Editing Sonic the Hedgehog (section)

==Powers and abilities==
Despite not having undergone any known training, Sonic's years of battles have made him a skilled and powerful fighter. He has defeated [[Death Egg Robot|giant]] [[Egg Dragoon|robots]], [[Zeti|demons]], and [[Perfect Chaos|god-like beings]] on his own; gone up against and bested [[Master Zik|those]] with far more combat experience; and even beaten [[Shadow the Hedgehog|individuals]] who equally match his abilities. It has also been noted that Sonic is steadily growing stronger;<ref>[[Sonic Team]], [[Dimps]] (November 12, 2010). ''[[Sonic Colors (Nintendo DS)|Sonic Colors]]''. [[Nintendo DS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Sweet Mountain]]. "'''Sonic''': Heh! That was barely a warm-up! / '''[[Silver the Hedgehog|Silver]]''': Not half bad, Sonic. / '''[[Blaze the Cat|Blaze]]''': You're even sharper now than when we last met."</ref> during the [[Time Eater]] [[Sonic Generations|incident]], Sonic could beat the [[Egg Emperor]] and [[Perfect Chaos]] on his own where he previously required additional power to defeat them. Sonic even told [[Infinite]] upon holding his own against the latter compared to the previous time they fought that he becomes more powerful every second.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (November 7, 2017). ''[[Sonic Forces]]''. [[Nintendo Switch]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Infinite (boss)|Vs. Infinite]]. "'''[[Infinite]]''': Impossible! Your abilities exceed your previous data! / '''Sonic''': Unlike mechs, I can grow. I get more powerful every second!"</ref> It is safe to assume that Sonic is far more powerful than he lets on.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (February 27, 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Emerald Beach]] ([[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]'s story). "'''[[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]''': You've got much stronger... / '''Sonic''': I've got something to protect..."</ref> His victories over [[Emerl]] at the Gizoid's maximum potential and Perfect Chaos in his base form are prime examples of his true power.

[[File:Sonic-unleashed-20081008095524256_640w.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Sonic running through various [[Egg Fighter]]s at supersonic speeds, from the [[Xbox 360]]/[[PlayStation 3]] version of ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''.]]
Sonic's greatest strength is his super speed.<ref name="JamProfile" /> He has proven himself to be in a class of his own with his speed, having been credited as "the fastest thing alive" and even the fastest being in the universe.<ref name="SRProfiles">''[[Sonic Rivals]]'' ([[PlayStation Portable]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 8.</ref> He has the ability to instantly accelerate to the speed of sound and run at speeds that exceed [[wikipedia:Mach number|Mach 1]],<ref name="JamGuide" /><ref name="JamProfile" /><ref name="Interview 2">{{Cite web |author=[[Sega/Sega of America|Sega of America]] |publisher=[[Sega]] |url=http://www.sega.com:80/sonic/community/post_sonicqa.php?article=sonicqa |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040613171218/http://www.sega.com:80/sonic/community/post_sonicqa.php?article=sonicqa |archivedate=June 13, 2004 |title=Sonic Q and A |quote='''From Your Ultimate Fan''': How fast can you go (MPH) and how long would it take you to run around the world once? Also, who could beat you in a race, Knuckles, Tails, Shadow, Cream, Rouge, Amy or Dr. Eggman? / '''Sonic''': I have the ability to instantly accelerate to the speed of sound. That's about 760 MPH at 59*F...pretty fast, huh? The only character that would really have a chance against me would be Shadow…but then again, I've never lost a race!}}</ref> which is at the blistering speed of about 768 mph, and can run backward just as well as he can forwards.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (February 6, 2004). ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Opening ([[Team Sonic]]).</ref> Due to such speed, he can scale vertical surfaces and ceilings, run over water, out speed lasers, and even cause the ground to explode and lift off in his wake.<ref name="RUSManual">''[[Sonic R]]'' ([[Sega Saturn]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 17.</ref><ref>[[Sonic Team]] (March 13, 2009). ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]''. [[Wii]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Opening.</ref> This speed also allowed him to restore the time and space erased by the [[Time Eater]] during that [[Sonic Generations|incident]]. Even then, Sonic can take his speed even further. By [[Super Peel Out|revving up in one place]], he can take off at turbo speeds in an instant. He can also [[Boost|envelope himself in a blue energy field]] that lets him accelerate beyond the sound barrier on both the ground and in midair for a short time,<ref>''[[Sonic Unleashed]]'' ([[PlayStation 3]]) European instruction booklet, pg. 12.</ref> allowing him to not only smash straight through enemies and obstacles like a living projectile, but also [[Air Boost|fly]] immense distances through midair. Using [[Light Speed Dash|certain]] [[Light Speed Attack|techniques]], he can even momentarily reach the speed of light.

