Achieving S-Rank in Sonic Frontiers Cyber Space Portals primarily involves completing stages within a strict time limit, often requiring precise movement and boosting. A prime example is Cyber Space Portal 1-2, which demands completion in under 55 seconds. This guide provides specific strategies for challenging levels and general tips to help you secure S-Ranks across all Cyber Space Portals.
General S-Rank Strategies
To consistently achieve S-Ranks in Cyber Space Portals, focus on maintaining momentum and minimizing actions that slow Sonic down. The core principle is “Always Be Boosting” (ABB). This means constantly tapping the boost button while running on the ground or grind rails to exploit the initial speed burst.
| Strategy | Benefit | Avoid When Possible |
|---|---|---|
| Always Be Boosting (ABB) | Maximizes speed on ground and rails | N/A |
| Stay out of the air | Prevents loss of momentum | Unless boosting to next section |
| Air boost | Allows horizontal movement without losing speed | Only once per jump; resets on landing |
| Running off ledges | Quicker than jumping or using springs | If it leads to a fall or obstacle |
| Homing attack | Can be used for quick transitions | Destroys momentum; only tap quickly if necessary |
| Choose ring boosts carefully | Some provide necessary speed, others can hinder | Those that lead to unnecessary detours |
| Avoid springs | Often slower than alternative routes | If no other option to progress |
| No jumping on grind rails | Maintains flow and speed | Use bumper hop gimmick instead |
| Drop (B/Circle) | Quicker descent from platforms | If it leads to a fall or obstacle |
Avoid unnecessary jumps, springs, and homing attacks on enemies, as these actions typically kill your speed. When possible, running off ledges is faster than using a spring or jumping. Remember that an air boost can only be performed once per jump; Sonic’s feet must land on a surface to reset this ability. An airborne boost also provides a slight vertical lift, which can be useful for clearing small gaps between platforms without a full jump.
Cyber Space Portal 1-2 S-Rank Guide
Cyber Space Portal 1-2, inspired by Sky Sanctuary, is notorious for its strict 55-second S-Rank requirement. This level demands a near-perfect run with minimal errors. If you hit the loop after 35 seconds, it’s advisable to restart.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough for 1-2
- Start: Immediately take the low route using the zipper pads.
- First Jump: Jump right after hitting the red ring on the hill to catch the boost rings, landing on the upper platforms.
- Platforms & Pulley: Quickly skip across these platforms, boosting past any enemies. Hit the pulley mechanism.
- Homing Attack Sequence: From the pulley, boost over the steps. Tap the homing attack as fast as possible to chain attacks (this requires practice for timing). Drop as soon as you reach the next platform.
- Rail Maneuver: Boost to the rail. Immediately hop left, then quickly hop right back to the middle to bypass a spring.
- Boost Jump & Rail Hops: Boost jump off the hill to hit a ring boost. On the subsequent rail, hop left onto the second rail, then immediately hop right to utilize another ring boost.
- Straightaway & Final Rail: Boost through the straightaway and jump for the next ring boost. Stay on the following rail all the way without jumping initially.
- Final Hazard: Perform a boost jump to clear the hazard, then homing attack the last spring. You should have just enough time to reach the finish.
This route has a very low margin for error, and even small mistakes can cost precious seconds. The goal is to keep Sonic moving forward at maximum speed with almost no pauses.
Kronos Island S-Rank Times
Kronos Island features several Cyber Space Portals with varying S-Rank time requirements. Understanding these targets is crucial for planning your approach.
| Cyber Space Portal | S-Rank Time | Inspiration | How to Clear (Key Tip) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-1 (Green Hill – Daytime) | 00:43.00 | Windmill Isle Daytime Act 1 | Tutorial stage, learn controls. |
| 1-2 (Sky Sanctuary – Daytime) | 00:55.00 | Windmill Isle Daytime Act 2 | Avoid thorns at end of rail. |
| 1-3 (City – Sunset) | 01:00.00 | N/A | Aim for Red Star Rings in side-scrolling. |
| 1-4 (Green Hill – Sunset) | 01:15.00 | Green Hill Act 2 | Easy to clear, avoid veering off course. |
| 1-5 (Chemical Plant) | 01:15.00 | Chemical Plant Act 2 | Use acceleration, stay on rails, avoid enemies. |
| 1-6 (Green Hill – Daytime) | 01:15.00 | Green Hill Act 1 | Avoid enemies/thorns, take upper path. |
| 1-7 (City – Nighttime) | 01:25.00 | City Escape | Easy to clear, avoid falling. |
For levels like 1-6, taking the upper path is often beneficial for achieving S-Ranks, as it can bypass obstacles or provide a faster route. Levels like 1-4 and 1-7 are generally considered easier to S-Rank due to their straightforward design.
Ares Island S-Rank Times
Ares Island also presents a series of Cyber Space Portals, some of which are more challenging than others. Precision and route optimization are key to success here.
| Cyber Space Portal | S-Rank Time | How to Clear (Key Tip) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-1 (Green Hill – Sunset) | 01:40.00 | Use rails to dash, prepare for narrow platform. |
| 2-2 (Sky Sanctuary – Daytime) | 00:55.00 | Moving platforms/thorns at start, may need retries. |
| 2-3 (Chemical Plant) | 00:55.00 | Operate cannon quickly, take upper route in middle. |
| 2-4 (Chemical Plant) | 01:10.00 | Follow path, launch Sonic up, use rails and bars. |
| 2-5 (Green Hill – Daytime) | 01:10.00 | Time jumps, avoid obstacles, use moving bars/clouds. |
| 2-6 (Green Hill – Daytime) | 02:25.00 | Linear, accelerate on rails, use momentum for spring propellers. |
| 2-7 (Sky Sanctuary – Daytime) | 01:30.00 | Avoid pitfalls/enemies at start, dash constantly on dropping platforms. |
Cyber Space Portal 2-3 is challenging due to the need for quick cannon operation and finding the faster upper route. Similarly, 2-5 requires precise timing for jumps and navigating moving platforms. For 2-7, the key is continuous dashing, as certain platforms and pathways will slowly drop, penalizing hesitation.
FAQ
What is an S-Rank in Cyber Space Portals? An S-Rank is the highest possible rank you can achieve in a Cyber Space Portal level, typically awarded for completing the stage within a very strict time limit. Achieving S-Ranks contributes to unlocking vaults and trophies.
Why is Cyber Space Portal 1-2 so difficult to S-Rank? Cyber Space Portal 1-2 is notoriously difficult because its S-Rank time of 55 seconds leaves an incredibly low margin for error. It requires a specific, optimized route and near-perfect execution, with even minor mistakes leading to failure.
Do I need to collect rings or Red Star Rings for an S-Rank? No, S-Ranks in Cyber Space Portals are primarily based on completion time. Collecting rings or Red Star Rings does not directly contribute to achieving an S-Rank, though some levels may require multiple attempts to collect all items.
Are there any general tips for maintaining speed in Cyber Space levels? Always be boosting (ABB) by tapping the boost button on ground and rails. Avoid unnecessary jumps, springs, and homing attacks if they break your momentum. Utilize air boosts once per jump for horizontal movement, and consider running off ledges as a faster alternative to springs or jumps.
What happens if I make a mistake during a run? For levels with very tight S-Rank requirements, like Cyber Space Portal 1-2, it’s often best to restart if you make a significant mistake, such as hitting an obstacle or falling, as the time loss will likely prevent you from achieving the S-Rank.