Crash Bandicoot 4: 10 Hardest Levels Ranked

One of the biggest gripes that people have with Crash Bandicoot 4 is the hidden box placement. Another one of the biggest gripes that people have with Crash Bandicoot 4 is that the gameplay mechanics sometimes don't work how they're intended to.

With that in mind...Off Balance.

Off Balance is a long gauntlet of a stage that introduces the player to the concept of the wall run, which is used in nearly every subsequent level in the game. The beginning of the level is something of a callback to Crash 1's infamous level, Slippery Climb, as you traverse upward across rapidly-recoiling platforms.

As you proceed, you'll utilize Akano to make some very long jumps, oftentimes dodging fire and/or avoiding collapsing platforms along the way. Later on in the stage is a secret section, which is a cruel cavalcade of expertly-placed enemies and Nitro crates, along with wind that will push you into them as you use Akano to bound to each section and some very-difficult-to-dodge fire at the ending jump.

In the final sections of the level, the wall run will often just stop working as you attempt to spin boxes at the same time. Meanwhile, on the platforms in-between lie some of the most sinister hidden boxes in the game, hidden way above your sightline on two separate occasions.

So, if you're missing two boxes in this level, those are probably the ones.