Editing Earth

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|Gtab1 = Earth                        |title1 = Main page
|Gtab2 = Sonic's world/History and appearances (IDW) |title2 = History and app.<br>{{C|IDW}}
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:''"Sonic's world" redirects here. For other uses of the term, see [[Earth (disambiguation)]] and [[Sonic's world (disambiguation)]]. For this planet in various Western material, see [[Mobius (disambiguation)|Mobius]].''
{{Infobox location
|title       = Earth
|image       = EarthShadowGenerations.jpeg
|caption     = The Earth, from ''[[Shadow Generations]]''.
|first       = [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' {{C|16-bit version}}]]
|games       = Virtually all ''Sonic'' games
|media       = 
*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (promotional comic)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (promotional comic)]]
*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (manga)]]
*''[[Sonic the Comic]]''
*[[Archie Comics]]
*''[[Sonic X]]''
*[[Sonic World Adventure (manga)|''Sonic World Adventure'' (manga)]]
*''[[Sonic: Night of the Werehog]]''
*[[Sonic Colors (manga)|''Sonic Colors'' (manga)]]
*[[Sonic Chronicles (manga)|''Sonic Chronicles'' (manga)]]
*[[Sonic Generations (manga)|''Sonic Generations'' (manga)]]
*[[Sonic Boom (series)|''Sonic Boom'']]
*''[[Sonic Comic]]''
*[[Sonic Forces digital comic|''Sonic Forces'' digital comic]]
*[[IDW Publishing]]
*''[[Team Sonic Racing One-shot]]''
*''[[Team Sonic Racing Overdrive]]''
*''[[Chao In Space]]''
*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (film series)]]
*[[Sonic Channel/Cover stories (2021)|''Cover Stories'' (2021)]]
*''[[Sonic Colors Comics]]''
*''[[TailsTube]]''
*''[[Sonic Prime]]''
*[[Sonic Channel/Otherworld Comedy (2023)|''Otherworld Comedy'' (2023)]]
*''[[Ghost Tale]]''
*[[Sonic Channel/Calendar Comedy (2024)|''Calendar Comedy'' (2024)]]
*''[[The Jet Black Hedgehog: Shadow the Hedgehog]]''
*''[[Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings]]''
|location    = [[Sonic's universe]]
|inhabitants = Most ''Sonic'' characters
|visitors    = <!--Please do not add any original characters that appear in "Sonic Prime" to this list. It's in the Shatterverse, not Sonic's original universe. Thank you.-->
*[[Ancients]] {{c|extinct}}
*[[Babylonians]]
*[[Black Arms]]
**[[Black Doom]] 
*[[Blaze the Cat]]
*[[Dodon Pa]]
*[[Marine the Raccoon]]
*[[Metal Sonic 3.0]]
*[[Mother Wisp]]
*[[Shahra]]
*[[The End]]
*[[Time Eater]] {{c|destroyed}}
*[[Wisp]]
**[[Yacker]]
**[[Maggie]]
|final state = Intact
}}
{{Quote left|Come on! Let's go home! To the planet as cool and blue as [[Sonic the Hedgehog|me]]!|[[Sonic the Hedgehog]], ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''}}
The {{Nihongo|'''Earth'''<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (23 June, 2001). ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. "'''[[Maria Robotnik|Maria]]''': Shadow, what do you think it's like on earth?"</ref><ref name="Primeearth">[[WildBrain]] (4 July, 2023). ''[[Sonic Prime]]''. "[[Avoid the Void]]". "'''[[Amy Rose]]''': The forest is the most beautiful place on Earth."</ref>|地球|Chikyū}}, also known as '''Sonic's world''',<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (November 12, 2010). ''[[Sonic Colors]]'' ([[Wii]]). [[Sega]]. "'''[[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]]''': Soon the mind control weapon will be full of energy I've siphoned from the aliens, and Sonic's world will be the center of my interplanetary theme park."</ref><ref>[[Dimps]] (April 21, 2012). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]''. [[PC]]. [[Sega]]. "'''How to Play'''/'''Episode II Story''': Months after the events of Episode I, the Little Planet of ''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' fame once more nears Sonic's world."</ref> is the overall main setting of the [[Sonic the Hedgehog series|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series]]. Notable for its many oddities and hidden wonders,<ref name="TailsTube1" /> it is a lush and beautiful planet in [[Sonic's universe]], inhabited by various creatures, most notably [[human]]s and anthropomorphic animals.

Throughout its history spanning over a billion years,<ref name="MetaJunglira">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble|Sonic & Tails 2]]'' ([[Sega Game Gear]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 24.</ref> the Earth has seen the rise and fall of [[Knuckles Clan|anci]][[Ancients|ent]] [[Fourth Great Civilization|civiliz]][[Babylonians|ations]], [[War to Take Back the Planet|major wars]], [[Metal Virus|plagues]] and [[Solaris Project|tragedies]], and visits from [[Black Arms|beings]] [[Babylonians|from]] [[Wisp|other]] [[Ancients|planets]]. Unfortunately, various members of its inhabitants have developed [[Emerl|weapons]] [[Eclipse Cannon|of]] [[Final Egg Blaster|mass]] [[Mind Control Ray|destruction]], and [[Doctor Eggman|several]] [[Great Battle Kukku|power-hungry]] [[Pachacamac|tyrants]] have caused crises and even catastrophes. Due to this, the Earth is far from peaceful, and though [[Tikal|some]] have implored its inhabitants to live together harmoniously without violence, no attempts at permanent peace in the world have been successful.<ref name="NoWar">[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Ending ([[Emerl]]'s Episode). "'''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': Someday... If this world finally knows true peace... If this world no longer needs weapons or wars... If we can make this world a truly peaceful place when we're older... If we can make a world where there's only laughter... Do you think we'll be able to play with Emerl again? / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': ... ... ... ...Yeah! Definitely!"</ref> Nonetheless, the majority of the people on Earth are well meaning at heart and only wish to live their lives and make their dreams come true.<ref>[[Sega Studio USA|Sonic Team USA]] (23 June 2001). ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Last Story. Cutscene: [[Sonic Adventure 2/Script (Last)#Cutscene 5|Cutscene 5]]. "'''[[Amy Rose|Amy]]''': There has to be! I know that people fight over the most trivial things. Some people may be selfish, like the professor said... but they're basically good, if they try their best and never give up on their wishes. They always have a reason to be happy; that's why you should help them out! Saving them is a good thing! Shadow, I beg you, please do it for them! Give them a chance!"</ref><ref>[[Sonic Team]] (9 December 2008). ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''. [[PlayStation 3]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: [[Sonic Unleashed/Script#No Reason|No Reason]]. "'''[[Chip]]''': It's been so fun! Getting to see the world. I've lived here since the planet began, but... I didn't know a thing about it. That it's so pretty, or that food tastes so good, or that people are so nice! I'm so glad I got the chance to discover all that with you."</ref>

In the present day, [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]], a human super-genius, seeks to conquer the Earth and enslave its inhabitants. At every turn, however, the doctor's plans for world domination have been thwarted by [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] and his numerous friends and allies, who always manage to restore peace and maintain freedom for the planet.

==Naming==
Sonic's world was named '''Mobius''' by [[Sega/Sega of America|Sega of America]] in their [[Sonic Bible|1991 series bible]]. This was adopted into Western media, and occasionally mentioned in the English video game instruction manuals, with the games being said to be set there. Japanese media, conversely, never used the term, and the planet went unnamed or was called simply "Earth" there. The notable exception was the Japanese manual of ''[[Sonic Spinball]]'', in which "Mobius" was implied to be a separate planet from Sonic's.<ref>{{Cite manual |game = Sonic Spinball |system = Sega Mega Drive |language = Japanese |pages = 4–5}}</ref> The name "Mobius" was discarded in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' establishing that the [[Sonic canon|canon]] name of Sonic's world was "Earth". Since then, very few sources have referred to the planet as "Mobius", instead calling it "Earth" or "Sonic's world".

==Description==
[[File:LittleplanetCD.png|thumb|225px|left|Little Planet, one of the Earth's natural satellites, from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]''.]]
The Earth, much like the [[Wikipedia:Earth|real-life Earth]], is a spherical astronomical body. It possesses a breathable atmosphere that is made out of numerous gases, such as hydrogen<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. "'''[[Ult. 1st Attack]]''' - An explosive punch, caused by creating friction with the hydrogen in the air."</ref> and oxygen, and that burns up small Solar System bodies on a collision course with the planet.<ref name="BlackComet" /> Its surface is covered mostly in water, making it primarily blue in color. Dotting the planet's surface are also a number of massive continents that can be seen from orbit, as well as a "bajillion" of smaller islands that cannot be seen from space.<ref name="TailsTube1" /> In addition, it possesses a [[moon]] that orbits it. Other satellites and similar objects include [[Little Planet]], a tiny world that appears above [[Never Lake]] for one month every year and vanishes completely for the remaining eleven months;<ref name="2011Instructions">[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD (2011)|''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' (2011)]] instruction menu, "[[Media:Sonic CD Mobile Instructions 1.jpg|A World That Defies Time]]"</ref><ref name="Jap">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]'' ([[Sega CD]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 4.</ref> and the [[Lost Hex]], an unexplored floating continent hidden in the Earth's sky.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2013/06/tss-e3-takashi-iizuka-interview-pure-platforming-action/ |title=TSS @ E3: TAKASHI IIZUKA INTERVIEW “PURE PLATFORMING ACTION” |publisher=The Sonic Stadium |first=Jason |last=Berry |date=12 June 2013 |accessdate=27 March 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615020804/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2013/06/tss-e3-takashi-iizuka-interview-pure-platforming-action/ |archivedate=15 June 2013 }}</ref>

The landscapes covering the Earth are very diverse, to the point that the entire planet can be considered a pretty crazy place, namely due to its checker-patterned soils, [[Angel Island|floating]] [[Lost Hex|islands]] of various sizes, and natural [[Loop|loop-de-loop]] rock formations, which can be attributed to the "twisty, bouncy beauty of nature".<ref name="TailsTube1" /> The planet's natural environments range from [[Dusty Desert|barren]] [[Arid Sands|deserts]] and [[Wild Canyon|deep]] [[Rail Canyon|canyons]] to [[Kingdom Valley|fertile]] [[Windy Valley|valleys]], [[Emerald Coast|sandy]] [[Seaside Hill|coastlines]], [[Red Mountain|fiery]] [[Hot Crater|wastelands]], [[Glacierland|frozen]] [[Cool Edge|polarcaps]], [[Green Hill|grassy]] [[Emerald Hill Zone|hills]], [[Mystic Jungle|expansive]] [[Jungle Joyride|jungles]] [[Frog Forest|and]] [[Poloy Forest|forests]], [[Mystic Cave Zone|underground]] [[Cavern Island|tunnel]] [[Aquatic Mine|networks]] and [[Blue Marine Zone|undersea]] [[Lake Rocky|regions]].

The Earth is also home a number of settlements built by civilizations that include, but are not limited to, countless cities spread around the planet, with at least six of them possessing significant influence over the rest.<ref>[[Sega Studio USA]] (15 November 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[Nintendo GameCube]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: After [[Westopolis]]. "'''[[GUN Soldier]]''': The black aliens have hit six major cities around the world, and every city is reporting significant damage and casualties."</ref> Some cities appear very advanced in terms of technology, with cutting-edge ones like [[Metal City]] and [[Monopole]] in particular holding robots, flying cars, [[Extreme Gear]], and transport tubes. Other artificial areas include [[Mystic Ruins|ancient]] [[Gigan Rocks|ruins]], [[Hang Castle|abandoned]] [[Haunted Castle|fortifications]], [[Babylon Garden|aerial]] [[Sky Sanctuary|structures]] and [[Mazuri|humble]] [[Adabat|villages]]. Robots and breakthrough technology are also common.

