Cut the Rope Level 396 — Fruit Box Walkthrough (3 Stars)
Level 396★★★★★
Guide by LevelWalks
Level 396 lands in Cut the Rope's brutal band, and most players who Google it are stuck not because the answer is hard, but because the puzzle frames the question in a way that sends you down the wrong path.
## Cut the Rope — Fruit Box, Level 21
**Box:** Fruit Box | **Level:** 396 (Fruit Box #21)
## Walkthrough
This level uses ropes, teleportation, time reversals, candy transformers and air cushions. The candy starts from the top and Om Nom is waiting at the bottom.
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. **First, observe the layout.** Look at where the candy hangs and trace a path to Om Nom. Note every rope, bubble, and obstacle.
2. **Cut the first rope** — the one holding the candy closest to the top. This drops the candy toward the first star.
3. **Use the ropes** to redirect the candy toward the second star. Timing is important here — wait until the candy swings to its peak before activating.
4. **Collect the final star** by using the teleportation to swing the candy wide.
5. **Guide the candy to Om Nom.** If you miss a star, the candy should still reach Om Nom — just replay for a perfect score.
### Getting All 3 Stars
- Star 1: Drops naturally when you cut the first rope.
- Star 2: Requires precise timing with the ropes.
- Star 3: The hardest one — you need to time the air cushions perfectly before the candy falls past it.
## Tips for This Level
The Fruit Box introduces ropes which add a new dimension to your puzzle-solving. Don't rush — watch the candy's momentum and plan two moves ahead.
## Why This Level Is Tricky
Maximum difficulty Cut the Rope levels are precision instruments — every element is placed to create exactly one three-star solution with extremely tight timing requirements. The margin for error shrinks to the point where understanding the physics equations behind the game engine provides a genuine advantage.
## Common Mistakes
Players frequently make these errors on Level 396:
- Popping bubbles too early or too late — bubbles need precise timing to redirect the candy toward stars.
- Forgetting that air cushions have a fixed direction and strength, so the candy's entry angle matters.
- Cutting multiple ropes in rapid succession when the level requires waiting for the candy to reach a specific position first.
Tips
- Cut ropes in order from top to bottom for the most control over candy movement.
- In the Fruit Box, ropes are key — learn their timing patterns.
- You don't need all 3 stars to progress, but replay levels later for a perfect score.
FAQ
- How do I beat Cut the Rope Level 396?
- Level 396 (Fruit Box #21) uses ropes, teleportation, time reversals, candy transformers and air cushions. Cut the ropes in sequence, collect all 3 stars by timing your cuts, and guide the candy to Om Nom. See the step-by-step walkthrough above.
- How do I get 3 stars on Cut the Rope Level 396?
- To get all 3 stars, you need to collect each star before the candy reaches Om Nom. Star 3 is usually the hardest — it requires precise timing with ropes.
