Recommended Team: Knuckles (Leader) & Sonic (Partner)
Act 2 features more verticality and intricate icy platforming. Knuckles' ability to climb icy walls and glide over long gaps is invaluable. Sonic as a partner provides a speed boost for clearing long stretches of ice or for quickly dispatching enemies. You'll encounter sections with large, rotating ice platforms; time your jumps carefully to avoid falling into the freezing water below.
There are many destructible ice blocks that hide pathways or items. Knuckles' punches can easily break these. Look for hidden passages behind large snowdrifts that lead to shortcuts or bonus areas. The act also features sections with strong gusts of wind that can push you around; use Knuckles' glide to control your descent or ascent. A 1-Up is often found in a high, secluded area that requires a precise glide or climb to reach. The act ends with a series of ascending icy platforms and springs, leading to the goal ring.