[[File:SSS pic 65.png|thumb|225px|Anthropomorphic animals, Smaller, non-anthropomorphic [[animals]], and [[human]]s, the most representative species on Earth, from ''[[Sonic Jam]]''.]]
The Earth is home to a plethora of different species and creatures coexisting peacefully with one another, including [[human]]s, animals of various species and races (anthropomorphic or [[Animals|otherwise]]), [[Chao]], and later [[Wisp]]s;<ref name="SonicXWisps2">{{Cite web|url=https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20210910_002646/ |author=[[Sega]] |title=ソニック ＆ ウィスプ キャラクター紹介 |work=ソニック ＆ ウィスプ キャラクター紹介 |publisher=[[Sonic Channel]] |accessdate=12 September 2021 |language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910070110/https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20210910_002646/ |archivedate=10 September 2021}}</ref> although humans remain the planet's dominant species. The planet also houses several forms of supernatural creatures like [[Ghost (species)|ghosts]] and, for a time, [[Dark Gaia's Minions]]; several deities that include [[Chaos]] and [[Solaris]]; and physical embodiments of nature; such as [[Dark Gaia]] and [[Chip|Light Gaia]]. Even the Earth itself has been speculated to have a will of its own.<ref name="EarthWill" />

The Earth is full of fascinating countries, each with its own cultures and people. The anthropomorphic animals usually live on the islands dotting the planet while humans tend to live in the bigger countries.<ref name="TailsTube1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmzc8L8zTBk|publisher=Sonic the Hedgehog|title=TailsTube #1 (feat. Sonic)|work=YouTube|date=24 March 2022|accessdate=24 March 2022}}</ref> Notable countries include the [[United Federation]], the [[Eggman Empire]], and the [[Soleanna|Principality of Soleanna]]. Other countries also exist, each modeled after real-world locations.

[[File:Sonicmap.jpg|thumb|225px|left|The depiction of the Earth during the [[Black Arms]] [[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|incident]], from ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''.]]
Over the course of the [[Sonic the Hedgehog series|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series]], the Earth has been portrayed inconsistently, its landmasses and locations having often varied in size and shapes from game to game. Sometimes, the Earth has included locations and areas from the real world, like [[Japan]], [[Asia]] and in other cases, it is portrayed with entirely new and original locations not seen elsewhere.

==History==
===Past===
[[File:Templeinteriorpictureadabat.png|thumb|right|225px|A mural in [[Adabat]]'s [[Gaia Temple]] depicting [[Dark Gaia]] and [[Chip|Light Gaia]]'s eternal conflict, from the [[Xbox 360]]/[[PlayStation 3]] version of ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''.]]
The Earth came into existence in the beginning of time.<ref name="Origin">[[Sonic Team]] (9 December 2008). ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''. [[PlayStation 3]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: No Reason. "'''[[Chip]]''': My... My real name is Light Gaia. I draw power from the day and light, and guide the planet to its rebirth. My job was to protect the planet from Dark Gaia. But Eggman broke the world apart himself, and Dark Gaia and I were awakened before we should've been. That's why Dark Gaia broke apart, and I didn't know who I was. I didn't remember what I was supposed to do. All because this isn't the proper time of awakening. / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Time of awakening? / '''[[Chip]]''': Dark Gaia grows over millions of years, then rises to destroy the world. And I put it all back together. We've been doing this over and over, again and again... since the very beginning of time."</ref> Around that time, two embodiments of the planet's desire for a balance between light and darkness supposedly came into being: [[Dark Gaia]] and [[Chip|Light Gaia]].<ref name="EarthWill">[[Sonic Team]] (9 December 2008). ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''. [[PlayStation 3]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Save the Speech. "'''[[Professor Pickle|Prof. Pickle]]''': We cannot live without the night. We all must sleep. We all must rest. Darkness is a part of our world, just the same as light. It may be that the darkness has not been destroyed, but merely laid to rest. It grows strong over the eons, rises up, then is put to slumber by the light. Perhaps that is the true balance of Dark and Light Gaia. That balance may be the very will of the planet itself."</ref> From then on, following an eternal cycle, Dark Gaia would awaken once every couple of millions of years from the Earth's core after gathering enough strength, breaking the planet apart in an attempt to destroy it until Light Gaia stops Dark Gaia and restores the damage done during an event known as the [[time of awakening]]. Once this event has passed, these two entities would return to sleep in the Earth's core until they are able to awake to continue their cycle.<ref name="Origin" /> Ages ago, to help restore the planet whenever it got broken apart, the [[Gaia Temple]]s were built around the world to house the planet's power.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (9 December 2008). ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''. [[PlayStation 3]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Collection Room|Professor's Room]]. "'''[[Professor Pickle|Prof. Pickle]]''': According to the Gaia Manuscripts, there are 7 temples in all. They were built around the world ages ago to house the planet's power."</ref>

In ancient times, the Earth's civilizations were very primitive and their technology was still underdeveloped. During this time, the most advanced societies were stranded alien races that came to the planet. Noticeably, tens of thousands of years ago, a race known as the [[Ancients]] came to the Earth after [[Ancients' planet|their home planet]] was attacked - and destroyed - by an unknown entity named [[The End]]. This civilization set camp on the isolated [[Starfall Islands]], but they had a difficult time rebuilding their society in the Earth's environment, having to deal with a different nature and dealing with technological incompatibilities that were not present on their home world. They also created an alternate world known as [[Cyber Space]] to preserve their cultural heritage, and filled the Starfall Islands with weaponry and advanced robots in the event of a possible invasion by The End. When such invasion did occur, the Ancients bound the entity with their [[Titan (Sonic Frontiers)|Titans]] and sealed it onto Cyber Space to prevent it from destroying the Earth.

[[File:Babylon legend.PNG|thumb|225px|left|The ancient [[Babylonians]] as depicted in legends, from ''[[Sonic Riders]]''.]]
Many centuries later, another group of aliens, known as the [[Babylonians]], crash-landed on Earth when they were forced to eject their engine units, the [[Ark of the Cosmos|Arks of the Cosmos]], from their spaceship, which would become known as [[Babylon Garden]], into the orbit around Earth in order to prevent the formation of a black hole.<ref name="Decision">[[Sonic Team]], CRI Middleware (22 February 2008). ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. "'''[[Wave the Swallow|Wave]]''': ...We’ve reached our decision. We must sever the engine unit from this vessel. For if we delay, the contraction of the engine core will lead the lightless black to consume everything."</ref><ref name="ZGending">[[Sonic Team]], CRI Middleware (22 February 2008). ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: Ending sequence (Babylon Story). "'''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': They crash landed on this planet in ancient past... They disconnected the units... / '''[[Amy Rose|Amy]]''': And left it in orbit hoping that some day it would fall back down to the surface. Every time they saw a shooting star... / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': I bet they’d wished they could get back to their home planet."</ref> Making a life for themselves on Earth, they made Babylon Garden their home, which became known as the {{Nihongo|"'''divine wings'''"|神の翼|Kami no tsubasa}}, a legendary bird that the gods rode through the heavens.<ref>[[Sonic Team]], CRI Middleware (22 February 2008). ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Gigan Rocks]]. "'''[[Amy Rose|Amy]]''': Divine wings? / '''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': Yes, the legendary bird that the gods rode through the heavens."</ref><ref name="SR">[[Sonic Team]], [[Sega Studio USA|Sonic Team USA]] (17 March 2006). ''[[Sonic Riders]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Splash Canyon]]. "'''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': Yes; the mark of the Babylon Rogues. A long time ago, there was a floating island known as Babylon Garden. Supposedly, robbers lived there. According to rumors... this "legendary" band, the Babylon Rogues, were great thieves. Legend also says that the Babylon Rogues incurred the wrath of the Gods because of their crimes, and that the island was cast into the depths of the Earth. After that, supposedly the Babylonians were then scattered for all time, never to be found. But they say that the Babylon Rogue's treasure still remains on that island, waiting to be discovered. There are also rumors that the Babylon Rogues were Extreme Gear specialists."</ref> However, the Babylonians, still longing to go home, would also wait for the Arks of the Cosmos to fall out of orbit so they could use them to go home.<ref name="ZGending" /> In time, the Babylonians recovered two Arks of the Cosmos and put them in secure locations.<ref>[[Sonic Team]], CRI Middleware (22 February 2008). ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Gigan Rocks]]. "'''[[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]]''': ...We, the children of Babylon, seal one star here, and another within the great scar, formed in heaven’s fall, until the time of the divine's wings rising."</ref> Over time, the Babylonians also became a legendary band of great thieves and [[Extreme Gear]] specialists known as the [[Babylon Rogues]], who would roam the world looking for treasure.<ref name="SR" /> However, accordingly, the Babylon Rogues ended up incurring the wrath of the Gods, who cast Babylon Garden into the depths of the Earth, leaving the Babylonians scattered for all time.<ref name="SR" /> However, a branch of the Babylonians, known as the Babylon clan,<ref>[[Sonic Team]], CRI Middleware (22 February 2008). ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[MeteorTech Premises]]. "'''[[Jet the Hawk|Jet]]''': They aren't just some rocks. They're spoken of in Babylon clan legend as..."</ref> would endure and continue their thieving ways as the Babylon Rogues for generations to come, passing down the [[Key to Babylon Garden]] along with them.

Some tens of thousands of years ago, the Earth experienced another time of awakening. This event became known as a legendary disaster, which was recorded in the [[Gaia Manuscripts]].<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (9 December 2008). ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''. [[PlayStation 3]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Gaia Manuscripts. "'''[[Professor Pickle|Prof. Pickle]]''': These ancient documents are known as the Gaia Manuscripts. They tell the legend of a disaster that befell our planet some tens of thousands of years ago. / '''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': A disaster...? / '''[[Professor Pickle|Prof. Pickle]]''': Quite. And according to the Gaia Manuscripts... this isn't the first time the planet has been broken apart into pieces."</ref>

Since the [[Chaos Emerald]]s were brought by the Ancients from their home world, they have been involved in multiple instances throughout history. Notably, in the distant past, the people of [[West Side Island]] used these Emeralds to develop their civilization and achieve great prosperity. However, this prosperity was lost overnight when these people tried misusing the Chaos Emeralds, supposedly prompting the gods to seal them somewhere on the island.<ref name="Sonic2JPManual">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' ([[Sega Mega Drive]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pgs. 4-8.</ref> Existing as a counter to the Chaos Emeralds however, is the [[Master Emerald]], another relic of unknown origin with the special power to neutralize the Chaos Emeralds' energies.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (3 May 2002). ''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]''. [[Nintendo GameCube]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Wild Canyon]]. "'''[[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]]''': The Master Emerald contains special powers that neutralize the energy of the Chaos Emeralds."</ref><ref name="SA Big">[[Sonic Team]] (19 October 1999). ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Mystic Ruins (Sonic Adventure)|Mystic Ruins]] ([[Big the Cat|Big]]'s version). "'''[[Tikal]]''': So these are the 7 Emeralds... ?! Could it be? The servers are... the 7 Chaos Emeralds... Unified by one that is the controller... The 7 Chaos... The controller itself... Could this be the Emerald that controls the 7 Chaos?"</ref>

Once, there was an ancient civilization on a lone island on the [[South Sea]] that entered a period of prosperity. Under unknown circumstances however, this civilization disappeared, and its ancient ruins, now known as the [[Regal Ruin]], became a mysterious maze and an archeological site.<ref>{{Cite book |chapter=Map & Driving Tech |date=24 December 1997 |title=ソニックRオフィシャルガイド |publisher=SoftBank |page=73}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ＳＯＮＩＣ－Ｒ　コースイメージ |url=https://sonic.sega.jp/sonicr/r/course.html |work=[[Sonic Channel]] |language=Japanese |accessdate=1 August 2022 |quote='''[[Regal Ruin]] (リーガル　ルーイン)''' - 南海に浮かぶ遺跡を舞台にしたミステリアスなコースです。かつての栄華がしのばれる、巨大で美しい古代の文明の中を走り抜けていきます。 ['''Regal Ruin''' - A mysterious course set in an archaeological site floating in the South Sea. Run through a huge and beautiful ancient civilization that once flourished.]}}</ref>

