Stray Children borrows a familiar idea: nearly every enemy in the game can be redeemed rather than defeated. If you choose the right dialogue options during encounters, their hearts soften, they show their final attack, and you unlock the option to “save” them. This Stray Children Beginner Guide covers how that system works, plus the solutions for each Older discovered so far.
How to Know You’re On the Right Track:
If you see a message implying their heart is opening, you’re using the right approach. When tears show up and they unleash a “special” attack, your next move should be Open Sesame to secure the save.
Before we dive into encounters, learn the key tool that helps with nearly every puzzle:
The Shell System
Every Older has a Shell somewhere in the world. Interacting with it gives a clue about their personality, trauma, or what they need to hear. Always check the Shell before engaging; it’s almost always tied to their solution.
Boss-Specific Rule
Bosses require a specific item from their area to save them. Their item is always obtainable near the arena—often close to the Shell. Bring that item into the fight or discover it first, or you won’t be able to complete the pacifist solution.
LOST FOREST
Crazy Oink
Hint: This creature despises empty politeness. Ditch small talk and avoid agreeing just to agree.
Solution: Say “Big Head” three times consecutively.
Paradise Bird
Hint: Listen to the strange onomatopoeia—it wants to erase its being. Consider “B-E-ing” sounds.
Solution: Use Hoo Hoo → Caw Caw → Chirp Chirp.
Slothbell
Hint: Look for a pattern in option initials. The Shell practically shouts the answer.
Solution: Select options in this exact order: S → L → O → T → H.
Buckbeak
Hint: They only need 200 yenom—not more, not less.
Solution: Offer 100 yenom twice, then finish with Secret Stash.
TUNNEL CASTLE
Uncle Paul (Boss)
Required Item: Family Photo
Hint: His heart broke over something he lost—find a photo before facing him. It unlocks the correct emotional path.
Solution Summary:
- Collect the photo first.
- During dialogue, guide his memories back to Wife and Daughter (unlocked via “Company” and “Train” routes).
- End with Treasure, then when asked where it is, choose Daughter → Wife.
ICE LAKE
The Twistel
Hint: Their entire shtick is contrarian humor. If the audience reacts one way, respond with the opposite.
Solution: If the crowd laughs, say they bombed. If it’s silent, praise them. Repeat until their act reaches its “peak.”
Mr. Snow
Hint: His motto is in the Shell: clear the debt in three ascending payments totaling 420,000.
Solution: Pay 20,000 → 80,000 → 320,000.
White Mage
Hint: Explore the lake—one area has a sign revealing the chant’s correct wording.
Solution: The sequence is Accumy → Accubutt → Accudun → Accudun.
Spartan Knight
Hint: Think of what a sports-obsessed teacher wants to hear from a student.
Solution: Apple → Lunch → Outside → Nobody → Everybody
Spartan Bro
Hint: Baseball terms matter. A “full count” means 3 balls, 2 strikes.
Solution: Choose Ball three times, Strike twice (any order), then Home Run.
CASTLE OF JUDGEMENT
Frappelle
Required Item: Odd Flyer
Hint: There’s a Shakespeare reference hiding here—famous opening lines may help.
Solution: To Be → Not To Be → The Question → Perfect Life → Close Eye
BARFBARF SWAMP
Seahuahua
Hint: The Shell practically spells this out—order is everything.
Solution: Choose sea animals in alphabetical order.
Ribbigger
Hint: You’ll need info from villagers about the national anthem and translate its meaning.
Solution: The anthem is “Wartz Castle – So Good – King Warton – So Good.” Replace “So Good” with “Ribbit”:
Wartz Castle → Ribbit → King Warton → Ribbit
Snapsnap
Hint: You must “attack” verbally. Think insults.
Solution: Use all the harsh/insulting lines such as “you moron,” “you’re stupid,” “you’re a fool.”
The Claw Squad
Hint: They’re unionizing—improve working conditions.
Solution: Pick the fair-treatment, wage boost, and worker-benefit options.
WARTZ CASTLE
Warton XV (Boss)
Required Item: Fruit Knife
Hint: Three individuals, a tragic sequence. Link each person to the correct role.
Solution:
The roles are:
- Kitten = Bianca
- Chef = Rosanna
- Brilliant = Katerina
Follow the order: Bianca → Rosanna → Katerina → Rosanna