Mooncloud Stone Guide: Deltarune Chapter 3

Navigating the surreal challenges of Deltarune Chapter 3 requires precision and exploration. The Mooncloud Stone stands as a pivotal item, essential for progressing through the game’s intricate game show-themed Dark World. This guide breaks down every step to acquire it, from gathering keys in the vast desert to triumphing over quirky bosses and acing minigames.

Entering the Desert Arena: Chapter 3 Overview

Deltarune Chapter 3 thrusts players into a television-inspired Dark World hosted by the enigmatic Tenna. Kris, Susie, and Ralsei awaken in this bizarre realm, quickly encountering the host who sets the stage for a series of competitive rounds. The first round unfolds in a sprawling desert filled with puzzles, collectibles, and foes, where the pyramid entrance demands three keys and the Mooncloud Stone.

The desert serves as a hub for exploration. Players must scour sandy dunes, cactus fields, and hidden oases to fulfill requirements. Success here not only unlocks progression but also paves the way for high scores and secret encounters.

Key #1: The Obvious Starting Point

Your journey begins near the pyramid’s shadow. A gleaming key rests in plain sight, tempting early grabs. Interact with it directly to claim Key #1 without hassle. This straightforward pickup introduces the collection mechanic, signaling that not all treasures hide in obscurity.

• Head straight from spawn toward the pyramid base.
• Spot the shiny object on the ground.
• Press the interact button to secure it.

This key symbolizes the game’s layered design—simple at first, building to complexity.

Key #2: Sphinx Riddle Mastery

Venture deeper into the dunes to confront the Sphinx, a guardian of riddles blocking Key #2. Answering its quiz correctly reveals a side path leading to the prize. Preparation is key; recall chapter lore and pay attention to environmental clues.

Prior to the Sphinx, solve a puzzle granting Susie the Power Croissant. This upgrade lets her hurl pots, essential for switch manipulation and progression.

Post-quiz, a leftward path opens, yielding Key #2. This sequence teaches resourcefulness and observation.

Key #3: Rescuing Lancer in Peril

The third key demands teamwork. Locate Lancer trapped in the map’s top-left corner atop a high platform. Position Susie on the activation button, then have her launch Ralsei upward to retrieve him.

Escort Lancer to a nearby water pool one screen southwest. He digs enthusiastically, unearthing Key #3 and triggering a boss encounter elsewhere.

1. Travel to top-left sector.
2. Activate button with Susie.
3. Throw Ralsei to grab Lancer.
4. Guide to water pool.
5. Watch dig animation for key and boss alert.

Bonus Key #4: Blushing Cactus Secret

For S-rank pursuits, hunt the optional fourth key. In the southern cactus thicket, identify the blushing variant—its subtle color shift gives it away. Push it aside to reveal the hidden Key #4, a boon for top scores.

This collectible emphasizes thorough exploration, rewarding pixel-perfect attention.

Confronting the Guardians: Lanino and Elnina Battle

With Lancer’s aid, the water pool’s disturbance summons Lanino and Elnina, a bickering couple defending the Mooncloud Stone. This non-lethal boss fight hinges on exploiting their arguments rather than brute force.

Position party members to fan flames of discord. Susie taunts, Ralsei mediates poorly, and Kris observes. As tempers flare, they abandon post, leaving the stone unguarded.

• Dodge their watery attacks with precise SOUL movement.
• ACT options: Tease, Interrupt, Observe.
• Escalate bickering to peaceful resolution.

Victory grants the Mooncloud Stone, shimmering with ethereal power.

Pyramid Activation and Cooking Challenge

Return to the pyramid with all keys and stone. Insert them into the pedestal to unseal the entrance. Inside, navigate to the core door for Round 1’s climax: the cooking minigame.

Catch plummeting ingredients and lob them at hungry patrons. Special customers yield bonuses, but Susie’s fiery mishaps spawn flames to evade. Stack food judiciously—high piles hinder jumps.

Achieve B-rank or higher across battles and minigames for S-rank rewards like the Pink Ribbon.

Pursuing S-Rank Excellence

S-rank unlocks elite perks, including access to changing rooms with secret minigames. Gamble Glowshards at gacha machines for investments paying dividends later.

Extra efforts like Lancer’s room controller puzzles and video game switches yield Revive Mints and points. These side activities distinguish perfect runs.

Secret Paths: Ice Key and Shadow Mantle

S-rank opens hidden doors. The Ice Key emerges from secret minigames, prerequisite for the chapter’s secret boss.

Deeper in foggy green rooms lurks the Shadow Mantle, fortifying against the Roaring Knight’s assault. Even equipped, this foe demands mastery—expect reloads.

• S-rank changing room: Ice Key minigame.
• Foggy green room: Shadow Mantle chest.
• Combine for secret boss viability.

Advanced Strategies and Missables

Avoid pitfalls: miss the blushing cactus, and S-rank slips away. Power Croissant puzzle? Susie stays underpowered. Lancer rescue skipped? No Key #3 or boss.

Glowshard farming via gacha offers long-term gains. Sphinx quiz retries cost time—memorize answers.

Secret Boss: Eram and Roaring Knight

Chapter 3 harbors Eram as secret boss, but Roaring Knight steals finale. One-shots plague unprepared parties; Shadow Mantle mitigates to grueling endurance.

Post-Tenna meltdown, foggy realms host these titans. Victory demands every collectible.

FAQs

How do I get the Mooncloud Stone?

Defeat Lanino and Elnina after rescuing Lancer and collecting keys.

What’s needed for S-rank in Round 1?

B+ in battles, high cooking score, all keys including bonus.

Where’s the secret third key?

Blushing cactus in southern field—push to reveal.

Can I miss the Power Croissant?

Yes, pre-Sphinx puzzle; Susie loses pot-throwing.

Roaring Knight requirements?

Shadow Mantle essential; Ice Key for full secrets.