The ‘This Side Up’ achievement has become a popular and somewhat elusive challenge in various games, offering players a chance to test their dexterity, patience, and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting your journey, unlocking this achievement can feel incredibly satisfying, but it often requires a bit of strategy and a dash of luck. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps you need to take to achieve this elusive trophy, explore the games where this achievement appears, and provide tips for tackling the challenges that come with it.
What Is the ‘This Side Up’ Achievement?
In many games, the ‘This Side Up’ achievement is often tied to puzzle-solving, balance, or manipulation mechanics. The name itself suggests that players must keep something, usually a fragile object or a key item, oriented in a specific way. It’s a playful nod to the importance of “keeping it upright”—much like a fragile package that has to be handled with care. While the specifics of the achievement can vary depending on the game, it typically requires players to complete a task involving careful manipulation of objects or navigating environments without causing a disastrous fall or loss.
Common Games Featuring the ‘This Side Up’ Achievement
Several popular titles feature the ‘This Side Up’ achievement, each with its own unique twist on the challenge. Some games include:
1. **Human: Fall Flat**
A quirky physics-based puzzle game where you control a customizable human character. The ‘This Side Up’ achievement can be unlocked by solving puzzles that involve balancing or correctly orienting objects in the game world. Precision and patience are key here, as you manipulate objects to solve tricky environmental puzzles.
2. **The Talos Principle**
In this first-person puzzle game, players navigate through a series of increasingly complex puzzles. The ‘This Side Up’ achievement may appear as part of a more intricate puzzle that requires players to maintain the orientation of a crucial object while solving environmental challenges.
3. **Portal 2**
Valve’s iconic puzzle-platformer also features achievements that test a player’s ability to manipulate and move objects precisely. ‘This Side Up’ could be related to maintaining the correct alignment of cubes or other critical items during tricky puzzles.
4. **Unravel**
In this beautiful puzzle adventure, you control a small character made of yarn. Balancing objects or ensuring certain items stay in place might be required for the ‘This Side Up’ achievement in certain levels.
How to Unlock the ‘This Side Up’ Achievement: Step-by-Step
1. **Understand the Mechanics**
The first step in earning the ‘This Side Up’ achievement is familiarizing yourself with the game’s mechanics. Whether it’s object manipulation or balance puzzles, make sure you know what needs to be done to maintain the correct orientation of an object. Read in-game instructions or check forums for hints specific to your game.
2. **Focus on Precision**
This achievement often involves precision, so it’s essential to take your time. Carefully move objects or characters while making sure they stay balanced or upright. Some games allow you to undo your actions, but others may punish you for mistakes, so practice makes perfect.
3. **Watch for Environmental Clues**
In many cases, the environment will give you subtle clues on how to keep your object or item oriented correctly. Look for markers, shadows, or other visual cues that suggest the right positioning. Game developers are known for adding these little details to help guide players without giving everything away.
4. **Be Patient and Persistent**
Achievements like ‘This Side Up’ require a mix of strategy and patience. If you fail a few times, don’t get discouraged. Each attempt will teach you something new about the puzzle and the game’s physics, so keep trying.
Why Does the ‘This Side Up’ Achievement Matter?
For many gamers, unlocking achievements isn’t just about collecting trophies or unlocking rewards—it’s about the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. The ‘This Side Up’ achievement serves as a reminder of the small victories, where success is found in patience and careful execution. It’s a metaphor for how sometimes, in both gaming and life, the smallest tasks can offer the most rewarding experiences.
Tips and Tricks for Success
– **Practice Makes Perfect**: Sometimes, the best way to conquer a puzzle is through trial and error. If you’re struggling with a particular section, take a break and return with a fresh perspective.
– **Use the Game’s Physics to Your Advantage**: Most games with this achievement involve physics engines that govern object behavior. Experiment with how objects move, roll, or balance to find the best way to keep them upright.
– **Consult the Community**: If you’re stuck, look for tips from other players who have unlocked the achievement. Forums and walkthroughs can provide insight into the best strategies for success.
Conclusion
Unlocking the ‘This Side Up’ achievement is more than just a simple task—it’s a rewarding journey that challenges your precision, patience, and problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re carefully balancing a fragile object in *Human: Fall Flat* or navigating a complex puzzle in *The Talos Principle*, the sense of accomplishment you get from earning this achievement is undeniable. So, the next time you see the ‘This Side Up’ achievement on your screen, embrace the challenge. With a little time, persistence, and a lot of patience, you’ll have that trophy in your hands—and the satisfaction of knowing you mastered a delicate feat of balance.