It is unknown what Sonic's unaided top speed is. During the Emerl [[Sonic Battle|incident]], it was stated he can move several times the speed of sound and when facing Emerl at his maximum potential, he went at least ten rounds with him in less than thirty seconds. He is also able to run in circles around an enemy at such speeds that he can stun it.<ref name="CDCredits">[[Sonic Team]] (November 19, 1993). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]''. [[Sega CD]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Credits sequence.</ref> Some sources claim that Sonic's maximum speed is Mach 1.2.<ref name="AdventureTokyoInternational" /> It has also often been stated that Sonic can move at supersonic speeds<ref name="JamGuide" /><ref name="SUM" /><ref group="note">Due to a mistranslation, the English version of the instruction booklet for ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' calls Sonic "the world's fastest, hypersonic hedgehog" when the Japanese instruction booklet for the same game states that Sonic can reach supersonic speeds.</ref> (which ranges from 915-3,840&nbsp;mph). There are as well records stating that Sonic can instantaneously reach the [[Wikipedia:Speed of light|speed of light]] (about 671,000,000 mph);<ref name="AdventureGuide">{{Cite book |title=ソニックアドベンチャー オペレーションガイド|publisher=SoftBank |date=January 1999 |chapter=ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ |page=24 |isbn=978-4757203006 |language=Japanese }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=[[The History of Sonic the Hedgehog]] |publisher=UDON Entertainment |last1=Audureau |first1=William  |last2=Petronille |first2=Marc |date=January 1, 2013 |isbn=978-1926778563 |quote=During the day, he was his usual self, able to run anywhere at the speed of light; but at night, he became a slow and savage 'werehog', prone to giving his enemies violent smackdowns. }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=[[Sonic the Hedgehog Super Interactive Annual 2014]] |publisher=Pedigree Books |page=8 |chapter=Profile: Sonic |date=September 17, 2013 |isbn=978-1908152077 |quote=Sonic runs faster that the speed of light and according the Guinness Book of Records, he is officially the fastest video game character of all time! }}</ref> [[E-123 Omega]] himself calculated that Sonic's speed could potentially exceed light speed and the hedgehog has boasted that light speed is "small time" to him.<ref>[[Sonic Team]], [[Dimps]] (November 12, 2010). ''[[Sonic Colors (Nintendo DS)|Sonic Colors]]''. [[Nintendo DS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Asteroid Coaster]]. "'''Sonic''': Too Easy! / '''[[E-123 Omega|Omega]]''': Data 130% higher than previous entry. Suspected error... / '''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': Nice run, Sonic! / '''[[E-123 Omega|Omega]]''': Impossible... At this rate, light speed will be exceeded. / '''Sonic''': Light speed? That's small time. There's no challenge! / '''[[E-123 Omega|Omega]]''': Does not compute..."</ref> Additionally, during the [[Little Planet]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog CD|incident]], Sonic was able to enter the [[Time Warp]], which required him to run at speeds exceeding the speed of light.<ref>''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]'' ([[Sega CD|Mega-CD]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 16.</ref>

[[File:Sonic dodging Egg Fighter.jpg|thumb|225px|Sonic easily avoiding an [[Egg Fighter]] at high speed, from ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''.]]
Sonic has demonstrated complete mastery of his speed in any environment and can use it for both high-speed offense and defense.<ref>''[[Sonic Rivals 2]]'' ([[PlayStation Portable]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 7.</ref> Not only can he run at maximum tilt in straight lines, but also in full tight circles and through sharp turns with full control over his momentum. As far as stamina goes, Sonic's is seemingly limitless as he is never winded from running. His speed also allows him to perform several impressive feats; he can [[Sonic Heal|heal at rapid speeds]], launch [[Sonic Wave|shockwaves]] by spinning rapidly, [[Sonic Ballet|leap]] in midair, launch [[Somersault|stunning waves]] with fast kicks, increase the force of his blows by striking with increased momentum, and create [[Insta-Shield|barriers of super speed]]. He can also [[Blue Tornado|spin in circles]] or [[Tornado (Custom Action)|rotate his extremities]] at super speed to create winds strong enough to attack or blow away opponents, similar to aerokinesis.

