Baba Is You is a puzzle game where you push word blocks to change the rules. The rules exist as text on the screen — push them around to create new rules, break existing ones, or transform objects. Each level is a self-contained logic puzzle built on the simple premise that the rules themselves are objects you can manipulate.
Baba Is You - Steam store screenshot
Baba Is You gameplay - pushing word blocks (Polygon)
Roadmap to 100%
1
Playthrough 1: Complete all main map areas (levels 0–10) and the Finale (“A Way Out”). This clears the central island and unlocks the first hidden area.
2
Unlock hidden areas: Earn 7 flowers (by completing 7 main areas) to open the ??? world, then chain into ABC, Depths, and Meta.
3
Complete all levels including extras and secrets. Many extras unlock as you clear regular levels; secret levels require creative rule-breaking to even reveal.
4
Get both endings: The first ending comes from making FLAG IS END in the Finale. The real ending requires reaching and clearing The Center, the true final area unlocked after Meta.
Tip: The game autosaves progress per level. There is no missable content — you can revisit any unlocked level at any time from the world map.
Tips & Tricks
Rules only apply at the end of a turn, not during movement.
TEXT IS PUSH is always active — you can always push word blocks.
Breaking a rule is as important as making one.
WALL IS WALL makes objects immutable — they can't be transformed.
BABA HAS BABA makes objects indestructible.
If stuck, try breaking rules instead of making new ones.
Press Z to undo — unlimited undos.
Press R to restart a level.
Check the pause menu to see all active rules.
Some levels require thinking outside the box — the solution might involve breaking the rules entirely.
Core Mechanics
Baba Is You - FLAG IS WIN rule formation screenshot
Every level is governed by rules written as word blocks on the grid. A rule is formed when three (or more) word blocks are arranged in a valid sentence: a subject, the verb IS, and a property or object. Push word blocks to assemble, disassemble, or rewrite these sentences and the level's behaviour changes instantly.
Word Classes
Objects: BABA, KEKE, FLAG, WALL, ROCK, etc. (150 non-meta objects).
Actions: PUSH, STOP, MOVE, YOU, WIN, SINK, HOT, MELT, DEFEAT, WEAK, etc. (rounded square with transparent text).
Verbs: IS, HAS, MAKE, FEAR, etc. (white or red text).
Adjectives: LONELY, IDLE, OFTEN, SELDOM (colored text, before object).
Modifiers: ON, FACING, WITHOUT, NEAR, NEXT TO (white text, before object, one per rule).
Negator: NOT (red text, can negate anything).
Connective: AND (white text, chains statements).
Key Actions
Word
Effect
IS
Transforms or assigns properties. BABA IS YOU, ROCK IS FLAG
YOU
Player-controlled. All instances move simultaneously
WIN
Touch with YOU to win the level
STOP
Impassable. PUSH/PULL can override
PUSH
Can be pushed Sokoban-style
PULL
Can be pulled. Sidestep placed objects
SINK
Destroys itself and anything touching it
HOT
Destroys MELT objects on contact
MELT
Destroyed by HOT objects
DEFEAT
Destroys YOU objects on contact
WEAK
Destroyed by running into anything
FLOAT
Exists on separate plane. Only interacts with STOP/PUSH/PULL
MOVE
Moves one space per turn in orientation direction. Reverses on collision
SHIFT
Pushes objects on it one space in orientation direction (like conveyor belts)
TELE
Teleports objects between instances of same type
SWAP
Swaps places with whatever runs into it
HAS
When destroyed, releases the second object. BABA HAS KEY
MAKE
Leaves copies of second object when moving
OPEN
Destroys SHUT objects (and itself)
SHUT
Destroyed by OPEN objects
MORE
Multiplies orthogonally each turn
WORD
Non-text object acts as its text equivalent
SLEEP
Immovable. Cannot be affected by YOU/MOVE
HIDE
Hidden rules don't display in pause menu
BONUS
Like WIN but object disappears instead
SAFE
Cannot be destroyed by any means
HOLD
Prevents anything on it from moving
FALL
Falls as if gravity applied. Can pass through DEFEAT objects
PHANTOM
Passes through STOP/PUSH/PULL. Can still be pushed/pulled
STILL
Cannot move. Equivalent to NOT PUSH AND NOT MOVE AND NOT PULL
AUTO
Moves on its own. No turning around (unlike MOVE)
TURN
Rotates orientation once per turn
CHILL
Moves one space in random direction each turn
REVERT
Reverts to original form
BACK
Backtracks moves
BROKEN
Ignores all other rules applied to it
REVERSE
Moves backwards instead of forwards
LOCKED
