Sonic Frontiers

Experience Sonic like never before!

Tagline^[8]Sonic Frontiers. Steam. accessed 27 April 2026

Sonic Frontiers (ソニック フロンティア, Sonikku Furontia) is a 2022 platform video game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega as part of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The game follows Sonic as he becomes stranded on the Starfall Islands, enters the digital dimension known as Cyber Space, and sets out to rescue his friends while gathering the Chaos Emeralds and defeating the islands’ Titans.^[10]Mitchell Saltzman. Sonic Frontiers: The First Hands-On Preview. IGN. 7 June 2022. accessed 20 April 2026. archived 7 June 2022. Archived version

Combining traditional Sonic mechanics with an “Open Zone” structure, Sonic Frontiers places Sonic in large explorable environments where players solve puzzles, complete platforming challenges, battle enemies, and enter Cyber Space stages to earn Vault Keys needed to unlock the Chaos Emeralds.^[11]Mike Fahey. Sega Reveals Sonic Frontiers, The First Open-World Sonic Game. Kotaku. 9 December 2021. accessed 20 April 2021. archived 10 December 2021. Archived version Development began after the release of Sonic Forces, with the project intended to establish a new foundation for future 3D Sonic games in a manner comparable to Sonic Adventure.^[12]Dreadknux. Exclusive: Takashi Iizuka Hopes 2022 Sonic Game Will Lay Foundation For Future Titles. Sonic Stadium. 21 June 2021. accessed 21 June 2021. archived 22 June 2021. Archived version The script was written by Ian Flynn, marking his first work on a mainline Sonic game.^[13]Sonic Frontiers Drops The Blue Blur Into His First Open World Game. Game Informer. December 9, 2021

Sonic Frontiers was released on 8 November 2022 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. It received generally mixed to positive reviews, with praise directed at its story, music, scale, and boss battles, while criticism focused on technical issues and the uneven execution of some gameplay elements. The game was a commercial success, selling over 4.5 million copies by 2025.^[14]https://www.gematsu.com/2025/06/sega-mistakenly-reveals-sales-numbers-for-like-a-dragon-infinite-wealth-persona-3-reload-shin-megami-tensei-v-and-more A major free update, Sonic Frontiers: The Final Horizon, was released in September 2023, adding an alternate climax and making Amy, Tails, and Knuckles playable.

Synopsis[edit]

Experience Sonic like never before!

Worlds are colliding in Sonic the Hedgehog’s newest high-speed adventure! In search of the missing Chaos emeralds, Sonic becomes stranded on an ancient island teeming with unusual creatures. Battle hordes of powerful enemies as you explore a breathtaking world of action, adventure, and mystery. Accelerate to new heights and experience the thrill of high-velocity, open-zone platforming freedom as you race across the five massive Starfall Islands. Jump into adventure, wield the power of the Ancients, and fight to stop these new mysterious foes. Welcome to the evolution of Sonic games!^[15]https://store.steampowered.com/app/1237320/Sonic_Frontiers/

Plot[edit]

Seeking to seize the advanced technology left behind on the Starfall Islands by the ancient race known as the Ancients, Doctor Eggman deploys his newest artificial intelligence, Sage, into the islands’ network.^[16]Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Egg Memo 12. "Doctor Eggman: I'm deploying my most advanced artificial intelligence into the ancient network spanning the Starfall Islands. I've code-named it "Sage." Sage will take over the alien network, take control of all its resources, and give them to me!" Instead, a protection protocol activates and traps him in Cyber Space, a digital dimension created by the Ancients.^[17]Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Cutscene: Intro sequence

At the same time, Sonic, Tails, and Amy investigate unusual Chaos Emerald readings coming from the islands.^[18]Sonic the Hedgehog. TailsTube #3 (feat. Knuckles). YouTube. 22 September 2022. accessed 21 April 2026 As they approach in the Tornado, a wormhole pulls them into Cyber Space and separates them.^[17]Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Cutscene: Intro sequence Sonic briefly finds himself in a digital landscape resembling Green Hill before escaping to Kronos Island. There, a mysterious disembodied voice calls him “the Key” and instructs him to gather the Chaos Emeralds, destroy the Titans, and tear down the walls between dimensions. Believing this will help him save his friends, Sonic begins exploring the islands.

Sonic soon discovers Amy imprisoned in a Cyber Cage. By collecting Memory Tokens, he frees her from the cage, but her body remains trapped in Cyber Space, leaving her in a digitized state. The process also transfers cyber energy into Sonic’s body, causing him intense pain. While searching for a way to restore Amy, Sonic helps the Koco, stone-like beings that inhabit the islands, and gradually uncovers traces of the Ancients’ past. He eventually gathers the Chaos Emeralds on Kronos Island, transforms into Super Sonic, and defeats Giganto, the island’s Titan.

Sonic is then sent to Ares Island, where he is struck by a laser that forces him out of his super form and scatters the Emeralds. There he finds Knuckles, who had been drawn to the islands after encountering a portal above Angel Island while investigating ruins in the Sky Sanctuary.^[19]Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence. YouTube. 1 November 2022 As Sonic and Knuckles travel across the island, Knuckles suspects the islands may have some connection to the Knuckles Clan. After recovering the Chaos Emeralds once more, Sonic defeats the Titan Wyvern.

On Chaos Island, Sonic frees Tails from another Cyber Cage, but the cyber energy he absorbs worsens his condition. Tails becomes increasingly concerned about Sonic’s growing cyber corruption, while the two also learn that the island once functioned as an Ancient military base. Through further visions and encounters with the Koco, Sonic and his friends come to understand that the Koco are tied to the memories and lingering wills of the Ancients. Sonic once again recovers the Chaos Emeralds and destroys the Titan Knight.

Sonic then travels to Rhea Island, where he is directed to scale six towers that are emitting cyber energy. Each tower he shuts down worsens his corruption, but also reveals more of the Ancients’ history. The visions show that the Ancients came to Earth from another world after their civilization was devastated by a powerful enemy. Their ships were drawn to the planet when the Chaos Emeralds reacted with the Master Emerald, and the enemy followed them there. To resist it, the Ancients constructed the Titans, but only managed to seal the threat away within Cyber Space after a desperate final stand.^[20]Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Egg Memo 7. "Doctor Eggman: Who were the Ancients? They predate any civilization by a wide margin. The echidnas? Pfft. The Black Arms? Please. The Babylonians? Hardly! And yet they didn't seem to influence the world beyond these three piddly islands [the Starfall Islands]. Why? What stopped them from conquering the world?"

After Sonic shuts down the last tower, his cyber corruption overwhelms him. Amy, Knuckles, Tails, and Eggman are released from Cyber Space, and the mysterious voice guiding Sonic reveals itself as The End, the same entity that destroyed the Ancients’ world. Sonic’s friends sacrifice their physical forms to purge his corruption and restore him. With Sage and Eggman’s reluctant help, Sonic heads to Ouranos Island to recover the Chaos Emeralds one last time and confront the final Titan, Supreme.

After Sonic defeats Supreme, The End escapes its prison and rises into space. Sage merges with Supreme so that she and Super Sonic can pursue it together. As The End attempts to destroy the planet in a final explosion, Sage sacrifices herself to contain the blast, sending Sonic back to Earth. In the aftermath, Sonic reunites with Amy, Tails, and Knuckles as a meteor shower lights up the Starfall Islands, while Eggman remains behind to mourn Sage. In a post-credits scene, Eggman succeeds in restoring her.

The Final Horizon / Another Story

In the alternate climax added in Sonic Frontiers: The Final Horizon, Sonic meets Eggman and Sage on Ouranos Island, where Sage proposes a new plan to defeat The End. Amy, Knuckles, and Tails are released from Cyber Space and set out to gather the Chaos Emeralds themselves, while Sonic undergoes the Trials of the Masters in order to turn his cyber corruption into a controllable source of power.

As Amy, Knuckles, and Tails explore the island and recover the Emeralds with one another’s help, Sonic clears a series of tower trials and receives guidance from the spirits of the Titans’ pilots. For his final trial, the Master King forces Sonic to re-fight Giganto, Wyvern, and Knight in order to fully temper his corruption. Though successful, Sonic is warned that using this power recklessly could kill him.

Once the Chaos Emeralds have been assembled again, Sonic transforms into Super Sonic and defeats Supreme, but The End attaches itself to the Titan and uses it as a new vessel. Pushed beyond his limits, Sonic unlocks a stronger form fueled by cyber energy and battles The End directly while Eggman and Sage support him. After The End retaliates with an enormous barrage, Sage shields the battlefield while Amy, Knuckles, and Tails help repel the attack. Eggman then uses Supreme’s weapon to launch Sonic forward for one final strike. By unleashing the full force of his corruption, Sonic destroys both Supreme and The End for good.

Afterward, Sonic collapses from the strain but survives. As meteors fall across the sky, Amy, Knuckles, and Tails celebrate his recovery, while Eggman praises Sage and leaves the island with her at his side.

JP-US Regional Differences

Sonic Frontiers features more substantial story differences between its Japanese and English scripts than many earlier entries in the series.^[21]Ian Flynn. Selling Salami in the BumbleKoffee Shop AU | BumbleKast for Feb. 13th, 2023 - Ian Flynn Q&A Podcast. 13 February 2023. “I saw a translation of the Japanese version of the Sonic Frontiers story and noticed that the goals of Sonic's friends are quite different than what is mentioned in the English version, for example, in the English version Knuckles wants to get out of his island and see the world but in the Japanese version, he wants to find out more about his ancestors, my question is which of the two versions of the story should we consider the canon version?” These differences affect character arcs, dialogue, and references to earlier games. The Japanese script also removes many callbacks that appear in the English version.

• In the English story, Team Sonic heads to the Starfall Islands because the Chaos Emeralds were drawn there. In the Japanese story, they also travel there because they detect that Doctor Eggman is heading for the islands.
• In the English story, Sonic does not recognize Cyber Space as Green Hill Zone when he first enters it. In the Japanese story, he does.
• In the English story, The End refers to Sonic as “mortal”. In the Japanese story, it refers to him as “the creature of potential”.
• In the English story, Sonic first asks how to get his friends back, and The End responds accordingly. In the Japanese story, he first asks where he is.
• In the English story, Amy does not recognize Sonic’s voice while trapped in the Cyber Cage. In the Japanese story, she does.
• In the English story, when Amy is freed, she says that Tails might be trapped as well. In the Japanese story, she instead says that her soul has been cyberized and that her body is trapped in Cyber Space.
• In the English story, when Sage first meets Sonic, she immediately tells him to leave, Sonic wonders who she is and whether she is trapped, and Sage hopes Giganto will destroy him. In the Japanese story, Sage identifies Sonic by name, analyzes him, Sonic wonders who she is, and Sage believes Giganto will defeat him.
• In the English story, the Koco Amy befriends is searching for a lover. In the Japanese story, the Koco is searching for a friend. In the same scene, Sonic says there are more pressing matters in the English version, while in the Japanese version he says he is about to get busy.
• In the English story, Amy and Sonic help a mother Koco looking for her children. In the Japanese story, the character is a teacher searching for a missing student.
• In the Japanese story, Sonic does not use slang and instead often works English phrases into his speech. In the English story, he uses more casual slang, such as “yo.”
• In the English story, Amy says she wants to spread love across the world. In the Japanese story, she says she wants to become a better woman for Sonic to admire.
• In the English story, Sage develops a familial bond with Eggman and comes to see him as a father figure. In the Japanese story, that arc is replaced with Sage questioning whether she can defy her programming, follow her own wishes, and make her own choices.
• In the English story, Knuckles decides he wants to live more freely like Sonic and travel the world. In the Japanese story, he decides he wants to learn more about his people and culture, fulfilling his duty as one of the Knuckles Clan.

Characters[edit]

Image	Character	Biography
	Sonic the Hedgehog	The world’s fastest supersonic hedgehog is second to none when it comes to speed! He came to the Starfall Islands in search of the Chaos Emeralds, but now scrambles to find his lost companions, guided by a mysterious voice of unknown origin.[22]Sega. Sonic Frontiers Web Manual - Characters. accessed 7 April 2026
	Amy Rose	A lively and enthusiastic girl with spirit for adventure. Her physical body became trapped in Cyber Space and now lives a virtual existence that cannot directly interact with the physical world.[22]Sega. Sonic Frontiers Web Manual - Characters. accessed 7 April 2026
	Miles “Tails” Prower	A genius mechanic who sees Sonic as a big brother. While piloting the Tornado, he got caught up in some mysterious turbulence, lost control, and crash landed in Cyber Space.[22]Sega. Sonic Frontiers Web Manual - Characters. accessed 7 April 2026
	Knuckles the Echidna	A powerful hot-blooded warrior, and a fitting rival for Sonic. He is thought of as being the last of the great Echidna tribe, and continues to protect the Master Emerald on Angel Island…[22]Sega. Sonic Frontiers Web Manual - Characters. accessed 7 April 2026
	Doctor Eggman	An evil genius scientist and Sonic’s nemesis. His latest nefarious plan is to take command of a secret technology once harnessed by the mysterious Ancients of the Starfall Islands. Unfortunately, he now finds himself trapped in Cyber Space.[22]Sega. Sonic Frontiers Web Manual - Characters. accessed 7 April 2026
	Sage	A mysterious girl who appears before Sonic as he travels the Starfall Islands. She warns Sonic to leave immediately, but what could be her true intent…?[22]Sega. Sonic Frontiers Web Manual - Characters. accessed 7 April 2026

Playable

• Amy Rose (The Final Horizon only)
• Knuckles the Echidna (The Final Horizon only)
• Miles “Tails” Prower (The Final Horizon only)
• Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Super Sonic
    • Super Sonic 2 only appearance (The Final Horizon only)
      • Super Sonic Cyber only appearance (The Final Horizon only)

Non-playable

Gameplay[edit]

Sonic Frontiers is a 3D platforming and action-adventure game built around large explorable areas known as Open Zones. As Sonic, the player explores the Starfall Islands, which feature environments such as grasslands, forests, ancient ruins, mountains, and deserts, while collecting the Chaos Emeralds, solving puzzles, completing platforming challenges, and battling enemies.^[11]Mike Fahey. Sega Reveals Sonic Frontiers, The First Open-World Sonic Game. Kotaku. 9 December 2021. accessed 20 April 2021. archived 10 December 2021. Archived version^[10]Mitchell Saltzman. Sonic Frontiers: The First Hands-On Preview. IGN. 7 June 2022. accessed 20 April 2026. archived 7 June 2022. Archived version Although Sega described the game as “open zone” rather than a conventional open-world title, it marks the first mainline Sonic game to use such a large-scale free-roaming structure. Traditional series elements such as Springs, Grind Rails, Dash Panels, and Dash Rings are incorporated into these environments to support exploration and movement.

