Guide to Understanding & Using the Space Eagle in Angry Birds Space

Ever since Angry Birds Space was released people haven’t stopped talking about the Mighty Space Eagle. For good reason, it’s much different than the Mighty Eagle we all know and love. Not only is how you procure the Space Eagle different, but the mechanics of how you use him are quite different as well. Below I’ll try to break this all down as best I can, though, before I get started I should preface one thing. I know the Space Eagle’s pay-per-use model upsets a lot people, but I’d like to leave the rants for the forum. This guide is aimed at helping those who truly want to understand and use the Space Eagle. A big thanks to lostgreybird for his write-up in the forum and to AMSlimfordy for his hard work on the Space Eagle video walkthroughs.

Table of Contents

  1. What is the Space Eagle?
  2. Purchasing the Space Eagle
  3. Which Space Eagle pack is right for you?
  4. Collecting those Feathers: Some Tips & Tricks
  5. Helpful Links
  6. More Info About Angry Birds Space

What is the Space Eagle?

The Space Eagle is similar, yet quite different, to the Mighty Eagle. On iOS we first see the option to use the Space Eagle on level 1-11 of Pig Bang. After you tap the eagle eye icon your slingshot is loaded with a can of sardines (Yes! It seems the Space Eagle likes sardines as much as the Mighty Eagle), which you in turn fling into space. A couple seconds after the can of sardines comes to rest a wormhole opens, out of which comes the Space Eagle. As the Space Eagle zooms by he blasts the surrounding area much like the bomb bird. This blast causes quite a bit of damage, but does not clear the level of all pigs.

Why don’t I have the Space Eagle?

The Space Eagle is only available as an in-app purchase for iOS devices at this time. We are not aware of if or when the Space Eagle will come to other platforms. If you are using an iOS device, the Space Eagle does not become available until you pass level 1-10 of Pig Bang.

Update: The Space Eagle is now available for Android via Google Play and the Amazon Appstore! Everything said about iOS seems to apply equally to Android, including the pricing information. Refer to the release post for additional information.

Are the Space Eagle and the Mighty Eagle the Same?

Most of us feel they are one and the same, but the official stance is that they are not. I know, I know, but it does make sense if you think about it purely from a gameplay standpoint, as the mechanics are quite different. Notice, I didn’t say better, just different.

How is the Space Eagle Different?

  • You must have at least one unfired bird in the slingshot to use the sardine can.
  • He’s weaker. Using the Space Eagle does NOT automatically pop all pigs and clear the level. You must keep flinging.
  • The Space Eagle comes at you straight on, not from the side.
  • You can use more than one Space Eagle on a level.
  • Unlike the Mighty Eagle, the Space Eagle is not unlimited use.

It’s Not Unlimited Use? Are You Kidding Me?

Nope. The fact that the Space Eagle is not unlimited has upset many players across all skill levels. Players who want to complete Angry Birds Space in its entirety now have to pay a lot more money to do so. Others just see it as greed. I don’t think the latter is true, as my gut tells me they’ll actually make less money this way. That said, I do hope some changes are made. To truly grasp the problem we need to understand that the Space Eagle — and the Mighty Eagle for that matter — have conflicting uses:

  1. Casual players can summon them to help pass a level. While this is not a cheat, it is a way to make the game easier so one can progress faster.
  2. Die-hard players treat collecting feathers as a game within the game, so most will not rest until they collect all the feathers (at least when they were unlimited use).
  3. Kids LOVE the Mighty Eagles of all types! As a parent I know this first hand. My son can summon 100 eagles in 10 minutes. This could get expensive! Good thing I have in-app purchases disabled (most of the time).

I believe these conflicting uses have led us to this problem. In my opinion, it is okay to charge players for the luxury of skipping levels (or making them significantly easier to pass). On the flip-side, I don’t think you want to dissuade your most loyal players from completing the game in its entirety. I also don’t think the plan was to make it so parents have to take the game away from their kids for fear they’ll burn through their precious Space Eagles or rack up a huge bill. These kids are the future, at least that is what Whitney Houston told us!

Is there a solution?

I think so. The solution we’ve discussed here on ABN is to make the Space Eagle unlimited use AFTER you 3 star a level. Completionist-style players could purchase a pack for $1.00 and wait to use them until they’ve 3 starred everything. Casual players, who just want help passing levels, could purchase Space Eagles as they need them just like they do now.

Problem solved? For the most part I think this would satisfy most people. There will still be some that don’t like it, but you can’t please everyone.

