---- SPACE QUEST ]|[: THE PIRATES OF PESTULON - "MINIMUM RUN" WALKTHROUGH ----
Guide Written by: Kuro-chan_101 xxJJMMMMMMLLxx
xJJMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMLLx
xJMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMLx
xJMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMLx
JMMMMMMMMMM_ooJML____>MMMMMMMMMMML
JMMMMMMMMMMM_ooJJMML_____>MMMMMMMMML
|MMMMMMMMMMMo_ooJJMMML______>MMMMMMMM|
MMMMMMMMMMM<_ooooJJJJMML_______>MMMMMM
MMMMMMMMM<__oooooJJJMMMML_______>MMMMM
|MMMMMMML__oooooJJJJJJJMMML______>MMM|
JMMMMML_ooooJJJJJJJJMMMMML__________
____oooooooJJJJJJJJMMMMMM_________
___ooooooooooJJJJJMMMMMM________
_ooooooooooJJJJJMMMMMML____
__oooooooJJJJJMMMMMML__
___ooooJJJJMMMM|
___oo--- - Space Quest ]|[ is Copyright 1989 Sierra On-Line - --- WARNING: This Guide contains spoilers and some mild language. ---_______________________________________________________________________________SQ3-MR --- VERSION INFO
_______________________________________________________________________________Version 1.02 -- April 10th, 2026
- Included 'Bridle Snake' as part of the walkthrough. Others have mentioned
to me that even a bugged action that deducts points should still be
allowed to be performed once.
- Included a points chart summary.
- Fixed a few more typos.Version 1.01 -- November 7th, 2025
- Marked the RIGHT copyright date for SQ3 (And mentioned the right version
number).
- Found a couple minor errors and added some more notes about the Arnoid
chase.
- Found and fixed some grammar issues.
- Mentions the Variable Overflow glitch that can change the score to whatever
the player wants as something to be avoided.Version 1.00 -- March 19th, 2025
- The guide has been completed._______________________________________________________________________________SQ3-MR --- INTRODUCTION
_______________________________________________________________________________The objective of this walkthrough is not for a complete game, but for the least
amount of points possible and necessary to win. If you wish to aim for a
complete game, feel free to look up other walkthroughs available online. This
guide will not cover that.The intention of this guide is to show loopholes, exploits, more dangerous and
less rewarding methods to complete the game while keeping the score as low as
possible.For the purpose of keeping the guide brief and to the point, it will assume
you, the player, are already familiar with Space Quest III: The Pirates of
Pestulon and how to beat it the normal way. Only puzzles related to points will
be listed (as well as which ones to 'carefully' avoid).This guide will track the number of points you will have to collect along the
way. There is only one softlock the player should worry about (you will not
require a pole beyond the normal use for it on Ortega), so you have to complete
the game before you spend over 18 hours on the Aluminum Mallard (which would
require a SERIOUS effort on your part to achieve)._______________________________________________________________________________SQ3-MR --- Part 1: Garbage Freighter
_______________________________________________________________________________Everything in part 1 is required, barring one minor exception (which could be
done anytime during regular gameplay).(Freighter, Lower)
Walk downwards, go down 1 screen, then move around the junk and go 1 screen to
the right. Look for where the garbage is being lifted up and stand in front.
Eventually, another bucket will arrive and grab Roger. - Captured by Bucket --------------------------------- +5 pts.(Freighter, Upper)
Land on belt, 'stand' on belt when you can and 'jump' onto the nearby rail
before you meet a grim fate. - Jump ----------------------------------------------- +10 pts.Walk 2 screens left, stand overtop the Grabber, and climb down it so Roger can
operate the device. Move to the left and have it go around the rail in a
counterclockwise direction (You will hear a LOT of beeping, so you know you are
going the right way). Go 1 screen right, then line up (somewhere) along the
right side of the screen. 'Press Claw' to allow the claw to descend and scoop
up some precious cargo. - Retrieve the Warp Motivator ------------------------ +15 pts.Move two screens right and line up along the front rail, right-hand side of the
screen. 'Press Claw' to allow the claw to descend and deliver your cargo. - Deliver the Warp Motivator ------------------------- +15 pts.Move 3 screens right, get off the grabber while the player is lined up with the
walkway ('stand') and fall down into the chute before Roger gets the robot's
attention (In other words: Do this part QUICKLY). - Enter Chute ---------------------------------------- +5 pts.(Dumpster)
The reactor for the lights is hidden along the left wall, near the chute you
fell through. - Get Reactor ---------------------------------------- +15 pts.Go to the ladder along the top-right corner of the room and 'climb' up it.(Freighter, Lower)
Go up 1 screen, right 2 screens and proceed to get mugged by the rat in the
middle of the room.
