Neopets Extreme Herder 2 takes the classic herding mechanics of the first game to a whole new level, offering a fast-paced experience where you must guide petpets to safety while evading Balthazar. As the advanced version of Neopets Extreme Herder, this game tests your speed, reflexes, and strategy as you work to keep the petpets safe from the menacing predator. Here’s everything you need to know to succeed in Neopets Extreme Herder 2 and claim the highest scores.
Extreme Herder 2 Overview
In Neopets Extreme Herder 2, you control Samrin, a Kacheek tasked with herding petpets back to their pen while avoiding Balthazar. The primary objective is to grab all petpets on the screen and bring them to safety before Balthazar catches them. As you progress, the number of petpets increases, the obstacles become more challenging, and the difficulty ramps up.
You’ll use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move Samrin and collect the petpets. The space bar lets you release a petpet when needed, which is helpful for prioritizing the petpets that are most at risk.
The game also features teleporters scattered around the map, which allow you to shortcut across the screen, giving you an edge over Balthazar, who cannot use these tunnels. However, as the game progresses, these teleporters become fewer, and eventually, you will have to rely on your own reflexes to navigate the increasingly difficult levels.
Extreme Herder Level Guide
There are 14 levels in Neopets Extreme Herder 2, each offering progressively harder challenges. Here’s a quick look at the first few levels:
- Level 1: 4 gates, 4 teleporters, 4 petpets, no obstacles.
- Level 2: 4 gates, 4 teleporters, 4 petpets, no obstacles.
- Level 4: 4 gates, 2 teleporters, 5 petpets, 1 obstacle (top left).
- Level 6: 3 gates, 2 teleporters, 5 petpets, 1 pond.
As you advance, the obstacles intensify, with ponds and rocks appearing on the map to slow you down. By the time you reach the higher levels, teleporters disappear entirely, and gates become scarcer, making the challenge much harder.
Powerups
Powerups are essential for surviving and completing the levels. They can boost Samrin’s abilities and provide crucial advantages:
- Orange Gem: Increases Samrin’s speed, helping him outrun Balthazar for a short time.
- Blue Gem: Temporarily freezes Balthazar, allowing you to freely move around the map for a brief period.
- X2 Symbol: Allows Samrin to carry two petpets at once, speeding up the herding process.
- Red Apple: Draws all petpets on the screen to a single spot, making it easier to gather them in one place.
These powerups are limited, so use them wisely. They can make all the difference, especially when you’re trying to avoid Balthazar’s relentless pursuit.
Extreme Herder II Cheats
Mastering the game requires both good planning and quick thinking. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:
- Diagonal Movement: Use diagonal movement (pressing two adjacent arrow keys) to quickly navigate the screen. This method allows you to cover more distance while avoiding obstacles.
- Prioritize Petpets: Always focus on rescuing the petpets that are nearest to Balthazar. If you can’t save a petpet in time, don’t hesitate to sacrifice yourself to prevent Balthazar from eating it, as you can still score points for the petpet even if you lose a life.
- Watch Balthazar’s Position: Unlike the original game, Balthazar no longer always appears from the top left. Be ready for his sudden appearances from different locations on the screen, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Use Powerups Effectively: The Blue Gem and Orange Gem can be lifesavers, especially in tight situations. The X2 Symbol allows you to save time by carrying two petpets at once, and the Red Apple is great when you need to gather all petpets quickly.
Scoring and High Scores
Each petpet you successfully return to safety rewards you with five points. A perfect score of 700 points is achievable by completing all 14 levels without losing any petpets to Balthazar. For players striving for a high score or a trophy, it’s best to aim for the 700-point goal early in the month, when fewer players will have reached this milestone.
Conclusion
Neopets Extreme Herder 2 is a fun and challenging game that tests both your reflexes and your strategic thinking. By mastering the use of teleporters, powerups, and prioritizing petpets, you can become a herding pro. The more you play, the better your skills will become, and the closer you’ll get to that coveted high score.
Good luck, and remember: the key to success is quick thinking and even quicker feet!