4,000 years ago, there was a culture known as the [[Fourth Great Civilization]]. This civilization created a weapon known back then as the "[[Emerl|Gizoid]]", a learning robot capable of copying combat and weapon data, as well as harnessing the Chaos Emeralds' power. Eventually though, the Gizoid's great power caused the destruction of the Fourth Great Civilization, and the Gizoid itself vanished.<ref name="SBattle1">[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Gimme Shelter]] (Shadow's Episode). "'''[[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]''': You'll never change, will you? That robot... Gizoid is known as the "Ultimate life form." Just like you, except he's 4000 years older. I heard the Doctor was hiding something really big, and I guess this is it..."</ref><ref name="SBattleJournal1">[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence (Sonic's Episode). "'''[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 1''': I have uncovered a most interesting specimen from the warehouse. I believe it to be some sort of puppet or robot made by an ancient people. At first, I didn't think anything of it, but when I was experimenting on "Chaos Emeralds," it began to move. This suggests the possibility that even the ancient civilizations could harness the power of the "Chaos Emeralds." When I was researching various papers related to the "Chaos Emeralds" and this robot, I discovered that there was a possibility that this robot was something incredible. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but this robot may be the cause of the destruction of the Fourth Great Civilization. I'm not sure I believe it just yet, though."</ref>

[[File:SAdventure-Knuckles-Clan-Raid.png|thumb|225px|right|The [[Knuckles Clan]] raiding the [[Altar of Emerald]], from ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]''.]]
Approximately 3,000 years ago, the Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emerald resided in the [[Altar of Emerald]]. This altar and the [[Chao]] inhabiting it were guarded by a deity known as the [[Chaos|Sprit of Water]]. Back then, there was also an ancient civilization of [[echidna]]s known as the [[Knuckles Clan]], which ruled the territory encompassing the [[Mystic Ruins]] during a time or rivaling warlords. During his leadership of the clan, Chief [[Pachacamac]], seeking domination and power, led his clan into a series of successful wars that greatly increased the Knuckles Clan's prosperity. Unsatisfied however and hungry for more power, Pachacamac plotted to steal the Chaos Emeralds. Disapproving of his warmongering, Pachacamac's daughter, [[Tikal]], tried preventing this unnecessary raid. However, her efforts were for nothing, and Pachacamac ultimately injured both Tikal and many Chao when he attacked the altar. Seeing his friends hurt, the Spirit of Water became a corrupt being through anger and sadness, and used the Chaos Emeralds to turn into [[Perfect Chaos]]. As Perfect Chaos attacked the Knuckles Clan though, Tikal sacrificed herself to seal herself and the Spirit of Water inside the Master Emerald before Perfect Chaos could destroy the rest of the world. After that, the Chaos Emeralds were lost and the Spirit of Water became known as "Chaos". Humbled by the attack, the remaining members of the Knuckles Clan used the Master Emerald's power to suspend the Emeralds' altar area into the sky, creating [[Angel Island]]. There, the Knuckles Clan would live, bearing the duty of observing and protecting the Master Emerald, so that an incident with Chaos would never happen again.<ref name="Sonic-Adventure-Navigation-Guide">{{Cite book |title=[[Sonic Adventure: Navigation Guide|ソニックアドベンチャー ナビゲーションガイド]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:SoftBank Group|SoftBank]] |date=16 March 1999 |chapter=カオスエメラルド伝説 |pages=156–158 |isbn=978-4797308624 |language=Japanese}}</ref> Over the years however, the Knuckles Clan entered terminal decline.

Another alien race, known as the [[Black Arms]], would also observe the Earth. These beings inhabited a celestial object known as the [[Black Comet]] that passed by the Earth every fiftieth year.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (18 November 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Final Haunt]]. "'''[[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]]''': What is that? / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Once every 50 years, that Black Comet passes by this planet."</ref> Their leader, [[Black Doom]], in particular planned to harvest the Earth's [[human]] population as food for his heirs as a part of his [[prosperity ritual]].<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (18 November 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[The Last Way]]. "'''[[Black Doom]]''': Hahaha... Ignorant fools. We're here to save the humans from their own demise. We offer... salvation. / '''[[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]]''': What? / '''[[Black Doom]]''': Their greed, thirst for power and affinity for betrayal has them on a path of self-destruction. Their actions will lead to extinction of their species. We're here to save them from themselves... with our perfect order... allowing them to live through their desperate lives in peace. Humans are a great energy source for us... they will be well kept. / '''[[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]] and others''': Whaa?! / '''[[Black Doom]]''': Let us begin our ritual of prosperity. Chaos...Control!"</ref> However, the Earth's atmosphere prevented Black Doom from bringing the Black Comet down to Earth for his ritual.<ref name="BlackComet">[[Sonic Team]] (18 November 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[The Last Way]]. "'''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Those black creatures just warped the comet down to the surface using Chaos Control! / '''[[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]''': No! That's impossible! / '''[[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]]''': That's why you needed the Chaos Emeralds. / '''[[Black Doom]]''': Hahahaha... precisely. The comet's velocity isn't powerful enough to pass through another planet's atmosphere. The Emeralds amplify the space-time control powers of Chaos Control. We need them to charge to full power. It's the perfect plan. That's why I needed the professor to help me..."</ref> Over 2,000 years ago, to aid with his plans, Black Doom had an armada of sky ships transported down to Earth in [[Glyphic Canyon]].<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (18 November 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Sky Troops]]. "'''[[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]]''': I bet no one expected this baby could fly. / '''[[Black Doom]]''': I transported this brilliant flying fortress to this planet over 2000 years ago. It's magnificent! The perfect killing machine... ready to impose terror in unimaginable ways."</ref>

[[FIle:Dolphin 2015-09-05 20-30-44-906.png|thumb|225px|left|[[Gerald Robotnik]] and [[Black Doom]] overseeing [[Shadow the Hedgehog]]'s awakening, from ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''.]]
Over fifty years ago, Professor [[Gerald Robotnik]], one of the most brilliant minds in Earth's history, was approached by the President of the [[United Federation]] of that time to create the Ultimate Life Form, which the government planned to use as a weapon for war.<ref name="SA2J">{{Cite book |author=[[Wikipedia:Famitsu|Famitsu]] |title=ソニックアドベンチャー2パーフェクトガイド |publisher=[[Wikipedia:Enterbrain|Enterbrain]] |date=10 October 2001 |pages= |chapter=５０年前の真実 |chapterurl=https://pastebin.com/hudavzXH |access-date=2 February 20022 |isbn=978-4757706255 |quote= }}</ref><ref name="SB">[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Gimme Shelter]]. "'''[[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]''': He was not interested in researching weapons. He was researching a way to bring happiness and hope to all people. But, he was forced by the government and by the military to use his research for war. That's why he gave you and Gizoid a "soul." A soul identical to his beloved granddaughter, Maria."</ref> Though Gerald refused to do so at first, he found out that he could find a cure for his granddaughter, [[Maria Robotnik|Maria]], who suffered from the incurable [[Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome]] decease by co-opting the immortality research. Starting work on "[[Project Shadow]]" onboard the [[Space Colony ARK]], a research station in orbit around the Earth, Gerald and his fellow researchers went to work.<ref name="SA2J" /> During the development however, Gerald needed help, and so contacted Black Doom when the Black Comet made its pass by Earth.<ref name="Mistake">[[Sonic Team]] (18 November 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[The Last Way]]. "'''[[Gerald Robotnik|Gerald]]''': If you're listening to this then the worst has happened... you need to know the truth. The government plans to shut down this research facility. The government plans to cease all of our research... and imprison all who know about you. I made a terrible mistake, Shadow. It's all my fault... making contact with that comet."</ref><ref name="Deal">[[Sonic Team]] (18 November 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[The Last Way]]. "'''[[Black Doom]]''': The professor was in development of the ultimate life force but he needed my help. So we made a deal... I helped him and he promised to deliver me the SEVEN Chaos Emeralds."</ref> The two of them then made a deal: Black Doom would provide Gerald with a sample of his DNA for Project Shadow, and Gerald would have his creation bring Black Doom the seven Chaos Emeralds the next time the Black Comet returned in fifty years.<ref name="Deal" /> However, Gerald eventually discovered Black Doom's real plans and so developed the [[Eclipse Cannon]] to destroying the Black Comet and the Black Arms with it upon their return.<ref name="You">[[Sonic Team]] (18 November 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[The Last Way]]. "'''[[Gerald Robotnik|Gerald]]''': Shadow... it's up to YOU and only YOU can stop them! I developed the Eclipse Cannon... It's the only weapon that can destroy that Black Comet. Shadow, you are the only hope... to save mankind as we know it. The future of this planet depends on... YOU!"</ref> Eventually, with the aid of Black Doom's DNA, Gerald created the ultimate life form: [[Shadow the Hedgehog]].<ref name="Blood">[[Sonic Team]] (18 November 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[The Last Way]]. "'''[[Black Doom]]''': Such bravado for a little hedgehog! I thought you were different from the rest... but maybe not. We are more alike than you think... the same blood runs through our veins. / '''[[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]]''': This can't be... Uugghh... Just... who are YOU? / '''[[Black Doom]]''': Don't you know? You were created from my blood..."</ref> During this time, Gerald also found the Gizoid and discovered its capabilities, prompting him to research for a way to keep it under control and keep it from being used for evil.<ref name="SBattleJournal1" /><ref name="SBattleJournal2">[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence ([[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]' Episode). "'''[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 2''': I am no longer able to ignore the possibility that this robot did in fact destroy the Fourth Great Civilization. I have discovered a stone tablet that explains as much. According to the tablet, "When the figure falls from the heavens, and the Stone of the Gods is joined, all that exists will become one again." Though it is difficult to believe, this robot has been watching my movements, and mimicking all that I do. I was amazed by my scans of this being. Surprisingly, reams and reams of data scrolled and caused my most powerful computer to crash. More intriguing was that the data was all about melee combat and weapons of that age. Eventually, if this being is ever restored to its former state, it will put all that data to use, and recreate all the weaponry and combat abilities that it once had... And that's not all. If my guesses are correct, it will also have the ability to absorb modern weaponry as well. What have I done? I have uncovered a horrible weapon..."</ref><ref name="SBattleJournal3">[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence ([[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]'s Episode). "'''[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 3''': I now understand why this being was named "Gizoid". In the ancient tongue, it means "everything." According to the stone tablet, if the Gizoid establishes a "Link" with someone, the Gizoid will swear loyalty to that person. Perhaps it still lacks "Chaos Emerald" energy, but it has been saying the word "Link" to me in broken tones. It went on to explain: "Show me your true strength, and I shall obey. I am all things, and all shall belong to me." So, as it suggested, I brought before it my collection of model guns, and fired them all. Then, suddenly, it said, "I shall follow your every command, and never leave your side." And since then, it refuses to listen to anyone but me. While it still is a fearsome weapon of destruction, while it remains under my control, at least it won't be used for evil. However, if someone with evil intention ever forms a "Link" with the Gizoid... I don't even want to think about what will happen. I must research how one can re-establish a "Link" with the Gizoid..."</ref> Despite this, with the upper echelon going crazy and threatening to freeze Project Shadow, Gerald handed the Gizoid over the government as a bribe to buy more time for his research.<ref name="SBattleJournal4">[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence (Knuckles's Episode). "'''[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 4''': The upper echelon is going crazy. Perhaps, they aim to freeze Project "Shadow". Soon, the ultimate life form, "Shadow" will be completed... The application to my granddaughter is also imminent. I cannot just let them stop my study at this point. Because I am the only one who can save my granddaughter's life."</ref><ref name="SBattleJournal5">[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence ([[Amy Rose|Amy]]'s Episode). "'''[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 5''': The higher ups are threatening to shut down this research facility. I had no choice but to hand them the Gizoid to buy more time for my research. I tried to be careful and commanded it to never absorb any dangerous technologies. However, I have heard that other researchers have been making the Gizoid absorb weapons. Apparently, the way to cause the Gizoid to form a new "Link" is to show it power that surpasses that of its former master. While this poses immense danger, I cannot risk losing Maria."</ref> Unfortunately, the Gizoid soon went out of control before being subdued. Unable to destroy the Gizoid, Gerald resorted to programing it with a free will so that it could choose not to become a weapon of mass destruction.<ref name="SBattleJournal6">[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence ([[Cream the Rabbit|Cream]]'s Episode). "'''[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 6''': My worst fears have come true. The Gizoid has absorbed enough weaponry and technology that it has started to go out of control. The resulting rampage resulted in the destruction of most of the "Ark." ... I have deciphered the rest of the stone tablet. It says, "When the Gizoid had learned all that it could, it became a god of wrath, and all was destroyed." The researchers somehow managed to subdue the Gizoid and sealed it away. Luckily, it only had one "Chaos Emerald" installed. If it were to have all 7 Emeralds installed, it might destroy the whole planet. The Gizoid is too much of a liability. I tried destroying its core, but nothing I did worked. I understand too little of the technology that built him. My best hope is to try and reprogram its AI into a free-willed, emotions-based AI..."</ref> Eventually though, [[Guardian Units of Nations|GUN]] came to regard Gerald's research as too dangerous. As such, GUN enacted an operation where they invaded the ARK and began exterminating everyone related to Project Shadow, with the goal of detaining Gerald and contributing the subsequent shutdown of the ARK to an accident. During the attack, Maria was killed while sending Shadow down to Earth.<ref name="SA2J" /><ref name="SBattleJournal7">[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence ([[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]]'s Episode). "'''[[Prof. Gerald's Journal]] 7''': I have heard there was an accident at the research facility. ... ... ... Everything... Everything is gone. My own Maria's name was among the list of casualties. My beloved granddaughter... They tell me her parting words were, 'Bring hope to humanity.' I have decided that the keyword to activate the Gizoid's free-willed emotions-based AI program will be those very words. 'Bring hope to humanity.' My poor, poor Maria..."</ref> Afterwards, Gerald was detained and brought to [[Prison Island]] to continue his work on Shadow, who had been found by GUN and put into stasis on the island, under military control.<ref name="SA2Guide">{{Cite book |author=Prima Development |title=Sonic Adventure 2: Prima's Official Strategy Guide |publisher=Prima Games |pages=2–3 |chapter=The Beginning |date=20 June 2001 |isbn=978-0761536147}}</ref> Unable to cope with the loss of Maria, Gerald slowly went insane.<ref name="diary">[[Sonic Team]] (11 February 2002). ''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]''. [[Nintendo GameCube]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: Before [[Cannon's Core]]. "'''[[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]'''/'''[[Gerald Robotnik|Gerald]]''': I don't quite know what happened or what went wrong. Was it a mistake to create the ultimate life form? I thought it would be something that would benefit mankind. But then the military guards landed on the colony that day. They were sent to destroy the research project that I had been working on. My colleagues at the research facility, my granddaughter, Maria. I hope you are all safe. The colony was completely shut down, probably to keep the prototype from falling into the wrong hands. The ARK was shut down under the premise that there had been an accident. I found Maria's name among those who died when the ARK was shut down. She meant everything to me and I couldn't bear the thought that she died because of my research. I lost everything. I had nothing more to live for... I went insane. All I could think about was to avenge her... somehow, someway. I got scared as I was no longer able to control my thoughts. All I could think about was that I wanted it all to end. Based on my original projections, I was able to complete my project, Shadow. I designed its mind to be perfect, pure. I will leave everything to him. If you wish, release and awaken it, to the world. If you wish to fill the world with destruction..."</ref> After putting the finishing touches on the Gizoid's free will program,<ref name="SBattleJournal7" /> Gerald finally lost it and set up a plan that would destroy the Earth as his revenge on humanity for Maria's death, which he brainwashed Shadow into enacting when he awoke.<ref name="diary" /> Not long after, he was executed when GUN began fearing his retaliation.<ref name="SA2Guide" />

