Complete walkthrough for Sonic & Knuckles Lava Reef Zone Act 1, including how to find the hidden exit and beat the Hand Machine boss.
Walkthrough
- 1Head right past the stalactites. Use a Spin Dash after the moving spiked platform rises to cross it.
- 2Climb down the steps, avoiding spiked balls. Stay on the left side of the screen when you encounter the lava waterfall and drilling machine.
- 3When the ground collapses in the center, drop down and follow the southern path. Alternatively, take the northern path to join Sonic's route.
- 4If you take the northern path, go left, then right. The drilling machine will be gone. Jump right and climb the steps, avoiding flamethrowers.
- 5Press the switch to reveal a hidden exit to the right.
- 6Go right and press the switch. Enter the opening and descend the steps.
- 7Cross the lava waterfall and press the switch. Enter the opening and head right. You can attack the drilling machine, which will fall into the lava.
- 8When you land, hop across rocks and press the switch. Climb the steps and Spin Dash upwards.
- 9Spin Dash through boulders and use the moving spiked platform. Go left and use another platform.
- 10Climb the steps and press the switch. Enter the opening and use the platform.
- 11When the moving platform rises, jump down and head right. Spin Dash through boulders and pass the Starpost.
- 12Run down the slope and collect the Flame Shield. When the ledge collapses, go down the steps and head right.
- 13Cross the bridge and run down the black tunnel.
- 14Go left and destroy the switch. Run through the opening and head down the slope.
- 15Watch for the spiked ball as you drop down the gap. Go right and climb the steps.
- 16Cross the lava waterfalls. Press the switch and go through the opening. Wait for the lava to sink before crossing platforms.
- 17Pass the Starpost and Spin Dash through boulders. Use moving platforms and press the switch.
- 18Enter the opening and climb the steps. Press the switch and run through another opening.
- 19Spin Dash through boulders and go down the slope. Press the switch and go through the last opening. Head past the Starpost.
Mini-Boss Battle:
- The Hand Machine requires 8 hits to defeat.
Tips
- Using the Spin Dash is crucial for breaking through boulders and crossing certain platforms quickly.
- The Flame Shield can protect you from lava hazards for a limited time.
- The northern path in step 3 offers an alternative route that can be beneficial.
100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content