Notes and Strategy (10)

Learn the best strategies for defeating Knuckles and understanding the story progression after the battle in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles.

Alright, let's talk about that showdown with Knuckles! Compared to some of the other bosses you've faced, Knuckles is actually pretty manageable once you know his tricks. Don't even think about using your Spin Dash on him directly; he'll just block it. It's a waste of time and momentum.

If Knuckles decides to Spin Dash towards you, your best bet is to simply jump over him. Trying to counter his Spin Dash with your own is a bad idea – you'll still end up taking damage. The sweet spot for attacking him is when he glides. Get behind him and land a hit then. There's a tricky maneuver where you can hit him with a Spin Dash the exact moment he lands, but honestly, it's much easier to just wait for his glide.

After the fight, things get pretty dramatic. You'll see a bunch of explosions, and Knuckles will run off to check them out. Follow him! You'll then witness Robotnik making off with the Master Emerald from the Emerald Chamber. If you're playing the full Sonic 3 & Knuckles experience, you might spot those Super Emeralds here too, depending on your progress in the Special Stages.

So, Knuckles finally realizes Robotnik is the bad guy, but it's a bit late – the mad doctor has the Master Emerald! Robotnik will fly off, and you'll automatically move forward. Knuckles will try to stop him but gets zapped and left behind. Don't waste your time trying to attack Robotnik directly; he can take endless hits. Eventually, the floor will give way, and you'll fall into a new area. Knuckles will wake up, smash through a wall, and show you a teleporter. Hop on, and you'll be zapped off to Sky Sanctuary Zone!