Cave Story/Last Cave

The last cave connects the plantation with the balcony. There are two versions: the hidden version, which you go to if you have the Booster 2.0, and the normal version which you reach if you do not.

The Normal Last Cave
The normal Last Cave is fairly straightforward. Avoid the drips from the ceiling and shoot the critters that you pass. Avoid the spikes and red liquid.

The Hidden Last Cave
The Hidden Last Cave requires precise navigation with the Booster 2.0. Many places can be bypassed with a normal jump instead of a Booster jump, which is easier to control because it doesn't jerk. There is also a boss near the end of the cave which was not present in the normal Last Cave.

When you enter, all of your weapons will be dropped to level 1.

Kill the two Critters (one is hidden in the red liquid) and avoid the drip from the ceiling. Walk off over the water, boosting right as soon as you are in midair. Kill the two critters. Walk off the ledge and boost across the small pit. Boost across the long pit the same way. Walk right a bit to aggravate the hidden critters and kill them while holding off the other two, which should be to your left. Walk-off boost to the right. Kill any of the four Critters you can reach. Jump so you hit the ceiling then boost right, through the spikes. Hide under the ledge if there are any Critters left, luring them one by one to kill them. Walk off the ledge then boost right. Kill the exposed critter and the three hidden ones and power up any weapons with the experience capsule if you want. Walk off the ledge and boost right, ignoring the experience capsule above.

Boost upward between the spikes then boost right slightly to land on the small platform. Jump onto the ledge on the far right and then jump onto the ledge to the left. From here, you have two choices: Jump between the spikes and tap-boost down then kill the Critter. Take some experience if you wish. (be careful of the spikes right by it) Short hop then boost left and land on the ledge. (You will need to pull back a little) Walk off the ledge and boost left. Do this for the next two pits, then kill the Critter. Boost up then left between the spikes, pulling back to land on the ledge below. Walk off then boost left. If you wish to get the hearts, boost up through them, trying to save as much gas as possible, then boost left after you've fallen past the spikes. Just boost left at the first opportunity if you wish to skip them. (which is usually a better idea because of the precision required to get the hearts without hitting any spikes or the red liquid.)
 * Jump, then boost up and boost left onto the ledge
 * Walk off and boost toward the hearts, then jump right, boost up and boost left onto the ledge.

Jump left into the depression in the wall then right over to the ledge. Jump and boost right, between the spikes, then tap boost up and then right, between the spikes, while falling. Stand on the lone block next to the spike bed. Walk off and boost right, then boost up then boost right. (this may take some practice) Collect the Heart then tap-boost down, then boost right into the opening. Walk off over the spikes, then boost up, then left. Jump over the spikes then up onto the ledge. Jump between the spikes onto the platform below. Do a short-hop and boost through the spikes. Jump and boost up then right. Jump between the spikes and carefully boost through the spikes, conserving fuel, then boost up past the third set of spikes then left, toward the experience capsule. Power up any weapons if you wish. Stand next to the spikes. Short hop, then boost right between the spikes and land on the platform. Kill the Critters. Boost up and kill the Critter. Get onto the ledge that the Critter was on by splitting the boost into two or three smaller boosts.

Mini Boss
The boss will jump, throw three blades at you then land, pause, and throw three more blades. Dodge his shots with the Booster and then hit him with your best shot. You may open the chest if you like, but the item does nothing.

Home Stretch
Kill all the Critters in this room using a method appropriate to your weapon. Kill the three Critters if they are in range from the ledge. (Otherwise, take them down as you go) Run left and stop at the two block wide opening between the gauntlets of Presses. Kill the next three Critters (as you go) and optionally kill the Presses behind you. Walk off and boost past the two pits without stopping (to avoid the Presses.) Kill the two Critters coming at you and the Presses behind if you wish. Enter the door to the Balcony. There are two enraged Mimiga before the saving/healing shack, so be careful if you are low on health.

Weapon Tips
When using the Spur:
 * Use uncharged shots at the bats or let the Whimsical Star kill them if you have it.
 * Unless you find it to be a distraction, charge between each jump except during the precise spike evasion areas on the "third floor."
 * Fire max lasers at lines of Critters.
 * Rapid fire at barrages of enemies.
 * You can lure enemies so that they jump into your lasers.
 * Charge to Max power just before the mini boss. Fire at him at your first chance to get a head start on the battle.

When using the Machine Gun:
 * Get it to level 3 as soon as possible.

When using the Snake:
 * Get it to level 3 as soon as possible.
 * Kill bats that are in the walls and use it to take out hidden Critters.

When using Minimal items:
 * Get the Polar Star to level 3 as soon as possible.
 * Use the Blade on the Mini Boss