Sonic retains many abilities from earlier games, including the Spin Jump, Homing Attack, Double Jump, Stomp, Quick Step, Trick Action, and Boost, while also gaining new movement options such as wall running, climbing, and more precise low-speed traversal for narrow terrain.^[23]Eric Switzer. Sonic Frontiers Preview: Folks, Our Blue Boy Is Back. TheGamer. 13 June 2022. accessed 21 April 2026. archived 13 June 2022. Archived version^[24]Matt Wales. Sonic Frontiers gets first gameplay teaser trailer. Eurogamer. 31 May 2022. accessed 21 April 2026. archived 31 May 2022. Archived version At the start of the game, players can choose between Action Style, which emphasizes more careful and accurate platforming, and High Speed Style, which is designed for faster movement and is aimed at more experienced players. The game also allows players to customize controls and adjust settings related to Sonic’s speed, turning, acceleration, and handling.

The core gameplay loop revolves around exploring each island in order to reach its Titan. To progress, Sonic must gather Portal Gears by defeating powerful Guardians or by completing certain challenges and puzzles. These Portal Gears are used to open Portals leading into Cyber Space, a separate dimension containing short, linear stages inspired by earlier 3D Sonic games.^[25]Marcus Stewart. Sonic Frontiers' Cyber Space Dimension Features Traditional Platforming Stages. Game Informer. 28 June 2022. accessed 21 April 2026. Archived version These stages shift between 3D and side-scrolling gameplay and are numbered in sequence, such as 1-1 and 1-2. Each Cyber Space stage contains optional objectives, including clearing the level, achieving an S Rank time, collecting enough Rings, and finding all five Red Star Rings. Completing these objectives rewards the player with Vault Keys, which are then used to unlock the Chaos Emeralds sealed in island vaults.

Combat is far more elaborate than in many earlier entries in the series. Sonic can dodge, parry, counter, and chain together attacks in close-range fights against enemies and bosses. Defeating enemies yields collectable experience and Skill Points that can be used to unlock new abilities from the Skill Tree. As Sonic gains new powers, combat becomes more varied, with techniques such as Sonic Boom, Wild Rush, Homing Shot, Cyclone Kick, and Loop Kick supplementing his standard attacks. By maintaining sustained offensive pressure, Sonic can also enter Phantom Rush, a powered-up state that increases the force of his attacks.

A central mechanic in the game is Sonic’s new Cyloop ability, which creates a trail of light as he runs in a circle around enemies, objects, or points of interest. Cyloop can damage or immobilize foes, activate mechanisms, reveal hidden objects, and solve environmental puzzles. Some challenges require the player to circle statues, marked objects, or tiles, while some treasure-marked locations reward the player with items such as Memory Tokens, Portal Gears, or Vault Keys when encircled. Drawing an infinity-shaped loop grants an Infinite Boost, while collecting enough Rings can temporarily activate a Power Boost.

The Open Zone areas are filled with collectibles and optional activities that feed into progression. Memory Tokens are used to interact with and help Sonic’s trapped friends, while Koco, Red Seed of Powers, Blue Seed of Defenses, Purple Coins, and other items improve Sonic’s stats or unlock support features. By returning Koco to Elder Koco and Hermit Koco, the player can raise Sonic’s speed, Ring capacity, attack, and defense. Exploration challenges scattered across each island reveal portions of the map, uncover shortcuts and rails, and eventually unlock fast travel to Portals and other key locations. Some challenges only appear under specific conditions, such as nighttime. Dynamic events such as Starfall can also occur, repopulating enemies and items while activating a slot machine that rewards the player with additional collectibles.

The game also includes side activities and special modes tied closely to progression. Big the Cat appears at Fishing Spots, where Sonic can spend Purple Coins in a fishing minigame to earn tokens that can be exchanged for rewards such as Memory Tokens, Portal Gear fragments, Egg Memos, Vault Keys, and fast-travel scrolls for Koco locations. Once Sonic collects all seven Chaos Emeralds on an island, he can transform into Super Sonic in order to battle the island’s Titan, as these bosses cannot be defeated in his normal form. The game later received major updates that expanded the overall gameplay package, including the addition of the Jukebox and, in Sonic Frontiers: The Final Horizon, playable versions of Amy, Tails, and Knuckles, each with their own abilities and gameplay styles.

Scoring system

Controls

Button formation				Movement
Switch	PC	PlayStation 4/PlayStation 5	Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S	Sonic	Amy	Knuckles	Tails	Super Sonic
↔︎/↕︎	[W]/[S]/[A]/[D]	↔︎/↕︎		Walk/Run/Climb				Fly
↔︎/↕︎	[A] + [D]	↔︎/↕︎		Drift[note 1]Can be only performed in Cyber Space stages with Drift Dash Panels.	N/A
↔︎ (while grinding)		↔︎ (while grinding)		Grind Step				N/A
Press		Press		Reset camera
↔︎/↕︎		↔︎/↕︎		Move camera
Press (target locked)	[C]	Press (target locked)		Lock-on
down	[H]	down	down	Training simulator/Tips
left	[G]	left	left	Tutorial
up		up	up	Stop slot machine	N/A
	[P]	OPTIONS		Pause/Menu
	[M]			Map
	[SPACE]			Spin Jump				N/A
x2		x2	x2	Double Jump				N/A
(while leaning on Wall Jump Block)	[SPACE] (while leaning on Wall Jump Block)	(while leaning on Wall Jump Block)	(while leaning on Wall Jump Block)	Wall Jump	N/A
down > left/right	[S] > [A]/[D]	down > left/right		Spin Attack[note 2]Can be only performed in 2.5D side-scroller sections of Cyber Space stages.	N/A
				Crouch				N/A
Run +		Run +	Run +	Slide	N/A
>		Jump >	Jump >	Stomp	Card Stomp	Heat Stomp	Spike Stomp	Stomp
> Hold x3		Jump > Hold x3	Jump > Hold x3	Jump Stomp	N/A
Move > Hold	Move > Hold [SHIFT]	Move > Hold	Move > Hold	Boost				Super Sonic Boost
(in midair)		(in midair)	(in midair)	Air Boost				N/A
/	[Q]/[E]	/	/	Quick Step/Cartwheel				Quick Step
/ (in midair/target locked)		/ (in midair/target locked)	/ (in midair/target locked)	Dodge
Hold +		Hold +	Hold +	Parry
Press (near Rings)	[Z]	Press (near Rings)		Light Speed Dash	N/A
Hold (while doing Double Jump/in midair)		Hold (while doing Double Jump/in midair)	Hold (while doing Double Jump/in midair)	Drop Dash	N/A
Move + (while on wall)		Move + (while on wall)	Move + (while on wall)	Wall Run	N/A	Climb	N/A	N/A
Aerial Boost + (towards wall)		Aerial Boost + (towards wall)	Aerial Boost + (towards wall)	Boosted Wall Run	N/A	Boosted Climb	N/A	N/A
Hold (in midair)		Hold (in midair)	Hold (in midair)	Skydiving				N/A
	Press right mouse button			N/A	Cyhammer	Cyknuckle	Cyblaster	N/A
Hold (while moving)	Hold right mouse button (while moving)	Hold (while moving)	Hold (while moving)	Cyloop
Hold (during combo)	Hold right mouse button (during combo)	Hold (during combo)	Hold (during a combo)	Quick Cyloop	N/A			Quick Cyloop
(in midair/during combo)	[F] (in midair/during combo)	(in midair/during combo)	(in midair/during combo)	Sonic Boom	N/A			Sonic Boom
(during combo)	[CTRL] (during combo)	(during combo)	(during combo)	Stomp Attack	N/A			Stomp Attack
(in midair)	[W]/[A]/[S]/[D] (in midair)	(in midair)		Trick Action	N/A
	Left mouse button			Attack	Card Attack	Combo Attack	Wrench Attack	Attack
>		Jump >	Jump >	Homing Attack				Homing Attack
(target locked)		(target locked)	(target locked)	Homing Attack
>		>	>	Homing Attack Cancel Stomp	N/A			Homing Attack Cancel Stomp
/ +	[Q]/[E] + Left mouse button	/ +	/ +	Wild Rush	N/A			Wild Rush
(automatically activated with each Skill during combos)				Auto Combo	N/A			Auto Combo
(combo attack an enemy until meter reaches max)				Phantom Rush	N/A			Phantom Rush
+ (in midair)	[SHIFT] + Left mouse button (in midair)	+ (in midair)	+ (in midair)	Homing Shot	N/A			Homing Shot
(during combo)	[SPACE] (during combo)	(during combo)	(during combo)	Spin Slash	N/A			Spin Slash
+ (in midair)	[SHIFT] + [CTRL] (in midair)	+ (in midair)	+ (in midair)	Loop Kick	N/A			Loop Kick
(when prompt appears)	[SPACE] (when prompt appears)	(when the prompt appears)	(when prompt appears)	Recovery Smash	N/A			Recovery Smash
+ (when prompt appears)		+ (when prompt appears)	+ (when prompt appears)	Grand Slam	N/A			Grand Slam
Hold (during combo)		Hold (during combo)	Hold (during combo)	Cyclone Kick	N/A			Cyclone Kick
Press + (in midair)		Press + (in midair)	Press + (in midair)	Cross Slash	N/A			Cross Slash
Hold (on Grind Rail) > Jump		Hold (on Grind Rail) > Jump	Hold (on Grind Rail) > Jump	Rail Launching				N/A
(target locked) > tap/hold (any direction)		(target locked) > (any direction)	(target locked) > tap/hold (any direction)	Homing Dash			N/A	Homing Attack
Jump > > tap/hold (any direction)		Jump > > tap/hold (any direction)	Jump > > tap/hold (any direction)	Homing Dash			N/A	Homing Attack

Objects[edit]

Items

Fishing Spot items

Gimmicks and obstacles

Levels[edit]

There are a total of five Open Zone islands in Sonic Frontiers. Within each of those islands, except Rhea Island, are various Cyber Space portals that lead to short stages styled after traditional Sonic levels. Each island is also tied to Sonic rescuing one of his friends through the collection of Memory Tokens. Upon clearing a stage, the player receives Vault Keys, with additional keys awarded for completing optional objectives such as time requirements, collecting enough Rings, and obtaining all five Red Star Rings.

During The Final Horizon, Ouranos Island receives a new set of Cyber Space stages. In these stages, the objectives differ from the original game and can include tasks such as collecting all five Number Rings, collecting Silver Moon Rings, rescuing a set number of Animals, or defeating a holographic Tails. Instead of Vault Keys, players are rewarded with Lookout Koco. Each of these stages also introduces a unique gimmick not present in the original versions of the levels.

Open Zone	Cyber Space stages	Character saved
Kronos Island	1-1	Amy Rose
	1-2
	1-3
	1-4
	1-5
	1-6
	1-7
Ares Island	2-1	Knuckles
	2-2
	2-3
	2-4
	2-5
	2-6
	2-7
Chaos Island	3-1	Tails
	3-2
	3-3
	3-4
	3-5
	3-6
	3-7
Rhea Island	N/A	N/A
Ouranos Island	4-1	N/A
	4-2
	4-3
	4-4
	4-5
	4-6
	4-7
	4-8
	4-9
Ouranos Island (The Final Horizon/Another Story)	4-A	N/A
	4-B
	4-C
	4-D
	4-E
	4-F
	4-G
	4-H
	4-I

Enemies[edit]

Bosses[edit]

Each island, except Rhea Island, features several bosses known as Guardians.^[26]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Kronos Island. "Use lock on and defeat the guardian: Guardians are very powerful. They are bigger than normal enemies and have special attacks. Study their moves to find an opening. Tip: When an enemy is targeted, lock on to them by pressing ." These enemies are much larger and more powerful than standard opponents, and each one requires its own strategy to defeat. At the end of the main Open Zone islands, Sonic must also face massive bosses known as Titans, shown in bold below. These cannot be defeated in Sonic’s normal form and require him to collect the Chaos Emeralds and transform into Super Sonic.^[27]Sonic Frontiers: You 'Can't Even Scratch' Some Bosses Until You Unlock Super Sonic. IGN. 16 September 2022. accessed 23 April 2026. “Morio Kishimoto: Normally in Sonic games you'll encounter a boss and you'll fight them as regular, blue Sonic. In Sonic Frontiers, there will be bosses that blue Sonic can't even scratch. But if he collects and uses all seven Chaos Emeralds, he can become Super Sonic and then battle those bosses. Becoming Super Sonic will be the only way to fight them.”

Other Modes[edit]

Map

Map (マップ, Mappu) is a separate menu screen in Sonic Frontiers used to help the player navigate the Open Zone fields. The player can open the Map menu at any time by pressing /.^[28]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Kronos Island. "Complete Challenges to reveal the map: Completing Challenges will reveal the surrounding area on the map. Once revealed, the map will help in locating guardians, Portals, and Memory Tokens. Open the map by pressing ." When the player first enters an Open Zone, the map is empty. By completing Challenges scattered across the island, sections of the map are gradually revealed, allowing the player to locate Guardians, Portals, Memory Tokens, and other points of interest.^[29]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Loading screen. "Tip: Completing Challenges on the island will reveal part of the map. Try to unlock as much of the map as possible."^[30]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Kronos Island. "Congratulations!: From here on, Sonic is free to explore the island and gather Chaos Emeralds. Try solving nearby Challenges to avoid getting lost. This will unlock more of the map and show more paths forward in Sonic's journey."

