Harnessing the Force: A Comprehensive Guide to Power Bricks in LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
LEGO® Star Wars™: The Complete Saga, a beloved title in the LEGO gaming franchise, allows players to relive the epic Star Wars saga with a charming LEGO twist. Beyond the brick-smashing action and character collecting, the game features Power Bricks – hidden collectibles that grant unique abilities and enhance the gameplay experience. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on finding, unlocking, and utilizing these powerful bricks to maximize your enjoyment of the game.
## What are Power Bricks?
Power Bricks are special red bricks hidden throughout the game’s levels. Each brick unlocks a unique cheat or enhancement once purchased. These enhancements range from practical assistance, such as invincibility or stud multipliers, to purely cosmetic changes, such as displaying character dialogue. Think of them as game modifiers that add a layer of customization and fun to your playthrough.
## How to Find and Unlock Power Bricks
Finding Power Bricks requires exploration, puzzle-solving, and a keen eye for detail. They are not simply lying in plain sight. You’ll often need to use character-specific abilities to access hidden areas or complete specific tasks within each level.
Here’s a general strategy for Power Brick hunting:
1. **Complete the Story Mode:** First, play through all six episodes of the Star Wars saga in Story Mode. This ensures you have access to all playable characters and unlocks Free Play mode for each level.
2. **Enter Free Play:** Once you’ve completed a level in Story Mode, you can replay it in Free Play. This mode allows you to select any characters you’ve unlocked, which is essential for utilizing their unique abilities to reach previously inaccessible areas.
3. **Explore Every Nook and Cranny:** Thoroughly explore each level. Look behind objects, above platforms, and in areas that seem out of reach. Use the Force (with a Jedi or Sith character) to reveal hidden objects and pathways. Destructible environments often conceal secrets, so be generous with your attacks!
4. **Utilize Character Abilities:** This is the most crucial aspect of Power Brick hunting. Different characters possess abilities that are essential for accessing certain areas. Here’s a breakdown of key character abilities:
* **Jedi/Sith (Force):** Use the Force to manipulate LEGO objects, build structures, and reveal hidden platforms.
* **Small Characters (e.g., Yoda, Ewoks):** Access small hatches and crawl spaces.
* **Bounty Hunters (e.g., Boba Fett, Greedo):** Use thermal detonators to destroy silver LEGO objects.
* **Protocol Droids (e.g., C-3PO):** Open protocol droid panels.
* **Astromech Droids (e.g., R2-D2):** Open astromech droid panels and fly over gaps.
* **Characters with Grappling Hooks (e.g., Rebels):** Use grappling hooks to reach high ledges.
5. **Follow Stud Trails:** Pay attention to stud trails. Sometimes, they will lead you to hidden areas or clues that reveal the location of a Power Brick.
6. **Listen for the Sound Cue:** There’s a distinct sound cue that plays when you are near a Power Brick. Pay attention to the audio to help you narrow down your search.
7. **Consult Online Guides (If Needed):** If you’re stuck on a particular Power Brick, don’t hesitate to consult online guides or video walkthroughs. Many resources are available to help you find every Power Brick in the game.
## Buying and Activating Power Bricks
Once you’ve found a Power Brick, you need to purchase it before you can activate its cheat. Here’s how:
1. **Collect the Power Brick:** Simply walk over the red brick in the level to collect it.
2. **Enter the Mos Eisley Cantina:** After collecting a Power Brick, return to the Mos Eisley Cantina on Tatooine. This serves as the game’s hub area.
3. **Go to the Extras Room:** Inside the Cantina, find the door leading to the “Extras” room. This is where you can purchase and activate the Power Bricks you’ve collected.
4. **Purchase the Cheat:** In the Extras room, you’ll see a list of the Power Bricks you’ve found. Each brick displays the cheat it unlocks and its price in studs. Select the brick you want to purchase and confirm your selection. Make sure you have enough studs!
5. **Activate the Cheat:** After purchasing a Power Brick, you can activate its cheat by selecting it again in the Extras room. A checkmark will appear next to the cheat, indicating that it’s active.
6. **Deactivate the Cheat:** To deactivate a cheat, simply select it again in the Extras room. The checkmark will disappear, and the cheat will be disabled.
