After several years since the last release, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time finally arrives to continue the decades-old series. Picking up where the third game left off, Crash and his friends must now prevent the destruction of the entire multiverse. Along the way, players are reintroduced to the classic gameplay of running from start to finish, but also other side goals like collecting Crash 4 tapes or hidden gems.
Although these gems are an optional part of each level, finding all of them will give cosmetic skins as a reward that can be used or switched anytime. Obtaining every single one, however, will be difficult since some are hidden better than just in a crate waiting to be smashed, but knowing is always the first step. Here's when and where to look for each hidden gem in Crash Bandicoot 4.
Rude Awakening
After moving past the grind section on a vine, the player will come across a hut that needs to be crawled under. Instead of crawling directly past, stop when directly underneath the hut and jump up to collect the first hidden gem.
N. Sanity Peak
The next hidden gem is at the start of the chase scene with a giant monster part-way through the Crash 4 level. When running towards the screen, stay to the left side to collect it underneath some wood.
A Real Grind
The player must keep going until they need to move up some disappearing platforms. Use a sliding high jump to get up to a small ledge in the top left, then double jump off the boxes to get to the above ledge and hidden gem.
Crash Compactor
There will be a metal crate underneath the checkpoint once the grind trail ends. Before moving on, drop down to hit the crate and double jump back up. Go around the corner to find the hidden gem now visible in the wall.
Hit The Road
This hidden gem is located immediately after riding the lift. From the top, use a sliding double jump to get into the small alcove. Afterwards, slide past the nitro crate and double jump to bounce up to the hidden gem's ledge.
Truck Stopped
After reaching the giant claw holding a car, inspect the right side to find a platform. Jump over and then jump up to where the next hidden gem is on a yellow platform.
Booty Calls
Get to the cave with a large pirate ship jutting out of the wall. Drop down several platforms and make a right before jumping onto a platform in water. Use it to get to the next platform and spin into the treasure chest to get the next gem.
Thar He Blows!
Clear the nitro crate-covered platform before jumping down into the dock. The hidden gem is located to the south in a small crow's nest and mast sticking out of the water.
Hook, Line, and Sinker!
This hidden gem is on the ledge directly above where Crash or Coco perform their first wall jump.
Jetboard Jetty
While crossing the water on moving planks, there will be 6 metal crates near the last jump. Climb on top to get the hidden gem.
Give It A Spin
Instead of moving up the waterfall past the first checkpoint, jump to the right. There will be a stack of crates and the player needs to break enough to climb up to the gem.
Potion Commotion
The next hidden gem is around the corner on a wooden platform directly after the first wall jump.
Draggin' On
Move forward past the bonus area checkpoint until a lion shows up. Step into where it appeared, go left, and use the Dark Matter Spin to break open some non-visible crates holding the hidden gem.
Off-Balance
After reaching the checkpoint past 3 crumbling pillars, look past the next jump to see a trail of wumpa fruit. Drop down and follow the route to grab another hidden gem.
Off Beat
This hidden gem is on the rooftops to the left after getting the Phase Mask. Defeat or avoid the juggling enemies before jumping over to collect it.
Home Cookin'
Immediately after entering the diner, go around the corner and back outside. Follow this path and hover jump to the right where the hidden gem is on a platform.
Run It Bayou
Just before getting on the second jetboard, inspect the barrel near the checkpoint to find a metal crate. Backtrack where 2 flaming crates were earlier and jump down to the right onto more metal crates and the hidden gem.
No Dillo Dallying
Hit the checkpoint after the second boat and immediately look left where some metal crates are floating. Hover jump onto them and then bounce up to collect the gem.
Snow Way Out
Following the waterfall checkpoint, jump across some ice blocks floating downstream and onto a non-moving one. Jump to the right onto a pier and bounce up the nearby stack of boxes for the gem.
Stay Frosty
This hidden gem is located on a ledge above the Crash Bandicoot 4 bonus stage. Cross the first river and then use a sliding double jump to the left to reach the next ledge. Perform another double jump near the crate and bounce off it to reach the ledge.
Bears Repeating
After reaching the moving ski lifts, drop down to find a ledge with the hidden gem.
Building Bridges
Wall jump up the first pair of electrified walls and move towards the camera. The hidden gem will be on a lower ledge of the top platform.
Blast To The Past
Near the end of Crash Bandicoot 4, one last hidden gem is located past the second grinding vine. After moving past 3 rocks, jump left and then immediately back to the right once the crate in midair breaks to snag it.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is available on PS4 and Xbox One.
Source: GameSpot