Ten years ago, the [[Duke of Soleanna]] began the [[Solaris Project]] in hopes of harnessing the time-controlling powers of [[Soleanna]]'s deity, [[Solaris]]. However, the project backfired, resulting in Solaris being split into [[Iblis]] and [[Mephiles the Dark]]. With the aid of Shadow and [[Silver the Hedgehog|Silver]] however, who had come from the future to witness the Solaris Project, Mephiles was sealed inside the [[Scepter of Darkness]] while Iblis was sealed inside the Duke's daughter, [[Princess Elise the Third|Princess Elise]], although the Duke died soon after.

In the recent past, Gerald's grandson, the infamous [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Ivo Robotnik]], began planning to establish [[Eggman Empire|his own empire]] and dominate the world. Some of his known operations involved establishing [[MeteorTech]], a security company which he secretly used to plant his robot armies everywhere;<ref name="ZGending3">[[Sonic Team]], CRI Middleware (22 February 2008). ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: [[Crimson Crater]] (Heroes Story). "'''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': He's probably planning to use the stones' power to issue an order to all the worlds' robots from this tower. Sooner or later, he was planning to set the robots rampaging. / ''''[[Amy Rose|Amy]]''': That was probably his reason for forming the MeteoTech in the first place. / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': The Eggman Land project again, huh? He never gives up, does he?"</ref><ref name="ZGending4">[[Sonic Team]], CRI Middleware (22 February 2008). ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: Ending sequence (Heroes Story). "'''Mother computer''': System error detected. All commands canceled. / '''[[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]]''': My Eggman Land plans are in ruins, after all these years!"</ref> and building a [[Egg Planet Park|massive interstellar amusement park]] to harness the [[Hyper-go-on]] energy of the alien [[Wisp]]s. However, he was unable to finish the park until years later.<ref>''[[Sonic Colors (Nintendo DS)|Sonic Colours]]'' ([[Nintendo DS]]) European instruction booklet, pg. 3.</ref> In addition, his other plans for domination would be wrecked by a young hedgehog named [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]], who soon became his worst enemy.<ref name="StHJ">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' ([[Sega Mega Drive]]) Japanese instruction manual, pgs. 7-10.</ref>

===Present===
For some time, various conflicts between [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]], later known as "Eggman", and Sonic would occur on certain regions of the Earth over the fate of the planet. Fortunately, the hedgehog would always come out victorious, ensuring the world would live in peace before the doctor would strike back, repeating the process.<ref name="StHJ" />

At some point, [[Cocoa Island]] was [[Tails Adventure|invaded]] by the [[Battle Kukku Empire]] when its leader, the tyrannical [[Great Battle Kukku]] XV, sought to get the [[Chaos Emerald]]s that were resting there to achieve world domination.<ref>''[[Tails Adventure]]s'' ([[Sega Game Gear]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pgs. 4-6.</ref> However, their operations soon began to backfire due to interference from [[Miles "Tails" Prower]], who repelled the empire's forces from the island. Eventually, Tails infiltrated the Battle Kukku Empire's base of operations, the [[Battle Fortress]], and defeated what was left of the empire, leaving the Battle Fortress to sink in the sea.

Around this time period, Dr. Eggman and his minions [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|invaded]] [[South Island]] in the doctor's bid to find the six of the seven Chaos Emeralds resting there and use them to conquer the Earth,<ref name="StHJ" /> but this plan was foiled by Sonic, sending the six Emeralds, alongside the seventh one, to [[West Side Island]].<ref>[[Sega]], [[Headcannon]] (23 June 2022). ''[[Sonic Origins]]''. [[Nintendo Switch]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic 1]]'' Ending.</ref> In the aftermath of this incident, [[Little Planet]] made its annual appearance over [[Never Lake]]. Seeking to get the seven [[Time Stone]]s resting on the tiny planet to control time itself, Eggman chained Little Planet to a mountain in Never Lake and took over the planet.<ref>''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]'' ([[Sega CD]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pgs. 4-5.</ref> Fortunately, however, Sonic went to Little Planet, where he defeated Eggman and secured the Time Stones. After being saved, Little Planet would leave Earth for another year.

[[File:Sonic Origins Death Egg falls.png|thumb|225px|[[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]]'s [[Death Egg]] re-entering the Earth's atmosphere after the events of the [[West Side Island]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2|incident]], from ''[[Sonic Origins]]''.]]
Soon after, Dr. Eggman [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2|invaded]] West Side Island to get the seven Chaos Emeralds there, much like how he did on South Island earlier. This time though, he wanted the Emeralds to create a massive superweapon, the [[Death Egg]], and launch it to space to achieve global domination.<ref name="Sonic2JPManual" /> However, interference from Sonic and his new sidekick, Tails, forced the doctor to launch the space station without the Chaos Emeralds. Onboard the Death Egg, Sonic encountered and defeated [[Mecha Sonic (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)|Mecha Sonic]] and the [[Death Egg Robot]], triggering a chain-reaction that caused the massive fortress to [[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|enter the earth's orbit and plummet down]] to the [[Angel Island|Floating Island]]. There, Eggman manipulated the island's local guardian, [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]], to help him repair the Death Egg. When Sonic and Tails arrived on the Floating Island, the space station was almost finished and ready to be launched to space. However, the heroes managed to damage the Death Egg and make it fall down to the Floating Island's main volcano. This time, Eggman betrayed Knuckles and stole the [[Master Emerald]] from him to power the once-again-repaired Death Egg, but Sonic and Tails managed to [[Sonic & Knuckles|destroy the space station]] for good and return the Master Emerald back to the Floating Island.

Following the Death Egg's destruction, Dr. Eggman's rage peaked and made him [[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I|revisit]] his past inventions to defeat Sonic once and for all,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sonicthehedgehog4.com:80/us/html/ep1-story.html |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 4 :: Episode I |publisher=[[Sega]] |work=Story |accessdate=27 October 2017 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20130512061439/http://www.sonicthehedgehog4.com:80/us/html/ep1-story.html |archivedate=12 May 2013}}</ref> but this plan ended in failure. Over the next few months, more crises would arise on Earth due to the doctor's operations, forcing Sonic to go and stop him. In [[SegaSonic the Hedgehog|one circumstance]], Eggman kidnapped Sonic, alongside [[Mighty the Armadillo]] and [[Ray the Flying Squirrel]], and sent them to the trap-ridden [[Eggman Island]], where he planned to execute them. However, the trio teamed up and managed to overcome the island's many traps, forcing Eggman to activate a self-destruction mechanism that caused Eggman Island to explode. Regardless, Sonic, Mighty and Ray successfully escaped in one piece. [[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|Another incident]] would see Little Planet returning to Earth, allowing the doctor to build a [[Death Egg mk.II|second]] Death Egg around it, but Sonic and Tails foiled this plan.

