Astro Bot has received a fresh update featuring five new challenge levels and exclusive bots to unlock. Notably, two of these characters hail from a franchise previously absent from the game despite its strong fanbase among PlayStation enthusiasts.
For those avoiding spoilers, you can secure one bot by completing the High Inflation challenge level, while the second becomes available after clearing all five new stages in the Vicious Void Galaxy and rescuing the accompanying bots.
Warning! We reveal exactly which DLC characters are included below the video, so leave now if you prefer to stay spoiler-free!
The highlighted additions are Cloud and Sephiroth from Final Fantasy 7. Cloud is awarded upon completing High Inflation, whereas Sephiroth appears after finishing all five new challenge levels.
Longtime Astro Bot fans had been requesting a Final Fantasy presence for some time. Since its launch with an impressive roster of 173 PlayStation history cameos, the absence of Final Fantasy 7—a title deeply tied to PlayStation's legacy in both original and remake versions—was notable. Developers initially cited publisher partnerships as the reason, suggesting Square Enix had not previously collaborated. However, it appears the company has since shifted its stance.
Cloud and Sephiroth are joined by other characters in this DLC update. Square Enix contributed several cameos, including 2B from Nier: Automata and Serge from Chrono Cross for rescue missions. Additionally, Atsu from Ghost of Yōtei makes an appearance, a detail already known prior to the update.
Astro Bot has seen multiple special challenge stage updates since its release, fitting given Team Asobi's continued support following the game's critical acclaim. Selling 1.5 million copies in just two months and earning a 9/10 score from our reviewers, Astro Bot is described as "a fantastically inventive platformer" that holds particular appeal for fans with a soft spot for PlayStation history.