Earning Eagles for Free

You can earn a few Space Eagles during normal gameplay. The number you can earn at this time is not particularly large, but Rovio has said they will add more opportunities down the road. For now, you can earn Eagles as follows:

  • 3 Space Eagles for completing level 1-10 (originally 3, then 20 more given in the v1.1.0 update);
  • 3 Space Eagles for completing an episode (not including Danger Zone or Eggsteroids);
  • 10 Space Eagles for 3-starring an episode (including Danger Zone and Eggsteroids); and
  • 1 Space Eagle for opening the app daily (on a 24-hour cycle from your previous opening).

Which Space Eagle pack is right for you?

This is a tough one. The answer really depends on how you plan on using them and whether you believe Rovio will tweak how they’re used. For this I’m going to refer to @lostgreybird’s awesome write-up from the forum. Here’s what he had to say (I’ve edited a few parts just so it’s all clear):

I purchased 1,000 Space Eagles for $19.99. I had 8 levels feathered from the “free” Space Eagles I received after 3 starring both Pig Bang & Cold Cuts.

Pig Bang – After feathering the remaining 22 levels I had 840 Space Eagles left, thus I used 160 Space Eagles to complete Pig Bang.

Cold Cuts – I started with 840 eagles and ended with 716.

Danger Zone – I started Danger Zone with 716 and it took 250 eagles to complete these 30 difficult levels. Ended with 466 eagles.

Which pack may be right for you?

– Pig Bang and Cold Cuts took 284 eagles to complete. The $7.99 pack of 280 may be good for you, I feel like I wasted a lot.
– I feel confident that the $19.99 pack will get me through 6 chapters (the three current episodes and three future updates).

Collecting those Feathers: Some Tips & Tricks

I’m going to derive a large portion of this section from the hands on experience that lostgreybird and AMSlimfordy were so kind to share.

  • Clear Your Mind: Forget what you knew about the Mighty Eagle and — in terms of placement — use the Space Eagle like a Bomb Bird. Much like the Bomb Bird, the Space Eagle destroys — or sends out into space — everything within a certain radius.
  • Dry Run: Go through each level with the regular birds to make sure you know the right spots to to enter the gravity fields so you don’t send debris straight out to space.
  • Shoot First: With the Mighty Eagle one of the best strategies is to form piles of debris. This doesn’t seem to be as effective with the Space Eagle. Try using a Space Eagle as your first shot and if needed use another Space Eagle to mop things up.
  • Call for Backup: Expect to use a lot of Space Eagles on the Danger Zone levels, as some levels are easiest to feather when you use multiple eagles.
  • No Nukes: Unlike the Mighty Eagle, using the Space Eagle DOES NOT skip a level and/or pop all pigs.
  • Bird in the Hand: Birds left in the slingshot do seem to help increase the percentage of total destruction, but to complicate matters it seems that on some levels overall destruction matters most.
  • Double-Barrel: It may seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes using two Space Eagles as your first two shots in a level may prevent you from failing multiple times with one Space Eagle. For my money I would rather snag a feather right away using two eagles than retry ten times, wasting one eagle per try. Make sense?
  • Take Out The Trash: On occasion it’s wise to send out another Space Eagle even when all pigs are gone to clean up the remaining debris.

Helpful Links

More Info About Angry Birds Space

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Comments (117)

Rank: Master Slinger with 6700 points
By wanda (@wanda)

Thanks for this article, it answered a lot of my questions. I don’t play on any iOS device, but keep thinking about getting an iPod touch, just because I could use the ME in the other games. The Space Eagle looks very intriguing! I think that I am going to have to take the plunge, maybe I should start dropping hints for Mother’s Day :).
I appreciate all of the hard work that is put into this site, it makes Angry Birds more enjoyable, even when very frustrated by the DZ levels. Thanks to all of you who work so hard for the rest of us.

Rank: Master Slinger with 5690 points
By Peatree2 (@peatree2)

Yeah, the Mighty Eagle/Space Eagle is like a whole another game, so technically there are 8 AB games so far… :) Would totally recommend getting an iOS device

Rank: Master Slinger with 6700 points
By wanda (@wanda)

I probably will, thanks. I need one more electronic item :). iOS devices do have gorgeous screens, too.

By rex2106

the space eagle looks like a ghost

By Birdfan1223

But iOS have to pay for the mightyeagle for 3 games (rio, seasons and original) 99c each but it’s worth it but like peatree said it’s makes a whole new gameplay

Rank: Gold Flinger with 8570 points
By Kartflyer (@kartflyer)

Thanks for the awesome write-up Slim and BL! I understand the SE a lot better now!