Prevents movement in specified direction
Key Verbs
Verb
Effect
IS
Assigns properties or transforms objects
HAS
Conditionally changes/multiplies objects when destroyed
MAKE
Leaves trail of second object when moving
FEAR
Runs away from the feared object
EAT
Destroys the latter object
FOLLOW
Changes orientation to face the followed object
MIMIC
Transfers properties (like IS but without transformation)
WRITE
Transforms all instances into text
PLAY
Plays musical notes (cosmetic)
Modifiers
Modifier
Effect
ON
Restricts rule to when on second object
FACING
Restricts to when facing second object directly
WITHOUT
Requires 100% absence of second object
NEAR
Active when adjacent (including diagonals)
NEXT TO
Active when adjacent (no diagonals)
ABOVE/BELOW/LEFT/RIGHT
Relative direction conditionals
Adjectives
Adjective
Effect
LONELY
Not on anything
IDLE
Triggers when you wait a turn
OFTEN
Active most turns (RNG)
SELDOM
Active rarely (RNG)
POWERED
Works with POWER objects
Meta Objects
Word
Effect
ALL
Refers to all present objects in level
GROUP
Refers to anything that IS GROUP
LEVEL
Represents selectable level or whole level
EMPTY
Refers to any unoccupied space
TEXT
Refers to all text in level
Implicit Rules & Rule Formation
Implicit Rules (always active)
TEXT IS PUSH
LEVEL IS STOP
CURSOR IS YOU / CURSOR IS SELECT
Rule Formation
Basic: <Object> IS <Action> (e.g., BABA IS YOU)
Transform: <Object> IS <Object> (e.g., ROCK IS FLAG)
Complex: <Adjective> AND <Adjective> <Object> <Modifier> <Object> IS <Action>
Chained IS: BABA IS KEKE IS ME IS ROCK
Double negative: BABA IS NOT NOT YOU = BABA IS YOU
Tip: Open the pause menu at any time to see every currently-active rule. This is invaluable for figuring out which rules you can break or repurpose.
The Overworld (The Map)
Baba Is You overworld map - island shape (Gentle Gamers)
The Overworld is the initial world, shaped like an island. It serves as the hub from which all main areas branch. It begins with 8 visible levels and reveals more as you progress, totalling 14 selectable nodes leading into the game's sub-worlds.
Key Mechanics Introduced
IS, YOU, WIN, STOP, PUSH, FLAG
Levels
0. Baba Is You
Tutorial. Push IS to break BABA IS YOU, then reform it to control Baba.
1. Where Do I Go
Push FLAG IS WIN to make the flag win, or push BABA IS WIN.
2. Now What Is This
Break WALL IS STOP to walk through walls.
3. Out Of Reach
Use ROCK IS PUSH to push the rock, or break rules to reach the flag.
4. Still Out Of Reach
More complex rule manipulation.
5. Volcano
Break/modify rules to navigate lava.
6. Off Limits
Break KEY IS OPEN or WALL IS STOP.
7. Grass Yard
Early rule combination.
8. Slideshow
Map transition level.
9. Fragile Existence
Transform the level itself (LEVEL IS BABA).
10. Hostile Environment
Final map level.
11. Finale: A Way Out
Make FLAG IS END to beat the game the first time.
Finale: Completing “A Way Out” by making FLAG IS END grants the first ending (Baba Is End achievement) but is NOT the true ending. The real ending requires the hidden areas.
The Lake
The first sub-world. An underwater-themed area introducing water-based and conditional mechanics. It contains 15 levels (13 regular + 2 extra).
Mechanics Introduced
SINK, FLOAT, AND, OPEN/SHUT, HAS, WEAK
Levels
Regular Levels
1. Icy Waters — Introduces SINK
2. Turns — Rule manipulation
3. Affection — LOVE mechanic
4. Pillar Yard — PUSH mechanics
5. Brick Wall — Break WALL IS STOP
6. Lock — OPEN/SHUT introduction
7. Novice Locksmith — KEY IS OPEN
8. Locked In — Door/Key puzzles
9. Changeless — WALL IS WALL (immutable)
10. Two Doors — Multiple paths
11. Jelly Throne — Complex rule chaining
12. Crab Storage — Storage mechanics
13. Burglary — Breaking and entering with rules
Extra Levels
Extra 1: Submerged Ruins — Advanced SINK usage
Extra 2: Sunken Temple — Complex water puzzles
Tip:SINK destroys both the sinking object and anything touching it. Use this to clear paths through water — but remember YOU sinks too.
Solitary Island
The second sub-world. A cave-themed area with 18 levels (13 regular + 5 extra). It builds on floating and movement mechanics.
Mechanics Introduced
FLOAT, MOVE, TELE, PULL, NOT
Levels
Regular Levels
0. Poem
1. Float
2. Warm River
3. Bridge Building
4. Bridge Building?
5. Victory Spring
6. Research Facility
7. Assembly Team
8. Tiny Pond
9. Catch The Thief!
10. Wireless Connection
11. Prison
12. Evaporating River
Extra Levels
Extra 1: Boiling River
Extra 2: ...Bridges?
