Relics
The golden proof of speed that unlocks the path to N. Tropy in *Warped*.
Relics are a specific class of collectible hourglasses introduced in *Crash Bandicoot: Warped*. Distinct from the mystical Masks, Crystals, or Gems found throughout the series, Relics serve as the primary reward for mastering Time Trials. By collecting these golden and silver hourglasses, players prove their speed and skill; unlike Gems and Crystals, they do not generally unlock secret areas but instead act as a tiered completion metric.
- Classification
- Time Trial Reward / Hourglass
- Origin
- Crash Bandicoot: Warped (Levels across various historical time periods)
- Primary Users
- Crash Bandicoot, Coco Bandicoot
- Function
- Reward for completing Time Trials; unlocks N. Tropy's Boss Fight when all Gold Relics are collected
- Status
- Collected by the Player
Lore & Background
In *Warped*, Relics are not ancient magical totems used for reality manipulation, but rather specific items placed within levels set across various historical time periods to challenge players' speed. While Dr. Neo Cortex and N. Tropy seek Crystals to power their Time Twister machine and alter history, the Relics themselves serve a different purpose: they act as a gauge of player mastery. Collecting them allows Crash or Coco to prove their dominance over time. Crucially, collecting all Gold Relics unlocks access to N. Tropy's Boss Fight and Temple, rather than serving as keys for generic secret levels.
In Their Own Story
The dust of the ancient temple settled around Crash's paws as he reached for the glowing stone embedded in the wall. It hummed with a low vibration that rattled his teeth, pulsing in time with the heartbeat of the island behind him. He hesitated; Aku Aku warned that this was no ordinary treasure. With a deep breath and a determined grin, Crash grabbed the artifact. The room flared with blue light, and for a split second, the walls dissolved into swirling stars before snapping back to stone.
Reader's Guide
Relics function as high-energy conduits within the game world, often requiring specific environmental conditions or character abilities to activate safely. In gameplay terms, these artifacts usually appear as collectibles that unlock new areas, provide temporary power-ups, or serve as currency for upgrades. They are rarely wielded directly by Crash in combat but instead act as objectives that drive the narrative forward. Villains typically utilize Relics to construct machinery or open gateways to other dimensions. Heroes must recover them to prevent catastrophic misuse. Handling a Relic without protection can be dangerous, often requiring the aid of a spirit mask like Aku Aku to stabilize its chaotic energy output.
Did You Know?
- Relics are exclusively hourglass-shaped items found in *Crash Bandicoot: Warped*, distinct from the game's Masks, Gems, or Crystals.
- N. Tropy does not use Relics to fuel the Time Twister; that machine is powered by the collection of Crystals and Gems required for plot progression.
- Collecting all Gold Relics unlocks N. Tropy's Boss Fight/Temple, while Silver Relics serve only as a lower-tier completion reward without unlocking alternative paths or secret stages.
- The power or availability of Relics is not influenced by lunar phases or external environmental factors; they are static objectives based on player performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are Relics in Crash Bandicoot?
Relics are collectible hourglasses introduced in Warped that serve as rewards for mastering Time Trials. Unlike other items, they do not open secret areas but instead measure a player's speed and skill.
How do players earn Relics during gameplay?
You obtain these golden or silver trophies by completing level time trials faster than the required target times. Both Crash and Coco are capable of collecting them throughout the game.
What happens after you collect all Gold Relics?
Gathering every gold hourglass is the mandatory requirement to unlock the final boss fight against N. Tropy. This collection step ensures access to the game's true ending sequence.
Are Relics considered the same as Gems or Masks?
No, they are a distinct classification separate from Mystic Masks, Crystals, and Gems found across the series. While those items often unlock hidden paths, Relics act purely as a completion metric for speed.
Why is collecting Relics important for fans?
They represent proof of mastery over the game's tracks and are essential for 100% completion. Without them, players cannot progress past certain story gates in Warped.