Venom 2 is the final mission on Star Fox’s hidden route and easily the game’s toughest challenge. The level combines multiple boss encounters, difficult navigation, and an escape sequence into one extended mission. To clear it, you’ll need to defeat Star Wolf, overcome both forms of Andross, and safely escape the collapsing planet.
Here’s the best strategy for each phase of the battle.
Defeating Star Wolf
The mission begins with a rematch against Team Star Wolf. Unlike earlier encounters, this battle is far more aggressive, making movement and positioning just as important as your aim.
Instead of relying on charged shots, use your standard lasers. Star Wolf pilots perform frequent barrel rolls and evasive maneuvers, making charged attacks much harder to land consistently.
At the start of the fight:
- Perform a U-Turn as soon as you gain control.
- Bank left immediately.
- Fire into the group before they spread out.
Getting free damage early makes the encounter much easier.
Know Each Rival Pairing
Every Star Wolf member focuses on a specific Star Fox pilot:
| Star Wolf | Target |
|---|---|
| Wolf | Fox |
| Leon | Falco |
| Andrew | Slippy |
| Pigma | Peppy |
If one of your teammates was defeated earlier in the campaign, their opponent may begin attacking you instead, making the fight considerably harder.
Whenever an enemy gets behind you, use U-Turns, brakes, or sharp turns to shake them off before counterattacking.
Watch the Arena
The battlefield contains several large towers that can quickly drain your health if you collide with them.
Fighting around the outer edge of the arena gives you more room to maneuver while reducing the chance of crashing into obstacles.
As Star Wolf members are defeated, they’ll occasionally drop useful pickups, including:
- Shield Rings
- Gold Rings
Collect them whenever it’s safe to do so.
Take the Best Tunnel Route
After defeating Star Wolf, you’ll enter the tunnels leading to Andross.
Although several paths are available, the most rewarding route is:
Left → Right → Left → Left → Right → Right
Following this route rewards you with:
- 3 Gold Rings
- 2 Laser Upgrades
- 1 Bomb
These upgrades make the upcoming boss battles significantly easier.
How to Beat Andross’ First Form
The first phase features Andross’ familiar mechanical monkey head.
Start by destroying the glowing weak points on each hand while avoiding his sweeping attacks.
When Andross begins inhaling:
- Move toward one of the screen’s corners.
- The suction is weaker there.
- Continue firing whenever possible.
Once both hands are destroyed, Andross alternates between throwing debris and opening his mouth.
This is the ideal time to use your bombs.
Launching bombs directly into his mouth during the inhaling attack deals heavy damage and shortens the fight considerably.
Some pieces of debris can also be destroyed for additional pickups, including extra bombs.
Defeating Andross’ True Form
After the mechanical head is defeated, Andross reveals his true form.
Destroy the Eyes First
The fight begins with two floating eyes orbiting the brain.
Stay mobile while tracking them with banked turns, and avoid the red laser trails they leave behind.
Once both eyes are destroyed, the brain becomes vulnerable.
Attack the Weak Points
The brain’s weak spots are the yellow patches on its back.
You’ll need to circle behind Andross repeatedly to hit them, making positioning more important than raw firepower.
The largest danger isn’t Andross’ attacks—it’s the long tendrils hanging beneath the brain.
Touching them causes massive damage and can quickly end the fight.
To stay safe:
- Fly around the outside of the arena.
- Watch your radar to track Andross’ position.
- Avoid cutting too close while chasing the weak points.
Patience is key during this phase.
Escaping Venom
Once Andross is defeated, Venom begins collapsing.
To escape, simply follow James McCloud’s Arwing through the tunnel network.
Stay close behind him and use Boost whenever necessary to keep pace.
The greatest threat during this sequence is taking a wrong turn, so focus on following James rather than trying to fly ahead.
Tips for Beating Venom 2
A few key strategies make the mission much more manageable:
- Use regular lasers against Star Wolf instead of charged shots.
- Keep your teammates alive to avoid multiple enemies targeting Fox.
- Take the optimal tunnel route for valuable upgrades.
- Save bombs for Andross’ inhaling attack.
- Stay behind the brain during the final phase and avoid its tendrils.
- Follow James McCloud closely during the escape.
Venom 2 is designed to test everything you’ve learned throughout Star Fox, from aerial combat and resource management to boss mechanics and navigation. With careful flying, smart use of your weapons, and patience during the Andross fight, you’ll clear the game’s toughest mission and complete the hidden ending.