Extra 3: Tiny Isle
Extra 4: Dim Signal
Extra 5: Dungeon
Tip:FLOAT places an object on a separate plane — it only interacts with STOP/PUSH/PULL. Use this to pass through otherwise impassable terrain.
Temple Ruins
A temple-themed area of 10 levels. Introduces fragility and pulling mechanics.
Mechanics Introduced
WEAK, HAS, PULL, NOT
Levels
Temple Ruins Levels
1. Fragility — WEAK introduction
2. Tunnel Vision
3. A Present For You
4. Unreachable Shores
5. But Where Is The Key?
6. Love Is Out There
7. Perilous Gang
8. Double Moat
9. Walls Of Gold
Extra 1: Further Fields
Forest of Fall
A forest-themed area of 20 levels. Introduces teleportation, ghost mechanics, swapping, and directional actions.
Mechanics Introduced
TELE, ghost mechanics, SWAP, directional actions
Levels
Forest of Fall Levels
1. Hop
2. Grand Stream
3. Rocky Road
4. Telephone
5. Haunt
6. Crate Square
7. Ghost Friend
8. Ghost Guard
9. Leaf Chamber
10. Not There
11. Catch
12. Dead End
A: Literacy
B: Broken Playground
C: Fetching
D: Scenic Pond
E: Skeletal Door
Extra 1: Jump
Extra 2: Even Less There
Extra 3: Deep Pool
Tip:WEAK objects are destroyed by running into anything. Plan paths carefully — even bumping a wall can destroy a WEAK object.
Deep Forest
Baba Is You - Deep Forest area (Gold-Plated Games)
A dense forest area of 21 levels. Introduces conveyor-belt and conditional mechanics, plus the powerful GROUP meta-object.
Mechanics Introduced
SHIFT, SWAP, MAKE, ON, GROUP
Levels
Deep Forest Levels (1–14)
1. Renovating
2. Toolshed
3. Keep Out!
4. Baba Doesn't Respond
5. Patrol
6. Canyon
7. Concrete Goals
8. Victory In The Open
9. Moving Floor
10. Lovely House
11. Supermarket
12. Lock The Door
13. Factory
14. Tiny Pasture
Deep Forest Levels (A–E)
A: Nearly
B: Not Quite
C: Passing Through
D: Salvage
E: Insulation
Deep Forest Extras
Extra 1: Crumbling Floor
Extra 2: Skull House
Rocket Trip
A space-themed area of 15 levels. Introduces gravity-like and emptiness mechanics.
Mechanics Introduced
EMPTY, FALL, directional actions
Levels
Rocket Trip Levels (1–13)
1. Empty
2. Lonely Flag
3. Babas Are You
4. Please Hold My Key
5. Horror Story
6. Aiming High
7. Trio
8. Bottleneck
9. Platformer
10. The Pit
11. Heavy Words
12. Guardians
13. Sky Hold
Rocket Trip Extras
Extra 1: Existential Crisis
Extra 2: Heavy Cloud
Tip:EMPTY refers to any unoccupied space — you can write rules like EMPTY IS WALL to reshape the entire level layout.
Flower Garden
A garden-themed area of 12 levels. Introduces trail-leaving and the ON conditional modifier.
Mechanics Introduced
MAKE, ON modifier
Levels
Flower Garden Levels (1–10)
1. Condition
2. Thicket
3. Sorting Facility
4. Relaxing Spot
5. Maritime Adventures
6. Ruined Orchard
7. Blockade
8. Jaywalkers United
9. Overgrowth
10. Adventurers
Flower Garden Extras
Extra 1: Secret Garden
Extra 2: Out at Sea
Chasm
An abstract area of 16 levels. Introduces powerful meta and multiplication mechanics — some of the trickiest puzzles in the game.
Mechanics Introduced
ALL, MORE, WORD, SLEEP
Levels
Chasm Levels (A–I)
A: Rocky Prison
B: Siege
C: Elusive Condition
D: Treasury
E: Looking For A Heart
F: Lava Flood
G: Entropy
H: Floodgates
I: Lonely Sight
Chasm Extras (1–7)
Extra 1: Metacognition
Extra 2: Multitool
Extra 3: Broken
Extra 4: Alley
Extra 5: Keke And The Star
Extra 6: Visiting Baba
Extra 7: Automated Doors
Warning:MORE multiplies objects orthogonally every single turn. Left unchecked it will flood the level rapidly — break the rule quickly or win before it overwhelms you.
Volcanic Cavern
Baba Is You - Volcanic Cavern area (CGMagazine)
A volcanic area of 15 levels. Introduces facing conditionals and the GROUP meta-object family.
