Red Rings Overview
In Sonic Frontiers, special portals scattered across the islands transport Sonic to unique zones reminiscent of classic Sonic titles. These stages often feature visuals, enemies, and layouts that pay homage to older games. Within each of these stages, there are five special Red Rings to collect. Successfully gathering all five Red Rings in a stage will complete a specific goal, rewarding you with a Vault Key. Vault Keys are essential for obtaining Chaos Emeralds on each island.
Chaos Island, the third major area in Sonic Frontiers, presents more intricate challenges compared to previous islands. Navigating its terrain often involves extensive use of grind rails and obstacle courses, and its Portal Stages are among the most demanding you will encounter.
Chaos Island Portal Stages
Chaos Island features seven distinct Portal Stages, numbered 3-1 through 3-7. Each of these stages contains five Red Rings. This guide will detail the locations of these rings for stages 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3. These stages are often filled with traps, misleading paths, and enemies that can hinder your progress. Collecting all Red Rings is crucial for acquiring Vault Keys and achieving S-Rank times within these high-intensity tracks.
Stage 3-1 Red Ring Locations
The portal for Stage 3-1 is situated on a hilltop, directly across the caldera from Chaos Island’s initial spawn point. Numerous tracks in the vicinity lead to this portal, making it a central landmark for orientation.
- First Red Ring: Immediately after passing the first checkpoint, ride the grind rail located to the left. The first Red Ring will be collected automatically as you traverse this rail.
- Second Red Ring: This ring is found at the second checkpoint. Ensure you remain in the center of the track as you pass through this point to collect it.
- Third Red Ring: After swinging across a chasm using a trapeze in a broad, sweeping motion, look for the third Red Ring on the set of platforms directly ahead.
- Fourth Red Ring: This ring is collected while Sonic ascends a tall tower by utilizing springs.
- Fifth Red Ring: The final Red Ring for Stage 3-1 is automatically acquired as you swing on the last trapeze before reaching the goal of the stage.
For S-Rank tips in Stage 3-1, consider using shortcuts. For instance, after the first set of enemies, platforms to the left, though seemingly slow, lead to boosters and springs that bypass the initial section and take you to the first checkpoint. A double-jump to the left during the first ramp jump can also lead to a spring that propels you to the top of these platforms, saving more time. In narrow corridors, particularly after the first trapeze swing across a chasm and after the third checkpoint, prioritize speed over defeating enemies; hugging the inside wall offers the safest and fastest route.
Stage 3-2 Red Ring Locations
The portal for Stage 3-2 is located just southwest of the White Emerald Vault. It can be easily accessed by heading directly north from the area where you encounter the first Fortress enemy.
- First Red Ring: When presented with the choice between using blue balloons or a ramp, opt for the ramp. This path will lead you to an orange boost ring, which will then propel you towards the first Red Ring.
- Second Red Ring: Following a prolonged sequence of swing bars and a grind rail after collecting the first Red Ring, you will encounter a cannon. Jump over this cannon and drop down slightly to find the second Red Ring before proceeding. If you accidentally hit the cannon, pressing the incorrect button will safely place you near the Red Ring.
- Third Red Ring: Immediately after acquiring the second Red Ring, continue along the swing bars. These will guide you directly to the third Red Ring.
- Fourth Red Ring: As Sonic grinds straight down a long rail, stay on the rail. The fourth Red Ring is positioned at the very end of this rail.
- Fifth Red Ring: During the final ascent of the stage, continue to use the swing bars. The last swing bar before the goal will launch you into a boost ring, allowing you to collect the final Red Ring as you complete the stage.
For S-Rank tips in Stage 3-2, be aware of traps, such as spikes just before the booster where paths converge at the beginning of the stage. A well-timed jump is necessary to avoid them. On the rail where the fourth Red Ring is found, achieve maximum speed and jump precisely as you collect the ring. This action can land you on a platform, bypassing a spring ahead. Exercise caution when climbing the final tower; falling will not reset you to the checkpoint but will require you to restart the climb from the bottom.
Stage 3-3 Red Ring Locations
The portal for Stage 3-3 is located on a small island situated off the western coast in the southern part of Chaos Island. You can reach this island by following an obstacle course from the mainland shore. Alternatively, if you complete challenges on the mainland until the Elder Koco on the island is visible on your map, and you have found Elder Koco’s Scroll while fishing in the southeast corner of the map, you can simply teleport directly to the NPC.
- First Red Ring: The first Red Ring is found on a raised platform immediately following the initial section of the stage.
- Second Red Ring: After the large jump that follows the first checkpoint, upon landing, jump over the barrier to the left. This route might be difficult to spot at high speeds, but it conceals the second Red Ring.
- Third Red Ring: This Red Ring is located on the rotating stone discs found midway through the level. To ensure you don’t miss it, try to stick to the lower route.
- Fourth Red Ring: In an area featuring collapsing platforms, the fourth Red Ring is positioned above. If you attempt to collect it without slowing down, be prepared to use a Homing Attack on the enemies located across the chasm.
- Fifth Red Ring: (Information for the fifth Red Ring in Stage 3-3 is not available in the provided sources.)
FAQ
What do Red Rings do in Sonic Frontiers? Collecting all five Red Rings in a Portal Stage completes a stage goal and rewards you with a Vault Key, which is necessary to obtain Chaos Emeralds.
Are there Red Rings on Rhea Island? No, Sonic Frontiers’ fourth island, Rhea Island, does not contain any stages, and therefore no Red Rings.
How many Red Rings are there in each stage? Each Portal Stage in Sonic Frontiers contains five Red Rings.
Do Red Rings contribute to S-Rank times? While collecting Red Rings is a separate goal, understanding their locations can help you plan efficient routes, which is crucial for achieving S-Rank times in Portal Stages.