Each island map is divided into square tiles, and every cleared Challenge reveals a nearby portion of the surrounding area. The player can move the cursor with , zoom in and out with , and reset the view by pressing . Pressing / or the corresponding shoulder buttons on other platforms cycles through map filters, allowing the player to display all icons, specific icon types, or none at all. Completing all Challenges on one of the four main Starfall Islands reveals the entire island map and unlocks fast travel to all Portals on that island.^[31]Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Map menu. "Notification: Fast travel to all Portals unlocked"

Additional fast travel options for Elder Koco and Hermit Koco can be unlocked by finding Elder Koco’s scroll and Hermit Koco’s scroll while fishing.^[32]Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Map Menu. "Fast travel to Elder Koco and Hermit Koco: While fishing, Sonic may come across Scrolls. Elder Koco and Hermit Koco each have their own Scrolls, and using these Scrolls will unlock the fast travel option to the respective Koco. Access fast travel by toggling the ion in the upper right corner." To fast travel, the player selects the relevant filter, moves the cursor over an available destination, and confirms the selection.^[33]Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Map Menu. "Fast travel: Once all Challenges are completed and the entire island map is revealed, fast travel between Portals will become available. Fast travel can be accessed by changing the map filter in the upper right corner of the screen." The Map menu also allows the player to place a marker on a chosen destination, which then appears in the field as a beam of light to help guide navigation.^[34]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Loading screen. "Tip: Maps can be used in many ways. To set a specific destination, set a map marker."^[35]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Kronos Island. "Using map markers: Set markers to mark off an area of interest on the map. Place a marker on the map by pressing . Press again to delete the marker. If a marker has been placed, a beam of light will highlight the destination when in the open field."

After unlocking at least one additional island beyond Kronos Island, the player can also use the Map menu to revisit earlier Open Zone fields. The menu further displays the player’s current inventory totals, including Portal Gears, Vault Keys, Chaos Emeralds, Memory Tokens, Koco, Seeds, and Purple Coins, along with Sonic’s current stats for Ring capacity, speed, attack, and defense.

Training simulator

The training simulator (仮想空間^[36]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Kronos Island. "通知: 未知のことを前にした時、通知を受け取ることがあります。 通知が表示されている間に を押すと、アクションを練習できる空間に行くことができるか、目の前のものに対するヒントを得ることができます。 を押して、仮想空間に移動しましょう。"^[37]「ソニックフロンティア（SONIC FRONTIERS）」試遊ムービー01 in TGS2022. YouTube. 15 September 2022. accessed 15 September 2022. Japanese, kasō kūkan, lit. “virtual space”) is a separate mode where the playable character can practice basic actions and Skills outside the main game.^[38]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Kronos Island. "Notifications: A notification may appear when Sonic is near something new. Press while the notification is displayed to practice the action in the training simulator or get a hint about what Sonic is about to encounter. Press to go to the training simulator now." During Open Zone gameplay, notifications may appear when the player encounters a new object, action, or mechanic. Pressing down on the during these notifications opens the training simulator or displays a related hint.

The simulator takes place in a white virtual space containing Sonic and a set of targets, such as Rings, red crystals, yellow energy bullets, Springs, or pieces of cyan wall plating, depending on the action being practiced. Instructions and button prompts are displayed on the lower part of the screen. In addition to basic move practice, the player can take part in short challenge sessions that require performing actions or combos within a thirty-second time limit. Successful sessions award yellow stars shown at the top of the screen. If time runs out, the challenge restarts and any earned stars are grayed out, encouraging the player to improve their execution speed.

The training simulator can also be accessed when practicing newly unlocked Skills from the Skills menu. While inside the simulator, the player can still open the Options menu and adjust Game Settings, Sound, and Graphics. Once loading is complete for a Cyber Space stage or an Open Zone area, or if the player simply wishes to leave, the simulator can be exited by pressing / when prompted.^[39]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Training simulator. "Exit the training simulator: The training simulator can be exited by pressing when is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen."

Skills

Skills (スキル, Sukiru) is the first section of the Pause Menu and contains all unlockable Skills available to the player during Open Zone gameplay. As Sonic gains enough Skill Points or advances the story by freeing one of his friends, new Skills become available one at a time on the Skill Tree.^[40]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Kronos Island. "Unlock Skills: Sonic's "Cyloop" skill can now be learned! Using the Skill Points that have been accumulated, as shown in the lower right of the screen, go to the Skills menu to unlock it." Each Skill requires a set number of Skill Points to unlock and enhances Sonic’s combat or traversal abilities in different ways.^[41]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Kronos Island. "Pick up dropped items: When enemies are defeated, they drop various items such as "Skill Pieces" and "Seeds". Gather enough Skill Pieces and they will turn into "Skill Points," as shown in the lower right corner of the screen. These can then be used to learn new "Skill" to enhance Sonic."

The player unlocks the highlighted Skill by pressing //, while pressing // returns to gameplay. Once a Skill has been unlocked, the player can select it on the Skill Tree and press // to practice it immediately in the training simulator.^[42]Sonic Frontiers - Full Sonic Skill Tree + All Skills. YouTube. 24 October 2022. accessed 24 April 2026

Save Data

Save Data (セーブデータ, Sēbudēta) is the second section of the Pause Menu and is used to save or load progress or return to the title screen.^[43]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Pause Menu. "Save Data description: Save/Load game data or return to the title screen." The game provides four save slots, with each occupied slot displaying its creation date and total play time. However, the game cannot be saved while the player is in battle, solving puzzles, taking part in minigames, or during cutscenes where Sonic is not under player control.^[44]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Pause Menu. "Save/load unavailable: Saving/loading save files is not available when Sonic is in battle, solving puzzles, playing mini-games, and in scenes where Sonic is not in control."

When returning to the title screen after creating save data, the player can choose the Continue option to resume from one of the saved slots.^[45]Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Title screen. "Load data: Load save data and restore previous state."

Arcade Mode

Arcade Mode (アーケードモード, Ākēdo Mōdo) is an additional mode found on the title screen that allows the player to directly access Cyber Space stages. The mode becomes available after the player has cleared the main game. After selecting a stage, pressing // starts the stage, while pressing // returns to the title screen. Mission requirements are disabled in Arcade Mode, and each cleared stage automatically saves the player’s fastest time, which can then be viewed from the Arcade Mode menu.

System

System is a separate option menu that appears only during Cyber Space stages, Battle Rush, or Main Story quests.^[46]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Pause Menu. "System description: Retry or quit the Stage/Quest." When the player pauses the game in these situations, the following options are available:

• Continue the Stage: Close the menu and return to gameplay.
• Retry the Stage: Restart the Cyber Space stage or Side Story quest from the beginning.
• Quit the Stage: Exit the stage or quest and return to the field. Choosing this option transitions through the virtual simulator and/or back to Open Zone gameplay.

Options

Options (オプション, Opushon) is the third section of the Pause Menu in Sonic Frontiers. It can be accessed during regular gameplay and from the loading screen.^[47]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Kronos Island. "Options: Go to Options to change settings such as the camera angle and player controls. If you find yourself having motion sickness, try using a wider camera angle, turning off blur and rotation, and turning on the center cursor." The menu allows the player to adjust the game through four sub-sections: Game Settings, Sound, Graphics, and Controls. It can be opened quickly by pressing .^[48]Sonic Frontiers - All Options, Settings, & Controls. YouTube. 24 October 2022. accessed 24 April 2026

Game settings

Game settings (ゲーム設定^[49]【2022 Autumn】4GamerLive_DAY4【4GamerSP/わしゃがなTV出張版】. YouTube. 18 September 2022. accessed 18 September 2022. Japanese, Geemu settei) is the first sub-section of the Options menu and contains the game’s basic gameplay settings.^[50]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Pause Menu. "Game Settings description: Adjust various settings for the game"^[51]SONIC FRONTIERS GAMEPLAY PART 3. YouTube. 26 August 2022. accessed 24 April 2026^[52]Sonic Frontiers Gamescom: Full Sessions 1. YouTube. 15 September 2022. accessed 24 April 2026 Some adjustments may not be reflected in every gameplay situation. The available options include:

• Difficulty: Change the difficulty level to Easy, Normal, or Hard. This can also be selected from the title screen when starting a new game.
• Training during loading/game over: Set whether the player can train during loading screens or after a Game Over.
• Notifications: Set whether notifications appear while exploring the islands.
• Starting speed: Set Sonic’s starting speed.
• Initial boost speed: Set Sonic’s initial Boost speed.
• Turning speed: Set Sonic’s turning speed.
• Boost turning speed: Set Sonic’s turning speed while boosting.
• Top speed: Set Sonic’s top speed. Adjustments may not reflect upgrades.
• Steering sensitivity: Set steering resistance.
• Acceleration: Set Sonic’s acceleration.
• Bounce height: Set Sonic’s bounce height on uneven terrain.
• Camera speed: Set the camera movement speed.
• Camera Y-axis: Set the vertical camera to Normal or Invert.
• Camera X-axis: Set the horizontal camera to Normal or Invert.
• Camera distance: Set the camera distance.
• Camera angle: Set the camera angle.
• Auto reset camera position: Set whether the camera automatically resets in certain areas.
• Auto camera correction: Set whether the camera automatically turns in the direction Sonic is traveling.
• Vibration: Turn vibration on or off.
• Restrict movement during a monologue: Set whether Sonic can move while commenting on his surroundings.

Sound

Sound (サウンド, Saundo) is the second sub-section of the Options menu and is used to adjust audio settings.^[53]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Pause Menu. "Sound description: Adjust the volume for different sound settings"

• Master volume: Adjust the overall game volume.
• Music: Adjust the music volume.
• Sound effects: Adjust the sound effects volume.
• Voices: Adjust the voice volume.

Graphics

Graphics (グラフィック, Gurafikku) is the third sub-section of the Options menu and contains display, visual, and performance settings.^[54]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Pause Menu. "Graphics description: Settings related to graphics and performance."

• Item display: Turn the item display, such as Rings and Keys, on or off.
• Compass display: Turn the compass display on or off.
• Goal display: Turn the goal display on or off.
• Upgrade display: Turn the upgrade display on or off.
• Combo display: Turn the combo display on or off.
• Skill points display: Turn the skill points display on or off.
• Speedometer display: Turn the speedometer display on or off.
• Center cursor display: Turn the center cursor display on or off.
• Blur effect: Turn the blur effect on or off.
• Subtitle display: Turn cutscene subtitles on or off.
• Graphics quality: Choose a preset graphics quality setting.
• Shadow quality: Set the shadow quality.
• Frame rate limit: Set the frame rate limit.
• Anti-aliasing: Choose an anti-aliasing setting.
• Ambient occlusion: Set ambient occlusion.
• Local reflection: Choose a local reflection setting.
• Bloom: Choose a bloom setting.
• Volumetric lighting: Choose a volumetric lighting setting.
• Rendering scale: Set the rendering scale.
• Screen brightness: Set the screen brightness.
• Resolution: Set the game resolution.
• Screen mode: Choose how the game is displayed.
• Monitor: Choose which monitor displays the game.
• VSync: Choose a setting for screen tearing.

Controls

Controls is the fourth sub-section of the Options menu in the PC version of Sonic Frontiers. It contains the game’s adjustable control settings.^[55]Sonic Frontiers. PC. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Pause Menu. "Controls description: Change the control settings" The menu includes configurable options for keyboard inputs, secondary controller inputs, and separate gamepad settings for compatible Xbox Wireless Controllers.

• Controller sensibility: Set controller sensitivity.
• Mouse sensibility: Set mouse sensitivity.

Language

Language (言語設定, Gengo settei, lit. “Language settings”) is a separate settings menu that can be accessed from the game’s title screen.

• Voice: Change the voice language. The player can choose between English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.^[56]Sonic the Hedgehog on Twitter. Twitter. 10 January 2022. accessed 24 April 2026. archived 10 January 2022. Archived version^[57]ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ【公式】 (@SonicOfficialJP) on Twitter. Twitter. 11 January 2022. accessed 24 April 2026. archived 11 January 2022. Japanese. Archived version
• UI text: Change the UI language. The player can choose between English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. However, language availability differs between regions for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch versions:^{[note 3]}The Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC versions do not have this difference.
  • Asian versions only support Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.^[57]ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ【公式】 (@SonicOfficialJP) on Twitter. Twitter. 11 January 2022. accessed 24 April 2026. archived 11 January 2022. Japanese. Archived version
  • Western versions support all languages listed above except Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.^[56]Sonic the Hedgehog on Twitter. Twitter. 10 January 2022. accessed 24 April 2026. archived 10 January 2022. Archived version
• Subtitle display: Turn cutscene subtitles on or off.

Copyright

Copyright (權利表記, Kenri hyōki) is a separate sub-section on the title screen containing information about the open-source software used in the game.^[58]Sega. Sonic Frontiers Web Manual - Getting Started. accessed 7 November 2022

User manual

User manual (WEBマニュアル, WEB manyuaru, lit. “WEB manual”) is a separate option on the title screen that directs the player to the game’s official web manual. If the player is using a smartphone or tablet, a QR code displayed in the menu can be scanned to quickly access the manual on a mobile device.^[59]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X and Series S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Title screen

Extras

Extras (エクストラコンテンツ, Ekusutora kontentsu, lit. “Extra content”) is an additional option found on the title screen and Pause Menu where the player can find update patches and acquired downloadable content.^[60]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X and Series S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Title screen. "Extras: The acquired downloadable content will be accessible from the Extras menu." During gameplay, the menu can also be used to adjust equipped DLC content.^[58]Sega. Sonic Frontiers Web Manual - Getting Started. accessed 7 November 2022

When downloading update patches, it is recommended to install DLC content before starting a new game. If the player passes through the tutorial portion of Kronos Island before installing certain DLC, that content cannot be accessed afterward.^[61]Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) on Twitter. Twitter. 8 November 2022. accessed 9 November 2022. archived 8 November 2022. Archived version. “Sonic the Hedgehog: Hey everyone! Quick notes ahead of Frontiers' launch: • If you purchased the Digital Deluxe, please install the DLC before starting a new game • DLC content will not be valid if installed after the tutorial area • Ensure you have the most recent patch before installing DLC” This restriction only applies to DLC content from the Digital Deluxe Edition, while later items, including the Sonic Adventure 2 shoes and Monster Hunter DLC, can be installed at any time.^[62]Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) on Twitter. Twitter. 8 November 2022. accessed 24 April 2026. “Sonic the Hedgehog: Important note ! That second point only applies to the Digital Deluxe DLC items. Future items, including the SA2 shoes and Monster Hunter DLC, can be installed at any time!” Players who pre-ordered the Digital Deluxe Edition on Xbox One or Xbox Series X and Series S may need to manually search for and download the digital art book from the app section of the Xbox Store.^[63]Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) on Twitter. Twitter. 8 November 2022. accessed 9 November 2022. archived 9 November 2022. Archived version. “Sonic the Hedgehog: • If you pre-ordered the Digital Deluxe on Xbox and aren't seeing the digital art book in your library, you may need to search for and download it in the app section of the Xbox Store”

Jukebox

The Jukebox is a feature available within the Open Zone areas that allows music from across the Sonic series to replace the normal background music. There are 13 songs available by default and 64 unlockable songs. Of the unlockable songs, 13 can be found on Kronos Island, Ares Island, Chaos Island, and Ouranos Island, while 12 can be found on Rhea Island. The player can play songs in succession, shuffle the list, or choose a single song to loop continuously. The player can move through the list by tapping and access the full list by holding the same input.

