As with any Sonic title, Sonic X Shadow Generations focuses on reaching the finish line as swiftly and stylishly as possible. However, speed isn’t everything. You need to be strategic about your routes, stay alert for enemies, and maintain a healthy collection of rings.
And what’s a Sonic game without collectibles? The journey begins in the Space Ark Colony, where you’ll be immersed in the action right away. For those aiming for an S Rank in both Acts and on the lookout for hidden keys, this guide is here to help.
How to Achieve an S Rank in Space Ark Colony
Attaining an S Rank is a significant goal in any Sonic game, and Shadow boasts a more precise control scheme compared to Modern Sonic in the primary game, which makes mastering his levels all the more enjoyable.
S Rank for Space Ark Colony Act 1
The first act of Space Ark Colony is among the longest in Shadow’s adventure, serving as an introduction to crucial mechanics and the antagonist Black Doom. Fortunately, the requirements for achieving an S Rank in Act 1 are relatively forgiving, although the length means mistakes can be costly.
Any keys you gather during the level are retained upon completion, allowing you to concentrate solely on securing an S Rank.
The key to mastering this level is to control your speed. If you push too hard, you may miss jumps that could help you reach the finish line more quickly. Shadow’s Homing Attack is also vital, as it enables him to move past laser barriers by attacking the Artificial Chaos enemies behind them.
The Radical Highway sections can be quite perilous; a single misstep can lead to instant failure. If you’re hesitant about a jump, it’s wiser to choose a safer route. It’s often better to play it safe than face an untimely demise and have to start over at the last checkpoint.
Utilizing Chaos Control can pause time, which is crucial for navigating through rocket fields safely. Getting hit by rockets can waste precious seconds, especially when they fire unpredictably, so don’t hesitate to activate Chaos Control.
Additionally,
using Chaos Control also stops the in-game timer
, providing extra time each time you apply it.
Achieving a time of under five minutes with approximately 40,000 points will assure you an A Rank. To elevate that to an S Rank, aim for a Perfect Clear by completing the level without any deaths.
S Rank for Space Ark Colony Act 2
Act 2 of Sonic X Shadow Generations is considerably shorter than Act 1 and lacks any Radical Highway sections. Instead, it maintains a distinct Space Ark Colony vibe while introducing its own exciting elements.
This act requires caution regarding your movements; careless boosting could result in missing critical grind rails, or an improperly timed Homing Attack might drop you to lower levels. Pay special attention during the side-scrolling segments.
The Gravity Poles serve as a significant challenge here. They primarily show in the side-scrolling parts and can complicate your jumps. Although falling from them won’t always lead to death, you might still lose valuable time trying to navigate them. To save time, boost off when you can reach higher paths.
As you near the level’s end, sections will demand the use of Doom Wings. While not essential for achieving an S Rank, they can be beneficial if you’ve made mistakes earlier on.
Doom Wings only
automatically activate if you’re playing with them disabled
. If you have the ability, you have to activate them manually, which can be a bit confusing.
Watch out for the Doom Spear switches since failing to activate them quickly could result in crashing into walls. By holding down the Doom Spear button, you can lock onto them automatically when they appear.
Remember that during Chaos Control, the Doom Spears won’t move, so position yourself closer to activate them.
To achieve an A Rank, complete the act in under three minutes and score at least 40,000 points. A Perfect Clear will push your score to an S Rank.
Locating Every Collection Box Key in Space Ark Colony
In each Act of Shadow Generations, whether main or challenge, you’ll discover three keys that unlock various Collection Boxes located throughout White Space. Although called keys, they resemble medals.
Both acts of Space Ark Colony contain two of each type of key, ensuring a variety of chests for you to open. Here’s where you can find them all.
Space Ark Colony Act 1 Collection Box Keys
In Space Ark Colony Act 1, the three keys can be found before entering the Radical Highway section, allowing you to race through there without concern. Here are their approximate locations:
- The first Shadow’s History Key can be found right before your initial anti-gravity wall. Instead of heading straight for it, bounce off the pad and use your Homing Attack on nearby asteroids to reach a grind rail. Jump at the end to land on the roof where the key is hidden.
- The second Music key is situated just prior to the segment where you need to use Chaos Control to take out a rocket. As you fall, activate Chaos Control when the rockets align to form a pathway, and the key is at the end.
- The third Artwork key is located inside the grind rail section. To access it, use your Homing Attack on flying robots to reach a Dash Ring that will elevate you to a higher grind rail, automatically collecting the key at the end.
Make sure to complete the Act after collecting all three keys to secure them.
If you die before reaching a checkpoint, you will have to
recollect any keys you acquired
.
Space Ark Colony Act 2 Collection Box Keys
In Act 2 of Space Ark Colony, the three keys are more widely dispersed than in Act 1, with the last key appearing close to the Act’s conclusion.
- The first Music key can be found near the start. After passing a checkpoint, you’ll zip down a hill. Stop and jump to grab a raised area instead. Pull the handle up, and you’ll find the key waiting.
- The second Artwork key is located later on, near the Gravity Poles. This key sits atop the first Gravity Pole with a top. You’ll need to jump to it from the second Gravity Pole, avoiding any Dash Ring interference.
- The third Shadow’s History Key is positioned in the following side-scrolling section with Gravity Poles after you’ve outrun some rockets. Boost up the first Gravity Pole to find flying robots. Utilize your Homing Attack to land on a rail and keep using it to reach the next rail, where the key awaits.
With that, you’ve successfully located all the keys in the Space Ark Colony. We hope you’ve secured your S ranks along the way! Congratulations! Now, enjoy the rest of the game.