Understanding Cyberspace S Ranks
Achieving an S rank in Sonic Frontiers’ Cyberspace levels is primarily about speed and efficiency. Each Cyberspace portal has a specific time record you must beat to earn the coveted S ranking. While the game features a new “Cyberspace Challenge Mode” unlocked after defeating the final boss on any difficulty, which requires completing all Cyberspace levels, S-ranking is a separate goal focused purely on performance within individual stages. There are no difficulty-related achievements in the game, meaning you can pursue S ranks even on “Easy” difficulty, which might simplify overall gameplay.
The Cyberspace stages themselves blend 2D and 3D gameplay, often drawing inspiration from classic Sonic levels. Mastering the controls, understanding level layouts, and executing precise movements are key to shaving off those crucial seconds needed for an S rank.
Kronos Island Cyberspace S Rank Guide
Kronos Island introduces players to the foundational Cyberspace levels. Here’s a breakdown of the S-rank requirements and tips for each:
- Cyber Space Portal 1-1 (Green Hill – Daytime)
- S Rank Time: 00:43.00
- Tips: This is a tutorial stage; focus on learning the basic controls and maintaining momentum.
- Cyber Space Portal 1-2 (Sky Sanctuary – Daytime)
- S Rank Time: 00:55.00
- Tips: Be cautious of the thorns positioned at the end of the rail, just before the goal. Hitting them will cost you valuable time and rings.
- Cyber Space Portal 1-3 (City – Sunset)
- S Rank Time: 01:00.00
- Tips: This side-scrolling level can obscure what’s ahead. Try to anticipate obstacles and aim for Red Star Rings. Multiple attempts might be needed to memorize the layout.
- Cyber Space Portal 1-4 (Green Hill – Sunset)
- S Rank Time: 01:15.00
- Tips: This stage is relatively straightforward. Avoid straying from the main path or unnecessary slowdowns to secure the S rank.
- Cyber Space Portal 1-5 (Chemical Plant)
- S Rank Time: 01:15.00
- Tips: Utilize acceleration effectively and stay on rails as much as possible. Dodge enemies to keep your speed up.
- Cyber Space Portal 1-6 (Green Hill – Daytime)
- S Rank Time: 01:15.00
- Tips: This level has numerous enemies and thorn hazards. Taking the upper path is often beneficial for achieving S ranks.
- Cyber Space Portal 1-7 (City – Nighttime)
- S Rank Time: 01:25.00
- Tips: This level is generally easier for S ranks. The main challenge is avoiding falls, which can significantly reduce your time.
Ares Island Cyberspace S Rank Guide
Ares Island presents more complex challenges. Here’s how to tackle its Cyberspace levels for S ranks:
- Cyber Space Portal 2-1 (Green Hill – Sunset)
- S Rank Time: 01:40.00
- Tips: Another accessible S-rank stage. Use the rails to dash quickly through the course, and be prepared for a narrow platform section near the end.
- Cyber Space Portal 2-2 (Sky Sanctuary – Daytime)
- S Rank Time: 00:55.00
- Tips: Watch out for moving platforms and thorns near the start. If you’re also collecting coins and Red Star Rings, expect to replay this level a few times.
- Cyber Space Portal 2-3 (Chemical Plant)
- S Rank Time: 00:55.00
- Tips: This stage can be tricky for S ranks due to a cannon operation. In the middle section, aim for the upper route to reach the goal faster.
- Cyber Space Portal 2-4 (Chemical Plant)
- S Rank Time: 01:10.00
- Tips: This is another relatively easy S-rank level. Follow the path, launch Sonic upwards, and then continuously use rails and the two bars to complete the challenge quickly.
- Cyber Space Portal 2-5 (Green Hill – Daytime)
- S Rank Time: 01:10.00
- Tips: This level demands precise timing for jumps and effective obstacle/enemy evasion. Utilize moving bars to ascend and clouds to advance. After the midpoint, dodge thorns while heading east, hit the blue button, and then use moving bars and clouds again to reach the finish.
- Cyber Space Portal 2-6 (Green Hill – Daytime)
- S Rank Time: 02:25.00
- Tips: This stage is quite linear. Maintain acceleration on rails and use their momentum for quicker jumps on spring propellers. Evade enemies and obstacles as you move to higher sections.
- Cyber Space Portal 2-7 (Sky Sanctuary – Daytime)
- S Rank Time: 01:30.00
- Tips: This level is challenging due to pitfalls and enemies present from the start. Keep dashing, as red-marked white platforms and green pathways will slowly drop, requiring constant movement.
Chaos Island Cyberspace S Rank Guide
Details for Chaos Island Cyberspace portals and their specific S-rank strategies are not yet fully documented in available sources. However, the general principles of speed, momentum, and efficient navigation will remain crucial. Expect more intricate level designs that test your platforming and combat skills.
FAQ
Do I need to play on a specific difficulty to get S ranks? No, there are no difficulty-related achievements in Sonic Frontiers. You can achieve S ranks on any difficulty setting.
Are there any special tricks for S-ranking Cyberspace levels? While specific tricks vary per level, general strategies include maintaining high speed, utilizing acceleration and rails effectively, avoiding obstacles and enemies that slow you down, and taking optimal paths (often higher routes).
What happens if I get hit by an enemy or obstacle? Getting hit generally results in losing rings and, more importantly, losing momentum and time, making it harder to achieve an S rank.
Is there a specific mode for replaying Cyberspace levels to get S ranks? After beating the final boss, you unlock the “Cyberspace Challenge Mode,” which tasks you with completing every Cyberspace level. This mode is ideal for focusing on S-rank attempts.