Star Fox Guide | How to Earn Medal in Solar

Here's a guide on how to earn medal in Solar in Star Fox.

Game Guide by Groot on Jun 28, 2026

There's not a lot of variety in enemies in Solar: Star Fox for the Nintendo Switch 2, but there's enough to keep you on your toes if you're not careful. Lava Rocks, Lava Birds and Solar Flares rain down on you at all times, and the closer you get to the surface, the faster your health decreases.

The Medal requires 100 hits, and many of these are achieved by timing your shots and Bombs with the flocks and clusters that pop up throughout the level. If you're close to the threshold going in, the boss fight will make up for it, as it is worth 10 points.

Stay High and Keep Moving

Damage taken is increased when flying near the surface of Solar. Keep your head up as much as possible. The entire level is about you destroying Lava Rocks as they appear and collecting Bombs and Rings to keep you alive. Collect all the items you see.

The lava rock clusters are a problem that needs to be addressed.

The large clusters of lava rock shatter into smaller pieces when struck. First use a charged shot, then single shots to remove fragments. Do not allow them to accumulate. The other thing to chase after when the Lava Birds appear is the Lava Birds. They're not in large numbers, but they're in small flocks, and those small flocks are where you'll get multiple hits at once.

Apply Bombs on Large Flocks and Clusters

Solar provides you with a lot of Bombs during the level, so use them up. If you see a big flock of Lava Birds or a pile of rocks forming, drop a Bomb into it. These are the times when you get the most hits. The flocks are not always very predictable, so you will have to learn to know when they are coming after a run or two. Note: Peppy says that Bombs can clear Solar Flares, but it's not worth it. Do not store Bombs for enemies and clusters where they do not provide points.

Be aware of solar flares!

The lava arcs in the original Star Fox 64 are different from the Solar Flares in the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Star Fox. They're actual solar flares now, so pay attention to where they're coming from. If a large wave is in your way, go to the side with the most space (usually the right side) and use a brake or somersault to gain space to pass through the wave cleanly.

Shiny Lava Rocks vs Normal Ones

As you continue on the level you will encounter two types of Lava Rocks. The shiny ones have an X-shaped ring around them and restore a good amount of health when you destroy them. The normal ones break into smaller clusters. If you must pick one or the other and your health is fine, then pick the one that splits into a cluster — you'll get more hits.

Save Your Teammates

During the level, Slippy will find himself in trouble with Lava Birds. Help him out before the birds do too much damage. If you don't pay attention to the birds on him, he will not go down, but if you do, he will. Any messages from R.O.B. are welcome, too — he arrives with support and any additional fire is welcome.

The Final Flock Before the Boss

Right before the boss fight, a flock of Lava Birds comes out of the lava without much warning. It's harder than it appears because there's no cue for it. When they appear, drop a Bomb on them. A second mini wave comes immediately after. Remove that one as well and you're good to go with the boss.

Boss Fight

The boss of Solar has two arms and a head. First destroy both arms, then target the head. Beware of Lava Rocks and Solar Flares swirling around during the battle — they will damage your health if you stand still. The Double Laser makes the battle quick. If you're just below 100 going in, the boss drops 10 points when it goes down, which is enough to push you over the Medal threshold.

Also, check our Star Fox Review and other guides below: