If you’ve never played Rayman before, you might be surprised to find out how different the first game is from the rest of the series when you start it in Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition.
The original Rayman is much more difficult than most other platformers, and it limits many of Rayman’s moves until you progress enough in the game. Here’s how you can unlock every power.
Getting all the powers in the PlayStation 1 version of Rayman also earns you the Unstoppable trophy.
### Punching
When you begin playing Rayman, you won’t be able to punch enemies and will need to avoid them. This changes quickly after completing Pink Plant Woods, the first level in the first world, The Dream Forest. After beating it, you’ll unlock the ability to throw your fist by pressing the Square button. Holding the button longer makes your fist fly further. Be aware that some enemies can duck your punches, but you can crouch to avoid their attack and then punch as your fist comes back.
### Ledge Grab
It’s a bit surprising that ledge grabbing is a power at all, but it’s something you don’t have at the start. Luckily, this ability is available early in the first world after beating Anguish Lagoon. Once you have it, you can hang from ledges by jumping at them, which helps in navigating tricky areas.
### Grapple Fist
You might miss this power since it’s tucked away in the early part of the game. To unlock the Grapple Fist, beat the Moskito’s Nest level, which becomes available after completing the Swamps of Forgetfulness. With this, you can throw your fist at special pink and red grapple points to swing across gaps. Note that pink grapple points stay still during the swing, while red ones slowly lower, so you’ll need to jump off quickly before they descend completely.
### Helicopter Hair
Rayman’s signature power is the helicopter hair, which allows him to hover temporarily after jumping. You’ll get to use this power for only a short time in the first game, but once you beat Allegro Presto in Band Land—the second level—you’ll unlock it. This power is crucial for maneuvering through sections that require precise control.
### Sprint
The last power is the ability to sprint, letting you move faster and build up momentum for difficult jumps. Sprinting becomes available late in the game after completing Mr. Stone’s Peaks in Blue Mountains, the third world. Once you beat that level, you can hold down the action button to run and make your way through challenging parts more easily.
Unlocking all these abilities not only helps you reach the end but also unlocks some features like Toons in earlier levels. Be sure to revisit levels with all your powers to discover all the secrets they reveal.
