If you’ve been making your way deeper into Drain the Lake, you’ve probably wondered how many checkpoints the game actually has. They’re much more than simple respawn locations—they’re the backbone of your progression and play a big role in reaching both secret endings.
In this guide, I’ll explain how many checkpoints there are, where the Phone Ending appears, how to reach the Secret Treasure Ending, and what changes as you descend deeper into the lake.
How Many Checkpoints Are in Drain the Lake Roblox? (Phone & Secret Treasure Ending Guide)
There are currently 10 checkpoints in Drain the Lake.
Each checkpoint serves as a safe hub where you can prepare before continuing your descent. Every one includes:
- Two drains
- An upgrade computer
- A Robux game pass option that instantly drains water from the lake
Because of this setup, checkpoints aren’t just places to respawn after failing. They’re where you’ll upgrade your character, improve your chances of surviving, and prepare for the tougher sections ahead.
If you’re planning to complete every ending, you’ll end up visiting nearly all of them.
Why Checkpoints Matter
When I first started playing, I assumed checkpoints were only there to save progress. After getting farther into the game, I realized they’re much more important than that.
Each checkpoint gives you an opportunity to:
- Spend upgrades before the next section
- Recover and prepare for harder parkour
- Save progress so you don’t restart from the beginning
- Continue working toward different endings
The deeper you go, the more valuable these safe areas become.
Phone Ending Checkpoint
If you’re trying to unlock the Phone Ending, your destination is around Checkpoint 8.
The phone doesn’t appear exactly at the checkpoint itself. Instead, you’ll find it somewhere between Checkpoint 7 and Checkpoint 8, sitting on top of a rock with a noticeable glowing particle effect.
Once you spot it, simply interact with the phone.
Doing so immediately ends your current run and unlocks the Phone Ending.
So if your goal is only the Phone Ending, you don’t need to continue past this area.
Secret Treasure Ending Route
The Secret Treasure Ending works differently.
If you’re aiming for this ending, do not pick up the phone.
Instead:
- Ignore the glowing phone.
- Continue descending deeper into the lake.
- Reach Checkpoint 10.
- Continue following the treasure path from there.
Many players accidentally interact with the phone because it’s easy to notice, so make sure you avoid it if you’re specifically hunting the Secret Treasure Ending.
What Changes After Checkpoint 8?
One interesting thing happens once you reach the deeper sections of the lake.
Earlier in the game, the Shark is your biggest threat.
Around Checkpoint 8, however, you’ll notice the shark eventually becomes trapped among the rocks and can no longer chase you further.
At first, this feels like the game is becoming easier.
It isn’t.
Meet the Anglerfish
Instead of the shark, you’ll begin dealing with the Anglerfish.
This enemy is dangerous for different reasons.
Compared to the shark, the Anglerfish:
- Attacks much faster
- Drains more stamina
- Makes movement mistakes much more punishing
- Forces you to play carefully during parkour sections
Because stamina becomes much more important, rushing through obstacles usually ends badly. Taking your time is often the safer approach.
Best Strategy for Reaching Checkpoint 10
If you’re trying to complete the Secret Treasure Ending, a little patience goes a long way.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Activate every checkpoint you reach.
- Upgrade your character whenever you find a computer.
- Don’t rush difficult jumps.
- Skip the phone if you’re going for the treasure route.
- Save stamina whenever possible after the Anglerfish appears.
The last stretch of the game is much less forgiving than the earlier checkpoints, so careful movement is usually better than trying to speedrun.
Phone Ending vs Secret Treasure Ending
Here’s a quick comparison between both routes.
| Ending | Destination | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Ending | Around Checkpoint 8 | Pick up the glowing phone between Checkpoints 7 and 8. |
| Secret Treasure Ending | Checkpoint 10 | Ignore the phone and continue descending until reaching Checkpoint 10. |
Drain the Lake currently features 10 checkpoints, and understanding how they connect to the game’s endings can save you a lot of time.
If you’re only interested in unlocking the Phone Ending, stop around the Checkpoint 8 area and interact with the glowing phone. However, if you’re aiming for the Secret Treasure Ending, resist the temptation to pick it up and keep pushing until you reach Checkpoint 10.
The journey also becomes much tougher near the end. While the shark eventually stops chasing you, the Anglerfish takes its place and creates an even more challenging final stretch. Upgrade whenever possible, activate every checkpoint, and take your time with the parkour to give yourself the best chance of reaching the bottom.
Drain the Lake Checkpoints FAQ
How many checkpoints are in Drain the Lake?
There are currently 10 checkpoints in Drain the Lake.
Which checkpoint is needed for the Phone Ending?
The Phone Ending is found between Checkpoint 7 and Checkpoint 8, where you’ll find a glowing phone resting on a rock.
Which checkpoint is required for the Secret Treasure Ending?
To unlock the Secret Treasure Ending, continue past the phone and reach Checkpoint 10.
Does the shark chase you the entire game?
No. Around Checkpoint 8, the shark becomes stuck on the rocks and can no longer follow you. After that, the Anglerfish becomes the primary enemy.
Should I pick up the phone if I want the Secret Treasure Ending?
No. Picking up the phone immediately ends your run and unlocks the Phone Ending. Ignore it if you’re trying to reach the Secret Treasure Ending.