- Lose Reactor --------------------------------------- -15 pts.Backtrack to where you got the reactor (2 screens left, l screen down, go to
the bottom-right corner, in front of the 'blue' debris under the bowtie
fighter) and 'climb' down the ladder.(Dumpster)
Walk to the left side of the room again. - Get Reactor ---------------------------------------- +15 pts.Climb the ladder.(Freighter, Lower) - Get Ladder (ouch) ---------------------------------- +10 pts.Backtrack to where you got mugged (1 screen up, 2 screens right), stand near
the wire along the left side of the tunnel. - Get Wire ------------------------------------------- +5 pts.Walk down and stand near the broken eye on the head (too far towards the bottom
of the screen Roger will fall and die, so be careful). - Climb ---------------------------------------------- +5 pts.(Robot Head)
Move down and stand beside the ship along the right side near the engine. - Set Ladder ----------------------------------------- +5 pts.'Climb' the ladder, carefully walk a little to the left, 'open hatch' and enter
the ship. - Enter Ship ----------------------------------------- +10 pts.(Aluminum Mallard)
- Use Reactor ---------------------------------------- +5 pts.
- Use Wire ------------------------------------------- +5 pts.NOTES: For future reference, 'comp' refers to looking at the computer screen
at the pilot's seat. Typing this in works perfectly. You can also use
'look monitor' and 'look computer'. To exit the ship you can use 'exit', 'push button' or 'open hatch'.'Sit' and 'comp' for the computer screen and what you can do with the ship.
Press '7', '1', then '3'. After a cutscene, Press '8', then 'F' or 'B' for your
shields, then 'SPACEBAR' to fire.NOTES: Do NOT search the seat for buckazoids. You will not need any for this
run. It does not matter which shields are up, just make sure one side IS up
before firing your weapon. - Escape the Garbage Freighter ----------------------- +25 pts.Total Points: 135/738_______________________________________________________________________________SQ3-MR --- Part 2: Phleebhut
_______________________________________________________________________________If it was not for one essential item needed to beat the game, this entire
planet could be skipped.(Aluminum Mallard)
Type in 'comp'. Press '2' for navigation, hit Scan ('1') twice, then '2' to set
a course. '5' for light speed (when you are back on the main computer menu);
that will get you there quickly.After the plot-necessary cutscene, you arrive at Phleebhut, press '3' to land.
'Stand' up and 'exit' the ship.(Planet Surface)=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Versions 1.0P, 1.0U or 1.0V onlyWalk 1 screen down and greet the snake. Enter in 'bridle snake' to get a
mispelled commentary related to King's Quest IV and deduct 5 points from your
total. - Bridle Snake --------------------------------------- -5 pts.NOTE: There are no minimum value checks or flag checks to verify this has been
done more than once. It is possible to perform this without any limit,
which can bring your score down to 0 points or even a negative value. For the sake of a PROPER minimum score playthrough, please perform this
only once.Head back to your ship (Up 1 screen).
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=Walk 2 screens up and 2 screens right (or left, does not really matter). As you
change screens, watch out for random Scorpazoids. Despite what the description
tells you, Roger does not want one for a pet, so stay away from them. Exit and
re-enter the screen if that is the best option.(Fester's Shop)
Head inside Fester's shop, then leave immediately (do not do anything else,
like sell a certain gem you are carrying or buy any of the usual items).(Planet Surface)
As you leave, a certain metal oaf will give you chance to play cat and mouse
(which is rigged, since he knows where your ship is). When he lets you go, go
left 1 screen, walk into the side door (the monster foot).NOTES: Do not waste any time. Even on the screen where he lets Roger go, you
only have a few seconds to exit the screen before he starts pursuing
Roger (The obvious footprints on the ground will be your obvious clue). It is possible Arnoid wastes no time on the next screen trying to catch
up to you and his speed going up and down is faster than yours. We will be going for the Mog version for taking out Arnoid (The Pods
version gives more points).(Mog's Body)
'Press button' once you are on the elevator and step off it on the floor. Walk
up the steps and get beside a pulley (one of the hanging hooks on either side
of the large motor).NOTE: Make sure you are REALLY close to the pulley.When Arnoid approaches Roger and is (more or less) beside the motor (above or
below, take your pick), 'push pulley' to watch a satisfying victory against a
killer futuristic robot. Go down the stairs and grab the Invisibility Belt
(which is the only reason you visited this planet). Fester will eventually show
up and offer you a ride back down. - Kill Arnoid ---------------------------------------- +35 pts.
