Kirby and the Forgotten Land delivers a delightful platforming adventure filled with creative abilities and hidden challenges. One standout mission in the Natural Plains world, specifically the Through the Tunnel stage, tasks players with removing a wanted poster featuring Kirby himself. This guide dives deep into the level’s layout, ability usage, and strategies to complete this objective seamlessly, ensuring you rescue the associated Waddle Dee and progress toward full completion.
Understanding the Through the Tunnel Stage
The Through the Tunnel is the second level in Natural Plains, introducing players to darker, more exploratory environments within an abandoned maintenance tunnel. Here, Kirby gains access to the Fire Copy Ability early on, which becomes crucial for lighting paths, activating switches, and combating enemies. As you navigate conveyor belts, pitfalls, and enemy ambushes, the stage builds toward outdoor sections with scaffolding and elevated platforms.
This level emphasizes Kirby’s versatile Mouthful Mode, where he inhales large objects to transform into powerful forms. The Stairs Mouth transformation is pivotal, allowing Kirby to inhale a staircase-shaped scaffolding and use it to climb high areas or crush foes below. Missions like removing the wanted poster integrate these mechanics, rewarding exploration and precise platforming.
- Key stage features: Fire torches for ability acquisition, bomb blocks for secret paths, and multiple Waddle Dee cages.
- Mission count: Several hidden objectives, including lantern lighting and secret room access.
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly with room for mastery in later playthroughs.
Locating the Wanted Poster Precisely
Progress through the tunnel’s indoor sections by using Fire Kirby to melt ice blocks and ignite lanterns. After emerging outdoors, you’ll encounter the scaffolding near a series of barricades and platforms. The wanted poster appears high on a wall, marked by Kirby’s face with a purple ‘X’ slashed across it—a cheeky nod to the Beast Pack’s pursuit.
This spot comes shortly after the second capsule collection point. Continue forward with Stairs Mouth active, passing bomb-equipped platforms. The poster is elevated, out of standard jump reach, demanding creative positioning.
| Landmark | Approximate Position | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel Exit | Early outdoor area | Inhale scaffolding |
| Second Capsule | Mid-section platform | Bomb detonation prep |
| Wanted Poster Wall | Late section barricade | Stairs placement and climb |
Step-by-Step: Using Stairs Mouth to Reach the Target
- Inhale the Scaffolding: Spot the staircase-like metal structure post-tunnel. Hold the inhale button to swallow it whole, transforming into Stairs Mouth. This form lets Kirby roll forward while maintaining climbable steps on his back.
- Navigate to the Wall: Maneuver through enemies and gaps, using the stairs to flatten obstacles or access high ledges. Approach the barricade directly below the poster.
- Position and Spit: Align Stairs Mouth against the wall so the steps reach the poster’s height. Press and hold the spit button (Y on Switch) to eject the scaffolding, creating a stable ladder.
- Ascend Safely: Climb the newly placed stairs, dodging any nearby threats like patrolling foes.
This method ensures reliable access without relying on precise timing, making it ideal for all skill levels.
Destruction Methods: Fire, Volcano, or Air Puff?
Once atop the scaffolding, multiple options exist to obliterate the poster, catering to different ability loadouts.
- Fire Ability (Recommended): Equip Fire or its upgrade, Volcano Fire, from nearby torches. Aim and unleash a flame stream directly at the poster. It burns away instantly, completing the mission.
- Air Puff Technique: No ability needed—double-jump to hover (A button twice), then face the poster and press B to exhale a gust. Adjust descent for alignment; repeat if the first shot misses.
- Alternative Attacks: Sword swings or ranged projectiles work if equipped, though fire is most efficient here.
Fire stands out for its range and speed, especially in Wild Mode runs where precision matters more.
Troubleshooting Common Pitfalls
Players often miss the poster due to its camouflage against the wall or rush past without inhaling the scaffolding. If Stairs Mouth wears off, re-inhale nearby structures. Hover attacks demand practice for horizontal alignment—practice in safe zones first.
In co-op, Bandana Waddle Dee can assist with ranged fire, but solo players benefit most from ability swaps. Reload checkpoints if positioning fails, as the stage autosaves frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the Fire ability?
Use the double-jump hover into B-button air puff. It’s ability-agnostic and reliable with positioning.
Does removing the poster unlock anything else?
It frees one Waddle Dee and contributes to 100% stage completion, potentially revealing extras in post-game.
Where exactly is the scaffolding?
Immediately after tunnel exit, on the right side amid initial outdoor platforms.
Can I do this in Wild Mode?
Yes, but health management is key—stock up on stars beforehand.
How many missions are in Through the Tunnel?
Clear the remaining Waddle Dees by lighting lanterns, bombing secrets, and this poster removal.
Broader Context: Missions and Collectibles Synergy
The wanted poster ties into Through the Tunnel’s seven Waddle Dee rescues. Pair it with lighting all lanterns using Fire, accessing the secret room via bomb blocks, and collecting capsules. Full completion yields stars for upgrades and unlocks tougher challenges.
Explore side paths: One hidden area requires Stairs Mouth to crush a ceiling switch, dropping a cage. Another involves precise fire aiming at distant fuses. Mastering these elevates your Kirby skills for later worlds like Everbay Coast.
Advanced Tips for Speedrunners and Completionists
For speedruns, chain Stairs Mouth usage without spitting prematurely—roll directly under the wall, spit upward for minimal climb time. Air puff conserves ability swaps. In Extra Mode, posters respawn tougher; use Tornado for crowd control nearby.
- Optimal route: Fire acquisition → Lanterns → Stairs → Poster → Final cage.
- Frame-perfect hover: Practice descent timing for one-shot removal.
- Co-op synergy: One player holds stairs, the other attacks.
Through the Tunnel exemplifies Kirby’s evolution—simple inputs yield creative solutions, blending nostalgia with innovation.
Why This Mission Matters in the Game’s Narrative
The Beast Pack’s wanted posters humorously underscore Kirby’s accidental heroism amid the invasion. Removing them symbolizes clearing his name, aligning with Waddle Dee rescues that rebuild Popstar’s displaced inhabitants. It’s a lighthearted motif recurring across Forgotten Land, enhancing immersion.
Post-removal, watch for animations confirming success—a puff of smoke and mission tick. This fuels motivation for the game’s 200+ hidden objectives.
References
- Through the Tunnel – WiKirby — WiKirby. 2022-04-01. https://wikirby.com/wiki/Through_the_Tunnel
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Through the Tunnel – Waddle Dee … — GameRant. 2022-03-25. https://gamerant.com/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-through-the-tunnel-waddle-dees-lanterns-secret-room-wanted-poster/
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land Through the Tunnel: How to Remove … — SuperParent. 2022-03-28. https://www.superparent.com/kirby-and-the-forgotten-land-through-the-tunnel-how-to-remove-the-wanted-poster/
- Remove The Wanted Poster Quest Guide – Through the Tunnel — YouTube (Helpful Elfilin). 2022-03-26.