During the [[Phantom Ruby]] [[Sonic Mania|incident]], Dr. Eggman discovered an [[Phantom Ruby|ancient power]] buried on Angel Island, and sent an [[Hard Boiled Heavies|elite squad]] of [[Eggrobo]]s to obtain it. However, by the combined efforts of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, Eggman's plans were foiled, which also resulted in Sonic and the Phantom Ruby being sent to [[Sonic Forces|the future]]. Regardless, Sonic returned [[Sonic Mania Plus|shortly afterwards]] alongside the Phantom Ruby, only to find two of his friends, Mighty and Ray, both of whom were trapped in a capsule. After Sonic freed the duo though, one of them was revealed to be the [[Heavy Magician]] in disguise, who had survived the previous incident, and set off to revive the other Hard Boiled Heavies who had been destroyed. Thus, now with the aid of Mighty and Ray by his side, alongside Knuckles and Tails, Sonic set off in search of the Phantom Ruby once again. Despite the combined efforts of Sonic and his group, Eggman once again took the Phantom Ruby, and rematched them with old foes. After chasing down Eggman to the [[Titanic Monarch Zone|Titanic Monarch]], Sonic and friends were finally able to stop Eggman, causing a chain reaction which caused the Phantom Ruby to go haywire and create a rift that consumed it and the doctor, and put an end to that scheme for good.

[[File:Sonic Adventure Station Square destruction.png|thumb|left|225px|The horrors of the [[Knuckles Clan]]'s actions returning to the present with [[Perfect Chaos]] flooding [[Station Square]], from ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''.]]
During the [[Chaos]] [[Sonic Adventure|incident]], Eggman learned of the legends of Chaos, and shattered the Master Emerald to liberate the beast and use him to destroy [[Station Square]] and build [[Eggmanland]] on its ruins. To further his agenda, the doctor created the first line of [[E-Series]] robots, the [[E-100 Series]], and built the [[Egg Carrier]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Sonic Adventure Tokyo International Forum Unveiling Booklet |date=22 August 1998 |chapter=All Star Cast |page=9}}</ref> Throughout the incident, Eggman would collect the Chaos Emeralds to power up Chaos and make him reach his maximum potential for his plan to succeed. Despite interference from Sonic and his friends, Chaos was eventually able to collect all seven Chaos Emeralds. After betraying Dr. Eggman, the beast turned into [[Perfect Chaos]] and flooded Station Square on his own. Fortunately, before Chaos could cause any further damages, Sonic turned into [[Super Sonic]] and defeated the beast.

When the [[Space Colony ARK]] [[Sonic Adventure 2|incident]] came around, Dr. Eggman discovered documents of his grandfather, [[Gerald Robotnik]], that mentioned an "Ultimate Lifeform". Wanting to use Gerald's creation to conquer earth, Eggman raided [[Prison Island]] on his own and released this Ultimate Lifeform, [[Shadow the Hedgehog]]. From the hedgehog, the doctor learned of the ARK's weapons of mass destruction, including the [[Eclipse Cannon]], and wanted to use it to subjugate the world to his empire. Meanwhile, Sonic was arrested after being mistaken with Shadow, prompting his friends to go to Prison Island and release him. With help from [[Rouge the Bat]], Eggman and Shadow destroyed Prison Island and, with six Chaos Emeralds, destroyed part of one of the [[moon]]s to show off the Eggman Empire's power to the [[United Federation]]. After a battle against Tails onboard the ARK, Eggman was able to get the last Chaos Emerald and install it into the Eclipse Cannon. However, this activated a doomsday program written by Gerald Robotnik that would make the ARK enter into a collision course with the Earth, destroying it instantly. This forced Eggman, Rouge and Shadow to team up with Sonic, Tails and Knuckles to stop the space station from destroying the planet. However, they faced interference from the [[Biolizard]], who had fused with the ARK itself as [[Finalhazard]], allowing the station to continue its collision course towards the Earth. Fortunately, Sonic and Shadow, transformed into [[Super Sonic]] and [[Super Shadow]], respectively, defeated the Finalhazard and sent the ARK back to space again with a super-powered [[Chaos Control]], preventing the planet from being destroyed, seemingly killing Shadow in the process, though it would later be revealed that he was saved by Eggman at some point afterwards.

Later incidents would see Sonic dealing with Eggman again when the doctor made more attempts to establish his Eggman Empire on Earth, while befriending new faces such as [[Cream the Rabbit]] in his adventures. Eventually, however, the doctor's empire was [[Sonic Heroes|taken over]] by [[Metal Sonic]], who, transformed into [[Neo Metal Sonic]], sought to destroy Sonic once and for all to prove himself as the real Sonic. During this crisis, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles formed [[Team Sonic]] and, after teaming up with Teams [[Team Dark|Dark]], [[Team Rose|Rose]], and [[Team Chaotix|Chaotix]], defeated Neo Metal Sonic, turning him back to normal.

During the [[Emerl]] [[Sonic Battle|incident]], Eggman would once again look into his grandfather's documents, eventually learning of a weapon of mass destruction named the Gizoid. Wanting to use this robot to achieve world domination, Eggman acquired the Gizoid, but got disappointed after seeing it could not respond to his commands. The doctor thus disposed of the Gizoid and built replicas of it that could obey him. Days afterwards, Sonic found the Gizoid on a beach, and named it "Emerl". Through encounters with Sonic and his friends, Emerl was able to develop a new personality, learn different battle moves, and get the seven Chaos Emeralds. Meanwhile, refusing to give up, Eggman built a new Death Egg and equipped it with the [[Final Egg Blaster]], which was powerful enough to destroy all of Earth in an instant. After luring Emerl to a trap onboard his space station, Eggman was able to put him under his command. However, Emerl went rogue and threatened to use the Final Egg Blaster to obliterate the planet. Fortunately, Sonic went to the Death Egg and defeated the robot in less than thirty seconds, though this caused Emerl to self-destruct.

Following this incident, Eggman somehow got Emerl's data and used it to build [[Gemerl]], a new robotic lackey of his. He subsequently used a Chaos Emerald to activate a massive Chaos Control that [[Sonic Advance 3|split]] the earth into multiple pocket dimensions. As usual though, Sonic and his allies put a stop to the doctor's plans and managed to restore the planet back to normal. However, Gemerl betrayed Eggman and used the seven Chaos Emeralds to transform into [[Ultimate Gemerl]] and threaten the Earth. Using the Chaos Emeralds as well, Sonic turned into Super Sonic and, with Eggman's help, defeated Gemerl, who would later be turned into a friendly robot by Tails and live with Cream and her family afterwards.

[[File:Shadow the Hedgehog Black Arms invade.png|thumb|225px|The [[Black Arms]] invading the Earth, from ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''.]]
Later on, the [[Black Arms]] [[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|invaded]] Earth and began to bring destruction and darkness to the world immediately after their arrival.<ref>''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' ([[Nintendo GameCube]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 8.</ref> The aliens' leader, [[Black Doom]], reached to Shadow and ordered him to hand over the Chaos Emeralds "as promised" for a [[prosperity ritual]]. Desiring to learn more about his past, the black hedgehog went to find the Emeralds, which he managed to do so following unspecified events. However, when he was about to give them to Black Doom onboard the [[Black Comet]], his allies came in and begged him not to do so, but the alien took the Emeralds for himself and used them to teleport the Black Comet to Earth's surface, releasing a powerful, paralyzing gas that spread all across the planet. Black Doom then explained how Shadow came to be and left. However, the hedgehog followed the alien and used the Chaos Emeralds to transform into Super Shadow as Black Doom turned into [[Devil Doom]]. After defeating the alien, the hedgehog used the Eclipse Cannon to destroy the Black Comet.

During the [[Sol Emerald]] [[Sonic Rush|incident]], the Earth and all of [[Sonic's universe]] were threatened when Dr. Eggman made a cooperation with his descendant from the future, [[Eggman Nega]], to create an interdimensional Eggmanland. To create their desire paradise, the villains sought to harness the powers of the Chaos and Sol Emeralds, bringing the dimension into a collision course with the [[Sol Dimension]], another universe. Fortunately, the combined efforts of Sonic and [[Blaze the Cat]] resulted in the scientists being defeated and both dimensions being restored.

When Dr. Eggman [[Sonic Riders|learned]] of the so-called "treasure" of the ancient [[Babylonians]] sealed within [[Babylon Garden]], he reached the [[Babylon Rogues]], the descendants of this society, and had them collect the seven Chaos Emeralds in an [[Extreme Gear|EX]] [[World Grand Prix]] the doctor would host. After a long series of races between the Rogues and Team Sonic around the world, the thief group got the seven Emeralds and used the [[Key to Babylon Garden]] to hoist the ancient spaceship back up into the sky. The scientist took this opportunity to infiltrate the Garden and take the ancient treasure there. However, it turned out to be a [[Magic Carpet]], which disappointed Eggman, who was expecting a powerful technology to take over the world.

In an [[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|aborted timeline]] involving [[Solaris]], the horrors of the [[Solaris Project]] returned after ten years when Eggman sought the "Flames of Disaster" sealed within [[Princess Elise the Third]] to conquer all of time. While Sonic would fight to protect the sovereign from the doctor's claws, [[Silver the Hedgehog|Silver]], an inhabitant of a ruined future, came to the present to kill the blue hedgehog, hoping that this would restore his timeline as a suspicious figure known as [[Mephiles the Dark]] had promised him, while Shadow would have several confrontations with the creature. As it turned out, Mephiles was one of Solaris' halves, alongside the Flames of Disaster, known as [[Iblis]]. Eventually, the two monsters reunited to form Solaris and threaten to consume all of earth, followed by Sonic's universe itself and later all dimensions. Fortunately, however, Sonic and Elise went back in time to erase the sun god from existence, resulting in these events being undone.

While this catastrophe was aborted, the future of the Earth would be under threat again when Eggman Nega returned to the present armed with a [[Eggman Nega's camera|mysterious camera]] that would allow him to turn objects into cards. Angry that Dr. Eggman's failures would not give him the reputation he deserved in his timeline, the villain turned his ancestor into a card and took over his empire in his bid to improve his family's image in the future. In addition, he managed to transport the future Angel Island, known as [[Onyx Island]], to the present. However, with interference from Sonic and his friends, as well as Silver, Nega was defeated, causing him to try to use his camera to turn all of the Earth into a card, but was fortunately stopped and trapped into a card himself. He would resurface not long after though, planning to release the interdimensional [[Ifrit]] to Sonic's universe to destroy the world. As part of this plan, the villain hired Rouge to collect the seven Chaos Emeralds to open the portal to the Ifrit's home dimension, the [[Chaotic Inferno Zone|Chaotic Inferno]], and also kidnapped various Chao to use them as a livestock for the beast. However, various duos of heroes and villains opposing Nega would defeat him and prevent the Ifrit from wreaking havoc, thus saving the Earth.

[[File:Sonic Riders Zero Gravity Arks arrive.png|thumb|left|225px|The last two [[Ark of the Cosmos|Arks of the Cosmos]] falling down to the Earth's surface, from ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''.]]
Months after the incident involving the Babylon Rogues, the last two of the five [[Ark of the Cosmos|Arks of the Cosmos]] [[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity|landed]] on Earth, resulting in a global robot rampage that Eggman wanted to take advantage of to conquer the world. However, this eventually led to the formation of a black hole within Babylon Garden when the Arks were reunited there, forcing Team Sonic and the Babylon Rogues to work together to overcome this threat. Luckily, they were able to disconnect the Garden's core unit, subsiding the black hole and sending the spaceship into orbit around Earth. Later on, Eggman hosted a second EX World Grand Prix to prove himself the best at riding Extreme Gear. During this event, he had Metal Sonic copy the data of all the other racers and then give them to the doctor. However, this data turned out to be useless for the scientist as the robot had given him false information and used the real data to make himself the fastest Gear racer. Soon after, Sonic would stop the treacherous machine, but he and the others were disappointed that the villain did not have any awards or prize to begin with.

