You’ve probably seen the little meteor with the Santa hat floating around the galaxy map. If you haven't, you might be wondering why everyone is suddenly obsessed with a DLC level that feels like a warm hug from Team Asobi. Honestly, Astro Bot Winter Wonder bots aren't just extra collectibles; they are a massive nostalgia trip for anyone who grew up with a PlayStation controller in their hands.
The level, which dropped in late 2024 as a free update, is basically a victory lap for the 2024 Game of the Year. But here is the thing: it’s not just a "quick holiday level." It’s a dense playground that forces you to use almost every single power-up from the main game in one go. If you're hunting for every last gift box, you're going to need more than just luck.
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How to Actually Unlock Winter Wonder
First off, don't panic if you don't see it. You can't just boot up a fresh save and find this snowy paradise. You have to beat the main campaign first. Once the credits roll and you’re back on the space map, look for a stray comet wearing a red Santa hat. It’s usually hanging out near the top left. Slam into it with your Dual Speeder, and it’ll settle into the bottom right corner of the map as a standalone level.
The Special Bots Everyone is Searching For
This level isn't about generic robots. It’s about the legends. There are 7 special VIP bots hidden inside golden presents, and finding them requires solving some surprisingly clever environmental puzzles.
Rayman: The Limbless Legend
Pretty early on, you’ll spot a golden present flying through the air. This is where most people get stuck. You can’t just jump and hit it. You need to use the time-slow power-up (the little stopwatch). Wait for the present to loop near you, freeze time, and then pull the cord. Out pops the Limbless Legend, aka Rayman. Seeing him in Astro Bot form is sort of surreal, especially with the way his hands float independently.
Gex and the Jello Tower
To find the Square-Eyed Gecko (our favorite wise-cracking 90s lizard, Gex), you need the elephant power-up. You’ll find a massive tower of yellow jello. Don’t just stand there staring at it. Use the elephant to suck up the blocks and build platforms for yourself. Once you reach the top and suck the tower dry, the present containing Gex is revealed at the very base.
The Spider-Men (Peter and Miles)
Sony didn't miss the chance to include their heavy hitters.
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- Youthful Protector (Miles Morales): You’ll need the helium power-up for this one. Float up to the giant squid, pump it full of air to launch yourself across the gap, and then use the air pump on the golden present to pop it open.
- Neighborhood Hero (Peter Parker): This is the final reward. You won't see this present until you’ve collected the other 14 gifts in the level. Once you do, a massive blue box appears in front of the giant Christmas tree. It’s a great "one last thing" moment that feels earned.
The Power-Up Gauntlet
What makes the hunt for Astro Bot Winter Wonder bots so unique is how it cycles through gadgets. Most levels stick to one mechanic. Here? It’s a chaotic remix. One minute you’re using the Monkey Hand to scale a windmill, the next you’re the Sponge soaking up water to grow giant plants, and then suddenly you're a Metal Ball being fired out of a volcano.
It feels like a "best of" reel for the game’s mechanics. If you’re struggling to find a specific gift, look around for a chest you haven't opened yet. Usually, the game provides the exact tool you need within twenty feet of the puzzle.
Don't Miss the Dual Speeder Skins
While everyone focuses on the bots, the Dual Speeder paint jobs in this level are some of the best in the game. The "Jolly Holly" and "Retro Royale" skins are hidden behind cords you need to pull or walls you need to smash using the frog-punching gloves.
Hidden Trophies and Secrets
There are three specific trophies tied to this winter wonderland. The most satisfying one has to be "You’re a Star!"
To get it, you need to reach the absolute tip-top of the giant Christmas tree. It's not just a platforming challenge; you have to use the balloon power-up to hit a specific blue balloon in the air, which gives you an extra vertical boost. The view from the top is incredible—you can see the entire level, and if you slow down time, you’ll notice the snowflakes are actually tiny PlayStation symbols (Circle, X, Square, Triangle).
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Why Some Players Get Frustrated
A common misconception is that this level is a "limited-time event." It’s not. Team Asobi confirmed it's a permanent addition to the game. However, if you're missing one last bot, it's almost always the Wriggley Warmonger (the Worms bot).
He’s hidden inside a house that you can only enter by dropping through the chimney as the metal ball. Most people just run past the house looking for something more "obvious" on the main path. Take your time. Explore the chocolate-brick road. Check behind the igloos.
Actionable Next Steps for Completionists
If you are sitting at 95% and can't find that final gift, here is exactly what to do:
- Check the igloo: There is a secret pit inside one of the early igloos that leads to the helium section.
- Water the plants: Use the sponge power-up to fully saturate the large plant in the garden area; it hides the Retro Royale speeder.
- Listen for the chime: Each golden present emits a faint twinkling sound. If you’re playing with a headset, the spatial audio will lead you right to them.
- Go back to the Crash Site: After you rescue everyone, head back to the hub. The new bots have unique interactions with the environment there that are worth seeing.
Once you’ve cleared the level, make sure to take a photo at the designated spot near the giant tree. It’s the perfect way to cap off the DLC before heading back to hunt for any remaining puzzle pieces in the main galaxies.