Story Walkthrough

Story Walkthrough

Welcome to the comprehensive Story Walkthrough for Sonic Advance 3! This section will guide you through every zone, act, and boss encounter, ensuring you collect all the Chaos Emeralds and defeat Dr. Eggman. Remember that team combinations can significantly alter gameplay; experiment to find what works best for your playstyle!

Route 99

The game kicks off in the bustling metropolis of Route 99. This zone serves as an excellent introduction to the game's mechanics and introduces the core team-up system.

Act 1: City Rush

• Objective: Reach the Goal Ring.
• Recommended Team: Sonic & Tails (for easy aerial navigation and attack).
• Walkthrough:
  • Start by heading right. You'll immediately encounter some basic Coconuts badniks. Use a Homing Attack or Spin Dash to dispatch them.
  • Look for springs that launch you onto higher platforms. There's a 1-Up Monitor hidden above a series of moving platforms shortly after the first loop-de-loop.
  • Keep an eye out for grind rails. Using them can often lead to faster routes and sometimes hidden item boxes. A Speed Shoe Monitor is located on a high rail path about halfway through the act.
  • Near the end, you'll encounter a series of vertical moving platforms. Time your jumps carefully to avoid falling into the bottomless pit.
  • The Goal Ring is usually preceded by a large ramp or a series of springs.
• Chaos Emerald Location (Act 1): The first Chaos Emerald is often found in a hidden path accessible by a well-timed bounce or by using Tails' flight ability to reach a high platform. Look for a spring that launches you upwards into a false ceiling about two-thirds of the way through the act.

Act 2: Construction Chaos

• Objective: Reach the Goal Ring.
• Recommended Team: Sonic & Knuckles (for breaking obstacles and powerful attacks).
• Walkthrough:
  • This act features more environmental hazards, including crushing pistons and falling girders. Approach these sections cautiously.
  • Utilize Knuckles' glide to cross larger gaps or reach platforms that are otherwise inaccessible. There's a Shield Monitor on a platform only reachable by gliding from a higher point after the first set of crushing pistons.
  • You'll encounter new badniks like Crabmeats that shoot projectiles. Deflect their shots or attack them quickly.
  • There's a section with conveyor belts that move you against your will. Use your Spin Dash to gain momentum and overcome them. A Ring Monitor (10 Rings) is often found directly above these belts.
  • A series of collapsing platforms near the end requires quick traversal. Don't linger!
• Chaos Emerald Location (Act 2): The second Chaos Emerald is typically found after a section with large, rotating gears. Look for a small opening in the wall near the top of the screen that can be accessed by a high jump or Knuckles' wall climb.

Act 3: Rooftop Rumble

• Objective: Reach the Goal Ring.
• Recommended Team: Any team, but Amy & Cream can be useful for their unique abilities to navigate tight spaces or reach high areas.
• Walkthrough:
  • This act introduces more verticality and reliance on springs and bounce pads.
  • Watch out for electric barriers. These can be deactivated by hitting a nearby switch, or bypassed with careful timing or a well-placed Homing Attack over them.
  • You'll encounter sections with strong winds that can push you around. Use the wind to your advantage to reach higher platforms, but be careful not to be blown into hazards. A Invincibility Monitor can be found on a platform in a windy section, requiring precise movement.
  • There are several hidden passages behind breakable walls. Use Knuckles or Amy's hammer attack to reveal them. These often contain extra rings or power-ups.
  • The final stretch involves a series of high-speed ramps and loops. Maintain momentum to clear these obstacles.
• Chaos Emerald Location (Act 3): The third Chaos Emerald is often hidden behind a breakable wall in a high-up section. Look for a suspicious-looking wall after a series of spring jumps. Using Knuckles' team-up ability to break it is ideal.

Boss: Eggman's Route 99 Mech

• Objective: Defeat Dr. Eggman.
• Recommended Team: Sonic & Tails (for consistent aerial attacks).
• Strategy:
  • Eggman's mech in Route 99 has a few attack patterns. He will primarily try to ram you or shoot small projectiles.
  • The main weak point is the cockpit. Wait for Eggman to lower his guard after an attack.
  • When he charges, jump over him or use a Spin Dash to avoid damage.
  • After he charges, he'll often pause briefly. This is your window to jump and Homing Attack the cockpit. If playing as Sonic & Tails, Tails can fly you up for an easier hit.
  • He may also deploy small, easily defeated badniks. Clear these out quickly to avoid distractions.
  • Repeat this process until his mech is destroyed.