Recommended Team: Sonic (Leader) & Knuckles (Partner)
Act 2 introduces more verticality and environmental hazards. Start by moving right, using springs to ascend. You'll encounter sections with crumbling platforms; move quickly across these to avoid falling. Knuckles' Tag Action, a powerful uppercut, is useful here for breaking through certain blocks or reaching slightly higher ledges that Tails might struggle with. There's a section with multiple pathways, some leading to dead ends with rings, others progressing the level. The upper paths generally offer more rings and fewer enemies.
Mid-way through the act, you'll find a series of moving platforms over a bottomless pit. Precision jumping is key here. If you fall, you'll lose a life. Look for a hidden passage behind a waterfall-like structure; using Knuckles' glide can help you reach it. This passage often contains a 1-Up or a large ring cluster. The act concludes with a long grind rail section followed by a series of springs leading to the goal ring. Be mindful of enemies placed strategically on the grind rails to knock you off.