- Get Invisibility Belt ----------------------------- +35 pts.(Planet Surface)
Head back to your ship (walk 1 screen left and 2 screens down). Once inside,
'Sit', 'comp', '1' and '3' to leave Phleebhut.Total Points: Versions 1.0P, 1.0U or 1.0V: 200/738
Versions 1.018 and 1.052: 205/738_______________________________________________________________________________SQ3-MR --- Part 3: Ortega
_______________________________________________________________________________We will be skipping the entirety of Monolith Burger; it is an optional location
to visit, though essential for a 100% completion.(Aluminum Mallard)
Type in 'comp' to bring up the computer and '2' for navigation. Press '1' three
times until you reach Ortega. '2' to set course, then '5' for light speed when
it becomes available. Since Ortega is in the other side of the map, it takes a
little while to get there. Press '3' to land. 'Stand' up and 'exit' the ship.(Ortega Surface)
Upon exiting the ship, you will receive a notice that Roger will not last long
on the surface. That is okay.Navigating Ortega without the Thermal Underwear requires fooling the game into
bypassing a timer that would normally kill a player after being on the planet
for 8 seconds. This will (probably) require several tries to accomplish, but if
done right, the animation for Roger dying will start, but the setup for a game
over will not execute. This leaves Roger with the "I'm dying!" animation, but
you can still move around the map like usual, unless something changes which
sprites are used to animate Roger. - The game starts a countdown at 9 seconds. When it reaches 1, the game kills
Roger. - While this covers the entire surface of Ortega, there are safe zones; places
that will not kill Roger even if the timer is at 1. Roger's ship and the
opening to the shield generator are such places. A few screens also have
safe spots. The one we will focus on is the one to the left of the ship (NOT
down and left, but straight left). - Be sure to save your game before trying this.Wait a few seconds at the entrance, then walk to the left. Get close to the
bottom of the screen, then press down to go down to the screen. While the game
is loading / changing screens, hold PgUp / Numeric Pad 9 (Diagonal up-right) to
move back up to the screen Roger just left.If this was done right, you will get the notice about the planet being too hot,
you will go up to the next screen and the dying animation will start but will
appear stuck. Basically, it's calling on the wrong graphics for your walking
animation now, which is okay. This means the exploit you performed works. The
timer is now at zero and you can walk around the planet unhindered.Walk a screen left, then down. Cross the path (The graphics glitch will end
here because the game updates the sprite source data) and head down 1 screen.
You will see two flunkies of the Pirates of Pestulon. They are focused on their
work, but do not get too close to them. Eventually, they will leave to the
right and their fighter can be seen in the distance flying off to 'somewhere'.
Approach their equipment. - Do not get the pole; you will not need it.
- Do not look through the telescope. - Get Detonator -------------------------------------- +10 pts.(Generator)
Follow the linear path across the rocks, up the mountain, down the steps and
the windy room until you can 'climb' the ladder. Be careful as you approach
the large opening in the generator. - Drop Detonator ------------------------------------- +20 pts.This shuts off the generator, but will also trigger a series of quakes. You
will have 16 screen changes to get back to your ship (which is plenty; a normal
playthrough only needs around 9 or 10, but we refuse to play this normally).
Make your way back out of the generator and down the mountain.(Ortega Surface)
Do NOT pick up another detonator on the way back. Head up 1 screen and see that
several rocks fell into the lava.Normally, we would use the pole to jump over the chasm (This would give you 30
points), but we will perform a little magic trick to walk in the air. Here are
some notes about this trick: - This process involves skipping over the 'lines' that trigger Roger falling
to his death in the lava. Because the lines do not line up perfectly between
the different screens, we will slide Roger in-between, where he goes from
being below a line on the starting screen to being above it on the next
screen and not crossing over it in the process. This will allow Roger to
'walk' in areas the player normally cannot. - The alignment of this has to be near-pixel perfect. Roger does not move 1
pixel at a time on the screen. He moves:
- 3 pixels per walking frame when going up, down, left and right,
- 2 pixels when going diagonal. For instance: PgUp will move Roger 2 pixels
up and 2 pixels right per frame.