[[File:Sonic Unleashed shattered earth.png|thumb|225px|The Earth having been split apart by [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]]'s [[Chaos Energy Cannon]], from ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''.]]
During the [[Dark Gaia]] [[Sonic Unleashed|incident]], Dr. Eggman learned of the [[Gaia Manuscripts]], which told of Dark Gaia and the [[time of awakening]] that would shatter the Earth. Wanting every few millennia to harness the ancient creature's powers to finally make his dreams of building Eggmanland become a reality, the doctor kidnapped [[Professor Pickle]], a scholar with great knowledge on the Manuscripts, and took away all of his data and intel. Soon after, following a confrontation with Sonic in outer space, the villain took the seven Chaos Emeralds the hedgehog had with him and used them to power his "[[Chaos Energy Cannon]]", which he fired at the planet, shattering it and prematurely waking up Dark Gaia along with its light counterpart, [[Light Gaia]]. With help from Light Gaia, who gained the nickname "Chip", Sonic used the drained Chaos Emeralds to restore the Earth's continents and recharging the gems. Eventually, however, Dark Gaia completed its awakening as [[Perfect Dark Gaia]] and fought Sonic, now transformed into Super Sonic, during an epic showdown. Fortunately, the evil creature was defeated and sealed in the Earth alongside Chip.

When the [[Wisp]] [[Sonic Colors|incident]] came along, Eggman completed his [[Egg Planet Park]] by chaining five planets to it; while he claimed that this was done as a public apology for his past transgressions, the doctor was actually using the chained planets to enslave a local alien race known as Wisps and harness their [[Hyper-go-on]] power to fuel a [[Mind Control Ray]], which he would then use to take control of the Earth as a stepping stone to achieve universal domination. When Sonic inevitably interfered and liberated the planets from his rule, the villain would fire the charged mind control cannon at Earth. However, as the cannon had been damaged, it instead created a Hyper-go-on void that consumed the entire amusement park. Fortunately, the Wisps would neutralize the void, preventing it from causing further damages, and sent the hedgehog back to the surface of the Earth.

Following this incident, Eggman would be left stranded in space, where he would come across a mighty creature known as the [[Time Eater]] which possessed the power to consume time and space. Coveting this monster's abilities to erase his past mistakes, the doctor tamed the creature and teamed up with a version of himself from the distant past to perfect him. Following that, the villains would tamper with the Earth's history, trapping various of its locations and sending them to a white void known as [[White Space]]. However, Sonic and Tails, alongside younger versions of themselves, managed to stop this threat and the Time Eater was destroyed. The doctors would then be trapped within White Space and the heroes would return to their respective times while the Earth was restored back to normal.

[[File:Extractor draining the world.png|thumb|left|225px|The [[Life (energy)|life]] energy of the Earth being drained by the [[Extractor]], from ''[[Sonic Lost World]]''.]]
Eventually, Dr. Eggman [[Sonic Lost World|set foot]] on the lost continent known as the "[[Lost Hex]]" and enslaved its inhabitants, six [[Zeti]] demons known as the [[Deadly Six]], to control their electromagnetic abilities. Additionally, he built an [[Extractor]] on the floating landmass to drain the [[Life (energy)|life]] of the Earth, which he would then use to power his machines. However, due to interference from Sonic and Tails, the Deadly Six were liberated from their enslavement and rebelled against the doctor, forcing him to team up with the heroes to stop the evil creatures from harnessing the planet's life for their own gain. When the hedgehog defeated the demons though, the scientist used this opportunity to use the extracted life to power a massive [[Eggrobo (Sonic Lost World)|Eggrobo]] mech, which he tried to use to destroy his nemesis. As expected, nevertheless, the villain was defeated, while Tails tampered with the Extractor to return the stolen energy to the dying Earth, restoring it yet again.

Following a previous [[Sonic Mania|incident]], the mystical [[Phantom Ruby]] was transported to the present Earth. Happening across this gem, Eggman learned of its impressive powers and sought to use it during his campaign to conquer the world. Having hired the [[Jackal Squad]], a group of mercenaries run by a jackal called [[Infinite]], the doctor ran various tests on the Phantom Ruby, discovering its potential and creating [[Phantom Ruby prototype|various prototypes]] based off of it, the final one being incorporated within Infinite to give him the gem's powers. When he invaded a [[City]], the scientist's forces managed to overwhelm Sonic himself and imprisoned him inside of a new Death Egg. Over the next six months, the virtually unopposed Eggman Empire would conquer 99% of the planet in what became known as the [[War to Take Back the Planet]]. It was during this conflict that the villain's empire would be opposed by the [[Resistance]], a rebellion created by Sonic's friends. Eventually, the heroes managed to rescue the hedgehog and, with him, reclaim various territories formerly controlled by the empire, destroy the Death Egg and diminish its forces. They would also have help from Classic Sonic and a person known as the [[Avatar]]. In the meantime, Eggman moved his army to the [[Eggman Empire Fortress]], where he prepared a doomsday plan to wipe the Resistance out with a sun created by the Phantom Ruby in three days. When the moment came, however, the Avatar used the last remaining Phantom Ruby prototype to dispose of this sun at the last moment, saving the Resistance. With Infinite having been taken out for good by Sonic and his friends, Eggman dispatched a massive [[Death Egg Robot (Sonic Forces)|Death Egg Robot]] powered by the real Phantom Ruby as a last-ditch effort to dispose of the heroes. Luckily though, Sonic, Classic Sonic and the Avatar joined forces to defeat this mech, thus ending the Eggman Empire's rule over the Earth.

Some time later, the [[Chaos Emerald]]s were attracted by advanced technologies on an [[Starfall Islands|unexplored archipelago]]. Once Dr. Eggman discovered it, he planned to make the technologies his and created an artificial intelligence he called [[Sage]]. Just as he inserted Sage into a [[Cyber Space|portal]] on [[Kronos Island]], activating the [[Ancients]]' technologies, Eggman was sucked in. To discover Eggman's intentions, Sonic, Tails and Amy reached the Starfall Islands on the [[Tornado]], but the plane was suddenly sucked into a wormhole. Sonic managed to escape and found himself alone on Kronos Island, attracting the attentions of a [[The End|spooky female voice]]. This voice persuaded the blue hedgehog to "find the Chaos Emeralds, destroy the [[Titan (Sonic Frontiers)|Titans]] and tear down the walls between dimensions". Sonic found Amy, Knuckles and Tails as holograms trapped in [[Cyber Cage]]s on Kronos, [[Ares Island|Ares]] and [[Chaos Island]]s, destroying the three Titans and absorbing more and more Cyber Energy. After defeating the third Titan, the mysterious voice ordered Sonic to shut down the six towers on [[Rhea Island]], so that he would've ended his task. Once the last tower was shut, Sonic's friends and Eggman were released from Cyber Space, but the hedgehog ended being stuck between reality and Cyber Space due to his full Cyber Corruption. Sage warned his creator to re-enter Cyber Space in order to be safe from the exiting threat, who claimed to be finally free since immemorial time. Not giving up, Tails, Amy and Knuckles returned into Cyber Space to restore Sonic, so that he could get the Chaos Emeralds one fourth time on [[Ouranos Island]] with the help of Eggman and Sage. Once [[Super Sonic]] defeated the [[Supreme|last Titan]], the entity retired into space to regain its' full powers; Sage joined Sonic by piloting Supreme and faced their enemy, who introduced itself as The End. During the fight, The End shot a powerful beam to annihilate its enemies, but it was blocked and Super Sonic smashed the enemy. The End attempted to blow itself up in desperation to wipe out the Earth, but Sage sacrificed herself flying into The End to contain the explosion, asking the supersonic hedgehog to "''protect... Father''". Sonic's friends were free at last and left the archipelago onboard the Tornado, while Eggman, saddened by the loss of his "daughter", managed to restore her inputting a command on a computer.

==Main locations==
{|
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
===Continents===
*[[Atlantis]] {{C|submerged}}
*[[Asia]]
*[[Lost Hex]]

===Islands===
*[[Angel Island]]
*[[Cavern Island]]
*[[Christmas Island]]
*[[Cocoa Island]]
*[[Egg Carrier Island]]
*[[Eggman Island]]
*[[Flicky Island]]
*[[Green Island]]
*[[Northstar Islands]]
*[[Newtrogic High Zone]]
*[[Prison Island]]
*[[Reactive Factory]]
*[[Resort Island]]
*[[Robotnik Winter Zone|Robotnik Winter]]
*[[South Island]]
*[[Starfall Islands]]
**[[Ares Island]]
**[[Chaos Island]]
**[[Kronos Island]]
**[[Ouranos Island]]
**[[Rhea Island]]
*[[Scrapnik Island]]
*[[Turtleshell Island]]
*[[West Side Island]]

===Main political factions===
*[[Adabat]]
*[[Chun-nan]]
*[[Eggman Empire]]
*[[Empire City]]
*[[Greece]]
**[[Apotos]]
*[[Holoska]]
*[[Japan]]
*[[Mazuri]]
*[[Shamar]]
*[[Soleanna]]
*[[Spagonia]]
*[[United Federation]]

===Bodies of water===
*[[Clove Sea]]
*[[Emerald sea]]
*[[South Sea]]
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
===Cities and territories=== 
*[[Aquatic Capital]]
*[[BINGO Highway]]
*[[Barricade Town]]
*[[Botanic Base]]
*[[Casino Night]]
*[[Casino Street Zone|Casino Street]]
*[[Casino Paradise Zone|Casino Paradise]]
*[[Central City]]
*[[City]]
*[[Cascade City]]
*[[Crimson Crater]]
*[[Doctor Starline's Repository]]
*[[Dynamite Plant]]
*[[Dual Towers]]
*[[Diamond Cutters Base]]
*[[Eggperial City]]
*[[Emerald Town]]
*[[Emeraldville Ruins]]
*[[Eggmanland]]
*[[Everhold Prison]]
*[[Electric Egg Zone|Electric Egg]]
*[[Floral Forest Village]]
*[[Frontier Canyon Zone|Frontier Canyon]]
*[[Final Factory]]
*[[GUN Fortress|G.U.N. Fortress]]
*[[Glass Hill]]
*[[Glacierland]]
**[[Ice Mountain]]
**[[Frozen Junkyard]]
**[[Hidden Volcano]]
*[[Grand Metropolis]]
*[[Gene Gadget Zone]]
*[[Gigalopolis Zone|Gigalopolis]]
*[[Huge Crisis]]
*[[Ice Paradise]]
*[[Iron Jungle]]
*[[Imperial City]]
*[[Lagoon City Zone|Lagoon City]]
*[[Mad Gear Zone|Mad Gear]]
*[[Mecha Green Hill Zone|Mecha Green Hill]]
*[[Metal City]]
*[[MeteorTech Premises]]
*[[Metropolis]]
*[[Metropolis Zone]]
*[[Metropolis Speedway]]
*[[Megalo Station]]
*[[Misty Spire]]
*[[Monopole]]
*[[Neon Palace Zone|Neon Palace]]
*[[Night Carnival]]
*[[Oil Desert Zone|Oil Desert]]
*[[Oil Ocean Zone|Oil Ocean]]
*[[Ocean Base]]
*[[Orchardville]]
*[[Press Garden Zone|Press Garden]]
*[[Power Plant]]
*[[Pine Grove Village]]
*[[Panic Puppet Zone|Panic Puppet]]
*[[Radical City]]
*[[Route 99]]
*[[Riverside]]
*[[Seaside City]]
*[[Spiral Hill Village]]
*[[Soleanna]]
*[[Station Square]]
*[[Studiopolis Zone|Studiopolis]]
*[[Sunset City]]
*[[Scrambled Egg Zone|Scrambled Egg]]
*[[Scrap Brain Zone|Scrap Brain]]
*[[Star Light Zone|Star Light]]
*[[Techno Base]]
*[[Tempest Waterway]]
*[[Tidal Plant Zone|Tidal Plant]]
*[[Vista View]]
*[[Windmill Village]]
*[[Winterburg]]
*[[Water Palace]]
*[[Westopolis]]
| style="vertical-align: top;" |