## Power Brick Locations and Effects: A Detailed Episode-by-Episode Guide
This section provides a detailed guide to the location of each Power Brick in the game, along with the cheat it unlocks and its cost. The list is organized by episode and level for easy reference.
**Episode I: The Phantom Menace**
* **Level 1: Negotiations:**
* **Power Brick:** Score Multiplier x2
* **Location:** In the Conference Room with the Trade Federation. After destroying the Destroyer Droids, use a small character to enter a vent in the back. The Power Brick is inside.
* **Cost:** 50,000 studs
* **Level 2: Invasion of Naboo:**
* **Power Brick:** Fast Build
* **Location:** After crossing the bridge and fighting the STAPs, destroy the foliage on the right side to reveal a Force object. Use the Force to build a tower, and the Power Brick is at the top.
* **Cost:** 200,000 studs
* **Level 3: Escape from Naboo:**
* **Power Brick:** Character Studs
* **Location:** In the Theed Hangar, use a Bounty Hunter to blow up the silver LEGO plating on the back wall. Use the Force to assemble the parts, then jump up to reach the brick.
* **Cost:** 150,000 studs
* **Level 4: Mos Espa Podrace:**
* **Power Brick:** Self Destruct
* **Location:** At the start of the level, use R2-D2 to activate the panel on the left. Then, use the Force to build a ramp. Drive a vehicle up the ramp and jump to the Power Brick.
* **Cost:** 20,000 studs
* **Level 5: Watto’s Shop:**
* **Power Brick:** Disguise
* **Location:** Use a character with a grappling hook to pull down the box on the left side of the shop. Then, use the Force to assemble the pieces into a platform. Jump onto the platform and then onto the shelf to reach the Power Brick.
* **Cost:** 10,000 studs
* **Level 6: The Battle for Naboo:**
* **Power Brick:** Super Blasters
* **Location:** In the final battle area, use a thermal detonator (Bounty Hunter) on the silver LEGO plating located behind the shield generator. The Power Brick is behind the destroyed plating.
* **Cost:** 80,000 studs
**Episode II: Attack of the Clones**
* **Level 1: Discovery on Kamino:**
* **Power Brick:** Regenerate Hearts
* **Location:** In the first area, use a character with a grappling hook to pull down the platform on the right side of the room. Jump up the platforms to reach the Power Brick.
* **Cost:** 75,000 studs
* **Level 2: Droid Factory:**
* **Power Brick:** Score Multiplier x4
* **Location:** In the conveyor belt section where you need to use R2-D2 to proceed, look to the right side of the screen. You will see a silver gate. Use a bounty hunter to blow this open with a thermal detonator and claim the red power brick inside.
* **Cost:** 200,000 studs
* **Level 3: Jedi Battle:**
* **Power Brick:** Super Saber Cut
* **Location:** After Obi-Wan speaks with Mace Windu, go to the room with the blue holograms. There are several brown boxes that can be smashed. After smashing them, construct the lego pieces into a terminal for R2-D2. Use R2-D2 and the brick appears.
* **Cost:** 90,000 studs
* **Level 4: Gunship Cavalry:**
* **Power Brick:** Minikit Detector
* **Location:** During the level fly high in the sky on the right side of the screen. You will see four towers with studs near them. Fly near these towers and shoot the round targets near them to lower the platform holding the red brick so you can grab it.
* **Cost:** 120,000 studs
* **Level 5: Count Dooku:**
* **Power Brick:** Score Multiplier x6
* **Location:** During the battle with Count Dooku, use a character with the Force to stack the three Lego crates by the door. Jump up the boxes and you’ll find the power brick.
* **Cost:** 400,000 studs
* **Level 6: Gunship Cavalry:**
* **Power Brick:** Invincibility
* **Location:** During the level, you must destroy 10 Separatist Landing Craft. Once you have destroyed all 10, the power brick will be awarded.
* **Cost:** 1,000,000 studs
**Episode III: Revenge of the Sith**
* **Level 1: Battle Over Coruscant:**
* **Power Brick:** Score Multiplier x8
* **Location:** Fly toward the front of the Invisible Hand. On either side of the ship, there’s a set of five turrets. Destroy all the turrets to earn the brick.
