces that other characters cannot. He also has a "slimy" jump, which gives him a bit more control and height than Meat Boy's standard jump.
• Alien Hominid (Alien Hominid)
  • Location: The End (World 6), Level 6-5.
  • Strategy: In level 6-5, after the initial sequence of dodging missiles, you'll come to a section with several vertical moving platforms. Look for a small, almost invisible gap in the ceiling directly above the third moving platform. A precise jump will lead you to the Warp Zone.
  • Abilities: Alien Hominid can shoot a projectile, which can destroy certain blocks and enemies from a distance. This ability is incredibly useful for clearing paths or dealing with otherwise unreachable threats.

Tips for Warp Zone Challenges

• Patience is Key: Warp Zone levels are designed to be difficult. Don't get discouraged if you die repeatedly. Learn the patterns and timing.
• Experiment with Characters: While you're trying to unlock a specific character, remember that you can use any already unlocked character to attempt the Warp Zone levels. Sometimes, a different character's abilities might make a particular challenge easier.
• Look for Secrets: Even within Warp Zones, there can be hidden Bandages. Keep an eye out for any suspicious-looking areas or slight environmental changes.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better your reflexes and understanding of the game's mechanics will become. Don't be afraid to revisit Warp Zones later if you're struggling.