Hey there, fellow Stray players! If you're prowling through the neon-lit streets of this cyberpunk world as a cat, you're probably wondering how to get your paws on those elusive energy drinks. Well, you've come to the right place! Getting your claws on all three energy drinks in Stray is crucial for completing certain quests and unlocking some cool interactions. So, let's dive into this purr-fectly crafted guide to help you find every single one of them. Trust me; it’s easier than chasing a laser pointer! These drinks aren't just for show; they're key to progressing in the game, especially when you need to barter with certain characters or unlock new areas. So, keep your eyes peeled, and let's get started!

Why You Need Energy Drinks in Stray

Before we jump into the how-to, let's quickly cover why you even need these fizzy beverages. In Stray, energy drinks serve as a form of currency, particularly when dealing with the Barterman. This resourceful robot is your go-to guy for snagging essential items that can help you on your journey. He hangs out in the marketplace area of the Slums, and he's got a soft spot for those sweet, sweet energy drinks. More specifically, you will need the energy drinks to trade with him for the electric cable. You will give the electric cable to Grandma to get a poncho for Elliot.

But why energy drinks? Well, in a world populated by robots and strange creatures, even they need a little pick-me-up. And for you, the clever cat, they're a valuable trading commodity. Think of them as your version of catnip – irresistible and useful!

The energy drinks are located in vending machines scattered around the Slums area. These aren't just randomly placed; each vending machine has a specific location that you'll need to find. Once you've collected all three, you'll be able to complete the necessary trades and continue your adventure. Now that you know why you need them, let's get to the fun part: finding them!

Finding Vending Machine #1: The Rooftop Delight

The first energy drink is probably the easiest to grab. From the main area of the Slums, look for the rooftops. You'll want to head towards the higher levels where you'll spot some colorful signs and graffiti. Keep an eye out for a vending machine tucked away in a corner on one of these rooftops. You can usually spot it by its bright colors contrasting against the more muted tones of the environment.

Getting to this rooftop might require a bit of parkour, so get ready to jump and climb like the agile feline you are! Use the various platforms, pipes, and air conditioning units to make your way up. Don't be afraid to explore; Stray is designed to reward curious players. Once you find the vending machine, simply interact with it to get your first energy drink. Easy peasy, right? Now you're one-third of the way to becoming an energy drink tycoon!

Visual cues are your friend here. Look for the bright red and blue colors of the vending machine against the drab backdrop. The game does a great job of guiding you with visual markers, so use them to your advantage. And remember, if you're having trouble finding the right path, take a moment to survey the area and plan your route. Sometimes a little bit of observation can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Vending Machine #2: Hidden Alley Treasure

For the second energy drink, you'll need to venture into one of the Slums' many alleys. These narrow pathways can be a bit maze-like, so pay close attention to your surroundings. The vending machine you're looking for is hidden in a small alcove, often near some trash or other discarded items. The key here is to explore every nook and cranny. Stray does a fantastic job of creating a believable and detailed environment, so take your time and soak it all in as you search.

Keep an eye out for unique graffiti or other distinguishing features that can help you remember your path. The alleys can start to look similar after a while, so anything that stands out can be a lifesaver. Once you spot the vending machine, give it a tap to claim your second energy drink. You're on a roll now! Just one more to go, and you'll be ready to trade with the Barterman.

Don't be afraid to get a little lost. Sometimes the best discoveries are made when you're wandering aimlessly. The alleys of the Slums are full of secrets and hidden details, so take the opportunity to explore and see what you can find. You might stumble upon some interesting characters or uncover hidden areas that you never knew existed.

Vending Machine #3: Laundry Day Luck

The final energy drink can be found near the laundromat in the Slums. This area is usually bustling with activity, so you might have to weave your way through some robots to get to the vending machine. Look for the telltale signs of a laundromat – clotheslines, washing machines, and maybe even a robot doing laundry. The vending machine is typically located on a wall near the entrance or just around the corner.

This one can be a bit trickier to spot because it blends in with the surroundings. But with a keen eye and a bit of persistence, you'll find it. Once you do, snag that last energy drink and celebrate! You've successfully collected all three energy drinks and are now ready to trade with the Barterman and advance your quest.

Listen to the ambient sounds. The laundromat area often has distinct sounds, such as the whirring of washing machines and the chatter of robots. These sounds can help you pinpoint the location of the vending machine, even if you can't see it right away. So, keep your ears open and let the environment guide you.

Trading with the Barterman

Now that you've got all three energy drinks, it's time to visit the Barterman. He's located in the marketplace area of the Slums, easily recognizable by his distinctive appearance and the various items he has on display. Approach him and interact to initiate a trade. He'll be thrilled to see your collection of energy drinks and will offer you some valuable items in return. The main thing you need from him is the electric cable to trade with Grandma to get a poncho for Elliot.

Trading with the Barterman is essential for progressing in the game, so make sure you don't miss this step. His items can help you unlock new areas, solve puzzles, and ultimately advance the story. So, choose wisely and make the most of your hard-earned energy drinks!

Don't be afraid to experiment with different trades. The Barterman might have different items available at different times, so it's worth checking back with him periodically to see what he has to offer. You might find something that you didn't realize you needed, or you might discover a new way to solve a puzzle.

Pro Tips for Energy Drink Hunting

• Explore thoroughly: Stray is full of hidden secrets and details, so take your time and explore every nook and cranny. You never know what you might find! Even if it's not an energy drink, you might stumble upon something else that's useful or interesting. This also goes for any collectibles you are trying to find.
• Use your feline senses: Pay attention to your surroundings and use your natural cat instincts to find hidden paths and climb to new heights. The game is designed to be intuitive, so trust your instincts and see where they lead you.
• Listen to the robots: The robots in Stray often provide helpful hints and clues, so don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. They might point you in the direction of a vending machine or offer some other valuable advice.
• Mark your map: Utilize the map feature to mark the locations of vending machines or other points of interest. This can help you stay organized and avoid getting lost, especially in the maze-like alleys of the Slums.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to finding all three energy drinks in Stray. With a little bit of exploration, some feline agility, and a keen eye for detail, you'll be swimming in energy drinks in no time. Happy hunting, and may your journey through Stray be filled with adventure and purr-fect moments!

Now that you're armed with this knowledge, go forth and conquer the Slums! Collect those energy drinks, trade with the Barterman, and unlock all the secrets that Stray has to offer. And remember, even in a cyberpunk world, a little bit of caffeine can go a long way. Good luck, and have fun!