You can use this to better position Roger by going between diagonal movement
and directional movement to better line up Roger.
- You may also want to set your speed to the slowest setting possible to
better line yourself up. Make sure you are frequently saving the game as
well, this would either be a lucky break or take a LOT of tries, but this is
NOT impossible to accomplish.Head 1 screen over to the right and approach the bottom-right corner (15 pixels
from Roger's boot to the bottom of the screen, if you want to count). Get as
close to the edge as you can then press PgUp / Numeric Pad 7 to move diagonally
upwards to the lava.If you do this right, you will clip through the priority lines used to check if
Roger falls to his death and you can walk through the air. Now, be careful as
you walk, because Roger's movement is clumsy and he paces around the screen
fast. Stay away from the land mass that normally leads to your ship as you walk
up 1 screen (right side), left 1 screen (top side), then down 1 screen (far
left side). If you do this right, you will end up on the main land mass near
your ship, though your walking will remain clumsy.Head up to and inside your ship. 'Sit' once you are inside, 'comp', '1' and
'3' to escape Ortega.Total Points: Versions 1.0P, 1.0U or 1.0V: 230/738
Versions 1.018 and 1.052: 235/738_______________________________________________________________________________SQ3-MR --- Part 4: Pestulon
_______________________________________________________________________________From this point on, there is nothing that can be skipped or exploited. You will
have to complete the rest of the game normally, but you have everything you
need to get inside the complex: The Invisibility Belt (Makes you realize how
much garbage you would normally carry during a regular playthrough, huh).(Aluminum Mallard)
'Comp' and '2' for navigation. Press '1' four times until you reach Pestulon,
'2' to set course, then '5' for light speed when it's available (Fortunately,
it will not take long to get there). '3' will land the ship. After a noticeable
thump, 'stand' and 'exit' the ship.(Pestulon Surface)
You can head in any direction you want. All of them will take Roger to the
entrance to ScumSoft (How he finds it when going in any direction is anyone's
guess). He is safe for the moment, so important decisions can be made. 'wear
belt', 'use belt' and 'enter building' since the timer is running on the belt.Waste no time (you have not quite 12 seconds), enter the building and head down
the stairs. Once you reach the bottom of the steps, the belt wears off and
Roger will be visible again (regardless of how much time actually remains).
'Push button' to open the door. - Enter Building ------------------------------------- +25 pts.(Scumsoft)
Walk up (or down) until you find another door to your left and enter it. - Change Clothes ------------------------------------- +5 pts.Exit the closet and walk down until you see a door to your right. Enter it.NOTE: You may suddenly get a special message as you navigate the office. Not to
worry, it's just an in-game birthday announcement and has nothing to do
with Roger getting caught.'Zap' the bucket in front of Roger, then the one on the bottom left corner.
Head through the lowest path to the left. 'Zap' two more baskets along the way.
