Sonic X Shadow Generations takes us on a nostalgic journey through some of Sonic’s most memorable levels, spanning every phase of his long-lasting franchise. While the game primarily offers exciting new challenges for Shadow, the stages featuring Sonic retain their original charm and appeal.
Just take a look at Sky Sanctuary! It’s a beautifully designed level filled with multiple paths and unique gameplay mechanics. Classic collectibles like the Red Star Rings are back, along with new Chaos to discover. Let’s dig in to help you locate them and achieve that coveted S Rank.
How to Earn an S Rank in Sky Sanctuary
Sky Sanctuary’s ambiance is whimsical, floating among the clouds. You will need to execute precise maneuvers to avoid falling and adapt quickly to the shifting landscape. We’re here to ensure you can secure that S Rank, regardless of which version of Sonic you’re playing.
Sky Sanctuary Act 1 S Rank
Sky Sanctuary Act 1 features Classic Sonic, who is tailored for momentum rather than sheer speed. This level is designed with plenty of tricky jumps and hidden routes, so let’s guide you through the quickest paths to secure that S Rank.
In this level, you’ll want to focus on jumping as much as possible. Whether it’s soaring over ledges, bouncing on enemies, or springing through clouds, keeping Sonic grounded will only slow you down. A single misstep might block you from a faster route, so think carefully about each leap.
To give yourself a better chance, consider equipping the Aqua Shield for higher jumps.
You can entirely bypass the section with the Spinning Tops if you’re successful with all the cloud jumps preceding it. However, if you miss your target, you’ll need a special skill to return. Fortunately, snagging an S Rank is still possible, even if you falter in this section.
For parts involving half or quarter pipes, your Spin Dash is your best ally. This quick boost can help you skip unnecessary running and jumping that would otherwise slow you down.
There are three distinct paths you can take to complete the level. While you can earn an S Rank on any route, the more challenging paths often yield better chances for a superior score. We achieved an S Rank by taking the middle route.
To finish with an S Rank, aim for a time of under 3:00 minutes and a score of 50,000. Achieving a Perfect Clear will elevate your score straight to an S Rank.
Sky Sanctuary Act 2 S Rank
Like in Act 1, you’ll want to utilize the unique cloud mechanics throughout Sky Sanctuary to your advantage. Although Modern Sonic does not benefit from the same bounce effect, the clouds will help him reach heights unattainable otherwise.
After visiting the first Rainbow Rings, head right for a shortcut leading to a zipline. Here, move upwards along the clouds to a Speed Ramp, which will provide another shortcut into the interior area. Perform a Homing Attack on the flying enemy located near the fountain to access a higher route.
In the shadowy interior, take the right path towards some Rainbow Rings leading to a grind rail, allowing a quicker path to the Warp Stone.
While on the zipline after the Warp Stone, jump off as you reach halfway and use a Homing Attack to switch to another zipline, saving precious seconds.
Upon reaching the next quarter pipe, utilize a boost to launch yourself up and activate the button on the ground. This opens a wall but will also spawn an enemy, so prioritize defeating it quickly to keep the passageway open.
In the following interior area, slow down on the second floor as it will collapse, leaving only a few safe sections. Navigate carefully to use your Homing Attack on flying enemies to cross the gap.
To earn an A Rank, finish Act 2 in under 2:40 seconds to achieve a sufficient score. Boost that score close to 50,000 by collecting Rings and aim for a Perfect Clear to enhance it to an S Rank.
Where to Find Every Red Star Ring in Sky Sanctuary
Red Star Rings return unaltered from the original Sonic Generations, with ten to find in each stage, distributed as five per Act for both Sonic characters. Let’s track them down!
Sky Sanctuary Act 1 Red Stars
While Classic Sonic has a slower pace making item hunting easier, his Acts feature more extensive routes. Here’s how to locate all five Red Star Rings in Sky Sanctuary.
- Red Star Ring 1: Near the start, jump on a cloud to reach a tower.
- Red Star Ring 2: Jump through a series of clouds for a higher path in the middle of the Act.
- Red Star Ring 3: At the end of the Act, select the lowest route on a winding path.
- Red Star Ring 4: Similar to the third, but take the middle path.
- Red Star Ring 5: Found on the highest route, requiring perfect cloud jumps to stay aloft.
Your reward for collecting these is the Skill, Twin Spin Attack.
Sky Sanctuary Act 2 Red Stars
Modern Sonic relies on speed, making item hunting a bit tricky, even though his levels are more straightforward. Here’s where to find all five Red Star Rings in Sky Sanctuary.
- Red Star Ring 1: After executing the Trick Jumps, leap to the floating platform and through the Dash Rings; the Red Star is on a moving platform.
- Red Star Ring 2: Jump through the next set of Rainbow Rings to collect this star.
- Red Star Ring 3: Use a Homing Attack on the fountain in the interior area to reach the Red Star.
- Red Star Ring 4: Located on a floating platform above the highest route in the dark interior area.
- Red Star Ring 5: While on the first zipline, leap to the second to find the last Red Star waiting at the end.
The reward for collecting these is the Skill, Gauge Rebooter.
Where to Find Every Hidden Chao in Sky Sanctuary
New to Sonic X Shadow Generations are hidden Chao throughout Sonic’s levels. These mischievous creatures are stealthy, so we’ll guide you in tracking them down.
Sky Sanctuary Act 1 Hidden Chaos
There are three Chao hidden in Sky Sanctuary for Classic Sonic. Here’s where to find each one.
- Hidden Chao 1: Bounce across flying enemies to reach the higher path after using a bounce pad through a tower. The Chao is suspended in the air outside this tower.
- Hidden Chao 2: Before entering the first Warp Stone, descend a level and head left to find the Chao waiting on the edge.
- Hidden Chao 3: Taking the lowest route, use a Spin Dash to propel yourself onto the Spinning Top and ride it until you reach the Chao.
Sky Sanctuary Act 2 Hidden Chaos
For Modern Sonic’s segment of Sky Sanctuary, there are another three hidden Chao. Here’s where they’re located.
- Hidden Chao 1: In the fountain area, go right to find the Chao in the corner.
- Hidden Chao 2: After leaving the interior and crossing the collapsing path, the Chao waits just below a cloud after the springs.
- Hidden Chao 3: After navigating a zipline, you’ll find this Chao near a collapsed pillar. Act quickly, as they will start to fly away as you approach.
With all the Chao and collectibles gathered, you have fully explored what Sky Sanctuary has to offer. Congratulations, and enjoy the rest of your Sonic journey!