Mechanics Introduced
FACING, GROUP, GROUP2, GROUP3
Levels
Volcanic Cavern Levels (1–14)
1. Tour
2. Peril At Every Turn
3. Pillarwork
4. Mouse Hole
5. Torn Apart
6. Vital Ingredients
7. Backstage
8. The Heist
9. Join The Crew
10. Automation
11. Trick Door
12. Trapped
13. Tunnel
14. Broken Expectation
Volcanic Cavern Extras
Extra 1: Coronation
Mountaintop
A mountaintop area of 9 levels. Introduces the LONELY adjective — rules that only apply when an object is not standing on anything.
Mechanics Introduced
LONELY
Levels
Mountaintop Levels (1–8)
1. Shuffle
2. Love At First Sight
3. Solitude
4. What Is Baba?
5. Connector
6. Floaty Platforms
7. Seeking Acceptance
8. Tectonic Movements
Mountaintop Extras
Extra 1: The Floatiest Platforms
Tip:GROUP lets you bundle many object types under one label, then write a single rule applying to all of them. Combine with AND for compact, powerful rulesets.
Hidden Areas
Baba Is You - hidden area map (IGN)
Baba Is You contains four hidden worlds beyond the main map, plus a true final area. Each is unlocked through specific in-map rule manipulation rather than normal progression.
??? Hidden
Unlocked after getting 7 flowers (completing 7 main areas). Contains 19 levels: 12 regular, 4 extras, 3 secrets.
??? Regular Levels
Glitch
Error
Whoops
Mean Fence
Scale
Parade
Turn The Corner
VIP Area
Tense Atmosphere
Tag Team
Security Check
Ultimate Maze
??? Extras
Across
Castle Distaster
Hazel Den
Baba Has Keke
??? Secrets
Huh?
Orb
ABC Hidden
Unlocked after clearing ???-5. Contains 7 levels (6 regular + 1 extra). Cleared after 4 levels, which yields the 11th flower.
ABC Levels
Lunar Gallery
Ba
Ab
Queue
Wall
Stardrop
ABC Extras
Meteor Strike
Depths Hidden
Access: Make ???-7 into Baba, then push the map's rock into water. Contains 10 levels. Some levels require solving map puzzles to reach.
Depths Regular Levels
Clearing Service
Exercise Hall
Crushers
Collaborative Effort
Living Lands
Depths Extras
Priority Lane
Fireplace
Hidden Relic
Buried Treasure
Endless Corridor
Meta Hidden
Unlocked after clearing Depths-Extra 5. Contains 9 named levels, with more existing (up to 15 regular + extras + secrets). Clearing Meta-15 unlocks The Center, the final area.
Meta Levels
Hot Potato
Adventure
Booby Trap
Canister
Avalanche
One-Way Entrance
Bramblevine
Mutual Feelings
Delicate Stars
Note: The “Baba Is Baba” achievement for completing Depths also requires Meta completion due to a known glitch — clear both before expecting the achievement to pop.
The End (Center) Final
The real final area, unlocked by clearing Meta-15. Two endings exist:
First ending: Make FLAG IS END in the Finale (grants “Baba Is End” achievement).
Real ending: Complete The Center — grants the “The End” achievement.
Achievements
There are 18 achievements in Baba Is You. Below is the complete list grouped by category.
Main Areas (10)
1. Water Is Sink
Complete The Lake
2. Cog Is Push
Complete Solitary Island
3. Box Has Key
Complete Temple Ruins
4. Leaf Is Move
Complete Forest of Fall
5. Tree Is Shift
Complete Deep Forest
6. Rocket Is Dust
Complete Rocket Trip
7. Hedge Is Stop
Complete Flower Garden
8. Lava Is Hot
Complete Volcanic Cavern
9. Bird Is Float
Complete Mountaintop
10. Baba Is More
Complete the abstract area (Chasm)
Story (2)
11. Baba Is End
Beat the game (make FLAG IS END in Finale)
12. The End
Really beat the game (complete The Center, the real final area)
World Map (1)
13. Baba Is All
Complete the world map (all 10 areas + A Way Out + ??? + win the map)
Hidden (5)
14. Not Baba Secret
Complete ??? (hidden area)
15. B A B A Secret
Complete ABC (hidden area)
16. Baba Is Baba Secret
Complete Depths (hidden area). NOTE: Also requires Meta completion due to a glitch
17. What Secret
Complete Meta (hidden area)
18. Orb Is Bonus Secret
Find an orb (earliest: transform Map-9 into Baba)
Tips for 100%
Need 225 dandelions (level completions) and 11 flowers.
3 bonus orbs to find across the game.
The last dandelion (226th) is not required for achievements.
Use the undo button (Z) liberally — unlimited undos.
Some levels have multiple solutions — if one approach fails, try breaking different rules.
Extra levels unlock by completing certain regular levels.
Secret levels are hidden and require creative thinking to find.
