Part 17

Learn how to find and unlock Special Springs in Sonic Advance 3. This guide details how to obtain keys and access the Special Stages for bonus content.

To access the Special Springs in Sonic Advance 3, you'll need to collect Keys. In the final version of the game, you must complete the act to keep the key. In earlier versions, you can quit the level after obtaining a key, and it will still be retained. You can collect more than 9 keys, though the in-game counter may not reflect this.

Special Springs are hidden within each map area. Having at least one key allows you to unlock these springs and attempt the Special Stages. Version 1.1 of the game has moved the Special Spring locations to their own dedicated section for clarity.

The Special Stage involves piloting the Tornado and collecting rings to progress. A more detailed explanation of the Special Stage can be found in another section of this guide.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To improve clarity in the Chao location guide, the term 'Tag Action' has been clarified as 'Tag Action High Jump,' performable by Tails or Amy as a partner. Cream's Tag Action Jump is not as high but can be useful. Moves like Flight, Gliding, Boost Mode, and Tough Barrier Break can be executed by either team leaders or via Tag Action, depending on the chosen team. 'Gliding' encompasses Cream and Amy's 'Floating Fall' with specific teammates. Climbing is exclusive to Knuckles paired with Tails, Cream, or Amy. For specific team move capabilities, refer to section 7.f, 'Important Team Skills Summary,' or follow the recommended teams for guaranteed Chao collection.

8.a. Zone 1: Route 99

This cityscape zone in Sonic Advance 3 makes finding Chao relatively straightforward. The zone is particularly well-suited for the classic Sonic and Tails team, recommended for all three acts to collect all Chao.

8.a.1. Zone 1 Act 1 Chao:

While any team can collect the Chao in this act, the initial act of the game is best suited for a Sonic/Tails pairing. The Chao in this act are located on the lowest and easiest path, despite opportunities for higher routes. The first Chao is hard to miss shortly after starting the act, located at the top of a wall; ensure you land precisely on top.

Chao #1: Located at the top of a wall shortly after starting the act. Be careful not to overshoot and fall off the right side.

Chao #2: Jump off the right side and look for a moving platform. Instead of going to the ledge with rings and a bug, jump down and hit the spring against the left wall to move right. (A Green Shield can be found by jumping right from the start of the slope towards a platform.) Continue right, and you'll be launched upwards. Do not use the moving platform in the air; instead, fall far right and try to hit the rail going left. Avoid the purple badnik, grind the rail, and after running left, you'll be launched by a ramp. Continue left, running up a wall and through a loop-de-loop, then up another wall to a ceiling spring that sends you right. After another loop-de-loop and passing blue bugs, another spring will launch you through a third loop-de-loop. Hit the blue switch, then board the appearing blue and orange platform. Move right, defeat the bug, and hit the spring to reach the next checkpoint area. Hit the spring on the right and proceed. You'll end up on the ceiling; be cautious when falling off the end, as you'll land on a small platform with an Omochao and spikes. The Omochao may suggest using Tag Action, but it's better to jump down to the right towards two springs. The bottom spring moves you right, then another spring sends you down a slope to the left. You'll drop into an area with a horizontally moving block. Wait for the block to move right, creating a gap, then jump over it to find the Chao in a small room. (A Ring Magnet Shield can be obtained by jumping left or using Flight, Climbing, or Tag Action High Jump just before dropping into this area, on a ledge above the Chao's location.)

Chao #3: After jumping over the block, head right. You'll encounter a vertically moving block; jump on top of it to avoid being crushed. Continue right, defeat the bug, and drop through a hole. You'll land on a moving platform. Jump to another moving platform slightly below and to the right, then jump left off that one, hugging the left wall as you descend. You should hit a ? Ring Item Box instead of nearby spikes. Jump over the spikes, hit a speed booster, and continue right. You'll go down a slope, around a loop-de-loop, up a wall, and head right. Watch out for a spike trap on the left edge of a small platform. Jump down to the right and hit the spring.