Sonic possesses astounding kineticism and precision, and has the reaction time to match his speed. He has profound [[Parkour|acrobatic skills and agility]], along with incredible reflexes that lets him avoid any incoming obstacles with precise and delicate movements. As seen in his first meeting with [[Silver the Hedgehog|Silver]], Sonic can even detect attacks beyond his field of vision due to his sharp reflexes.<ref name="SonicAndSilverMeet">[[Sonic Team]], [[Blindlight]] (November 14, 2006). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. [[Xbox 360]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Silver appears (Sonic Episode).</ref> When launched into the air, he can also pull off several [[Trick Action|tricks]] before landing. He also has incredible jumping skills,<ref name="RUSManual" /> capable of jumping up to several hundred meters, even with extra weight.<ref>[[Sonic Team]], [[Blindlight]] (November 14, 2006). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. [[Xbox 360]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: The Chaos Emeralds entrusted (Sonic Episode).</ref>

Sonic possesses notable strength. He can push and lift things bigger and heavier than himself, run without extra weight slowing him down, smash through metal and rock, and damage [[Dark Gaia|foes]] countless times his size. However, it is debatable whether the latter's power comes from his speed, strength, or a combination of both. Sonic's strength particularly lies in his legs; with a single kick, he can topple the [[Egg Golem (Sonic Adventure 2)|Egg Golem]]<ref>[[Sega Studio USA|Sonic Team USA]] (June 23, 2001). ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Egg Golem (Sonic Adventure 2)|Egg Golem]] (Dark story).</ref> and send [[Badnik]]s [[Flying Kick|flying]]. This does not mean that Sonic's arms are not strong either; he has enough strength to tear robots apart by hand<ref name="CDCredits" /> and punch through a collapsed wall.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (March 13, 2009). ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]''. [[Wii]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: World Destruction.</ref>

Sonic has frequently demonstrated extreme resilience to damage. He can survive getting caught in the crossfire from all angles by Eggman's robots (which only knocked him out cold briefly), withstand the force of a massive explosion and a [[Hyper-go-on]]-based void unscathed, being pummeled with swords, resist a powerful punch from [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]] from his foot, smash through several robots with his fist without discomfort, and take a ruthless pummeling from the [[Time Eater]].<ref name="FinalBattle">[[Sonic Team]] (November 4, 2011). ''[[Sonic Generations]]''. [[PlayStation 3]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: [[Sonic Generations/Script#The Final Battle|The Final Battle!]].</ref> Additionally, Sonic has [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2|more]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|than]] [[Sonic Adventure|once]] survived impacts from falls at extreme heights, bordering at the edge of space, only to shake it off when landing, and has even withstood [[Wikipedia:Atmospheric entry|atmospheric entry]].

{{Quote left|Even at night, when I'm like this, I'm still myself. Not like all the other people we've seen. [[Chip|You]] must have been protecting me this whole time.<br>I haven't done anything, Sonic. You're the reason you haven't changed at all. You're too strong to lose yourself!<br>I'm the reason?<br>Yeah! You never doubt yourself, no matter what. You never give in to the night, or to the darkness inside your heart.|[[Sonic the Werehog]] and [[Chip]], ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''}}
Sonic possesses an unbreakable and incorruptible spirit; in situations where most others would give up and where he is severely outnumbered and outgunned, Sonic never loses faith in himself and never surrenders. This trait enables him to keep on fighting when utterly exhausted or after taking an abnormal amount of damage.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (March 13, 2009). ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]''. [[Wii]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Queen of the Underworld.</ref> His will even lets him withstand mind-controlling powers, like the corruptive influence of [[Dark Gaia]]. Even when possessed by the [[Ifrit]], Sonic was arguably able to occasionally regain control.

Sonic has also demonstrated the ability to harness [[Chaos Emerald energy]] for his own use; with a [[Chaos Emerald]], Sonic can perform the [[chaos powers|chaos power]] [[Chaos Control]], and occasionally gain a boost in power.