* **Cost:** 600,000 studs
* **Level 2: Jedi Crash:**
* **Power Brick:** Super Gun
* **Location:** In the first area, go to the far right and use the force to lift the object and create steps to reach the platform. Jump up to reach the platform and get the brick.
* **Cost:** 100,000 studs
* **Level 3: General Grievous:**
* **Power Brick:** Fast Force
* **Location:** In the last room of the level (where you fight General Grievous) there is a small crawl space for small characters (Yoda). The power brick is in this small crawl space.
* **Cost:** 175,000 studs
* **Level 4: Ruin of the Jedi:**
* **Power Brick:** Score Multiplier x10
* **Location:** The brick is available after killing all of the clone troopers in the level. There are about 40-50 clone troopers to defeat. The brick will appear at the start of the level afterwards.
* **Cost:** 800,000 studs
* **Level 5: Darth Vader:**
* **Power Brick:** Stud Magnet
* **Location:** During the fight between Anakin and Obi-Wan, use R2-D2 to open the astromech droid panel. Enter the panel and the red power brick is inside.
* **Cost:** 140,000 studs
* **Level 6: Escape from Utapau:**
* **Power Brick:** Lightsaber Throw
* **Location:** During the level after passing the large droids, use a character with the force to build a bridge. Cross the bridge and you will see the red power brick in plain sight.
* **Cost:** 95,000 studs
**Episode IV: A New Hope**
* **Level 1: Secret Plans:**
* **Power Brick:** Classic Blasters
* **Location:** When fighting stormtroopers, use a bounty hunter to open the silver gate. Construct the lego pieces and the power brick is available.
* **Cost:** 100,000 studs
* **Level 2: Through the Jundland Wastes:**
* **Power Brick:** Super Lightsaber Defense
* **Location:** While playing through the level you will see a wall that is made from dark bricks. Blow up the wall with thermal detonators, and go to the right. You will see the power brick.
* **Cost:** 60,000 studs
* **Level 3: Mos Eisley Spaceport:**
* **Power Brick:** Fast Blast
* **Location:** Use a character with a grappling hook to climb up to the platform and get the brick.
* **Cost:** 165,000 studs
* **Level 4: Rescue the Princess:**
* **Power Brick:** Infinite Torpedoes
* **Location:** Early in the level after destroying a few stormtroopers, use the force to stack the blocks in the room. Jump up the blocks and you can claim the brick.
* **Cost:** 50,000 studs
* **Level 5: Death Star Escape:**
* **Power Brick:** Explosive Blaster
* **Location:** After destroying the stormtroopers during the level use a thermal detonator to destroy the silver pieces on the wall. The power brick is behind the wall.
* **Cost:** 70,000 studs
* **Level 6: Rebel Attack:**
* **Power Brick:** Dark Side
* **Location:** While flying through the level, destroy 10 objects with the force. After destroying the objects the power brick will be awarded.
* **Cost:** 20,000 studs
**Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back**
* **Level 1: Hoth Battle:**
* **Power Brick:** Super Tractor Beam
* **Location:** Destroy three snowmen to the left of the Echo Base entrance. Destroy the parts and construct a turret. Jump on the turret and the power brick is awarded.
* **Cost:** 45,000 studs
* **Level 2: Escape from Echo Base:**
* **Power Brick:** Deflect Bolts
* **Location:** In the room with the Wampa, use a small character to enter the small crawl space. The power brick is at the end of the crawl space.
* **Cost:** 20,000 studs
* **Level 3: Dagobah:**
* **Power Brick:** Super Zapper
* **Location:** In the first area of the level, use the force to lift the logs into a bridge. Cross the logs and you can collect the brick.
* **Cost:** 35,000 studs
* **Level 4: Cloud City Trap:**
* **Power Brick:** Bounty Hunter Rockets
* **Location:** Early in the level, you will see a protocol droid terminal (C3PO). Use a character with the required skill to activate the terminal and open the gate. Behind the gate is the red power brick.