===Areas===
*[[Aurora Icefield]]
*[[Aquatic Ruin Zone|Aquatic Ruin]]
*[[Aqua Lake Zone|Aqua Lake]]
*[[Autumn Forest Zone|Autumn Forest]]
*[[Amazing Arena]]
*[[Babylon Garden]]
*[[Black Market]]
*[[Blue Coast Zone|Blue Coast]]
*[[Botanical Kingdom]]
*[[Bridge Zone]]
*[[Bridge Island Zone|Bridge Island]]
*[[Blue Marine Zone|Blue Marine]]
*[[Chao Garden]]s
**[[Dark Garden]]
**[[Hero Garden]]
**[[Neutral Garden]]
**[[Tiny Chao Garden]]
*[[Chao Kindergarten]]
*[[Chao Playground]]
*[[Chao Stadium]]
*[[Chemical Plant]]
*[[Central Shipping Yard]]
*[[Circus Park]]
*[[Crystal Egg Zone|Crystal Egg]]
*[[Cryptic Castle]]
*[[Caron Forest]]
*[[Crimson Tower]]
*[[Dark Castle]]
*[[Death Ruins]]
*[[Dusty Desert (IDW)|Dusty Desert]]
*[[Dolphin Resort]]
*[[Echo Mine]]
*[[Egg Factory]]
*[[Eggman Empire Fortress]]
*[[Egg Base Alpha]]
*[[Egg Base Delta]]
*[[Egg Base Pi]]
*[[Egg Base Rho]]
*[[Egg Base Tau]]
*[[Egg Base Upsilon]]
*[[Emerald Hill Zone|Emerald Hill]]
*[[Forest Hill]]
*[[Forest Ridge Zone Campground]]
*[[Frozen Peak]]
*[[Frozen Forest]]
*[[Forgotten Tomb]]
*[[Glyphic Canyon]]
*[[Gimmick Mountain Zone|Gimmick Mountain]]
*[[Great Turquoise Zone|Great Turquoise]]
*[[Green Cave]]
*[[Green Hill]]
**[[Arsenal Pyramid]]
**[[Hedgehog's Pass]]
**[[Guardian Rock]]
**[[Temple Mountain]]
**[[Lost Valley]]
*[[Green Hills Zone|Green Hills]]
*[[Gigan Rocks]]
*[[Hang Castle]]
*[[Haunted Mansion]]
*[[Hill Top Zone|Hill Top]]
*[[Hidden Base (location)|Hidden Base]]
*[[Hidden Palace Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)|Hidden Palace]]
*[[Hot Crater]]
*[[Holy Summit]]
*[[Ice Mountain Zone|Ice Mountain]]
*[[Jungle Zone|Jungle]]
*[[Magma Rift]]
*[[Marble Zone]]
*[[Marina Madness]]
*[[Meta Junglira Zone|Meta Junglira]]
*[[Mushroom Hill]]
*[[Music Plant]]
*[[Mystic Jungle]]
*[[Mystic Haunt Zone|Mystic Haunt]]
*[[Mystic Mansion]]
*[[Mystic Cave Zone|Mystic Cave]]
*[[Mirage Saloon Zone|Mirage Saloon]]
*[[Mirage Road]]
*[[Mystic Ruins]]
*[[Neo Green Hill Zone|Neo Green Hill]]
*[[Never Lake]]
*[[Leaf Forest]]
*[[Leaf Storm]]
*[[Lost Labyrinth Zone|Lost Labyrinth]]
*[[Luminous Forest]]
*[[Lake Crystal]]
*[[Labyrinth Zone|Labyrinth]]
*[[Orchard Forest Zone|Orchard Forest]]
*[[Pinball Carnival Zone|Pinball Carnival]]
*[[Press Factory Zone|Press Factory]]
*[[Poloy Forest]]
*[[Polly Mountain]]
*[[Pumpkin Hill]]
*[[Resistance HQ]]
*[[Restoration HQ]]
*[[Rocky Ridge]]
*[[Red Volcano Zone|Red Volcano]]
*[[Regal Ruin]]
*[[Rail Canyon]]
*[[Rail Canyon (Tails' Skypatrol)]]
*[[Ruin Wood]]
*[[Sand Ruins]]
*[[Seaside Hill]]
**[[Ocean View (Team Sonic Racing)|Ocean View]]
**[[Ocean Palace]]
**[[Lost Palace (Team Sonic Racing)|Lost Palace]]
**[[Whale Lagoon (Team Sonic Racing)|Whale Lagoon]]
*[[Secret Base Zone|Secret Base]]
*[[Splash Canyon]]
*[[Splash Hill Zone|Splash Hill]]
*[[Spring Valley Zone|Spring Valley]]
*[[Spring Stadium Zone|Spring Stadium]]
*[[Spring Yard Zone|Spring Yard]]
*[[Spring Flower Festival]]
*[[Summer Falls Zone|Summer Falls]]
*[[Sunset Forest Zone|Sunset Forest]]
*[[Sunset Park Zone|Sunset Park]]
*[[Sunset Hill]]
*[[Sky Temple Zone|Sky Temple]]
*[[Speed Jungle Zone|Speed Jungle]]
*[[Speed Slider]]
*[[Starline Base Sigma]]
*[[Sylvania Castle Zone|Sylvania Castle]]
*[[Tails' Lab]]
*[[Techno Tower]]
*[[Toy Kingdom]]
*[[Training Area]]
*[[Turquoise Hill Zone|Turquoise Hill]]
*[[Twinkle Snow]]
*[[Under Ground Zone|Under Ground]]
*[[Volcanic Tunnel]]
*[[Waterfall Grove Zone|Waterfall Grove]]
*[[White Park Zone|White Park]]
*[[Winter Caverns Zone|Winter Caverns]]
*[[Yellow Desert Zone|Yellow Desert]]

===Natural satellites===
*[[Little Planet]]
**[[Collision Chaos]]
**[[Metallic Madness]]
**[[Palmtree Panic]]
**[[Quartz Quadrant]]
**[[Stardust Speedway]]
**[[Tidal Tempest]]
**[[Titanic Monarch Zone|Titanic Monarch]]
**[[Wacky Workbench]]
*[[Moon]]
**[[The Moon Zone|The Moon]]
*Sun
|}

==In other media==
===Animation===
====''Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie''====
{{Main|Planet Freedom}}
[[File:PlanetFreedom.png|thumb|left|225px|Planet Freedom, from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie]]''.]]
In ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie]]'', the Earth goes mainly by the name of '''Planet Freedom''' and serves as the home planet of [[Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA)|Sonic]] and his friends and enemies. In this media, it is divided into two layers: the [[Land of the Sky]] and the [[Land of Darkness]].

====''Sonic X''====
{{Main|Earth (Sonic X)}}
[[File:Sonic X Earth ep 38.jpg|225px|thumb|The Earth, from "[[Showdown in Space]]".]]
In the ''[[Sonic X]]'' anime series and its [[Sonic X (comic series)|comic series]] published by [[Archie Comics]], it is revealed that [[Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic X)|Sonic]], his friends and [[Doctor Eggman (Sonic X)|Dr. Eggman]] originate from an alternate reality version of Earth. A long time ago, [[Sonic's world (Sonic X)|Sonic's world]] and Earth were once one, but a cataclysmic event split the planet into two and sent them to different dimensions. The flow of time in Sonic's world is considerably slower than on Earth, with one month in Sonic's world equaling an entire year on Earth.

When Sonic came to Earth, the two worlds began to merge into one once again, which would ultimately [[Time Suspension Phenomenon|stop the flow of time completely]], thus forcing Sonic and co. to return to their world.

====''Sonic Boom''====
{{Main|Earth (Sonic Boom)}}
[[File:SB S1E10 Earth.png|thumb|left|225px|The Earth, from "[[Dude, Where's My Eggman?]]".]]
In the ''[[Sonic Boom (series)|Sonic Boom]]'' franchise, Earth is where the series takes place.<ref>[[Sanzaru Games]] (21 November 2014). ''[[Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal]]''. [[Nintendo 3DS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Shadow Canyons]]. "'''[[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]''': Well, y'know... multitasking. I also balanced my checkbook, invented a car that can circle the Earth on half a jar of kosher pickles..."</ref> In this media, the planet resides in the [[Sonic Boom World]] and holds a mysterious past that has spawned both legends and lore alike. Its surface consists mostly of lush and wild nature filled with jungles, mountains, undersea civilizations, cloud cities, and all kinds of other environments. The Earth has very little urbanization and most of the known residents live in and around a Village.<ref name="SBW2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sonicthehedgehog.com/boom/en/sonic-boom-tv-overview/|title=Hit new TV Series ''Sonic Boom'' Premiered #1 in its time slot with boys 6-14!* Now on Cartoon Network|accessdate=20 November 2014}}</ref> The series centers around [[Seaside Island]] where [[Team Sonic (Sonic Boom)|Team Sonic]] fight against [[Doctor Eggman (Sonic Boom)|Dr. Eggman]] to keep the doctor from achieving domination over the planet.<ref name="SBC1">[[Archie Sonic Boom Issue 1|''Sonic Boom'' #1]]</ref>

The majority of the planet's population is made up of anthropomorphic animals referred to as [[animal people]],<ref name="SBEP89">{{Cite episode|title=[[Return of the Buddy Buddy Temple of Doom]]|series=[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic Boom]]|season=2|number=89|first=Sam|last=Freiberger|network=[[Boomerang (TV channel)|Boomerang]]|date=22 July 2017}}</ref> though humans like Dr. Eggman are also present. While civilization here is predominantly rustic, modern commodities such as ice cream stands, airplanes, televisions and highly advanced technology are also found here, though in much lesser quantity. A few places on the planet, like [[Doctor Eggman's Lair|Dr. Eggman's lair]] and the [[Ancients (Sonic Boom)|Ancients]]' civilization, are highly futuristic and technological areas.

===Books and comics===
====''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (manga)====
{{Main|Earth (Shogakukan)}}
In the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' manga published by [[Shogakukan]], the Earth is the home planet of [[Nicky]], [[Doctor Eggman (Shogakukan)|Dr. Eggman]], and many others.

====Archie Comics====
{{Main|Sonic's World|Mobius (Archie)}}
In the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comic series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' comic series and its spin-offs published by [[Archie Comics]], the Earth was almost identical to the [[Wikipedia:Earth|real-world planet]], with a history virtually identical to that of its real-life counterpart. In the early 21st century, however, Earth was contacted by an alien race known as the [[Xorda]]. However, the [[Xorda ambassador]] was captured and dissected by [[human]]ity, and the aggressive Xorda race declared war on Earth. Though some of humanity managed to preserve themselves, the Xorda ended the world with their [[Gene Bomb]]s which broke all forms of life down to their basic components. Thousands of years later, this combined biomatter gave birth to the [[mobian]] race, who would repopulate the Earth and rename it '''Mobius'''.

After the [[Super Genesis Wave]] re-wrote history, Mobius became known as '''Sonic's World'''. The planet is now virtually identical to its game counterpart.

