I still vividly remember that profound moment of revelation shortly after being separated from my robotic guardian. Alone in the darkened slums, surrounded by lifeless relics of the past, I stumbled upon a fading blue box emitting a familiar hum. My excitement and confusion grew as I drew near and the vibrant glow intensified, beckoning me to inspect further. This was my first encounter with one of Stray‘s mysterious vending machines.
Over the next several hours spent traversing the abandoned city I came to realize finding these machines marked more than just discovering a needed replenishing drink. They represented integral milestones for exploration and progression tied to unlocking new zones. My early success locating additional vending machines filled me with pride and furthered my wanderlust. However, pinpointing the fourth and final energy-dispensing box developed into a relentless obsession.
Little did I know the grand journey that awaited me, one that would take this lost kitty to breathtaking heights and desperate lows. Join me on my life-affirming quest seeking out Stray‘s precious vending machines!
A Deep Dive on These Prevalent Dispensers
Before setting out to uncover their locations, first let‘s examine the background and purpose of these vending machines more closely. Even in our present reality, the ubiquitous boxes continue providing automated convenience for quick consumption. Placed strategically in schools, offices, and other public spaces, the glowing displays promise refreshment for only pocket change.
In Stray, the importance of vending machines intensifies exponentially due to their isolation and what they provide. Namely, energy drinks to restore your stamina meter for sprinting and extended play. Their prominent positioning throughout city zones suggests they served as public utilities before the fall. Now ignored and running low on supply, interaction is limited to the occasional passing robot or daring cat.
Visually, vending machines stand out thanks to bright neon paneling sharply contrasting the subdued, rain-soaked environments. Variants exist sporting either cool blue or fiery red accent colors – though they output identical canned beverages. Upon approach, vibrant lighting around the display activates, indicating it‘s ready for interaction.
According to my explorer‘s map, exactly 4 working vending machines remained scattered across the open world. Their locations shift and expand along with the story, providing extra incentive to push forward. My journey documenting each machine remains relevant however for new players just discovering Stray‘s dystopian future.
So whether you‘re jonesing for your next platforming fix or simply parched, finding these fizzy oases amidst the concrete jungle proves essential. Let‘s dive right into locating the first vending machine starting from the initial spawn point.
Locating The First Machine
With your guardian‘s comforting words still echoing in your ears, proceed forward into the shadows. Almost immediately along this left path sits the first vending machine resting against a mural-strewn wall. Remain alert and you‘ll notice the bright glow long before reaching it, though no other landmarks exist yet for orientation.
Run up and smash △, quickly tapping X to purchase the energy drink once prompted. Watch amusingly as your flying friend B-12 analyzes the battered can before ingesting the sweet nectar within. That‘s one down, three to go!
Compared to machines forthcoming, this first one was child‘s play. No dangerous leaps or Zurk dodging required. Almost as if placed deliberately to build confidence before ratcheting up the difficulty. If only I realized then the challenges awaiting me…
Seeking Out The Next Two Machines
Buzzing from my first success and initial caffeine infusion, I retraced my steps back to the guardian‘s lookout to consider where to explore next. Glancing down the opposite canyon shone promise of adventure and possible vending machine treasure. Thus began my descent into the sprawling concrete labyrinth of back-alleys and square buildings.
Many twists, turns and conversations later I stumbled upon another eerie wall display entitled "RIP HUMANS". An ominous memorial that likely marked another of B-12‘s hazy memories. This landmark proved doubly significant by directing me left towards my second vending machine prize!
After claiming this energy boost I pondered where the third dispenser could be hiding. Gazing upwards, I noticed intriguing pipes and scaffolding dotting the surrounding rooftops. Could additional machines be secret up there as well? Only one way to find out!
What followed was a pulse-pounding vertical gauntlet hopping Between weathered outcroppings, ductwork valves and narrow ledges. More akin to a daring spy from those old human movies than a weary meowing stray! But the payoff proved worth it – I discovered my third vending machine sanctuary perched high in a previously unexplored realm!
Replenished both physically and emotionally, locating this penultimate prize filled me with hope of tracking down the fourth and final enigmatic machine. Roughly 2 hours elapsed since beginning my drink-seeking journey. And the most difficult challenge was yet to come…
Uncovering The Final Vending Machine
The first three machines offered reasonable progression in difficulty to test my dexterous skills. By comparison, unearthing the fourth and last vending device developed into a maddening fixation. Where else could it be hiding in this sprawling metropolis?
I tried narrowing possibilities by elimination. Clearly, it must reside in the next accessible story zone outside the slums. This insight led me upwards once again to the crumbling rooftops now bathed in fading sunlight.
The path forward guided me past weathered apartments with whirring fans and conduit pipes. I begrudgingly stopped to rest halfway when reaching a suspended wooden plank. If only caffeine proved sufficient to recharge my runt feline form!
Pressing onward across the rusting pipe network I finally spotted my destination – a small precipice dropping into alluring shadow. With no other options left, I braced my nerves and took the death-defying leap…
Success! I proudly stuck the landing onto solid flooring and another machine materialized from the darkness mere steps away. This surely must be the fourth and FINAL vending machine! Heart racing, I sprinted those last few meters and vigorously tapped △ in sweet victory. Watching B-12 once again analyze then drink reinforced the satisfaction of full completion. All cans claimed!
Conclusion
And there concludes my white-knuckled journey locating each and every vending machine scattered throughout Stray‘s imaginative world! While seeking these glowing boxes initially started as a curious diversion, uncovering all four unlocked integral story progression. Plus provided assurance that no stone was left unturned in my quest to escape the slums.
The demands grew with each new machine forcing mastery of navigation and skillful movement. Death-defying jumps soon felt second nature allowing access to previously unreachable areas. Familiarity with these mechanics will serve essential down the road as environments and challenges continue evolving.
Even with guidance, success ultimately relies on your willingness to embrace curiosity roaming beyond marked paths. Each new machine discovered filled me with hope on learning the city‘s fate. Now fully caffeinated, I‘m finally ready to discover what lies in the wilderness beyond!
What were your experiences uncovering Stray‘s elusive vending machines? Any close calls or lucky breaks against the clock? I welcome hearing your own journeys in the comments below! And be sure to subscribe for more layered guides covering secrets hidden throughout this imaginative world. Game on, fellow feline friends!