One question though, do you get 10 eagles for 3 starring Eggsteroids? Because I only got a maximum of 39 free eagles and don’t seem to remember earning 10 from Eggsteroids…

Rank: Gold Flinger with 9830 points
By Chris (@chriss)

Same here. For 3 starring Eggsteroids, I never got 10 Space Eagles.

By Matt

Same here, No space eagles were rewarded for 3 starring eggsteroids.

Rank: Sling God with 32120 points
By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

Hrm, I thought I did…

By Birdfan1223

I 3-starred eggstroids and pig bang and got 10 SEs each

Rank: Sling God with 67725 points
By wrw01 (@wrw01)

To all who do not want to play the Space Eagle – you should give it a try. If is a lot of fun for the $20.00. I have obtained 10 SE-feathers for the first ten levels of Pig Bang using the ABN videos and instructions. The ABN process works. I have 959 SE remaining and will see how long they last. Relatively speaking this $20.00 for the SEs provides a lot-of-entertainment and also a lot-of-time-for-entertainment per the monies spent. Where else can one be entertained for days and weeks (in my case it maybe a month)for this cost.
I too was in doubt but glad I took advantage of the opportunity.

Rank: Sling God with 67725 points
By wrw01 (@wrw01)

Just as a follow-up. I have obtained 20 SE-feathers in Pig Bang. There are 935 feathers remaining. If one is concerned about the cost purchase the small packages. The ABN videos work and you will not waste your money or time. Some levels are easy and others take a good look at aiming and trying not to bounce the can. All have been fun.

I would encourage any folks who are hesitant to give it a try.

Rank: Sling God with 67725 points
By wrw01 (@wrw01)

Just obtained the 30 SE-feathers in Pig Bang level. I have 901 feathers remaining. I stated these two facts only to provide a prospective that one may purchase a less expensive package. I am an average player at the best. If I can do it…well you know the rest.

Obtaining the SE feathers overall has been a positive endeavor.

Follow the videos and enjoy the process.

I obtained all the ME-feathers in the other 3 AB games and when one compares the two, the SEs appeared to be easier to obtain at least in the Pig Bang level. The major factor in this “ease” is due to the ABN folks who took the time, money and effort to make the videos. In the end, the players benefit.

Rank: Sling God with 67725 points
By wrw01 (@wrw01)

One last note of encouragement for all who are hesitant about the Space Eagle and their cost.

Take a chance and see if you do not have as much fun as I.

I consider myself an average player who does it for the fun of the game. I have obtained 85 out of 90 Space Eagle feathers and have 559 feathers remaining for the remaining 5 levels. I do not mention these numbers to boast but to only provide facts so others may enjoy the process.

The good players may not have to purchase the expensive package. The ABN folks who produced the videos have 50-75 more birds remaining than I. They are the good players who have to “figure it out” from the “blank sheet”. Now that is a very good player.

If you liked the Mighty Eagle, I sincerely think you will enjoy the Space Eagle. I do not work for Rovio or ABN. I was probably the most skeptical of spending the money for a game that I had to pay-for to play.

I am glad I did. I am appreciative of the ABN folks for providing the walk-throughs to guide me through each level. Now I got to get those last 5 feathers, 2 in Cold Cuts and 3 in Danger Zone.

Rank: Sling God with 67725 points
By wrw01 (@wrw01)

Would it be took much trouble to list, under a separate button, the Space Eagle walk throughs under the “Walk Through” button in the yellow bar at the top left?

The MEs are listed along with the Golden Eggs.

This would be a one-click to the SE walk throughs.

Just a thought.

Rank: Sling God with 67725 points
By wrw01 (@wrw01)

I did it.

90 Space Eagle Feathers with 508 Space Eagle cans remaining.

Its a good day.

Rank: Sling God with 32120 points
By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

Well done!

Rank: Sling God with 67725 points
By wrw01 (@wrw01)

Thank you AMslimfordy.

May I be so bold to ask what does AM stand for or represent? If it is not for the public, I do understand.

Now back to getting 3 stars in Cold Cuts

Rank: Sling God with 32120 points
By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

I just wrote a little spiel about this on the Meet the Team page ;)

Rank: Fling King with 4870 points
By Harrystar6 (@harrystar6)

I spaced eagle all episodes and three stared all levels

Rank: Gold Flinger with 8570 points
By Kartflyer (@kartflyer)

Great job! Now all you have to do is to enter your scores :)

Rank: Fling King with 4870 points
By Harrystar6 (@harrystar6)

Thanks @Kartflyer i have entered all my scores

By medward

I’d like to know if the ads selling these ‘Eagles’ are going to continue to pop up as much as they do now. Don’t care for it.