* **Cost:** 15,000 studs
* **Level 5: Cloud City Escape:**
* **Power Brick:** Super Jedi Slam
* **Location:** After cutting a hole in the floor with the force, you will see the brick on a high platform. Use a character with a grapple to reach the platform and claim the red power brick.
* **Cost:** 10,000 studs
* **Level 6: Asteroid Field:**
* **Power Brick:** Tractor Beam
* **Location:** During the level, you must destroy 10 tie fighters using your ship. Once you destroy the tenth tie fighter the power brick will appear.
* **Cost:** 10,000 studs
**Episode VI: Return of the Jedi**
* **Level 1: Jabba’s Palace:**
* **Power Brick:** Stud Magnet
* **Location:** Near the beginning of the level, use the Force to lift the brown cups/glasses and stack them near the platform with the red power brick. Jump up the cups and collect the brick.
* **Cost:** 25,000 studs
* **Level 2: The Sarlacc Pit:**
* **Power Brick:** Perfect Deflect
* **Location:** Use a bounty hunter to destroy the silver gate and claim the red power brick.
* **Cost:** 40,000 studs
* **Level 3: Speeder Bike Chase:**
* **Power Brick:** Immune to Freeze
* **Location:** During the level you must destroy 10 scout troopers while on the speeder bike. After destroying the last scout trooper, the red power brick will appear.
* **Cost:** 20,000 studs
* **Level 4: Ewok Village:**
* **Power Brick:** Evade
* **Location:** Use a small character (Yoda) to crawl through the hatch. After the character goes through the hatch the power brick will be there.
* **Cost:** 20,000 studs
* **Level 5: Jedi Destiny:**
* **Power Brick:** Force Grapple
* **Location:** After defeating Darth Vader and the Emperor, go back to where the Emperor was sitting and jump off the side of the platform. You will land on a platform with the red power brick.
* **Cost:** 15,000 studs
* **Level 6: Endor Battle:**
* **Power Brick:** Walkie Talkie Mode
* **Location:** During the level, destroy five Ewoks. After destroying the fifth ewok, you will be awarded the power brick.
* **Cost:** 10,000 studs
## Recommended Power Brick Combinations
Several Power Bricks synergize well together, creating powerful combinations that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Here are a few recommended combinations:
* **Stud Multipliers (x2, x4, x6, x8, x10) + Stud Magnet:** This combination maximizes your stud collection rate. The Stud Multipliers increase the value of each stud you collect, while the Stud Magnet draws studs towards you automatically, ensuring you don’t miss any. This is especially useful for quickly earning enough studs to purchase other Power Bricks and unlock characters.
* **Invincibility + Score Multipliers:** This combination allows you to explore levels without the fear of dying, while simultaneously maximizing your stud collection. It’s a great way to casually enjoy the game and unlock all the content.
* **Fast Build + Fast Force:** This combination speeds up the building process and Force ability usage, making puzzle-solving and level progression much faster and more efficient.
* **Regenerate Hearts + Deflect Bolts:** This makes you extremely difficult to defeat. Regenerate Hearts ensures you recover lost health, while Deflect Bolts protects you from enemy blaster fire.
## Tips and Tricks for Power Brick Hunting
* **Play with a Friend:** Playing in co-op mode can make Power Brick hunting much easier and more enjoyable. Two players can cover more ground, solve puzzles more quickly, and combine their character abilities to reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
* **Use the Minikit Detector:** The Minikit Detector Power Brick also helps with finding Power Bricks, as minikits are often located in hidden or hard-to-reach areas. If you can find all the minikits in a level, you’re likely to stumble upon the Power Brick as well.
* **Experiment with Different Characters:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different character combinations in Free Play mode. You never know which character’s unique ability will be the key to unlocking a hidden area or solving a puzzle.
* **Take Your Time:** Power Brick hunting can be time-consuming, but it’s also a rewarding experience. Don’t rush through the levels. Take your time, explore every corner, and enjoy the process of discovering hidden secrets.
## Conclusion
Power Bricks are a fantastic addition to LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga, adding depth and replayability to the already enjoyable gameplay. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find, unlock, and utilize these powerful bricks to enhance your experience and truly master the Force. Happy hunting, and may the Force be with you! Remember to have fun and explore the LEGO galaxy!