Unlocking all the characters in The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game requires dedication and a multifaceted approach, blending story progression with diligent exploration and resource collection. Mastery of the Ninjago skills, coupled with strategic spending of earned studs, is key to assembling the ultimate roster. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to achieve that goal.
The Core Principles of Character Unlocking
Unlocking characters in The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game revolves around three primary methods:
- Story Progression: Many essential characters are unlocked automatically as you progress through the main story missions. These are generally the main Ninja and key allies.
- Stud Spending: The game utilizes studs, the LEGO currency, to unlock characters purchased from the in-game store. You’ll find character tokens in hub areas and missions. Collecting these tokens reveals the character in the character selection menu, after which you can purchase them using studs.
- Open World Exploration & Challenges: Hidden within the open world environments are character tokens accessible only by completing specific challenges, solving puzzles, or utilizing particular ninja abilities. This demands thorough exploration of each area.
Understanding these core principles is fundamental to efficiently unlocking every character. Combining these methods will ensure you build your roster quickly and effectively.
Mastering the Art of Stud Acquisition
Studs are the lifeblood of character acquisition in this game. Accumulating a vast fortune allows you to instantly unlock any character whose token you’ve discovered. Here are strategies to maximize your stud gains:
- Activate Stud Multipliers: These are Red Bricks scattered throughout the game. Once found and purchased (using gold bricks!), they drastically increase the value of studs you collect. Prioritize unlocking these as early as possible. Aim for the x2, x4, x6, x8, and x10 stud multipliers for maximum impact.
- Smash Everything: LEGO games reward destruction! Break every object you see; nearly all will yield studs. Be particularly vigilant for destructible objects hidden in corners or behind other structures.
- Complete Side Missions: These missions, available in the open world hub areas, often provide substantial stud rewards upon completion. They also often unlock gold bricks which are necessary to purchase red brick bonuses.
- True Ninja Rank: Achieve “True Ninja” status in each story level. This requires collecting a certain amount of studs within the level, rewarding you with extra studs upon completion. Aim for efficient runs that maximize your stud intake.
- Utilize Character Powers Effectively: Certain characters have abilities that can destroy multiple objects at once. Use them strategically to clear areas quickly and efficiently. Lloyd’s Spinjitzu is particularly useful for this.
The Ninja Skills: Your Keys to Hidden Areas
Mastering the unique ninja skills is vital for reaching character tokens hidden within the game’s environments. Each ninja possesses a signature ability necessary for solving puzzles and accessing previously inaccessible areas.
- Cole’s Super Strength: Allows him to interact with orange handles and move heavy objects.
- Kai’s Spinjitzu and Fire: Can melt gold LEGO bricks and ignite certain objects.
- Jay’s Electricity: Powers up electrical panels and activates mechanisms.
- Zane’s Ice: Freezes water and creates ice platforms.
- Lloyd’s Spinjitzu: Destroys cracked LEGO objects and performs special Spinjitzu maneuvers.
- Nya’s Water: Can douse fires and activate water-based mechanisms.
Experiment with each ninja’s abilities to discover new pathways and hidden collectibles. Pay close attention to environmental cues that indicate which ninja skill is required.
Detailed Exploration of the Open World Hubs
The open world hubs are treasure troves of character tokens. Explore each location meticulously, utilizing the following tips:
- Use the Mini-Map: The mini-map displays the location of collectibles and objectives. Use it to navigate efficiently and identify areas you haven’t explored yet.
- Listen for Sounds: Character tokens often emit a subtle twinkling sound when nearby. Listen carefully as you explore to help you locate them.
- Check High and Low: Don’t just focus on ground level. Many character tokens are hidden on rooftops, ledges, or in underwater areas. Use your ninja skills to reach these out-of-reach locations.
- Complete Races: Many hub areas feature races that, upon completion, reward you with character tokens or gold bricks.
- Solve Puzzles: Keep an eye out for environmental puzzles. Solving these puzzles often reveals hidden character tokens.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
FAQ 1: Which characters are unlocked automatically through the story?
The main Ninja team (Lloyd, Kai, Jay, Cole, Zane, Nya, and Master Wu) are predominantly unlocked as you progress through the story mode. Characters like Garmadon are also unlocked through the main narrative but in a controlled manner.
FAQ 2: How do I find character tokens in the open world?
Character tokens are typically found in hidden areas, behind puzzles, or as rewards for completing challenges. The mini-map can help, and listening for a distinct twinkle is useful. Exploration is key!
FAQ 3: What is the fastest way to earn studs?
Unlocking and activating the stud multipliers is by far the fastest way to earn studs. Focus on acquiring these early in the game. Playing levels in free play after obtaining multipliers will also vastly increase stud gains.
FAQ 4: What is the purpose of Red Bricks?
Red Bricks unlock various bonus features, including the crucial stud multipliers. They are hidden throughout the game and require gold bricks to purchase once found. Gold Bricks are earned through completing challenges and story missions.
FAQ 5: Can I unlock characters in any order?
Yes, you can unlock characters in any order, provided you have the studs to purchase them after finding their token. Story-related unlocks are, of course, sequential.
FAQ 6: Are there any characters that are particularly difficult to unlock?
Some characters require specific ninja skills or completion of challenging puzzles. Characters locked behind challenging races can also be difficult to obtain.
FAQ 7: What happens if I miss a character token during a story level?
You can replay any story level in Free Play mode, allowing you to use any character and access areas you couldn’t reach during the initial playthrough.
FAQ 8: Do DLC characters exist for this game, and if so, how are they unlocked?
No, The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game does not have any DLC characters. All characters are unlockable within the base game itself.
FAQ 9: What are Gold Bricks used for?
Gold Bricks are used to purchase Red Bricks (including stud multipliers) and unlock specific areas within the game. They are acquired by completing story missions, rescue missions, and challenges in the open-world hubs.
FAQ 10: Can I unlock characters using cheat codes?
No, The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game does not feature cheat codes for unlocking characters. All characters must be unlocked through legitimate gameplay.
FAQ 11: Does the difficulty setting affect character unlocking?
No, the difficulty setting does not impact character unlocking. However, playing on higher difficulties might indirectly affect your stud earning potential if you struggle to achieve “True Ninja” status.
FAQ 12: How do I know if I’ve found all the character tokens in an area?
The game provides a completion percentage for each area. Check the map screen to see your progress and identify areas where you still need to find collectibles, including character tokens. Pay close attention to the map legend as well as some symbols appear only when you are in close proximity to the object or token.
Concluding Thoughts: Embrace the Ninja Way
Unlocking all the characters in The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game is a rewarding journey that encourages exploration, problem-solving, and mastery of the game’s mechanics. By following the strategies outlined in this guide and diligently exploring every nook and cranny of the Ninjago world, you’ll assemble the ultimate roster and experience the full potential of this brick-built adventure. Remember to prioritize stud multipliers, master the ninja skills, and explore every location thoroughly. Embrace the Ninja way, and you’ll unlock every character in no time!