Crash 4 Flashback Tapes locations to unlock special levels

The Crash 4 Flashback Tapes give you the opportunity to unlock even more levels in the game, which present you with a significant challenge if you want to beat them and claim all of the rewards on offer. Even the way you collect these tapes is hard, as you'll need to reach the collectible within its featured level without dying even once, otherwise it'll be locked out for that run and you'll need to restart the stage for another attempt. If you want to know which levels they're included in and what you'll unlock by finding them on your first life, then we've got that information covered in our Crash 4 Flashback Tapes locations guide.

How to get Flashback Tapes in Crash 4

Not every level in Crash 4 has a Flashback Tape. There are over 30 story levels and only 21 Flashback Tapes to collect, so don't worry about scouring every level for them. We've got the full list of levels with Crash 4 Flashback Tapes here:

Crash Compactor - The Hazardous Wastes
Hit The Road - The Hazardous Wastes
Booty Calls - Salty Wharf
Jetboard Jetty - Salty Wharf
Give It A Spin - Tranquility Falls
Draggin' On - Tranquility Falls
Off-Balance - Tranquility Falls
Off Beat - Mosquito Marsh
Run It Bayou - Mosquito Marsh
Snow Way Out - The 11th Dimension
Stay Frosty - The 11th Dimension
Bears Repeating - The 11th Dimension
Blast To The Past - Eggipus Dimension
Dino Dash - Eggipus Dimension
Out For Launch - Bermugula's Orbit
Stowing Away - Bermugula's Orbit
Crash Landed - Bermugula's Orbit
Food Run - The Sn@xx Dimension
Nitro Processing - Cortex Island
Toxic Tunnels - Cortex Island
Cortex Castle - Cortex Island

To collect the Crash 4 Flashback Tapes on each of the above levels, you simply have to reach them without dying. It's usually on the main path so it's pretty hard to miss, and if you do die before reaching it, you'll be able to see the Flashback Tape silhouette, taunting you. Some of the Flashback Tapes in the later levels are quite far in, meaning they're seriously hard to get.

What are Flashback Tapes in Crash 4?

When you collect a Flashback Tape, you unlock a secret level. These are quite literally flashbacks to when Dr. Neo Cortex was doing tests on Crash Bandicoot. There are no gems to collect or hidden secrets to find; all you have to do is reach the end of the level.

There are three tiers of medal to unlock, as with the Time Trials, awarded for simply completing the level, getting 90% of crates, and getting all of the crates. These levels become incredibly difficult but there is no penalty for dying, so try as many times as you like! They're accessible via the green television squares on the dimension map. Good luck!