Ultimate Guide to Relics in the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Relics in the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy are a reward for beating a set time in a level during Time Trial runs. And these Time Trial runs can only be accessed after the level’s main objective has been completed — Crash Bandicoot: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot: Warped ask you to find a purple Power Crystal in each level, while the first game simply wants you to complete the level.

Once a level is beaten, you can come back at any time and race against the clock for the chance to get Sapphire, Gold, and Platinum Relics (also known as Ankhs). They’re really just bragging rights in the first and second games, but you need to collect relics to unlock secret levels in Crash Bandicoot: Warped. (It’s the only way you’ll find the Yellow Gem, too.)

It’s good to note that you won’t lose any lives after starting the Time Trial by picking up the clock at the beginning of the level, so you’re free to attempt it as many times as you like without consequence.

Figure Out What Time to Beat Before Going After Relics

Before you attempt to earn yourself a Relic (or Ankh), it’s a good idea to find out what time you need to beat to get it, that way you know what to shoot for while you’re working to improve.

After you beat a level’s main objective, simply stand on the level button — or stand in front of the portal in the case of Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back — and press the R1 button. This will show the time you need to beat in order to receive the next Relic.

If you don’t have one on that level yet, it’ll show you the time needed for the Sapphire Relic. If you already have the Sapphire Relic, it’ll show you the time needed to get the Gold Relic, and similarly, you’ll be able to see the Platinum Relic time if you have Gold.

Note that if you’re just trying to unlock the secret levels in Crash 3, you only need to obtain Sapphire Relics.

Tips for Earning Relics in the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Well, knowing how to obtain Relics is only half the battle. Actually earning these Ankhs for yourself is another story entirely. You really need a good grip on the controls and a good memory of the level layout if you hope to even get Sapphire Relics.

It’s not going to be easy, but here are a few tips to make it go that much smoother:

• Crash all the Yellow Boxes. These boxes freeze time for the number of seconds represented on the box. Don’t waste time breaking these boxes, but definitely hit them when you can. 
• Tap — never hold — the Slide button. Holding it will cause you to slide to a stop, wasting precious time. Couple the slide with jumps to squeeze some extra distance out of it.
• Remember that the shortest path is often the most dangerous. Don’t be afraid to take risks, it’s not like your stash of lives is on the line here. Sometimes you’ll need to be bold if you want to shave off the time needed to get that next Relic.
• Watch speedruns if you need an idea of what route to take. There are plenty of full-game speedruns and Time Trial runs on YouTube that act as a great resource for figuring out how to complete levels the quickest. Keep in mind that Relics are a new addition to the first two games in the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, so you may have to refine your search.

Best of luck collecting those Relics! If you’re searching for Colored Gems, check out our guides for Crash 2 and Crash 3. And be sure to hit up the rest of our Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy guides while you’re at it!