Sonic Rumble Prepares for Global Launch with Surprise SEGA Crossover Event

Sonic Rumble hasn’t even launched globally yet, but SEGA is already kicking things into high gear with the announcement of its first crossover event. Dubbed “Crossover Event #0: SEGA Stars,” the event begins today and runs until just before the global launch on May 8. That’s right—players already diving into the regional pre-release version, whether through official channels or otherwise, are getting a taste of SEGA-wide chaos early.

This event introduces several beloved SEGA icons to the toy-styled madness of Sonic Rumble. AiAi and MeeMee from Super Monkey Ball, Opa-Opa and Upa-Upa from Fantasy Zone, and all three of the classic Altered Beast transformations have officially entered the arena. Players can collect SEGA logos during matches to earn special rewards, though not every character will be unlocked the same way.

The Werewolf transformation is free for all players, while Upa-Upa, Werebear, AiAi, and MeeMee are currently listed as purchasable with Red Star Rings. Weredragon and Opa-Opa are locked behind a Premium Pass. That said, there have already been some changes worth noting—since the update went live, it’s been confirmed that Upa-Upa character fragments are actually available for standard rings, priced at the equivalent of 700 rings per fragment. It appears previous info about which characters would require premium currency might’ve been inaccurate, and there’s now speculation that Werebear might also be obtainable with standard rings. As of now, AiAi remains locked behind a 729 Red Star Ring price tag.

Launching a full crossover event while the game is still in pre-release is a bold move, but it aligns with SEGA’s promise that content seen during this period won’t be exclusive. SEGA previously confirmed that most pre-launch rewards and items will return once the game officially launches worldwide. So if you’re holding out for the global release, don’t worry—these SEGA Stars should still find their way back into the rotation.

Whether you’re already playing or waiting for May 8, this event is a strong indication of how ambitious Sonic Rumble intends to be, pulling in characters from across SEGA’s storied history and mixing them into its high-speed, chaotic action.

Stay tuned to Sonic City for more Sonic Rumble News and Updates!