Rank: Sling God with 67725 points
By wrw01 (@wrw01)

Not sure as to what ads are referenced. I played all 90 levels of SE in Space and had no ads in the game or on ABN site walk throughs pop up.

By Nivs7

The space eagle becomes unlimited after you 3 star a level?
I have 3 starred all the levels. But the space eagles’ count reduces as many ever times i use it,

Rank: Sling God with 32120 points
By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

This is not the correct format. It is a hypothetical resolution thought of by BirdLeader.

By Nivs7

Thanks

Rank: Flinger with 80 points
By alexis lopes jaramillo (@alexitry)

In space eagle is different from the mighty eagle?

Rank: Gold Flinger with 8570 points
By Kartflyer (@kartflyer)

Very. See more details here

Rank: Master Slinger with 5690 points
By Peatree2 (@peatree2)

Did you even read the article…

Rank: Champion with 3375 points
By dougwo (@dougwo)

Know have 89 space eagles and still don’t know what it is for.. Is it just for helping you get past a difficult level? I have three starred all levels without space eagles so I don’t seethe point.

Rank: Gold Flinger with 8570 points
By Kartflyer (@kartflyer)

It gives a new challenge in the game, earning feathers.

Rank: Pig Leader with 10760 points
By PdB (@playdbird)

Strangely enough I got two free space eagles today – anyone else have that happen?

Rank: Slinger with 1085 points
By ERicJ (@ericj)

On Android, I’d already three starred all the levels… and now they release the Eagle. Does that mean I’ve lost a ton of opportunities to gain free eagles? Seems like it.

Rank: Hardened with 505 points
By giratina1231 (@austyn)

Same here

Rank: Sling God with 32120 points
By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

I have talked to Rovio about this. It may be difficult to implement, but they are going to look into it.

By Barry

I’m just learning about SE and didn’t know about the ME’s. As I see it, these eagles are ways to get all three stars that you should have been able to do without them, right? So they make it easier to get three stars. So if you use them, you are rewarded with feathers. But if using them makes it easier to get three stars, shouldn’t there be a penalty for using them instead of a reward? What am I missing here?

Rank: Sling God with 32120 points
By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

Using the Mighty/Space Eagle awards you ZERO STARS. That is the “penalty”. We have an older post which can answer many of these questions as well: Mighty Eagle Explained

Rank: Gold Flinger with 9130 points
By bird addict (@bird-addict)

Good information. I have never used Mighty or Space Eagle. I’ve always thought Mr. Eagle was to be used only for levels you couldn’t pass, and I’ve been too busy killing pigs to look into it. Do you have to buy the space eagles for a specific level? I’ve already 3*d all the levels in AB Space.

Rank: Master Slinger with 6960 points
By iamMighty (@iammighty)

@bird-addict You have to purchase Space Eagles only once for the game and not for a level. After you have used all your Eagles, you have to purchase them again for Space. For all other AB apps(Rio, Seasons and Original) you’ve to purchase it once only.

Rank: Gold Flinger with 9130 points
By bird addict (@bird-addict)

Thanks. Thinking about using mighty eagle to start as I am just beginning Seasons 2012. Or would it be better to use him for 2011 since I’ve already 3 stared all those levels?

Rank: Explosive with 2325 points
By MUFC (@mufc)

I am a Android user and I completed DZ but I did not get 3 SE! Why not?

Rank: Sling God with 32120 points
By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

You receive 10 for 3-starring. I don’t believe you receive any for simply completing.

Rank: Explosive with 2325 points
By MUFC (@mufc)

@AMslimfordy, in the post it says: “3 Space Eagles for completing an episode”!

Rank: Sling God with 32120 points
By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

Read some of the earlier comments. Danger Zone is not a normal episode.

Rank: Out of this World with 2560 points
By DeathHammer (@deathhammer)

I’m going for all the feathers on DZ. I’ve taken 85 so far and got 23 of the feathers; I check here whilst playing.

By Angrybirdmom

Back in September I purchased the $7.99 Space Eagle bundle. But the number of available Space Eagles shows as zero. I’ve never been able to access the use of Space Eagles on my Kindle Fire Angry Birds Space. Is there something else I need to do to have the Space Eagles show up in the game? I know they haven’t been all used because I’ve never was able to use them in the first place.

Rank: Sling God with 32120 points
By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

You would have to contact Amazon about this purchase.

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