Sonic X Shadow Generations has brought us a fresh take on classic Sonic levels, now featuring Shadow as well. While most of Sonic’s original content remains unchanged, Shadow introduces completely new elements just for him.
That said, you can’t go wrong with a classic Sonic level, and Chemical Plant is one of the most recognizable. There’s plenty to explore and accomplish across both Classic and Modern Sonic levels, along with some exciting new twists to enhance the gameplay. Here’s everything you need to know to master the Chemical Plant.
How to Achieve S Rank in Chemical Plant
Chemical Plant Act 1 S Rank
Momentum is key for Classic Sonic, and he’ll need to moderate his speed at times. At the start of Act 1, carefully jumping along the moving platform will allow Sonic to access a higher path that bypasses many underwater sections.
Whenever you encounter a quarter pipe, definitely use a fully charged Spin Dash—this will typically help you reach higher areas that Sonic might not access otherwise.
Bouncing off enemies is beneficial, too, as it can propel you to elevated areas and generally keeps your pace faster than trying to dodge them.
If you find yourself in water, speed is your ally. You should always have enough air to escape without needing to refill at air bubbles as long as you maintain your speed.
There are no significant tricks to be cautious of beyond this. Finish the level in under 2:00 minutes with at least a score of 50,000 to secure that A Rank, and aim for a Perfect Clear to bump it up to S Rank.
Chemical Plant Act 2 S Rank
Modern Sonic moves incredibly fast—sometimes even quicker than the level can handle. Slowing down can hinder your progress, especially with the erratic camera movements, so maintain speed throughout and watch for hidden paths.
One such secret path can be found at the start. Two alternative routes are available beside the main one, both of which can let you skip the section leading up to the highway, though they might be tricky to reach.
On the highway, try to grab the Rainbow Speed Ramp, which will lead you to a crane handle, allowing you to zoom past the grind rail. After entering the next side-scrolling section, jump right after the checkpoint to get to a higher area that helps you skip the water section below.
If you do end up submerged, just start dashing. Sonic will swim to the surface at an impressive speed. Boosting is also an excellent tactic for Modern Sonic, ensuring he stays at top speed and can reach incredible heights from quarter pipes.
Near the level’s end, Sonic will grab onto a crane handle leading to a grind rail. Be sure to quickly use your Homing Attack before landing to snatch onto another crane handle and move closer to the finish.
Avoid the underwater areas to achieve an S Rank; as long as you keep your speed, minor falls won’t hurt your score too badly. As long as you finish in under 2:30 minutes with 50,000 points or more, and achieve a Perfect Clear, you should be all set for that S Rank.
Where to Find All Red Star Rings in Chemical Plant
You can uncover a total of ten Red Star Rings in Chemical Plant, with five for each Sonic. They’re spaced quite well throughout the levels, making it nearly impossible to collect them all in one go. Take your time, and let our guide help you!
Chemical Plant Act 1 Red Stars
Finding Classic Sonic’s Red Star Rings can be challenging due to the side-scrolling camera. Here’s a breakdown to make your search easier:
- Red Star Ring 1: Take the lower path from the start and collect the ring atop the pipe you enter.
- Red Star Ring 2: Located on a path with many blue bubbles, this ring appears in the second set of bubbles.
- Red Star Ring 3: Instead of Spin Dashing up the quarter pipe, use the floating platform. Jump along to another platform to reach the Red Star.
- Red Star Ring 4: Find this ring in an underwater section, just before you come up for air. Bounce off the spider enemy or drop in from above.
- Red Star Ring 5: Near the stage’s end, after traversing collapsing platforms, you’ll spot this Red Star on top of springs and floating platforms.
After all that, you can earn the skill, Breath Holder.
Chemical Plant Act 2 Red Stars
Speeding past areas can make it easy to overlook some Red Stars, so here’s a guide for those locations while you’re zipping through:
- Red Star Ring 1: After jumping from the Rainbow Speed ramp on the highway, you’ll find it in the center of the path at the end of the crane journey.
- Red Star Ring 2: After the grind rail, jump to the higher path past the checkpoint for this ring.
- Red Star Ring 3: Ascending a slanted part, you’ll see this Red Star next to a spider enemy.
- Red Star Ring 4: In the skydiving section, stick to the northern edge of the tunnel to find the Red Star just before landing.
- Red Star Ring 5: After getting off the highway near the end, head up to the grind rail via the ramp or a hidden spring; you’ll collect the ring on the way.
Grabbing these will reward you with the Smasher Bonus skill.
Where to Find Every Hidden Chao in Chemical Plant
One of the new features in Sonic X Shadow Generations is the hidden Chaos. There are six Chaos to find in each stage, three for each Sonic.
Chemical Plant Act 1 Hidden Chaos
Finding Chaos can be tricky as they’re well-hidden or out of sight. Here’s where to locate them for Classic Sonic:
- Hidden Chao 1: After a failed springboard jump, this Chao is in a small underwater section.
- Hidden Chao 2: Found after traveling through a pipe, you’ll find this Chao next to a series of Ring Boxes.
- Hidden Chao 3: Located in the same area as the fifth Red Star Ring, take the springs to the high path to find the Chao at the edge.
Chemical Plant Act 2 Hidden Chaos
Sonic’s speed can make it tough to find these little guys, but here are their locations:
- Hidden Chao 1: Follow the low path in the side-scrolling section and let Sonic fall into the water; the Chao is at the bottom left.
- Hidden Chao 2: After the skydiving area, look for the Chao resting on the left side of the room.
- Hidden Chao 3: Just before using the hidden springs near the end, head back to the lower section, the Chao will be in the corner by the ledge.
With this guide, you’ll gather every collectible in the Chemical Plant and knock out another S Rank from your list!