Head to the area with the picture and photocopier. Grab the picture, walk over
to the photocopier.NOTE: Do not try to leave with the picture. Roger will be intercepted and
jello'ed by the security system. - Make Copy ------------------------------------------ +5 pts.Hang the picture back up and return the way you came. Instead of going to the
middle of the first room, walk upwards, zapping two more baskets, then left
(though it may not look like Roger can walk across due to the large support
beams). Head to the nearest basket left and up a little, 'zap' it, then walk
around the desk and head right through the top path. On the first screen, head
down and 'zap' the nearby basket to the right (the one on the far left can be
ignored). Walk around the angled path, zapping the three baskets along the way,
then head up a screen.NOTE: There are ways to skip some of the garbage can zapping by clipping
through walls, but this has little impact on the game since you are still
required to collect certain objects. This guide will not go into such
details.Walk back down into the cubicle area, then walk right back up. The brat will be
gone, so walk into his office. You will see a keycard on his desk. - Get Keycard ---------------------------------------- +5 pts.Follow the path of empty baskets back to the main entrance. In the corridor,
walk up (or down, does not matter) until you see another door to the right, the
one with a scanner beside the door. 'Use keycard' and 'hold up picture' when
asked to prepare for visual scan. Enter once the door opens. - Enter Locked Chamber -------------------------------- +20 pts.'Push button' to activate the bridge to reach the center of the room. - Zap the Jello -------------------------------------- +412 pts.It turns out this was a trap leading to Roger and the gang getting captured. - Get Captured --------------------------------------- -402 pts.Total Points: Versions 1.0P, 1.0U or 1.0V: 300/738
Versions 1.018 and 1.052: 305/738_______________________________________________________________________________SQ3-MR --- Part 5: Endgame
_______________________________________________________________________________(Colosseum)
Next you will be taken to a colosseum where you must fight the boss in a game
of "Nukem Dukem Robots". Strategy is certainly involved here and putting up a
good defense can help keep the player alive. After enough tries, the player can
and eventually will win. - Win Robot Fight ------------------------------------ +100 pts.(Aluminum Mallard)
Roger and the Two Guys will automatically escape and take off in the Aluminum
Mallard. However, light speed has been disabled and pirates fighters will be in
firing range in 60 seconds. 'Comp' and set the ship to attack speed ('7'). Hit
'8' to bring up the combat display and make sure your aft shields are up ('B').The ship has enough shields to take a total of 12 hits (6 waves, 2 hits per
wave), but the player must shoot down 5 fighters to win, leaving the player
with a little wiggle room for error. Alternate between forward ('F') and back
('B') shields when needed and get a lock-on a fighter when possible, blast it
and repeat until they give up the pursuit. Once that is done, press 'O' and
'F6' to win the game. - Win Space Battle ----------------------------------- +100 pts.FINAL SCORE: Versions 1.0P, 1.0U or 1.0V: 500/738
Versions 1.018 and 1.052: 505/738_______________________________________________________________________________SQ3-MR --- POINTS BREAKDOWN
_______________________________________________________________________________Description 1.0P, 1.0U and 1.0V 1.018 & 1.052 PointsCaptured by Bucket X X 5
Jump (on conveyor belt) X X 10
Retrieve the Warp Motivator X X 15
Deliver the Warp Motivator X X 15
Enter Chute X X 5
Get Reactor X X 15
Lose Reactor X X -15
Get Reactor (second time) X X 15
Get Ladder (ouch) X X 10
Get Wire X X 5
Climb (into robot head) X X 5
Set Ladder (on ship) X X 5
Enter Ship (Aluminum Mallard) X X 10
Use Reactor X X 5
Use Wire X X 5
Escape the Garbage Freighter X X 25
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bridle Snake X -5
Kill Arnoid X X 35
Get Invisibility Belt X X 35
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get Detonator X X 10
Drop Detonator X X 20
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enter (scumsoft) Building X X 25
Change Clothes X X 5
Make Copy X X 5
Get Keycard X X 5
Enter Locked Chamber X X 20
Zap the Jello X X 412
Get Captured X X -402
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Win Robot Fight X X 100
Win Space Battle X X 100
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 500 505_______________________________________________________________________________SQ3-MR --- LEGAL STUFF
_______________________________________________________________________________Space Quest III, Copyright 1989 Sierra On-LineWritten By: Kuro-chan_101 (kuro101@kuro-rpg.net)Additional source credits:
- Swimfan. Found the two exploits for Ortega, though little-to-no information
was provided on how to use them. I had to figure those out for myself.
- SantaClaus, for pointing out the Ortega exploits to me.This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal use.
It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without
advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other website or as a part
of any public display is strictly prohibited.Current sites with permission to host this Walk-through/Guide:
GameFAQs (www.gamefaqs.com)
/rsierrabugsThe following sources were used for research and information for this guide.
Keep in mind, a lot of the data presented was also the result of research,
testing, trial and error, etc.:
- Space Quest III, DOS version._______________________________________________________________________________SQ3-MR --- FINAL COMMENTS
_______________________________________________________________________________Thank for you reading through this guide. Like with many Sierra games, this is
one of those games I grew up with and contributed to how well (or badly) I can
type, nowadays. I am glad to see there is not as much skippable content as
there was in the first minimal run I drafted. Also, neat to see the exploits
that must be taken advantage of to keep the score down as much as possible.- Kuro-chan_101
