Important Notes

Important Notes

General Warnings & Pitfalls

• No manual saves during sequences: Stray relies on autosave checkpoints. You can manually save only by sleeping at designated beds (indicated by a cat bed icon). Always sleep before quitting to ensure progress is saved.


• Falling off high ledges: Your cat character will automatically right itself and land safely nearby, but the game will reset you to the last stable ground. No damage, but you may lose headway. Avoid unnecessary falls to prevent frustration.


• Zurks kill quickly: These small creatures swarm and drain health rapidly. Always stay in illuminated areas (Zurks flee from light) or use the UV flashlight (obtained later) to push them back. If you hear their screech, run to light.


• Sentinels (guard robots) are lethal: In later chapters, patrol robots will spot you and shoot. If you are in their cone of view, you die instantly. Use stealth, cover, and distractions (throw objects or meow) to pass unnoticed.


• No backtracking to previous chapters: The story is linear; once you move from one area to the next (e.g., from The Slums to Antvillage), you cannot return. All collectibles and optional interactions in a chapter must be completed before leaving. The only way to revisit is via Chapter Select after finishing the game.

Irreversible Choices & Missable Content

Stray has no branching story choices, but many actions and collectibles are missable if you progress too far. The following are key missable elements:

#### Missable Collectibles by Category

All of these are permanently missable if you leave the chapter without collecting them.

#### Missable Actions for "Cat's Out of the Bag" Trophy

This trophy requires performing specific actions in every chapter during a single playthrough (or via Chapter Select after finishing, but a fresh run is recommended for safety):

• Scratch every designated surface (walls, carpets, etc.)—indicated by a small scratch log or icon.


• Knock over all stacks of cans, paint buckets, or books—objects that glow or wobble when near.


• Meow at NPCs who react (at least 9 different NPCs throughout the game).


• Sleep in every unique bed (each chapter has one or more beds; use them at least once).


If you miss any of these, you will need to replay the game or use Chapter Select. Note that Chapter Select may not retroactively count some actions for this trophy—check guides and do it all in one run to be safe.

#### Other Missable Interactions

• "A Little Chatty": Meow at 9 specific NPCs. Missable if you don't meow before leaving their area.


• "Can't Cat-ch Me": Complete the game without being caught by a Sentinel (robot guard). If you are caught, reload your last manual save before the encounter (checkpoints may not erase the capture), or restart the chapter.


• "I am a Cat": Complete the game. Not missable.


• "Sneakit": Complete a specific stealth section without being seen. Missable if detected; reload checkpoint or restart chapter.




Difficulty Spikes



The game is generally gentle, but three sections challenge players:

1. The Sewer Chapter: When you first encounter Zurks without UV light. You must rely on light sources and quick reflexes to avoid swarms. If stuck, memorize the path to each light zone.
2. The Antvillage Sentinels: Stealth section with multiple patrol robots. Use the distraction mechanic (throw objects or meow) and observe patrol patterns. Move only when their backs are turned.
3. The Final Escape: A frantic chase sequence with a giant Zurk monster. Requires quick platforming and precise jumps. If you fail, the checkpoint resets you at the start of the escape. Watch for environmental cues (glowing paths) and don't panic.



Grinding & Economy



There is no grinding in Stray. You cannot level up or upgrade abilities. The only resources are Energy Drinks (health) and Music Sheets (for optional guitar performance). Neither is required for story completion. There is no punishment for ignoring them. However, you may want all for achievements/trophies. No trading or economy.



Online & Anti-Cheat



Stray is a single-player offline game with no online features, leaderboards, or multiplayer. Therefore:

• No anti-cheat measures.


• No online etiquette required.


• You cannot encounter other players or griefing.




Save Management




• Autosave: The game saves progress automatically at key checkpoints (e.g., after completing a puzzle, entering a new area, or reaching a bed). You will see a spinning save icon.


• Manual Save: You can manually save by sleeping at any bed. Beds are marked with a small cat bed icon on the environment. Always sleep before quitting to ensure your last actions are saved.


• Single Save Slot: The game uses one save file that overwrites each time. To preserve a specific state (e.g., before a missable collectible), you must manually back up the save file on PC. The save file location on Windows is: `%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Hk_project\Saved\SaveGames\`. Copy the `SaveGame_X.sav` file to a safe location. On consoles, only one save file exists; you cannot revert.


• Chapter Select: After completing the game once, you can replay any chapter from the menu. This allows you to mop up missed collectibles and actions without starting over. However, some actions for trophies may require a fresh playthrough if not done originally. Check guides.




Things Players Commonly Regret Not Knowing




• You can meow at any time by pressing the corresponding button (default: N on keyboard, Triangle on PlayStation, Y on Xbox). Meowing can distract enemies, get NPC attention, and—most importantly—is required for the "A Little Chatty" trophy (meow at 9 specific NPCs).


• You can scratch walls and carpets by pressing the action button near scratchable surfaces. This is part of the "Cat's Out of the Bag" trophy and also adds flavor.


• You can knock over objects: carefully push stacks of cans, books, or paint buckets. Same trophy requirement.


• Your cat never takes fall damage; you can drop from great heights without dying. Use this to escape from pursuers quickly.


• You can wear a hoodie: In the Antvillage, you can obtain a small backpack/hoodie cosmetic. It's optional but cute.


• The Music Sheets are for the guitar in the bar: Once you collect a sheet, take it to Morusque (the musician robot in The Slums bar) and he will play the song. This unlocks a memory for each sheet. All sheets are missable.


• You can sit in specific spots and sleep for immersion; no gameplay impact, but it can trigger relaxation moments.


• The game is short (5–8 hours), so don't rush. Explore every nook and cranny before moving on.


• If you die, you respawn at the last checkpoint with no penalty other than lost time. There is no lives system.


• The "Can't Cat-ch Me" achievement/trophy requires completing the game without ever being caught by a Sentinel (robot guard). If you are caught, immediately reload a manual save from before the encounter—checkpoints may not undo the catch. This is easier with a second playthrough using Chapter Select, but you must avoid all Sentinels from the start.

By keeping these notes in mind, you can avoid frustration, collect everything, and enjoy the full experience of Stray without regret.