[[File:Sonic 23.png|thumb|225px|Sonic performing the [[Spin Attack]], from ''[[Sonic Labyrinth]]''.]]
Sonic's core offensive maneuver is the [[Spin Attack]], a technique where he curls into a concussive ball or cutting disk and directs himself at his targets. With it, Sonic can shred or burrow through just about any substance given enough speed and hit with enough force to pierce colossal boulders.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (November 19, 1993). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]''. [[Sega CD]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Opening sequence.</ref> Highly adept in its usage, Sonic can utilize several variants of the Spin Attack for both grounded and aerial maneuvers, including the [[Spin Dash]], [[Spin Jump]], [[Homing Attack]], the super-charged [[Focused Homing Attack]], and the [[Light Speed Attack]], which attacks at the speed of light.

Even without his Spin Attack, Sonic is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant. He mostly relies on his fast footwork since the majority of his power lies in his legs, though he has been known to use his fists and arms from time to time, albeit in a rather straightforward manner. His fighting style is mostly derived from [[Wikipedia:Breakdance|breakdancing]] moves<ref>''[[Sonic Battle]]'' ([[Game Boy Advance]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 3.</ref><ref>[[Sonic Team]] (February 27, 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. "'''[[Sonic Flare]]''': Sonic's heavy attack. He performs a Downward Kick using breakdance moves, which knocks opponents away."</ref> which utilize Sonic's legs to their fullest, allowing him to deliver swift, wide-ranged kicks. He has also been known to use flying forward kicks, split kicks, and scissor kicks.<ref>[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U'']]</ref> Sonic was also shown during the [[scabbard of Excalibur]] [[Sonic and the Black Knight|incident]] to excel in swordsmanship. Even as a rookie swordsman, Sonic could beat a [[Mist Dragon|dragon]] and after receiving formal training, he could best master swordsmen like the [[Knights of the Round Table]]. In addition to using advanced techniques, Sonic can apply his speed to his swordplay for quick and swift slashes, and become a buzzsaw by spinning with his sword, enabling him to slice clean through enemies. He has also learned the martial art of Linshao Kung Fu from [[Shuifon]], though he is yet to be seen using it.

[[File:Sonic pose 62.png|thumb|left|225px|Sonic delivering a powerful kick, from ''[[Sonic Battle]]''.]]
Sonic has extraordinary skill in operating vehicles. He has excellent skills when it comes to piloting planes like the [[Tornado]], and water bike surfing on vessels like the [[Wave Cyclone]]. He is also experienced in a variation of sports such as boarding and surfing, and other recreational activities like [[grinding]]. As shown during [[Dodon Pa]]'s [[Team Sonic Racing|Grand Prix]], Sonic is also an expert at driving sport cars like the [[Speed Star]]. He has even demonstrated that he is capable of driving his car sideways and backwards just as well as he can forwards, and can keep up with other expert drivers like Shadow while driving from these directions.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=[[Dangerous Distractions]] |series=[[Team Sonic Racing Overdrive]] |season=1 |number=1 |network=[[Wikipedia:YouTube|YouTube]] |date=March 16, 2019}}</ref>

Sonic has proven himself as a world-class [[Extreme Gear]] rider. He is said to move faster than he can run on an Extreme Gear<ref name="SRZGprofile">''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'' ([[Wii]]) United Kingdom instruction booklet, pg. 4.</ref> and can go head-to-head with legendary Wind Masters like [[Jet the Hawk]]. Sonic seemingly has a knack for Extreme Gear riding, quickly grasping the controls on his first try and later developing advanced techniques despite being self-taught. After the [[Sonic Free Riders|second]] [[World Grand Prix]], Sonic can be considered the best Extreme Gear rider in the world, having beaten [[Metal Sonic]] in a race, who at that point was an "unbeatable" rider with the skills of the world's finest Extreme Gear riders at his disposal.

It appears that Sonic can control the strength and durability of his otherwise soft quills at will.<ref>Sonic's Up Throw, ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''</ref> While he is spinning, they appear to be extremely hard like buzzsaw blades; as demonstrated during the [[Neo Metal Sonic]] [[Sonic Heroes|incident]], his quills (and body) are durable enough to slice through battleships without even moving at the speed of sound. In addition, Sonic's quills can sense nearby dangers, which they warn him about by creating a tingling sensation.<ref name="TinglingQuills"/> A similar precognitive ability of his that allows him to sense nearby danger comes in the form of sneezing.<ref name="JamGuide" /> Sonic has also demonstrated the ability to transfer his speed throughout various parts of his body, allowing him to immediately set off from stationary positions and even channel it into objects to speed up their movements and make them pierce through solid objects as he does while running. He can also create an [[Time Stop|effect reminiscent of a time halt]], even though it is unknown what it is derived from.