When the player sets the island appearance to “Party Details”, the default music becomes a series-wide medley. It includes “Collision Chaos” from Sonic the Hedgehog CD, “Walkin'” from Knuckles’ Chaotix, “Neo Green Hill Act 1” from Sonic Advance, “Lights, Camera, Action!” from Sonic Mania, “You’re My Number One” from Sonic R, “Lovely Gate 3” from Sonic Adventure 2, “Escape from the City – Cash Cash RMX” from Sonic Generations, “Starlight Carnival – Act 2″ from Sonic Colors: Ultimate, “Rocky Ridge” from Sonic Free Riders, “Run Through the Speed Highway” from Sonic Adventure, “Palmtree Panic” from Sonic the Hedgehog CD, “Juice Archipelago” from Sonic Lost World, “Hi-Spec Robo Go!” from Sonic Mania, “Metropolitan Highway” from Sonic Forces, “Strange Parade” from Sonic Runners, “Back in Time” from Sonic R, “Tropical Resort – Act 4” from Sonic Colors: Ultimate, “Rooftop Run: Act 1” from Sonic Generations, “Grand Metropolis” from Sonic Heroes, and “Speed of Sound” from Knuckles’ Chaotix, before looping back.

Cyber Space Challenge

Cyber Space Challenge (電脳空間チャレンジ, Dennō Kūkan Charenji) is an additional mode found on the game’s title screen where the player clears all Cyber Space stages from a selected island consecutively. The mode becomes available after the player has cleared the main game. Each time the player clears an island’s full Cyber Space lineup, the fastest time is saved automatically and displayed on the Cyber Space Challenge menu. Clearing the Cyber Space Challenges for all four islands unlocks an additional challenge where the player must clear all 30 Cyber Space stages in a row. Clearing this challenge unlocks a blue badge on the title screen, and clearing all five challenges with an S-Rank rewards the player with the ability to use the Power Boost in Cyber Space.

Area	Cyber Space stages	Ranks
Kronos Island	1-1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-7	07:48:00 08:23:00 08:58:00 10:08:00 10:08:01
Ares Island	2-1 2-2 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-6 2-7	08:30:00 09:05:00 09:40:00 10:50:00 10:50:01
Chaos Island	3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 3-5 3-6 3-7	11:50:00 12:25:00 13:00:00 14:10:00 14:10:01
Ouranos Island	4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 4-5 4-6 4-7 4-8 4-9	12:40:00 13:25:00 14:10:00 15:40:00 15:40:01
All Islands	Lineup from all four islands, all at once, in order	40:48:00 43:18:00 45:48:00 50:48:00 50:48:01

Battle Rush

Battle Rush (バトルラッシュ, Batoru Rasshu) is an additional mode found on the game’s title screen where the player directly fights a selected island’s lineup of enemies, Guardians, and Titans. The mode becomes available after the player has cleared the main game. Pressing // begins the selected island’s battle lineup, while pressing // returns to the title screen. Each time the player clears an island raid, the fastest time is saved automatically and displayed on the Battle Rush menu. Clearing Battle Rush for all four islands unlocks an additional stage where the player must complete all 30 Battle Rush rounds in a row. Clearing this challenge unlocks a red Battle Rush badge on the title screen, and clearing all five stages with an S-Rank rewards the player with the Extreme difficulty.

Area	Enemies	Ranks
Kronos Island	Round 1: Soldier ×6 Round 2: Ninja Round 3: Bubble ×2 Round 4: Shell ×2 Round 5: Banger ×3 Round 6: Squid Round 7: Cyclone ×5 Round 8: Tower Round 9: Asura Round 10: Giganto	05:00:00 05:30:00 06:00:00 06:30:00 06:30:01
Ares Island	Round 1: Soldier ×3 Round 2: Hopper ×3 Round 3: Shark Round 4: Sniper ×3 Round 5: Jellyfish ×1 Round 6: Sumo Round 7: Tank Round 8: Capture ×1 Round 9: Strider Round 10: Wyvern	09:30:00 10:00:00 10:30:00 11:00:00 11:00:01
Chaos Island	Round 1: Squid Round 2: Soldier ×4 Round 3: Shinobi Round 4: Excavator Round 5: Cyclone ×4 Round 6: Eagle ×1 Round 7: Spider Round 8: Fortress Round 9: Knight	07:30:00 07:57:00 08:24:00 08:51:00 08:51:01
Ouranos Island	Round 1: Red Pillar Round 2: Soldier ×3 Round 3: Caterpillar Round 4: Wolf ×6 Round 5: Kunoichi Round 6: Balloon ×1 Round 7: Silver Hammer Round 8: Capture ×1 Round 9: Master Ninja Round 10: Ghost Round 11: Supreme	07:55:00 08:28:00 09:01:00 09:34:00 09:34:01
All Islands	Lineup from all four islands, all at once, in order	30:10:00 32:10:00 34:10:00 36:10:00 36:10:01

Development[edit]

Conception

After completing Sonic Forces, we were brainstorming on what to do next. We realized there’s little room for evolution with a traditional 3D Sonic game. We’d only be able to make something that fans have seen before. That’s why, at the very start, we discussed as a team how to change this linear style of gameplay.

Creative Officer Takashi Iizuka during an interview with IGN^[64]How Sonic Frontiers Came to Be an 'Open-Zone' Game | IGN First. IGN Southeast Asia. 10 June 2022. accessed 24 April 2024. archived January 16, 2023. en-sg. Archived version

Following the release of Sonic Forces in 2017, Sonic Team began exploring how to approach the next major Sonic the Hedgehog game. Alongside the franchise’s approaching 30th anniversary, the team wanted to define what a modern Sonic game should be and establish a direction that could guide the series for the following decade.^[65]Sonic Team Head Talks Sonic Origins, Next Mainline Game, And 30th Anniversary. Game Informer. June 13, 2021^[66]Michael Saltzman. How Sonic Frontiers Came to Be an 'Open-Zone' Game - IGN First. IGN. June 10, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026 Takashi Iizuka felt the series needed an innovative step comparable to the way Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Adventure had previously established templates for later games.^[67]Sega's 'Sonic Frontiers' trademark seemingly corroborates open-world claims. Video Games Chronicle. November 8, 2021. accessed April 8, 2026. archived December 8, 2021. Archived version^[68]Sonic Team had to scrap its first pass at Sonic Frontiers. Eurogamer. June 13, 2022. accessed April 13, 2026

The response to Sonic Forces, particularly criticism of its short length and level design, influenced the team’s thinking. Director Morio Kishimoto concluded that the stage-design approach used since Sonic Unleashed would no longer be enough to satisfy players.^[69]How Sonic Frontiers' Open Zone And Cyber Space Evolve The Franchise. Game Informer. July 11, 2022 Sonic Team ultimately felt that the traditional linear structure of 3D Sonic games left limited room for growth, and Iizuka noted that earlier 3D titles often did not give players enough freedom because they were built around fixed routes.^[66]Michael Saltzman. How Sonic Frontiers Came to Be an 'Open-Zone' Game - IGN First. IGN. June 10, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026^[70]New Sonic the Hedgehog game has had a rough debut. Axios. June 15, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026^[71]Sonic Frontiers Cover Story - Brave New World. Game Informer. July 20, 2022 Iizuka described the aim of Sonic Frontiers as evolving linear, stage-clearing 3D action into a new kind of action-adventure game where players could freely explore the surrounding environment.^[72]Ed Nightingale. Sonic Frontiers is "cornerstone of future Sonic games", says Sonic Team head. Eurogamer.net. 2022-11-25. accessed 2026-04-24. en^[73]Ravi Sinha. Sonic Frontiers is the “Cornerstone of Future Sonic Games” – Sonic Team Head. GamingBolt. accessed 2026-04-24. en-US

Kishimoto’s idea for an open-ended Sonic game came from his interest in the evolution of the platform genre’s world map concept, which had been popularized by Super Mario Bros. 3. While some earlier Sonic games, including Sonic Adventure, had featured world maps, Kishimoto wanted to evolve the concept by combining it directly with the core gameplay.^[69]How Sonic Frontiers' Open Zone And Cyber Space Evolve The Franchise. Game Informer. July 11, 2022^[74]Sega Explains What Sonic Frontiers' 'Open Zone' Structure Actually Means. IGN. June 15, 2022. accessed April 25, 2026. archived November 19, 2022. Archived version He believed this would allow for greater freedom and more varied play.^[75]How Sonic Frontiers Brings Sonic Into An Open World - Developer Interview I Summer Game Fest 2022. GameSpot. June 13, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026. archived 26 December 2022. Archived version^[74]Sega Explains What Sonic Frontiers' 'Open Zone' Structure Actually Means. IGN. June 15, 2022. accessed April 25, 2026. archived November 19, 2022. Archived version

Kishimoto returned to direct Sonic Frontiers, while Sachiko Kawamura, who had worked as art director on Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Generations, and Sonic Forces, served as producer.^[76]Sonic Frontiers Is An Open-World Game Coming In 2022, First Screenshot Has BOTW Vibes. GameSpot. December 9, 2021. accessed April 24, 2021. archived December 10, 2021. Archived version^[77]Sonic Frontiers sends the hedgehog on a new 3D adventure. Polygon. December 9, 2021. accessed April 28, 2026. archived December 12, 2021. Archived version^[78]With Sonic Frontiers, Sega is "focused on bringing Sonic to the next level". GamesRadar+. January 27, 2022. accessed April 25, 2026. archived October 5, 2022. Archived version Development lasted five years, longer than previous Sonic game development cycles. Iizuka attributed this partly to the game not building directly on established Sonic gameplay, with the team needing trial and error to determine its direction. Development restarted from scratch at one point.^[68]Sonic Team had to scrap its first pass at Sonic Frontiers. Eurogamer. June 13, 2022. accessed April 13, 2026 Sonic Team also used external playtesting during production.^[79]Sonic Frontiers Was Originally Planned For A 2021 Release, But Sega Wanted To "Brush Up The Quality". Nintendo Life. January 1, 2022. accessed April 2, 2026. archived January 7, 2022. Archived version The COVID-19 pandemic affected development and required the team to shift to remote work for the first time in Sonic Team’s history. Iizuka said this made it harder to see the full picture of development, though digital communication also accelerated some parts of the process.^[70]New Sonic the Hedgehog game has had a rough debut. Axios. June 15, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026

Design

The design team focused on adapting Sonic’s speed and core abilities to an open-ended field while keeping the game recognizable as a Sonic title.^[78]With Sonic Frontiers, Sega is "focused on bringing Sonic to the next level". GamesRadar+. January 27, 2022. accessed April 25, 2026. archived October 5, 2022. Archived version The game adopted a more mysterious tone than many earlier titles to reflect Sonic exploring unfamiliar islands.^[80]Sonic Frontiers: The First Hands-On Preview. IGN. June 7, 2022. accessed April 28, 2026^[66]Michael Saltzman. How Sonic Frontiers Came to Be an 'Open-Zone' Game - IGN First. IGN. June 10, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026 Iizuka also stressed that Sonic’s identity as a 3D action game character distinguished Frontiers from adventure and role-playing titles such as The Legend of Zelda.^[66]Michael Saltzman. How Sonic Frontiers Came to Be an 'Open-Zone' Game - IGN First. IGN. June 10, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026

Kishimoto preferred the term “Open Zone” over “open world”, describing it as a freer field built specifically around Sonic gameplay rather than a general open-world design label.^[81]Esra Krabbe. Sega Explains What Sonic Frontiers' 'Open Zone' Structure Actually Means. IGN. 2022-06-15. accessed 2026-04-25. archived November 19, 2022. en. Archived version Sonic Team drew on its experience creating the hub worlds of Sonic Adventure and repeatedly tested how fast Sonic could run through the environment in order to determine how large the islands needed to be.^[66]Michael Saltzman. How Sonic Frontiers Came to Be an 'Open-Zone' Game - IGN First. IGN. June 10, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026^[75]How Sonic Frontiers Brings Sonic Into An Open World - Developer Interview I Summer Game Fest 2022. GameSpot. June 13, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026. archived 26 December 2022. Archived version Iizuka said one of the team’s biggest challenges was making high-speed exploration feel enjoyable.^[69]How Sonic Frontiers' Open Zone And Cyber Space Evolve The Franchise. Game Informer. July 11, 2022 The team also chose not to raise the difficulty steadily as the game progressed, since the Open Zone structure already provided a large amount of content for the player to engage with.^[74]Sega Explains What Sonic Frontiers' 'Open Zone' Structure Actually Means. IGN. June 15, 2022. accessed April 25, 2026. archived November 19, 2022. Archived version

Combat received a greater emphasis than in many previous Sonic games.^[82]Sonic Frontiers' Combat Was Inspired By the Sonic Movie. IGN. June 14, 2022. accessed April 25, 2026. archived October 5, 2022. Archived version At the same time, Sonic Team felt the game would not feel like Sonic without platforming, creating the need to balance exploration, combat, and platforming challenges. The solution was to have new parts of the world open up as rewards for completing challenges.^[68]Sonic Team had to scrap its first pass at Sonic Frontiers. Eurogamer. June 13, 2022. accessed April 13, 2026 The developers also wanted players to choose between platforming and combat instead of being forced into constant battles, so they included multiple ways to collect items, including puzzles and exploration-based rewards.^[75]How Sonic Frontiers Brings Sonic Into An Open World - Developer Interview I Summer Game Fest 2022. GameSpot. June 13, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026. archived 26 December 2022. Archived version

