Many stages in Sonic Forces feature hidden paths and shortcuts that can significantly reduce your completion time, lead to extra rings, or provide access to Red Star Rings. Discovering these alternate routes is crucial for achieving S-Ranks and for completionists. They often require specific character abilities or keen observation to uncover.
How to Find Hidden Paths:
- Look for Destructible Objects: Keep an eye out for cracked walls, suspicious-looking crates, or other environmental elements that might break when hit by a Boost, Spin Dash, or Wispon attack.
- High-Up Platforms: Many shortcuts are located on higher platforms that require precise jumps, double jumps, or the use of your Avatar's Bird species ability or Cube Wispon to reach.
- Grinding Rails: Sometimes, a rail might lead to an entirely different section of the stage, often a faster or more rewarding one.
- Springs & Dash Panels: Look for strategically placed springs or dash panels that launch you off the main path.
- Wispon-Specific Access: Certain Wispons can unlock paths:
- Cube Wispon: Can create platforms over gaps or to reach high areas.
- Drill Wispon: Can burrow through soft ground or certain walls.
- Lightning Wispon: Can chain Homing Attacks to distant switches or enemies, opening new routes.
- Classic Sonic's Spin Dash: Classic Sonic can often Spin Dash through weak walls or up steep inclines that other characters cannot.
Benefits of Shortcuts:
- Faster Times: The most obvious benefit for S-Rank attempts.
- More Rings: Hidden paths often contain large clusters of rings, boosting your score and Boost Gauge.
- Red Star Rings: Many Red Star Rings are deliberately placed on hidden paths, requiring exploration to find them.
- Variety: They add replayability and make each run feel fresh.
Make it a habit to explore every stage thoroughly. If a path seems too obvious, there might be a better one hidden nearby. Don't be afraid to experiment with your character's abilities to see what secrets you can uncover.