====''Sonic the Comic''====
{{main|Earth (Sonic the Comic)}}
[[File:EarthSTC.jpg|thumb|200px|The Earth, from [[Sonic the Comic Issue 114|''Sonic the Comic'' #114]]. Art by [[Roberto Corona]] and [[John M. Burns]].]]
In the ''[[Sonic the Comic]]'' series published by [[Fleetway Editions]], the Earth is considered entirely separate from [[Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic the Comic)|Sonic's]] home planet of [[Mobius (Sonic the Comic)|Mobius]]. In an early ''Sonic's World'' strip, the [[Kintobor Computer]] claimed that Mobius was in a small galaxy that was "117,63222{{sic}} light years from Earth", in a parallel dimension, in a different time zone and the whole region is made up of dark matter.<ref>[[Sonic the Comic Issue 25|''Sonic the Comic'' #25]], "Prologue: Once Upon a Planet..."</ref>

[[Amy Rose (Sonic the Comic)|Amy Rose]] and [[Tekno the Canary]] crash-landed on Earth in a spaceship after being teleported across the universe accidentally. During this short stay, they were mistaken for aliens. They befriended a [[human]] named [[Professor Cratermass]] and earned the enmity of [[Colonel Granite]], the deranged commander of [[Operation Starwatch]], who believed they were the vanguard of an invasion fleet. Amy and Tekno managed to escape and teleport back to Mobius with some help from Professor Cratermass, who deleted the teleportation program afterwards so that Colonel Granite could not follow.<ref>[[Sonic the Comic Issue 114|''Sonic the Comic'' #114]], "Earthbound"</ref><ref>[[Sonic the Comic Issue 115|''Sonic the Comic'' #115]], "Earthbound"</ref> Amy and Tekno encountered Granite again on Earth during their trips through the [[Ring of Eternity]],<ref>[[Sonic the Comic Issue 140|''Sonic the Comic'' #140]], "Out of Time"</ref><ref>[[Sonic the Comic Issue 141|''Sonic the Comic'' #141]], "Out of Time"</ref> and as a result of this story, rogue British military forces led by [[Colonel Granite]] subsequently invaded Mobius before being hurled out by the spirit of the planet itself.<ref>[[Sonic the Comic Issue 146|''Sonic the Comic'' #146]], "Earth Attacks"</ref><ref>[[Sonic the Comic Issue 147|''Sonic the Comic'' #147]], "Earth Attacks"</ref> An even later story showed that, due to their highly similar ecosystems, Earth and Mobius were twin planets.

====IDW Publishing====
{{Main|Sonic's world/History and appearances (IDW)}}

===Films===
====Paramount====
{{Main|Earth (Paramount)}}
[[File:SonicMovieTrailer2 24.png|thumb|225px|The Earth, from [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'']].]]
In the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' film series produced by [[Paramount Pictures]], Earth is a planet on the far side of the universe. [[Sonic the Hedgehog (Paramount)|Sonic]] was sent to Earth to hide from people who want to use his power by [[Longclaw]]. In this media, the Earth closely resembles the real planet. 

After staying in hiding on Earth for ten years, Sonic accidentally made his presence known to the [[United States (Paramount)|United States]] government, who sent [[Doctor Robotnik (Paramount)|Dr. Robotnik]] out to investigate the matter, prompting Sonic to try and leave Earth. Robotnik himself tried to capture Sonic, but with the aid of [[Tom Wachowski]], Sonic banished him to the [[Mushroom Planet]]. Afterward, Sonic settled down on Earth once more, but in the company of the Wachowski family.

==Trivia== 
*Few real-world civilizations are known to exist on Earth; in early Western manuals, there are references to the [[Wikipedia:Roman people|Romans]] and [[Wikipedia:Egyptians|Egyptians]] in the descriptions of [[Aquatic Ruin Zone|Aquatic Ruin]] and [[Regal Ruin]], respectively,<ref>''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' ([[Sega Mega Drive|Sega Genesis]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 13.</ref><ref>''[[Sonic R]]'' ([[Sega Saturn]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 16.</ref> but these peoples are not mentioned in Japanese sources. The [[Sonic Riders series|''Sonic Riders'' series]] features the [[Babylonians]] as ancestors of the [[Babylon Rogues]], but ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'' confirms that these people have no relation to the [[Wikipedia:Babylonia|ancient settlement]] in modern-day Iraq. 
**Additionally, while most of the Earth's population is entirely fictional, some real-world figures have existed in the past too; for instance, [[Prima Games]]' ''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]]'' says that [[Gerald Robotnik]] was referred to as "a modern-day [[Wikipedia:Leonardo da Vinci|Leonardo da Vinci]]".<ref>{{Cite book|author=Prima Development|title=Sonic Adventure 2: Prima's Official Strategy Guide|publisher=Prima Games|pages=3|chapter=The Beginning|date=20 June 2001|isbn=978-0761536147 |quote='''Professor [[Gerald Robotnik]]''' - Of all the genius scientists, Professor Gerald is the most intelligent. He has mastered many areas of study, from genetics to astrophysics to robotics, and is a modern day scientific Da Vinci.}}</ref> [[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (2006)]] also confirms that earth housed people like [[Wikipedia:Aristotle|Aristotle]] and [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]].<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (14 November 2006). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. [[Xbox 360]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: [[Soleanna Castle Town]] ([[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] Episode). "'''[[Aristo]]''': I'm Aristo. Named after Aristotle, I'm a young scientist."</ref><ref>[[Sonic Team]] (14 November 2006). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. [[Xbox 360]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: [[Soleanna New City]] ([[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]] Episode). "'''[[Alfano]]''': I'm Alfano, the mathematician. I have a higher IQ than the famous Einstein."</ref>
**In the final cutscene of [[Sonic Adventure 2]] before the credits, a city resembling [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem Jerusalem] can be seen, featuring the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dome_of_the_Rock Dome of the Rock]. This would imply that Earth features similar religions to real-world religions.
*The backgrounds of [[Chaos Angel]] and [[Crimson Crater]] from ''[[Sonic Advance 3]]'' and ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'' show two moons in the sky of Earth.<ref>[[Dimps]], [[Sonic Team]] (7 June 2004). ''[[Sonic Advance 3]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: [[Chaos Angel]].</ref><ref>[[Sonic Team]], CRI Middleware (22 February 2008). ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: [[Crimson Crater]].</ref> In [[Sonic Channel]]'s "Sonic X Shadow" cover story, it is confirmed that the [[Space Colony ARK]] can be seen in front of the moon once every year, though it is unknown whether the space station is actually this "second moon" seen in the aforementioned levels.<ref name="SonicXShadow">{{cite web|url=https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20210628_002603/|title=ソニック & シャドウ|author=[[Sega]]|publisher=[[Sonic Channel]]|date=28 June 2021|accessdate=28 June 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628073207/https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20210628_002603/|archivedate=28 June 2021|language=Japanese}}</ref>
*[[Yuji Naka]] in a 2011 interview asserted that action on Earth begun at [[Christmas Island]], with Sonic traveling to more urbanized and human filled lands like [[Station Square]] between the Classic games and ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''.<ref>https://forums.sonicretro.org/index.php?threads/unseen-naka-iizuka-maekawa-interviews.33744/</ref>
*''[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]'' is the first and only instance in the series so far to use the terms "Earth", "Sonic's world", and "Sonic's '''W'''orld" in the same game.
*In interviews leading up to the release of ''[[Sonic Forces]]'', [[Takashi Iizuka]] once said that the ''Sonic'' games takes place across two worlds: one is human, and the other one is set on the non-human side, the latter of which ''[[Sonic Colors]]'' takes place in.<ref>{{Cite web|publisher=GAME.com|url=http://www.game.co.uk/Games/Wii/Platform/Sonic-Colours/~r349876/UserControls/ProductView/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817082306/http://www.game.co.uk/Games/Wii/Platform/Sonic-Colours/~r349876/UserControls/ProductView/#|archivedate=17 August 2010|accessdate=13 August 2015 |title=Sonic Colours: Interview with Takashi Iizuka|quote='''GAME''': Could you tell us a bit about the story behind Sonic Colours? It looks more like the old games, which were set on Moebius, than the new-style Sonics set in Station Square... / '''[[Takashi Iizuka]]''': We have two different worlds for Sonic games – one is human, and one is set on the non-human side. Sonic Colours is set on the non-human side. The only human in the game is Dr Eggman, who tries to build this huge amusement park which, as you will see on the world map, ties all these planets together with a tractor beam.}}</ref> However, it has not been clarified whether this means the games literally take place across two different versions of the earth like in ''[[Sonic X]],'' or across different societies. The PR and Social Media Manager of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' [[Aaron Webber]], to his understanding, confirms the former while former Sega Europe community manager Kevin Eva disapproves it.<ref>{{Cite web|work=YouTube|publisher=SEGAbits II|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=t2K3scGwELw|date=2 July 2015|accessdate=13 August 2015|title=Swingin’ Report Show #80: Interview with Aaron Webber, Sonic the Hedgehog PR & Social Media Manager}}</ref><ref name="SB2">{{Cite web|url=http://board.sonicstadium.org/topic/19847-segas-secret-sonic-bible-that-well-probably-never-see-to-mars/?do=findComment&comment=964735|title=Sega's Secret Sonic Bible that we'll probably never see "TO MARS!"|first=Kevin|last=Eva|work=Sonic Stadium Message Board|date=17 August 2015|accessdate=20 August 2015}}</ref> In a later interview, Iizuka stated that the portrayal and nature of the Earth depends on which of these two worlds is being portrayed in each game, and sometimes there may be some "crossovers" between them.<ref name="Truth">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/06/10/more-burning-questions-about-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-franchise-answered.aspx|title=More Burning Questions About The Sonic The Hedgehog Franchise Answered|date=10 June 2017|author=Brian Shea|publisher=GameInformer|accessdate=10 June 2017}}</ref> This idea of the canon world structure has now since been abandoned in the lead up to ''[[Sonic Frontiers]]'', reunifying Sonic's world as one in a creative sense.
**[[Ian Flynn]] also backed up the now abandoned idea at the time, stating that according to Sega, Sonic's world and the human world are two separate planets, with travel between them accomplished via the use of [[Giant Ring]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|work=YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAy7Aafs4lA|title=BumbleKast Q&A for August 10, 2020|publisher=BumbleKing Videos|date=10 August 2020|quote=I have been instructed at multiple points in my career that it is literally two different planets. I received a series bible ... that specified that they are two different planets in two different dimensions ... and it was explained that yes, it's two different planets that are accessed via secret Giant Rings.}}</ref> However, Flynn later implied that this was no longer officially considered to be the case, though stated that he was unable to elaborate at the time.<ref>{{Cite web|work=YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcF0BqPUZTw|title=BumbleKast Q&A for July 26, 2021|publisher=BumbleKing Videos|date=26 July 2021|quote=I'm gonna say it again: forget about 'two worlds'. I can't specify why, just don't worry about it anymore ... you know my position on 'two worlds' and I say this with a calm and satisfied smile: don't worry about it anymore.}}</ref> 
***As of the first official [[TailsTube No. 1 (feat. Sonic)|broadcast]] of ''[[TailsTube]]'', this bit of lore appears to no longer be considered to be canon, as humans and anthropomorphic animals are stated to both inhabit a single world, albeit different parts of it.
***Ian Flynn officially refers Sonic's world as Earth, due to the new canon of the series seems fitting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znPHg6b6XVQ|title=BumbleKast for June 10th, 2022 - Standard Q&A Podcast with Ian Flynn|work=YouTube|date=10 June 2022|accessdate=10 June 2022}}</ref>
* Modern Sonic writers are explicitly forbidden from referring to Earth/Sonic's World as Mobius. The lone exception was the novelizations for the Paramount ''Sonic The Hedgehog'' movies due to an oversight from the writer of them (the writers of the Sonic 2 movie were specifically instructed not to give a name to Sonic's home world).

==Gallery==
{{Gallery start}}
<gallery widths="200">
World Map (Babylon's airship map).png|''[[Sonic Riders]]''
Worldmap sonic unleashed.jpg|''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''
Sonic4EpisodeMetalEarth.jpg|''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode Metal]]''
TailsTube-Sonics Planet Earth.jpeg|''[[TailsTube]]''
</gallery>
{{Gallery end}}

==See also==
*[[Earth (disambiguation)]]
*[[Sonic's world (disambiguation)]]
*[[Mobius]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
[[de:Erde]]
[[es:Tierra]]
[[fr:Terre]]
[[nl:Aarde]]
[[pl:Ziemia]]
[[uk:Земля]]
[[Category:Planets]]