The 2020 Sonic the Hedgehog film influenced development. Kishimoto asked the team to include Easter eggs referencing the film, and the game’s combat drew from the film’s portrayal of Sonic.^[82]Sonic Frontiers' Combat Was Inspired By the Sonic Movie. IGN. June 14, 2022. accessed April 25, 2026. archived October 5, 2022. Archived version The Cyber Space stages were modeled after earlierSonic levels in both appearance and design.^[83]Yes, Sonic Frontiers intentionally reuses levels from previous games. Digital Trends. August 30, 2022. accessed April 17, 2026. archived August 30, 2022 When designing these stages, Kishimoto wanted Sonic to stand alongside other “stage-clear” action games^{[note 4]}The term “stage-clear” refers to action games where the main objective is to progress through and clear individual levels or stages. he enjoyed, including the Sega Genesis-era Sonic games and the Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and Kirby series.^[69]How Sonic Frontiers' Open Zone And Cyber Space Evolve The Franchise. Game Informer. July 11, 2022

Writing

Ian Flynn, known for his work on Sonic the Hedgehog comics published by Archie Comics and IDW Publishing, as well as episodes of Sonic Boom, wrote the script for Sonic Frontiers.^[77]Sonic Frontiers sends the hedgehog on a new 3D adventure. Polygon. December 9, 2021. accessed April 28, 2026. archived December 12, 2021. Archived version^[13]Sonic Frontiers Drops The Blue Blur Into His First Open World Game. Game Informer. December 9, 2021 Iizuka asked Flynn to write the game after reading his work on the IDW comics, feeling that Flynn understood the Sonic cast and could improve the characters’ emotions and dialogue.^[71]Sonic Frontiers Cover Story - Brave New World. Game Informer. July 20, 2022

The story was designed to differ from many earlier Sonic games by using a less openly humorous tone and by not immediately making the player’s objective obvious. Iizuka said the game instead challenged players to figure out how to solve problems themselves.^[66]Michael Saltzman. How Sonic Frontiers Came to Be an 'Open-Zone' Game - IGN First. IGN. June 10, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026^[75]How Sonic Frontiers Brings Sonic Into An Open World - Developer Interview I Summer Game Fest 2022. GameSpot. June 13, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026. archived 26 December 2022. Archived version Unlike some of Flynn’s earlier Sonic work, Sega provided the central premise and determined which characters could appear. Flynn was still able to suggest additional character ideas to Sonic Team, creating what Kishimoto described as a cooperative exchange during writing.^[84]Sonic Frontiers Writer Talks Open-Zone Story, Dr. Eggman, and More - IGN First. IGN. June 22, 2022. accessed April 22, 2026. archived November 10, 2022. Archived version^[14]https://www.gematsu.com/2025/06/sega-mistakenly-reveals-sales-numbers-for-like-a-dragon-infinite-wealth-persona-3-reload-shin-megami-tensei-v-and-more
Flynn considered writing a major Sonic game “a dream come true”.^[84]Sonic Frontiers Writer Talks Open-Zone Story, Dr. Eggman, and More - IGN First. IGN. June 22, 2022. accessed April 22, 2026. archived November 10, 2022. Archived version Because Sonic Frontiers used a nonlinear structure, pacing the story was one of the biggest challenges, and the script had to be revised as the game’s structure took shape.^[84]Sonic Frontiers Writer Talks Open-Zone Story, Dr. Eggman, and More - IGN First. IGN. June 22, 2022. accessed April 22, 2026. archived November 10, 2022. Archived version Kishimoto handled the Japanese localization using Flynn’s script as a base, making changes for the Japanese market.^[14]https://www.gematsu.com/2025/06/sega-mistakenly-reveals-sales-numbers-for-like-a-dragon-infinite-wealth-persona-3-reload-shin-megami-tensei-v-and-more

Music

Tomoya Ohtani served as the lead composer and sound director for Sonic Frontiers.^[85]Looking back on 30 years of 'Sonic The Hedgehog' with composer Jun Senoue. NME. December 29, 2021. accessed April 30, 2021. archived January 1, 2022. Archived version^[86]Zachary Greif. Fan Favorite Sonic Composer Jun Senoue Working on Sonic Frontiers. Game Rant. Jan 1, 2022. accessed April 26, 2026. archived November 15, 2022. Archived version To match the game’s mysterious tone, the soundtrack was written to feel less upbeat than some earlier Sonic scores, with a greater focus on creating an atmosphere around the Starfall Islands.^[66]Michael Saltzman. How Sonic Frontiers Came to Be an 'Open-Zone' Game - IGN First. IGN. June 10, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026

Ohtani composed the main theme, “I’m Here“, with vocals and lyrics by Merry Kirk-Holmes of To Octavia. The song plays during the battle against Supreme, with the vocal track appearing in the second phase.^[87]Zachary Greif. Sonic Frontiers Shares Main Vocal Theme Preview. Game Rant. Sep 8, 2022. accessed April 8, 2026. archived October 5, 2022. Archived version Sleeping with Sirens vocalist Kellin Quinn performs the vocal themes for several Titan battles: “Undefeatable” for Giganto, “Break Through It All” for Wyvern, and “Find Your Flame” for Knight, with Tyler Smyth of DangerKids also featured on “Find Your Flame”.^[88]Undefeatable - Credits. Spotify. accessed 2026-04-25. archived January 16, 2023. Archived version^[89]Break Through it All - Credits. Spotify. accessed 2026-04-25. archived January 16, 2023. Archived version^[90]Undefeatable - Credits. Spotify. accessed 2026-04-25. archived January 16, 2023. Archived version

The Final Horizon update added new music for “Another Story”, including an orchestral version of “I’m Here” and the heavier remix “I’m Here – Revisited“, which features newly recorded vocals by Quinn and plays during the revamped battle against The End. Japanese rock band One Ok Rock wrote and performed a censored version of the ending theme “Vandalize” for the game, while the uncensored version appeared on their tenth studio album, Luxury Disease.^[91]Sal Romano. Sonic Frontiers ending theme song announced - 'Vandalize' by ONE OK ROCK. Gematsu. September 6, 2022. accessed April 6, 2026. archived October 1, 2022. Archived version Other ending themes include “Dear Father“, “One Way Dream“, and “I’m with you – Vocal ver.”, performed by Quinn Barnitt, Nathan Sharp, and Gaby Borro respectively, with “I’m with you – Vocal ver.” appearing only in “Another Story”.^[92]Dear Father - Credits. Spotify. 7 December 2022. accessed 25 April 2026. archived January 16, 2023. en. Archived version^[93]One Way Dream - Credits. Spotify. 7 December 2022. accessed 25 April 2026. archived January 16, 2023. en. Archived version

Additional music for the game was written by Kenichi Tokoi, Takahito Eguchi, Rintaro Soma, Kenji Mizuno, Kanon Oguni, and Hiroshi Kawaguchi, with additional vocals by Japanese singer YURI and Japanese-American singer Seann Bowe. The soundtrack album, Stillness & Motion, was released on December 7, 2022. It contains 150 tracks with a total length of 6 hours and 37 minutes, making it the longest soundtrack in the series.^[94]Ali Shutler. Stillness and Motion. NME. 7 October 2022. accessed April 2, 2026. archived January 16, 2023. Archived version The album debuted in the top 10 on the United States Spotify chart during the week after its release.^[95]spotifycharts. “.@Sza secures a place at the top with the release of #SOS. Which track have you been playing the most? 🎵 #SpotifyCharts”. Tweet 1602431892921409538. accessed 26 April 2026. Archived version (January 16, 2023). Tweet

A second soundtrack album, Paths Revisited, was released digitally on October 2, 2023, four days after the release of the game’s third major update. It consists of 46 tracks from the update and received a physical release on November 15, 2023.^[96]Orpheus Joshua. Sonic Frontiers Expansion Soundtrack, Paths Revisited. NoisyPixel. September 14, 2023. accessed September 15, 2023

Marketing and release[edit]

Sega originally planned to release Sonic Frontiers in 2021 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the series, but delayed it by one year for quality control.^[79]Sonic Frontiers Was Originally Planned For A 2021 Release, But Sega Wanted To "Brush Up The Quality". Nintendo Life. January 1, 2022. accessed April 2, 2026. archived January 7, 2022. Archived version The game finished development on 22 October 2022 and was released on 8 November 2022 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.^[97]Sonic Frontiers arrives November 8th. The Verge. August 23, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026. archived November 2, 2022. Archived version^[98]New Sonic game may be called Sonic Rangers, press release accidentally reveals. Game Revolution. May 27, 2021. accessed April 26, 2026. archived May 27, 2021. Archived version^[77]Sonic Frontiers sends the hedgehog on a new 3D adventure. Polygon. December 9, 2021. accessed April 28, 2026. archived December 12, 2021. Archived version

Prerelease

The game was first teased during the Sonic Central presentation on 27 May 2021, where it was shown under the tentative name Sonic Project for 2022′^[99]Sega confirms Sonic Colors Ultimate plus a retro Sonic compilation for next year. Eurogamer. May 27, 2021. accessed April 28, 2026. archived December 8, 2021. Archived version The teaser did not reveal the final title, but trailer metadata and a Sega press release referenced the name Sonic Rangers.^[98]New Sonic game may be called Sonic Rangers, press release accidentally reveals. Game Revolution. May 27, 2021. accessed April 26, 2026. archived May 27, 2021. Archived version^[100]Joe Skrebels. The New Sonic Game May Be Called Sonic Rangers. IGN. May 28, 2021. accessed April 6, 2026. archived December 1, 2021. Archived version Takashi Iizuka later said the reveal was earlier than usual, but considered it necessary because of the series’ anniversary and because Sonic Team had not announced a new game since Sonic Forces.^[101]Takashi Iizuka Admits The Sonic 2022 Reveal Was Probably A Bit Too Early. Nintendo Life. July 22, 2021. accessed April 10, 2026. archived December 10, 2021. Archived version

Sega trademarked the name Sonic Frontiers in November 2021 and officially announced the title at The Game Awards 2021 the following month.^[67]Sega's 'Sonic Frontiers' trademark seemingly corroborates open-world claims. Video Games Chronicle. November 8, 2021. accessed April 8, 2026. archived December 8, 2021. Archived version^[77]Sonic Frontiers sends the hedgehog on a new 3D adventure. Polygon. December 9, 2021. accessed April 28, 2026. archived December 12, 2021. Archived version Sega later partnered with IGN to promote the game throughout June 2022, including gameplay footage and hands-on coverage.^[102]The First Hands-On With Sonic Frontiers Has Dropped. Nintendo Life. June 7, 2022. accessed April 8, 2026. archived October 6, 2022. Archived version A new trailer was shown during Gamescom Opening Night Live on 23 August 2022, where the release date was confirmed.^[97]Sonic Frontiers arrives November 8th. The Verge. August 23, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026. archived November 2, 2022. Archived version

Sonic Frontiers also appeared at Tokyo Game Show 2022, where the game had a large promotional presence that included a Sonic inflatable and multiple playable demo stations.

Promotion

On 7 June 2022, during a Sonic Central livestream, Sega announced Sonic Frontiers Prologue, an animated special starring Knuckles the Echidna that takes place before the events of the game.^[103]Joe Skrebels. Sonic Frontiers Is Getting an Animated Special Ahead of Release. IGN. 7 June 2022. accessed 7 April 2026. archived 7 April 2022. Archived version The short was released on 1 November 2022 under the full title Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence.^[104]Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) on Twitter. Twitter. 1 November 2022. accessed 1 April 2026. archived 1 November 2022. Archived version. “Sonic the Hedgehog: Knuckles knows every corner of his island and every secret it holds...or so he thought. Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence is here!” A prequel comic, Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Convergence, was announced on 14 October 2022 and began release on 18 October 2022. It was written by Ian Flynn, with artwork by Evan Stanley and Heather Breckel.^[105]Sonic the Hedgehog on Twitter. Twitter. 14 October 2022. accessed 26 April 2026. archived 14 October 2022. Archived version

The game was sold in physical and digital versions, with in-game items offered as pre-order bonuses. The Standard Edition was priced at $59.99 and included the Adventurer’s Treasure Box, which contained 500 Skill Points, 10 Red Seeds of Power, and 10 Blue Seeds of Defense.^[106]ソニック フロンティア | PRODUCTS. Sega. accessed 24 August 2022. archived 24 August 2022. Japanese. Archived version^[107]Orpheus Joshua. Sonic Frontiers Reveals New Gameplay Trailer; November 2022 Release Date. Noisy Pixel. 23 August 2022. accessed 24 April 2026^[108]「ソニックフロンティア」，2022年11月8日に発売決定。ソニックの新たな戦いを描くgamescomトレーラーが公開に. 4Gamer.net. 24 August 2022. accessed 24 April 2026. Japanese The Digital Deluxe Edition was priced at $69.99 and included the Explorer’s Treasure Box, the Adventurer’s Treasure Box, a digital art book, and a 25-track digital mini soundtrack.^[107]Orpheus Joshua. Sonic Frontiers Reveals New Gameplay Trailer; November 2022 Release Date. Noisy Pixel. 23 August 2022. accessed 24 April 2026^[109]New Sonic Frontiers trailer shows desert island, new enemies, cutscenes, release date confirmed. Tails Channel. 23 August 2022. accessed 26 April 2026 The Explorer’s Treasure Box contained 40 Amy Memory Tokens, one Portal Gear, 10 Vault Keys, and an additional set of shoes and gloves for Sonic.^[106]ソニック フロンティア | PRODUCTS. Sega. accessed 24 August 2022. archived 24 August 2022. Japanese. Archived version^[110]ソニックフロンティア | 追加コンテンツ | 探求者トレジャーボックス. Nintendo. accessed 24 April 2026. Japanese

