Star Fox Switch 2 Guide: Conquering All 192 Challenge Mode Objectives

Quick Answer: To survive Challenge Mode, exploit the instant-save system by quitting out the second you clear an objective. Do not try to complete multiple conflicting tasks in one run, remap your controller for a maximum fire rate, and keep your Arwing completely clear of obstacles on Expert difficulty, as a single scratch will shatter your wings.

The main campaign of Star Fox on the Switch 2 is an incredible test of reflexes, but the true meat of the game unlocks right after the credits roll. Challenge Mode drops 192 brutal, entirely optional missions directly into your lap. Spanning all 16 planets and sectors, these tasks range from basic hit-count milestones to utterly masochistic Expert requirements.

If you are aiming for 100% completion, prepare to spend dozens of hours here. Let us break down the exact mechanics, the best survival strategies, and the complete list of what you need to do.

How Challenge Mode Actually Works

This mode operates completely independently of your standard story runs. You cannot attempt a level’s challenges until you have organically unlocked that specific stage through the main campaign’s branching map.

Every single stage features exactly 12 tasks: six Normal requirements and six Expert ones. The game forces you to finish all six Normal objectives before you can attempt the Expert tier. Luckily, you can peek at the Expert list ahead of time, which is great for mentally preparing yourself. Keep in mind that earning campaign medals is a completely separate grind.

If you are still struggling with the basics of keeping your ship intact during standard runs, you should absolutely check out our beginner’s guide to surviving the Lylat System before tackling these advanced objectives.

Checkpoints, Saves, and Rewards

Challenge Mode is punishing, but it offers one massive loophole: your progress saves the exact millisecond a completion checkbox pops up on your screen. You do not need to finish the level. Finish the task, quit to the menu, and keep your completion.

Conversely, standard checkpoints do not exist here. If an objective’s checkbox turns gray because you missed a requirement or took damage, pause and restart immediately. Pushing forward is a complete waste of time because failing means you have to start the entire run from scratch.

Beating these grueling tasks rewards you with exclusive cosmetics. While Star Fox and Star Wolf are unlocked by default, clearing these missions will earn you classic Character Avatars and AR Accessories for the console’s Game Chat camera integration. You will also slowly unlock 61 distinct backgrounds and 79 unique emblems for your online Battle Mode banner.

Expert Survival Tactics

The Expert tier is going to test your absolute patience. You need to tweak your playstyle and your hardware setup if you want to clear the hardest sectors.

Boost Your Fire Rate

A huge chunk of the hardest missions revolve around hitting massive score targets. Your thumb alone will not cut it. If you own a Switch 2 Pro Controller, you can game the system. Dive into the console’s controller configuration menu and map your two rear paddles to your primary fire button (A). This lets you drum your fingers across three different inputs, transforming your Arwing into a rapid-fire gatling gun. This setup is practically mandatory for surviving dense enemy waves on Area 6.

Arwing and Wingman Management

On Expert difficulty, grazing a wall or bumping an asteroid instantly shatters a wing. When your Arwing is damaged, it drifts horribly and ruins any chance you have at precision shooting. Furthermore, your next weapon upgrade drop will automatically convert into a wing repair kit, robbing you of crucial firepower. Prioritize clean flying over risky maneuvers.

Your squadmates also love to fly directly into your line of fire, and several Expert missions explicitly forbid you from damaging them. Instead of spamming your lasers indiscriminately, rely on charged shots. Lock onto an enemy ship to catch a group in the splash damage without accidentally clipping Peppy or Slippy.

The Complete Challenge Mode List

Below is the full breakdown of every task waiting for you across the Lylat System. Do yourself a favor: tackle conflicting objectives on separate runs to save your sanity.

Corneria

Meteo

Sector Y

Aquas

Katina

Fichina

Zoness

Solar

Sector X

Sector Z

Macbeth

Titania

Area 6

Bolse

Venom

Venom 2

For more tips, walkthroughs, and everything else covering the game, check out our full collection of guides.