The towering Great Tree, also known as the Sky-High Tree, presents a significant challenge in Shadow Labyrinth. This early objective demands skillful navigation through a sprawling environment. Experienced Metroidvania players will recognize the structure: a web of branching paths leading to hidden rooms and optional zones. While these detours offer valuable resources, getting sidetracked is easy. Furthermore, the game’s map isn’t always clear, and essential doors and ledges can be easily overlooked.
Struggling to navigate the Sky-High Tree? Don’t worry, this guide will provide a step-by-step walkthrough, directing you through the Great Tree to a rewarding boss fight. Victory grants a key ability, essential for progressing further into the game.
Navigating the Great Tree in Shadow Labyrinth
Access to the Great Tree unlocks after conquering Orange G-HOST: Garbage Talos and acquiring the GAIA form via the G-Phase Shift. Despite the unusual names, the initial parts of this zone are fairly straightforward. Focus on learning the attack patterns of the new enemies as you advance eastward.
Please note: the map screenshots in this guide show areas after significant exploration. Don’t be concerned if your map looks less complete. Remember, there are numerous optional areas that can be skipped for now.
Following the eastern path leads to a lift descending underground. Activate the Miku Sol here as a convenient checkpoint for potential backtracking. In the lower area, you’ll find an NPC who offers a helpful combat skill.
After this, you’ll go down a vertical passage and face a choice: west or east. This guide focuses on the main path, so choose east. Expect a concentration of enemies, including new bouncing platforms. You will encounter enemy types similar to those from the starting zone.
Reaching the western edge of the map marks the start of an upward climb. Using the Miku Sol checkpoint as our reference point, ride the bouncing platforms, dealing with flying bugs and plant enemies as needed. Upon reaching the top, you’ll face another branching path. The western path leads directly back to the lift at the beginning, and activating it will provide you a convenient shortcut. After creating the shortcut, head back down and follow the other path.
The eastern path takes you through tight tunnels guarded by spiky foes. Proceed carefully, eliminating them one by one as you ascend. You’ll soon find a D-Line, transforming you into the familiar Pac-Man ball. The ensuing path is linear. Near the end, you’ll notice a path to the right. Take this path instead of going left towards an optional area.
Entering the door will transport you to the rear of the Sky-high Tree. The path here is simple: two lifts carry you upward. One lift is currently inaccessible. While a path extends to the right side of this vertical area, it can be ignored for now.
At the summit, activate the Miku Sol checkpoint. You’re now entering the Verdant Shadow Path. Follow the D-Line eastward, preparing for a series of acrobatic maneuvers as you ascend. Adhere to the D-Line until you emerge back outside. This expansive area features numerous enemies, so advance cautiously to prevent accidental falls. The main path at the top leads left, but there is a checkpoint to the right which is highly recommended to activate.
Now, the key is heading to the left. The trail is fairly linear, but an optional route heads briefly upwards, which can be skipped. Shortly thereafter, you’ll find yourself back outside. Follow the paths until you encounter wooden structures and navigate through them. Primarily use the large vines to traverse upwards to the eastern part. Then, drop to the ground and proceed left.
Use the vines again to reach a long wooden structure with a gap in the middle. Jump to the right side and defeat any enemies you encounter. This path leads to another Miku Sol checkpoint, which you’ll definitely want. This section is detailed in a separate guide due to the boss fight and the second HP-Tank reward. In short, keep moving east and prepare for the boss.
Afterwards, use the vine on the right side of the structure to reach the top. You’ll then want to head to the most western point of the zone. Be mindful of your jumps to avoid falling. You will pass an enemy gauntlet, indicating you’re on the correct route. Use the structures to go upwards, reaching the higher part.
Fortunately, it’s pretty clear-cut going forward. There is just one path to the right; if you see a gargoyle (more commonly at night), you may ignore it. Shortly, you will find yourself facing Night Gale, a towering foe you will need to confront.
First, activate the nearby Miku Sol checkpoint. Then, engage Night Gale, and upon defeating it, you’ll receive the mid-air dodge ability. With that power, you can explore the path to the right of the checkpoint.
Use your new air dodge ability to evade the spikes and utilize the vines as you descend. You will then enter a similar area directly below. Once you reach the ground, proceed directly to the right, entering the Torn Lands. Congratulations on finishing the Sky-high Tree!