Retail-specific bonuses were also offered. Pre-orders from Best Buy included a steelbook, while Amazon.co.uk offered a Day One Steelbook Edition in the United Kingdom.^[107]Orpheus Joshua. Sonic Frontiers Reveals New Gameplay Trailer; November 2022 Release Date. Noisy Pixel. 23 August 2022. accessed 24 April 2026^[111]Sonic Frontiers Day One Steelbook Edition (Exclusive to Amazon.co.uk) PS5. Amazon.co.uk. accessed 4 October 2026. archived 4 October 2022. Archived version In Japan, a Limited Edition included the game, a physical copy of The Art of Sonic Frontiers, a Koco omamori, and an acrylic diorama set. A separate DX Pack (DXパック) included goods such as a wall scroll tapestry with original artwork, a postcard book, a Koco stuffed toy pouch, magnet art, and a sticker sheet.^[106]ソニック フロンティア | PRODUCTS. Sega. accessed 24 August 2022. archived 24 August 2022. Japanese. Archived version Japanese pre-orders through Sega Store and Amazon included the Adventurer’s Treasure Box and The Speed of Sound Travel Book with Sonic (ソニックと巡る 音速旅BOOK, Sonikku to meguru onsoku tabi BOOK), a booklet produced as a tie-in with the Japanese travel magazine Jalan.^[106]ソニック フロンティア | PRODUCTS. Sega. accessed 24 August 2022. archived 24 August 2022. Japanese. Archived version^[108]「ソニックフロンティア」，2022年11月8日に発売決定。ソニックの新たな戦いを描くgamescomトレーラーが公開に. 4Gamer.net. 24 August 2022. accessed 24 April 2026. Japanese

In Japan, select retailers also offered exclusive DLC or merchandise as part of a collaboration with Inugami Korone, the Hololive VTuber and Sonic series ambassador.^[112]Japanese Sonic Frontiers players receive special V-Tuber DLC costumes. Eurogamer.net. 25 August 2022. accessed April 26, 2026. archived October 17, 2022. Archived version Players who subscribed to the official newsletter before 31 January 2023 could also receive a free DLC code for Sonic’s Soap shoes from Sonic Adventure 2.^[113]Brian. Sonic Frontiers fans have a chance to obtain Soap Shoes from Sonic Adventure 2. Nintendo Everything. 2022-10-04. accessed 2026-04-04. archived October 4, 2022. en. Archived version

A free DLC pack made in collaboration with Capcom’s Monster Hunter series was announced on 11 October 2022 and released on 14 November 2022. It added cosmetic outfits based on Rathalos Armor and Felyne Rathalos Armor, along with a meat grilling minigame.^[114]Sal Romano. Sonic Frontiers free Monster Hunter collaboration DLC announced. Gematsu. 11 October 2022. accessed 11 April 2026^[115]「ソニックフロンティア」，「モンスターハンター」シリーズとのコラボ決定。無料DLCとして特別な装備などが手に入るコラボパックが登場. 4Gamer.net. 11 October 2022. accessed 11 October 2022. Japanese^[116]Monster Hunter (@monsterhunter) on Twitter. Twitter. 11 October 2022. accessed 11 April 2026. archived 11 October 2022. Archived version^[117]Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) on Twitter. Twitter. 11 October 2022. accessed 11 April 2026. archived 11 October 2022. Archived version^[118]ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ【公式】 (@SonicOfficialJP) on Twitter. Twitter. 11 October 2022. accessed 11 April 2026. archived 11 October 2022. Japanese. Archived version

Some retailers sold copies of Sonic Frontiers before its street date, and the Nintendo Switch version was uploaded online ahead of release.^[119]Ed Nightingale. Sonic Frontiers leaks ahead of release date. Eurogamer. 2022-11-04. accessed 2026-04-05. archived November 5, 2022. en-gb. Archived version^[120]Liam Doolan. Sonic Frontiers Leaks Surface Online Ahead Of Next Week's Launch. Nintendo Life. 2022-11-04. accessed 2026-04-05. archived November 5, 2022. en-GB. Archived version Lead composer Tomoya Ohtani expressed disappointment over the leaks and urged players not to spoil the game for others.^[121]Liam Doolan. Sonic Frontiers Lead Composer Upset By Leaks, Says It's "Ruining The Experience For Others". Nintendo Life. 2022-11-05. accessed 2026-04-05. archived March 7, 2023. en-GB. Archived version

Definitive Edition rating and post-release store changes

On 25 March 2026, the Game Rating and Administration Committee of Korea rated an unannounced Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition, indicating a possible new release of the game. Sega had not officially announced the edition at the time of the rating, and no details had been confirmed regarding its contents.^[122]Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition Rated in Korea, Suggesting New Release. Sonic City. 25 March 2026. accessed 10 May 2026

In May 2026, the PC version of Sonic Frontiers received a permanent price reduction, with the base game dropping from $59.99 to $39.99 and the Digital Deluxe Edition dropping to $49.99 on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Around the same time, the Steam store page was updated with a revised description, and a hidden Steam package associated with the game was discovered. Available listing data indicated that the hidden package bundled the Digital Deluxe bonuses with the pre-order bonus content, suggesting a restructuring of the game’s existing PC store packages ahead of any official announcement for Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition.^[123]Sonic Frontiers Steam Update Adds New Description, Price Drop, and Hidden Package After Definitive Edition Rating. Sonic City. 8 May 2026. accessed 10 May 2026

Cast[edit]

Jack Fletcher served as voice director for the English dub, while Keiichiro Miyoshi and Akane Maeda directed the Japanese dub. Antoine Nouel directed the French dub, Luca Airaghi directed the Italian dub, Michael Hülsmann directed the German dub, and Guillermo Reinlein directed the Spanish dub. Sonic’s voice was also intentionally performed with a deeper and more mature tone across languages.

Soundtrack[edit]

The soundtrack of Sonic Frontiers was led by Tomoya Ohtani, who previously worked on mainline titles such as Sonic Lost World and Sonic Forces.^[4]IGN First - Teaser. YouTube. 31 May 2022. accessed 27 April 2026 Ohtani served as lead composer and sound director, with additional music composed by Kenichi Tokoi, Takahito Eguchi, Rintaro Soma, Kenji Mizuno, Kanon Oguni, and Hiroshi Kawaguchi. Takeshi Watanabe and Megumi Wada also worked as arrangers.^[124]Tomoya Ohtani / 大谷 智哉 (@Ohtanitter) on Twitter. Twitter. 19 October 2022. accessed 19 April 2026. archived 19 October 2022. Archived version. “Tomoya Ohtani: Besides myself, there are six composers & two arrangers. In addition, there are many musicians who play instruments.😉” Jun Senoue was involved in the game’s music production, though Ohtani clarified that Senoue did not compose or perform music for the game itself.^[125]Looking back on 30 years of Sonic the Hedgehog with composer Jun Senoue. New Musical Express. 30 December 2021. accessed 30 April 2026. archived 30 December 2021. Archived version^[126]Tomoya Ohtani / 大谷 智哉 (@Ohtanitter) on Twitter. Twitter. 19 October 2022. accessed 19 April 2026. archived 19 October 2022. Archived version. “Tomoya Ohtani: Senoue-san has been a great support in Frontiers' music production, but he isn't involved in the composing/performing part of this title. With that said, I'm very thankful for his assistance.🥰”

The game’s music was written to match the mystery and isolation of the Starfall Islands. Rather than focusing mainly on upbeat stage themes, the soundtrack was designed to create a more atmospheric feeling around the islands.^[10]Mitchell Saltzman. Sonic Frontiers: The First Hands-On Preview. IGN. 7 June 2022. accessed 20 April 2026. archived 7 June 2022. Archived version^[127]Mitchell Saltzman. How Sonic Frontiers Came to Be an 'Open-Zone' Game | IGN First. IGN. 10 June 2022. accessed 10 April 2026. archived 10 June 2022. Archived version This gave the score a more somber and serene tone than many earlier games in the series, with minimalist piano melodies and melancholic ambient pieces forming much of the island music.^[10]Mitchell Saltzman. Sonic Frontiers: The First Hands-On Preview. IGN. 7 June 2022. accessed 20 April 2026. archived 7 June 2022. Archived version

The music for the announcement trailer was composed by Ohtani and Tee Lopes. Lopes clarified that he helped create the music for the trailer but did not compose for the game itself.^[128]Tee Lopes (@teelopesmusic) on Twitter. Twitter. 10 December 2021. accessed 10 April 2026. archived 11 December 2021. Archived version. “Tee Lopes: Sonic Frontiers is coming! I did not compose for the game itself, but I helped create the music for this visually stunning trailer with @Ohtanitter. Please enjoy!”

The ending theme, “Vandalize“, performed by Japanese rock band One Ok Rock, was revealed on 7 September 2022.^[129]Sonic Frontiers’ Ending Theme Revealed: "Vandalize&quot by One Ok Rock. The Sonic Stadium. 7 September 2022. accessed 7 April 2026^[130]Announcement of the New Album "Luxury Disease". ONE OK ROCK. 24 June 2022. accessed 24 April 2026 A censored version of the song appears in the game, while the uncensored version was included on One Ok Rock’s tenth studio album, Luxury Disease.^[131]Sal Romano. Sonic Frontiers ending theme song announced – 'Vandalize' by ONE OK ROCK. Gematsu. September 6, 2022. accessed April 6, 2026. archived October 1, 2022. Archived version The game’s other ending themes are “Dear Father”, “One Way Dream”, and “I’m with you – Vocal ver.”, performed by Quinn Barnitt, Nathan Sharp, and Gaby Borro, respectively.^[92]Dear Father - Credits. Spotify. 7 December 2022. accessed 25 April 2026. archived January 16, 2023. en. Archived version^[93]One Way Dream - Credits. Spotify. 7 December 2022. accessed 25 April 2026. archived January 16, 2023. en. Archived version “I’m with you – Vocal ver.” appears only in The Final Horizon.

The main theme, “I’m Here“, was revealed shortly after “Vandalize” and was composed by Ohtani, with vocals and lyrics by Merry Kirk-Holmes of To Octavia.^[132]Sonic the Hedgehog on Twitter. Twitter. 8 September 2022. accessed 9 April 2026. “Get ready to explore a new frontier with the Sonic Frontiers' main theme song, "I'm Here"!”^[133]Orpheus Joshua. Sonic Frontiers Reveals Main Theme "I'm Here" Featuring Merry-Kirk Holmes (To Octavia). Noisy Pixel. 8 September 2022. accessed 9 April 2026^[134]Sonic Frontiers shares main theme "I'm Here". Nintendo Everything. 8 September 2022. accessed 8 April 2026 The song plays during the battle against Supreme, with the vocal track used in its second phase.^[87]Zachary Greif. Sonic Frontiers Shares Main Vocal Theme Preview. Game Rant. Sep 8, 2022. accessed April 8, 2026. archived October 5, 2022. Archived version On 12 September 2022, “I’m Here” and “Theme of Starfall Islands” were released through Sonic Frontiers – Main Theme EP.^[135]ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ【公式】 (@SonicOfficialJP) on Twitter. Twitter. 12 September 2022. accessed 12 April 2026. archived 12 September 2022. Japanese. Archived version Ohtani described “Theme of Starfall Islands” as being centered on loneliness, with its string section recorded at Ocean Way Nashville Recording Studios.^[136]縦横無尽な新境地アクションアドベンチャー『ソニックフロンティア』本日よりメインテーマEPの先行配信を開始！. 4gamer.net. 12 September 2022. accessed 12 April 2026. archived 12 September 2022. Japanese. Archived version. “今作の冒険の舞台となるスターフォール諸島のテーマ「Theme of Starfall Islands」は、 「寂寥感」をテーマに作曲しました。 ナッシュビルにある録音スタジオ「オーシャン・ウェイ・ナッシュビル」でストリングスセクションのレコーディングを実施し、 奥行きのある重厚なサウンドに仕上げることができました。 『ソニックフロンティア』発売に先駆け、 一足先に今作の音の世界観に浸ってもらえたら嬉しいです。”

Sleeping with Sirens vocalist Kellin Quinn appears on several major boss themes. He provides vocals for “Undefeatable”, the theme for Giganto, “Break Through It All”, the theme for Wyvern, and “Find Your Flame”, the theme for Knight. “Find Your Flame” also features vocalist and producer Tyler Smyth of DangerKids.^[88]Undefeatable - Credits. Spotify. accessed 2026-04-25. archived January 16, 2023. Archived version^[89]Break Through it All - Credits. Spotify. accessed 2026-04-25. archived January 16, 2023. Archived version^[90]Undefeatable - Credits. Spotify. accessed 2026-04-25. archived January 16, 2023. Archived version The Final Horizon includes an orchestral version of “I’m Here” and the heavier remix “I’m Here – Revisited”, featuring re-recorded vocals by Quinn, both used during the revamped battle with The End.

On 7 October 2022, Sega revealed the six-disc soundtrack album Sonic Frontiers Original Soundtrack Stillness & Motion. The album was released on 7 December 2022 and contains 150 tracks, spanning 6 hours and 37 minutes, making it the longest soundtrack album in the series.^[137]『ソニックフロンティア』 オリジナルサウンドトラック Stillness & Motion. Sonic Channel. 7 October 2022. accessed 7 April 2026. archived 7 October 2022. Archived version^[94]Ali Shutler. Stillness and Motion. NME. 7 October 2022. accessed April 2, 2026. archived January 16, 2023. Archived version The album debuted in the top 10 of the United States Spotify chart one week after release.^[138]spotifycharts. “.@Sza secures a place at the top with the release of #SOS. Which track have you been playing the most? 🎵 #SpotifyCharts”. Tweet 1602431892921409538. accessed 22 April 2026. Archived version (January 16, 2023). Tweet

On 19 October 2022, Data Discs, in partnership with Sega and Ohtani, announced a separate vinyl soundtrack release titled Sonic Frontiers: The Music of Starfall Islands, with pre-orders opening on 22 October 2022.^[139]Data Discs (@datadiscs) on Twitter. Twitter. 7 October 2022. accessed 19 April 2026. archived 19 October 2022. Archived version^[140]Tom Brown. Data Discs announces Sonic Frontiers vinyl release. Nintendo Wire. 19 October 2022. accessed 19 April 2026. archived 19 October 2022. Archived version The vinyl release was offered in multiple versions, including a 2xLP edition and a 4xLP box set, with selections centered around the Starfall Islands’ background music.^[141]Sonic Frontiers: The Music of Starfall Islands (2xLP) **PRE-ORDER**. Data Discs. accessed 19 October 2022. archived 19 October 2022. Archived version^[142]Sonic Frontiers: The Music of Starfall Islands (4xLP Box Set) **PRE-ORDER**. Data Discs. accessed 19 October 2022. archived 19 October 2022. Archived version

An additional soundtrack album, Sonic Frontiers Expansion Soundtrack Paths Revisited, was released digitally on 2 October 2023, four days after the launch of The Final Horizon. It contains 46 tracks from the game’s expansion content, with a physical release following on 15 November 2023.^[143]Orpheus Joshua. Sonic Frontiers Expansion Soundtrack, Paths Revisited. NoisyPixel. September 14, 2023. accessed April 15, 2026

Achievements[edit]

These are the achievements for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC versions of Sonic Frontiers.