===Equipment===
[[File:SatBK Sonic02.png|thumb|225px|Sonic wielding [[Caliburn]], from ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]''.]]
Though he does not prefer to use weapons, mainly dissing firearms,<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (November 15, 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[Nintendo GameCube]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Westopolis]]. "'''Sonic''': To swap your weapon for another weapon that's on the ground, just press the X Button! Personally, I wouldn't be caught dead using those things!"</ref> Sonic has wielded a number of tools during his adventures, albeit never permanently. During the [[Space Colony ARK]] [[Sonic Adventure 2|incident]], Sonic used [[Grind Shoes]], which were specifically made for [[grinding]].<ref name="SC2">{{Cite web |author=Sega of America |publisher= Sega of America |url=http://www.sega.com:80/sonic/community/post_sonicqa.php?article=sonicqa |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040613171218/http://www.sega.com:80/sonic/community/post_sonicqa.php?article=sonicqa |archivedate=June 13, 2004 |title=Sonic Q and A |quote='''Darrell C''': Why did you change your shoes in Sonic Adventure 2 Battle? / '''Sonic''': Those were special shoes that were specifically made for grinding. It was something that I've always wanted to try and it sure came in handy! Look forward for some more intense and extreme grinding in my next adventure, Sonic Heroes.}}</ref> Also, during the [[Emerl]] [[Sonic Battle|incident]], he utilized [[Sonic Cracker|deployable]] [[S. Air Cracker|landmines]] in battle, and [[Sonic Advance 3|one time]], he would wield his own version of the [[Piko Piko Hammer]]. During the [[World Ring]] [[Sonic and the Secret Rings|incident]], he also wore [[Shahra's Ring]], allowing him to harness [[Shahra]]'s magic for himself. Similarly, during the [[scabbard of Excalibur]] [[Sonic and the Black Knight|incident]], Sonic would wield swords; he initially wielded [[Clarent]], but later exchanged it for Caliburn, a sapient [[sacred sword]] with magical properties.

===IDW Publishing===
[[File:IDW42Sonic.jpg|thumb|left|235px|Sonic breaking the sound barrier as he runs to [[Restoration HQ]], from [[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 42|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #42]].]]
Sonic's trademark ability is his super speed. He can travel up to speeds surpassing Mach 1, which is at the blistering speed of about 768&nbsp;mph(1234 km/h). He also utilizes this in hand-to-hand combat as shown when facing {{IDWlink|Neo Metal Sonic}}, giving him quick reflexes and reaction time. While running, Sonic resembles a blue streak from a distance that leaves a blue trail behind him.<ref name="StH7">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 7|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #7]], "Meet the New Boss"</ref><ref name="StH42"/> At the same time, he is experienced enough with his speed to turn easily while maintaining his speed.<ref name="StH1"/>

While Sonic's top speed is unknown, glimpses of Sonic's prowess are shown in his tendency to routinely scale vertical walls,<ref name="StH3">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 3|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #3]], "Fallout, Part 3"</ref> effortlessly knock down enemies in his path,<ref name="StH1"/> run over water,<ref name="StH2"/> and ability to build up enough momentum to throw [[Egg Spear|spears]] with such force that they can pierce large metal structures while exerting enough air pressure to blow said structures apart.<ref name="StH7"/> His speed also allows him to perform several impressive feats, such as creating small tornadoes by running around in circles at super speeds.<ref name="StH19">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 19|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #19]], "Crisis City, Part 1"</ref><ref name="StH51">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 51|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #51]], "Escaping the Empire"</ref> Sonic's speed is so great that he could eventually outpace a spatial maze reality that folds back in on itself ad infinitum, which even Dr. Eggman knew could not hold Sonic for long.<ref name="StH37">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 37|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #37]], "Test Run, Part 1"</ref><ref name="StH40">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 40|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #40]], "Test Run, Part 4"</ref> Sonic can also use the [[Boost]] to not only increase his speed but also barge through obstacles in his path.<ref name="StH2"/> 

Sonic has demonstrated complete mastery of his speed at nearly any level. Not only can he run at a maximum tilt in straight lines, but also through sharp turns with full control over his momentum, and without recklessly crashing into unintended targets. To match his super speed, Sonic also has immense, though not quite limitless,<ref name="StH19"/><ref name="StH23"/> stamina that allows him to run at high speed for days without rest.