Image	Name	Description	Trophy Class	Achievement	Gamescore
	Trophies Completed!	Collected all trophies		N/A	N/A
	The Journey Begins	Completed the Kronos Island tutorials.			30
	The Beginning	Defeated the Titan and completed the main story on Kronos Island.			30
	Ancient Defiance	Defeated the Titan and completed the main story on Ares Island.			30
	Futile Resistance	Defeated the Titan and completed the main story on Chaos Island.			30
	Hope Across Ages	Defeated the Titan and completed the main story on Ouranos Island.			30
	A Land at Peace	Defeated the final threat and completed the main story.			50
	Kronos Island Expert	Viewed all Side Stories on Kronos Island.			20
	Ares Island Expert	Viewed all Side Stories on Ares Island.			20
	Chaos Island Expert	Viewed all Side Stories on Chaos Island.			20
	Ouranos Island Expert	Viewed all Side Stories on Ouranos Island.			20
	Expert Historian	Viewed all Side Stories.			30
	Kronos Island Explorer	Completed all Challenges on Kronos Island and fully revealed the map.			20
	Ares Island Explorer	Completed all Challenges on Ares Island and fully revealed the map.			20
	Chaos Island Explorer	Completed all Challenges on Chaos Island and fully revealed the map.			20
	Ouranos Island Explorer	Completed all Challenges on Ouranos Island and fully revealed the map.			20
	Unrivaled Aptitude	Unlocked all Skills.			30
	Speed Demon	Activated a Power Boost for the first time.			15
	Combo Convert	Performed a Phantom Rush for the first time, outside of the training simulator.			15
	Combo Crackerjack	Performed Phantom Rush 50 times, outside of the training simulator.			15
	Koco Leader	Gathered 200 Koco.			15
	Elder Koco Encounter	Spoke with Elder Koco for the first time.			15
	Hermit Koco Encounter	Spoke with Hermit Koco for the first time.			15
	Herculean Hedgehog	Raised Power Level to MAX.			15
	Hardened Hedgehog	Raised Defense Level to MAX.			15
	Hearty Hedgehog	Raised Ring Level to MAX.			15
	Hypersonic Hedgehog	Raised Speed Level to MAX.			15
	Easy Prey	Defeated all enemy types.			20
	Unknown Threat	Defeated a guardian for the first time.			20
	Threats Identified	Defeated all guardian types.			50
	Swath of Destruction	Destroyed 100 breakable objects.			15
	Celestial Rain	Encountered a starfall for the first time.			15
	Kronos Island Memories	Repaired all Portals on Kronos Island.			50
	Ares Island Memories	Repaired all Portals on Ares Island.			50
	Chaos Island Memories	Repaired all Portals on Chaos Island.			50
	Ouranos Island Memories	Repaired all Portals on Ouranos Island.			50
	Perfect Run	Completed all Missions in one Cyber Space area.			30
	Superior Ranking	Achieved Rank S time, for the first time in a Cyber Space area.			30
	Big Encounter	Completed the fishing tutorial.			15
	Ticket to Tranquility	Earned 100 Purple Coins.			15
	Angler’s Club	Landed all catches at one fishing spot.			20

Reception[edit]

Pre-release

Early gameplay footage for Sonic Frontiers received a divisive response. Nintendo Life described the initial reaction as divided,^[144]Alana Hagues. New Sonic Frontiers Gameplay Lets The Blue Blur Show Off His Combat Skills. Nintendo Life. 3 June 2022. accessed 3 June 2022. archived 3 June 2022. Archived version while Kotaku felt the game looked visually plain and derivative, lacking a strong sense of Sonic identity.^[145]Ian Walker. Sonic Frontiers Looks Like A Bland Unreal Engine Tech Demo. Kotaku. 1 June 2022. accessed 2 June 2022. archived 1 June 2022. Archived version Polygon and Nintendo Life criticized the open environments for appearing sparse.^[146]Ana Diaz. Sonic Frontiers gameplay shows a strangely empty open world. Polygon. 1 June 2022. accessed 2 April 2026. archived 8 June 2022. Archived version^[147]Ollie Reynolds. Sonic Frontiers Gameplay Showcases A Pretty, But Sparse Open World. Nintendo Life. 1 June 2022. accessed 3 April 2026. archived 1 June 2022. Archived version Some fans called for the game to be delayed, with the hashtag #DelaySonicFrontiers briefly trending on Twitter.^[148]Andy Robinson. Fans call on Sega to delay Sonic Frontiers following gameplay reveal. Video Games Chronicle. June 4, 2022. accessed June 13, 2022. archived November 8, 2022. Archived version

Takashi Iizuka said Sonic Team expected early reactions to be polarized, since he felt the first footage would not fully communicate the experience of playing the game.^[68]Sonic Team had to scrap its first pass at Sonic Frontiers. Eurogamer. June 13, 2022. accessed April 13, 2026^[70]New Sonic the Hedgehog game has had a rough debut. Axios. June 15, 2022. accessed April 24, 2026 Before release, Sonic Frontiers received a Future Division award at the Japan Game Awards 2022, with director Morio Kishimoto accepting the award during the public ceremony.^[149]【TGS2022】日本ゲーム大賞2022「フューチャー部門」発表授賞式. YouTube. 18 September 2022. accessed 18 September 2022. Japanese^[150]『ソニックフロンティア』日本ゲーム大賞 フューチャー部門受賞！. Sonic Channel. 22 September 2022. accessed 28 September 2022. archived 23 September 2022. Archived version

Post-release

Sonic Frontiers received generally favorable to mixed or average reviews from critics. On Metacritic, the PC and PlayStation 4 versions received “generally favorable reviews”, while the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S versions received “mixed or average reviews”.^[151]Sonic Frontiers (PC). Metacritic. accessed 16 November 2022^[152]Sonic Frontiers (PlayStation 4). Metacritic. accessed 16 November 2022^[153]Sonic Frontiers (Switch). Metacritic. accessed 16 November 2022^[154]Sonic Frontiers (PlayStation 5). Metacritic. accessed 16 November 2022^[155]Sonic Frontiers (Xbox Series X). Metacritic. accessed 16 April 2026

Critical response to the controls was mixed. Video Games Chronicle felt that Sonic’s controls had been improved but still had occasional issues,^[164]Chris Scullion. Sonic Frontiers review: A baffling, erratic, occasionally brilliant and occasionally awful mess. Video Games Chronicle. 2022-11-07. accessed 2022-11-07. archived November 7, 2022. en-GB. Archived version while Destructoid praised the amount of control the player has over Sonic and the freedom to reach visible locations.^[165]Chris Carter. Review: Sonic Frontiers. Destructoid. November 9, 2022. accessed 2022-12-23. archived November 9, 2022. en-CA. Archived version Game Informer wrote that Sonic controls “remarkably well” in the open environment.^[158]Sonic Frontiers Review - Into The Wild Blue Yonder. Game Informer. 2022-11-07 Nintendo Life found the controls “hit-and-miss”, and Push Square noted that the game occasionally took control away from the player.^[161]Ollie Reynolds. Sonic Frontiers Review. Nintendo Life. 2022-11-10. accessed November 11, 2022. archived November 11, 2022. Archived version^[166]Scott McCrae. Review: Sonic Frontiers (PS5) - Bold New Gamble for the Series Pays Off. Push Square. 2022-11-07. accessed 2022-12-23. archived November 7, 2022. en-GB. Archived version

The combat also drew divided opinions. Digital Trends and Game Informer described it as enjoyable, with Game Informer calling it comprehensive, while GameSpot found it simple but supported by a varied enemy roster.^[158]Sonic Frontiers Review - Into The Wild Blue Yonder. Game Informer. 2022-11-07^[159]Richard Wakeling. Sonic Frontiers Review - Sonic, Is That You?. GameSpot. 2022-11-07. accessed 2022-11-07. archived November 7, 2022. en-US. Archived version IGN criticized the combat for becoming repetitive and for interrupting the pace of platforming with battles against anonymous robotic enemies.^[160]Travis Northup. Sonic Frontiers Review. IGN. 2022-11-07. accessed 2022-11-07. archived November 7, 2022. en. Archived version Boss battles, however, were often singled out as one of the game’s highlights, with several reviews praising their spectacle and energy.^[167]Sonic Frontiers PS5 Review. The Gaming Outsider

The story and writing received a mixed but often more favorable response. Shacknews felt the story could be bland and that progression through it could become repetitive, while still considering it a serviceable framework for the gameplay.^[168]Sonic Frontiers review. Shacknews GamingTrend praised the game’s heartfelt moments but felt the dialogue contained too many overt references to previous entries.^[169]Sonic Frontiers review. GamingTrend Forbes praised the character writing and dialogue, especially its playful tone.^[170]Sonic Frontiers PlayStation 5 Review. Forbes The soundtrack was broadly praised, particularly the vocal boss themes and atmospheric island music.

Technical issues were a recurring criticism. Nintendo Life strongly criticized the Nintendo Switch version’s visuals,^[161]Ollie Reynolds. Sonic Frontiers Review. Nintendo Life. 2022-11-10. accessed November 11, 2022. archived November 11, 2022. Archived version while IGN cited noticeable graphical pop-in as a major weakness in the game’s presentation, though it did not prevent the reviewer from enjoying the game overall.^[160]Travis Northup. Sonic Frontiers Review. IGN. 2022-11-07. accessed 2022-11-07. archived November 7, 2022. en. Archived version

Sales and public performance

In Japan, Sonic Frontiers sold 46,276 physical copies across all platforms during its launch week, according to Famitsu sales charts published on 17 November 2022. The PlayStation 4 version sold 9,098 physical copies and ranked as the eighth best-selling retail game of the week, while the game became the fastest-selling mainline Sonic title in Japan since Sonic Adventure 2 for the Dreamcast.^[171]Sal Romano. Famitsu Sales: 11/7/22 - 11/13/22 [Update&#93. Gematsu. 17 November 2022. accessed 13 December 2022. archived 23 November 2022. Archived version^[172]Japan Charts: Sonic Frontiers Becomes Fastest-Selling Mainline Game in 20 Years. The Sonic Stadium. 17 November 2022. accessed 13 December 2022. archived 18 November 2022. Archived version

In the United States, Sonic Frontiers was the fourth best-selling game of November 2022 and the 16th best-selling game of the year.^[173]Steven T. Wright. Best-Selling Video Games Of November In US Include Call Of Duty, God Of War. GameSpot. December 9, 2022. accessed 18 December 2022. archived December 18, 2022. Archived version^[174]Eddie Makuch. Top 10 Best-Selling Games Of 2022 In The US. GameSpot. 13 January 2023. accessed 7 April 2024. archived 30 March 2023. Archived version On 12 December 2022, Sega announced that the game had sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide.^[175]Anthony Wood. Sonic Frontiers Has Sold 2.5 Million Copies. IGN. December 13, 2022. accessed 18 December 2022. archived January 4, 2023. Archived version Sales surpassed 3.2 million copies by March 2023,^[176]Justin Carter. Sonic Frontiers has sped past 3 million copies sold. Game Developer. March 22, 2023. accessed April 11, 2023. archived March 29, 2023. Archived version 3.5 million by May 2023,^[177]Justin Carter. Sonic Frontiers speeds to 3.5 million copies six months after release. Game Developer. May 8, 2023 and 4.57 million by June 2025.^[178]Sega mistakenly reveals sales numbers for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Persona 3 Reload, Shin Megami Tensei V, and more. Gematsu

Accolades

Sonic Frontiers was nominated for the Players’ Voice category at The Game Awards 2022. It began the event ranked in 29th place before fans rallied support for the game across social media, helping it advance through the early voting rounds and reach the top five.^[179]BusterSwordBoy. The Game Awards 2022 Players' Voice Voting Now Open. Final Weapon. 28 November 2022. accessed 11 December 2022^[180]Tyler Wilde. Sonic Frontiers fans and Genshin Impact fans go to war over Game Awards vote (Updated). PC Gamer. 6 December 2022. accessed 10 December 2022 The award ultimately went to Genshin Impact.^[181]Mollie Taylor. Genshin Impact emerges victorious in the bitter Game Awards war against Sonic Frontiers. PC Gamer. 8 December 2022. accessed 10 December 2022 Following the result, Morio Kishimoto thanked the community and the staff for their support, describing the game’s placement as encouragement for the future.^[182]Morio Kishimoto (@moq_46) on Twitter. Twitter. 8 December 2022. accessed 10 December 2022. “Morio Kishimoto: TGA Players' Voiceのベスト5入りを果たしました！これも皆さんの応援のおかげです！第三世代のスタートは上出来です。嬉しいです！この結果は次回作の大きな原動力になると確信しています。さらに大きな感動と驚きの体験を約束します。最後にこのプロジェクトに関わった全てのスタッフに感謝します。”

At the 2023 Japan Game Awards, Sonic Frontiers was one of eleven titles to receive an Award for Excellence.^[183]Andy Robinson. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak named 2023's best game at Japan Game Awards. Video Games Chronicle. 2023-09-21. accessed 2023-09-23. archived 2023-09-21. Archived version

Legacy

Chaos Island appears as a playable area in Shadow Generations.^[184]Sal Romano. Sonic X Shadow Generations 'Doom Powers' trailer. Gematsu. August 20, 2024

Update history[edit]

• Version 1.0.1 (8 November 2022)^[185]SONIC FRONTIERS - Patch 01.01. ORBISPatches.com. accessed 27 August 2022. archived 27 October 2022. Archived version
  • Fixed minor issues.
  • Added support for add-ons.
• Version 1.1.0 (25 November 2022)^[186]Sonic Frontiers Patch Version 1.10 Available Now. Sonic City. 25 November 2022. accessed 26 November 2022. archived 26 November 2022. Archived version^[187]ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ【公式】 (@SonicOfficialJP) on Twitter. Twitter. 25 November 2022. accessed 26 November 2022. archived 26 November 2022. Archived version
  • Fixed an issue where a boss could disappear when retrying a boss battle on Kronos Island.
  • Fixed an issue where a Island Mystery on Chaos Island remained marked as unsolved on the Map menu after being completed.
  • Fixed incidental crashes caused by bugs.
  • Addressed audio-related issues.
  • Added UI improvements.
  • Added gameplay optimizations.
  • Added stability and performance improvements.
  • Added other minor fixes.
• Version 1.1.1 (2 December 2022)^[188]Sonic Frontiers update out now on Switch (version 1.1.1), patch notes. Nintendo Everything. 2 December 2022. accessed 19 April 2026
  • Fixed an issue where Giganto could disappear after reattempting the fight.
  • Fixed an issue where one of the Chaos Island icons appeared locked even after completion.

• Version 1.2.0 (“Sights, Sounds, and Speed”) (22 March 2023)
  • Added Photo Mode.
  • Added Cyber Space Challenge and Battle Rush modes.
  • Added the Jukebox with 53 tracks.
  • Added unlockable Extreme Difficulty.
  • Added unlockable Cyber Space Power Boost.
  • Added Springtime Koco outfits.
  • Allowed the player to give all their Koco to the Elder Koco at once and swap all their stats at once with the Hermit Koco.
  • Added an option to turn the Power Boost animation on or off.
  • Added an option to turn the Starfall slot machine on or off.
  • Added a button combination to instantly restart Cyber Space levels.
  • Added an asterisk at the top-right of the time result in Cyber Space levels and Cyber Space Challenges to indicate when the Homing Dash was used.^[189]Morio Kishimoto. Morio Kishimoto on Twitter. Twitter. 24 March 2023. accessed 24 March 2023. “Morio Kishimoto: そのため今回のアップデート1では、クリアタイムに「ホーミングショット」を使用してクリアしたか、使用しないでクリアしたか、を確認できるようにマークを追加しました。皆さんのプレイの楽しみ方でこのマークを目印にして頂くためです。[Therefore, in Update 1 this time, we added a mark so that you can check whether you cleared using "Homing Shot" or not using "Homing Shot" during clear time. This is so that you can use this mark as a landmark for how you enjoy playing.]”

• Version 1.3.0 (“Sonic’s Birthday Bash”) (23 June 2023)
  • Added Sonic’s Birthday Celebration, which includes options to customize the islands, Sonic and his friends, and the Koco from the Extras menu on the Main Menu. The celebration also includes a new birthday song featuring music from lesser-known Sonic games, a decorated HUD, and a new Photo Mode filter.
  • Added the Action Chain Challenge, with 10 challenges on each island except Rhea Island, for a total of 40.
  • Added New Koco and their exclusive platforming challenges across every island except Rhea Island.
  • Added the unlockable Spin Dash.
  • Added the unlockable “Frontier Elite” outfit.
  • Added unlockable New Game+. This becomes available after fighting Supreme or The End, with the selected save file carrying data over into New Game+.
  • Added an island completion screen that compiles the main island collectibles and challenges. This screen is available on the island selection screen, the transition to island screen, and the island clear screen.
  • Added a slider to customize the rate of deceleration when jumping.
  • Added an option to turn the Cyber Space Boost BGM on or off.
  • Reduced the difficulty of the Rhea Island towers on Easy mode.
  • Added, and the island clear screen.
  • Added a slider to customize the rate of deceleration when jumping.
  • Added an option to turn the Cyber Space Boost BGM on or off.
  • Reduced the difficulty of the Rhea Island towers on Easy mode.
  • Added new time-saving action marks to Cyber Space. These marks appear next to the player’s time when one of the following actions or settings is used:
    • White = Homing Dash
    • Red = Spin Dash
    • Yellow = Change in deceleration rate when jumping
    • Blue = Cyber Space Power Boost
  • Added a feature that allows the player to erase records in Arcade Mode and Cyber Space Challenge.
  • Added an option to turn the dramatic camera angles that appear when Skills are used on or off.
  • Added a slider to customize the deceleration rate when reaching a complete stop while running.
  • Added an option to turn maintained boost after jumping on or off.
  • Added 24 additional songs to the Jukebox, obtained as Sound Memories across all five islands. These songs are the islands’ movement themes.
  • Added additional bug fixes.

• Version 1.4.0 (“The Final Horizon“) (28 September 2023)
  • Added a new story and new challenges on Ouranos Island.
  • Added Amy, Knuckles, and Tails as playable characters.
  • Updated Arcade Mode and Cyber Space Challenge. The four marks were changed from asterisks into triangles, and a fifth purple mark was added, forming a pentagon:
    • White = Homing Dash
    • Red = Spin Dash
    • Yellow = Change in deceleration rate when jumping
    • Blue = Cyber Space Power Boost
    • Purple = Maintain boost during a jump
  • Added an option to turn the Open-Zone speedometer on or off in Cyber Space.
  • Allowed the player to jump after performing a Homing Attack on an object.
• Version 1.4.1 (6 December 2023)^[190]Notice Regarding Update 1.41. Sonic Frontiers. 7 December 2023. accessed 6 December 2023
  • Added balance adjustments for Easy mode:
    • Added new level designs for the Trial Towers.
    • Adjusted the default difficulty and Sonic’s attack level for the Towers of the Master.
    • Adjusted the maximum Ring capacity and the health of each Titan for Master King Koco‘s trial.
  • Slightly changed some of the controls for Amy, Knuckles, and Tails.
  • Adjusted the parry window for the Perfect Parry on each difficulty to be more forgiving.
  • Significantly increased Knuckles’ maneuverability while gliding. Knuckles now instantly performs the Glide instead of starting with a short animation.
  • Adjusted the stats of some of Amy, Knuckles, and Tails’ Skills after leveling them up.
  • Increased the attack and defense of certain Skills for Amy, Knuckles, and Tails after they level up.
  • Made the pink panels in the Trial Towers respawn after a certain amount of time has passed and the player is a certain distance away.
  • Reset the timer if the player dies during a Cyber Space stage or Arcade Mode. This does not apply to Cyber Space Challenge.
  • Added various bug fixes, including a fix for an issue where audio would not play during sub-events.
• Version 1.4.2 (Steam exclusive; 23 January 2025)
  • Added the files for all previous updates to the main game’s files.

Versions[edit]

Version history

Localised names

Downloadable content[edit]

Sonic Frontiers includes several downloadable content packs and bonus add-ons. Downloaded add-ons can be accessed from the Extras menu on the title screen and Pause menu, where players can install or adjust available DLC content.^[60]Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X and Series S. Developer: Sonic Team. Sega. 8 November 2022. Area: Title screen. "Extras: The acquired downloadable content will be accessible from the Extras menu."^[58]Sega. Sonic Frontiers Web Manual - Getting Started. accessed 7 November 2022 Sega recommended that players install Digital Deluxe Edition DLC before starting a new game, as those items may not be valid if installed after the tutorial area of Kronos Island. This limitation does not apply to later DLC such as the Soap shoes or the Monster Hunter collaboration content.^[61]Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) on Twitter. Twitter. 8 November 2022. accessed 9 November 2022. archived 8 November 2022. Archived version. “Sonic the Hedgehog: Hey everyone! Quick notes ahead of Frontiers' launch: • If you purchased the Digital Deluxe, please install the DLC before starting a new game • DLC content will not be valid if installed after the tutorial area • Ensure you have the most recent patch before installing DLC”^[62]Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) on Twitter. Twitter. 8 November 2022. accessed 24 April 2026. “Sonic the Hedgehog: Important note ! That second point only applies to the Digital Deluxe DLC items. Future items, including the SA2 shoes and Monster Hunter DLC, can be installed at any time!”

The game’s three major free content updates, Sights, Sounds, and Speed, Sonic’s Birthday Bash, and The Final Horizon, added new modes, quality-of-life options, music, playable characters, and additional story content. For details on those updates, see Update history.

Production credits[edit]

Trivia[edit]

• Sonic Frontiers is:
  • The first game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series to be localized in Brazilian Portuguese, though only through subtitles.^[56]Sonic the Hedgehog on Twitter. Twitter. 10 January 2022. accessed 24 April 2026. archived 10 January 2022. Archived version^[57]ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ【公式】 (@SonicOfficialJP) on Twitter. Twitter. 11 January 2022. accessed 24 April 2026. archived 11 January 2022. Japanese. Archived version
  • The first mainline Sonic game since Sonic Lost World not to use identical box art between its Eastern and Western releases.
  • The second game in the series to have its script localized from English into Japanese, after Sonic Lost World.
  • The first 3D mainline Sonic game since Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) to feature Tails, Amy, and Knuckles as fully playable characters.
  • The second mainline Sonic game since Sonic Heroes in which Dr. Eggman is not directly fought by the player.
  • The second game to explore the origins of the Chaos Emeralds, despite being advertised as the first. Sonic Rush had previously explored how the Chaos Emeralds are tied to the state of the universe.
  • The mainline Sonic game with the longest release gap from its predecessor, launching exactly five years and one day after Sonic Forces.

• Director Morio Kishimoto described the story of Sonic Frontiers as being written with a Reiwa era seinen sensibility, in contrast to a Heisei era shonen action style similar to Dragon Ball Z or One Piece.^[194]『ソニックフロンティア』開発陣インタビュー。物哀しさのあるシリアスな物語と、多彩なアクションを駆使したハイスピードで奥深いバトルを楽しんでほしい【TGS2022】. Famitsu. 18 September 2022. accessed 5 April 2026. archived 18 September 2022. Japanese. Archived version
• Kishimoto also stated that the final battle against The End was inspired by the Japanese folktale of the Rabbit in the Moon.^[195]Morio Kishimoto on Twitter. Twitter. 4 January 2023. accessed 4 April 2026
• The game’s teaser trailer contained metadata referencing production files with the name “Sonic Rangers,” suggesting it was an early title or code name for the project.^[196]Joe Skrebels. The New Sonic Game May Be Called Sonic Rangers. IGN. 28 May 2021. accessed 28 April 2026. archived 31 May 2021. Archived version^[197]Wesley Yin-Poole. Sega mentions Sonic Rangers in its own press release. Eurogamer. 28 May 2021. accessed 29 May 2021
  • Kishimoto later confirmed that “Sonic Rangers” was a development code name created before he became director. The title was changed because it no longer matched the intended direction of the game.^[198]Morio Kishimoto on Twitter. Twitter. 24 April 2023. accessed 24 April 2023
• The song used in the launch trailer and live-action TV spot is “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, marking the second time the song was used in Sonic media after the Sonic the Hedgehog film.
  • The launch trailer was later removed from the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and several other promotional channels, suggesting that the song may have only been licensed for a limited period. A version of the trailer remained available on the official Sega YouTube channel.^[199]Sonic Frontiers launch trailer. YouTube
• The Xbox version of the announcement trailer included subtitles that attributed the then-unidentified voice to “Amy”, referring to Amy Rose, who is later revealed to be the voice heard in the trailer.^[200]Sonic Frontiers - A New Threat. YouTube. 10 December 2021. accessed 12 December 2021 A later episode of This Week on Xbox referred to the voice as “Ghostly Voice”.^[201]Announcements, New Releases, and Events. YouTube. 10 December 2021. accessed 12 December 2021 Shortly after the trailer, Sonic’s Japanese voice actor, Jun’ichi Kanemaru, confirmed on Twitter that the mysterious voice belonged to Amy before deleting the post.^[202]Mais detalhes do filme do Sonic e do Sonic Frontiers. Power Sonic. 10 December 2021. accessed 4 January 2022. archived 4 January 2022. Portuguese. Archived version The Japanese teaser trailer later confirmed the voice was Amy.^[203]『ソニックフロンティア』ティザートレーラー. YouTube. 10 December 2021. accessed 3 September 2022. Japanese
• The Japanese slogan for the game is Unless you keep running, you can’t reach that “feeling.” (走り続けなければ、その“想い”には辿り着けない).
• Sticks the Badger and Tangle the Lemur are referenced in-game, marking the first mentions of their modern counterparts in the mainline games. Sticks is not mentioned in the Japanese version.
• The events of Sonic Frontiers may influence the IDW Sonic the Hedgehog comic series. Ian Flynn and Evan Stanley stated that the game “will inform future events” in the comics, though those effects would not appear immediately. As of November 2022, there were no plans to directly adapt the game or produce a direct follow-up story.^[204]The Sonic Frontiers comic book prologue takes place immediately before the game. Newsarama
• The game has two variations of its ending depending on the selected difficulty.
  • On Easy or Normal difficulty, the player fights Supreme and then defeats The End through quick time events.
  • On Hard or Extreme difficulty, the player still fights Supreme, but then battles The End in a style similar to the shoot ’em up sections featured earlier in the game. Once The End’s health is depleted, the quick time events remain the same.
    • The credits theme also changes depending on the ending. On Easy or Normal difficulty, the credits use “Vandalize” by One Ok Rock. On Hard or Extreme difficulty, they use “One Way Dream” by Nathan Sharp.
• Before The Final Horizon, Sonic Frontiers had the second-highest number of original lyrical arrangements in the franchise, with 16 songs, behind Sonic Adventure 2 with 18. The addition of the third major update raised the total to 21, placing it first.
• In version 1.4.0, the game no longer ran on PCs with integrated GPUs, but this issue was corrected in version 1.4.1.
• The official Latin America Sonic Twitter account posted memes using a fan-made “Emotes Mod” by YouTuber Blue Vivacity.^[205]Blue Vivacity on X. X^[206]Sonic Latin America on X. X
• When the game was featured in PlayStation’s PS+ Extra/Premium lineup for December 2024, the thumbnail used a fan-made render of Sonic by Nibroc.Rock.^[207]PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium December 2024 lineup video. YouTube^[208]https://www.deviantart.com/nibroc-rock/art/Sonic-Frontiers-The-Mysterious-Magic-Hand-Render-918359940