Sonic is also a skilled acrobat with quick reflexes and reaction time to match. He is able to perform a variety of aerobatic moves and techniques, even while running.<ref name="StH1"/> Despite his size, he also has great physical strength; he is able to easily fling Amy Rose and her [[Piko Piko Hammer]] several feet into the air singlehandedly,<ref name="StH2"/> overpower Master Overlord's giant grip alongside {{IDWlink|Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow}} and {{IDWlink|Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles}},<ref name="StH11">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 11|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #11]], "The Battle for Angel Island, Part 3"</ref> and set off with enough power to bend thick metal armor.<ref name="StH2"/> Sonic can also ascend hundreds of meters into the air with a single jump.<ref name="StH2"/> He is also incredibly durable, being capable of taking a hit from an artillery shell and emerging from it without a scratch,<ref name="StH7"/> as well as enduring several powerful blows from {{IDWlink|Zavok}} without any serious injuries.<ref name="StH43">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 43|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #43]], "Zeti Hunt, Part 3"</ref>

Sonic possesses the ability to harness the power of the {{IDWlink|Chaos Emerald}}s. With them, Sonic can give himself a boost in power.<ref name="StH8">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 8|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #8]], "Silent Support"</ref> He is also a capable aerial pilot, able to properly pilot the {{IDWlink|Tornado}} at high speed, although he is not nearly as skilled as Tails.<ref name="StHAnnual2019s2">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2019]]'', "Jet Set Tornado"</ref>

Sonic's core offensive maneuver is the [[Spin Attack]], a technique where he curls into a concussive ball or cutting disk and directs himself at his targets. With it, Sonic can shred or burrow through just about any substance given enough speed, and perform moves like the [[Spin Dash]], [[Homing Attack]] and [[Rolling Combo]], though the last one requires the aid of {{IDWlink|Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails}}.<ref name="StH1"/><ref name="StH2"/>

===Transformations===
{{Main|Sonic the Hedgehog/Miscellaneous#Transformations}}
====Super Sonic====
{{main|Super Sonic}}
[[File:SFSBSuperSonic.png|thumb|left|225px|Sonic transformed into Super Sonic, from ''[[Sonic Forces: Speed Battle]]''.]]
By harnessing the power of the seven [[Chaos Emerald]]s, Sonic can enter a [[Super transformation|Super State]], transforming him into '''Super Sonic'''. Easily his most used transformation, Super Sonic is one of Sonic's strongest forms. In this state, all of Sonic's abilities far surpass his normal ones. He is also able to fly and is nearly invulnerable.<ref name="Super Sonic Channel">{{Cite web|author=[[Sonic Team]]|publisher=[[SEGA]]|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/supersonic/index.html|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080701142150/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/supersonic/index.html|archivedate=July 1, 2008|title=Sonic Channel|work=Characters: Super Sonic|accessdate=June 25, 2008|language=Japanese}}</ref> However, this transformation consumes a lot of energy, meaning it cannot be maintained for long.

=====Super Sonic 2=====
{{main|Super Sonic 2}}
[[File:Starfall supersonic-profile.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Super Sonic transformed into Super Sonic 2, from ''[[Sonic Frontiers]]''.]]
By harnessing the power of the [[Cyber corruption]] at half its potential, Super Sonic can enter a superior state, transforming him into '''Super Sonic 2'''. Being a "successor" of Super Sonic, this form retains the same traits as it, except Super Sonic 2 gains a power and speed increase.

====Color Powers====
{{Main|Color Power}}
[[File:Lazer-Wisp.png|thumb|left|225px|Sonic as the [[Cyan Laser]], from the [[Wii]] version of ''[[Sonic Colors]]''.]]
By harnessing different variants of [[Hyper-go-on]] from [[Wisp]]s, Sonic can use specific '''Color Powers''' to transform into a certain form, such as a drill, a laser or even a fireball, each one possessing its own unique abilities. So far, Sonic has been able to transform into the [[Cyan Laser]], [[Yellow Drill]], [[Blue Cube]], [[Green Hover]], [[Pink Spikes]], [[Purple Frenzy]], [[Violet Void]], [[Orange Rocket]], [[Red Burst]], [[Indigo Asteroid]], [[Magenta Rhythm]], [[Crimson Eagle]], [[Ivory Lightning]], [[Gray Quake]], [[Black Bomb]], and [[Jade Ghost]]. However, these transformations require a steady supply of Hyper-go-on to be maintained.