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- Lava Reef Zone (2)
Sonic the Hedgehog 3

- Lava Reef Zone (2)

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Lava Reef Zone Act 1 walkthrough: navigate spiked platforms, lava falls, and find a hidden exit. Includes Hand Machine mini-boss strategy.

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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Lava Reef Zone Act 1 walkthrough: navigate spiked platforms, lava falls, and find a hidden exit. Includes Hand Machine mini-boss strategy.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Head right past the stalactites. Use a Spin Dash after the moving spiked platform rises to cross it.
  2. 2
    Climb down the steps, avoiding spiked balls. Stay on the left side of the screen when you encounter the lava waterfall and drilling machine.
  3. 3
    When the ground collapses in the center, instead of dropping down the southern path, take the northern path to stay on Sonic's route.
  4. 4
    Go left, then right. The drilling machine will be gone. Jump right and climb the steps, avoiding flamethrowers.
  5. 5
    Press the switch to reveal a hidden exit to the right.
  6. 6
    Go right and press the switch. Enter the opening and descend the steps.
  7. 7
    Cross 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 and be destroyed.
  8. 8
    When you land, hop across the rocks and press the switch.
  9. 9
    Climb the steps and use a Spin Dash to go up. Spin Dash through boulders and use the moving spiked platform.
  10. 10
    Go left, use another platform, climb the steps, and press the switch. Enter the opening and use the platform.
  11. 11
    When the moving platform rises, jump down and head right. Spin Dash through boulders and pass the Starpost.
  12. 12
    Run down the slope and collect the Flame Shield. When the ledge collapses, go down the steps and head right.
  13. 13
    Cross the bridge and run down the black tunnel.
  14. 14
    Go left and destroy the switch. Run through the opening and head down the slope.
  15. 15
    Drop down the gap, watching out for the spiked ball. Go right and climb the steps.
  16. 16
    Cross the lava waterfalls. Press the switch and enter the opening. Wait for the lava to sink before crossing the platforms when it rises.
  17. 17
    Pass the Starpost and Spin Dash through boulders. Use moving platforms and press the switch. Enter the opening and climb the steps.
  18. 18
    Press the switch and run through another opening. Spin Dash through boulders and go down the slope.
  19. 19
    Press the switch and go through the last opening. Head past the Starpost.

Mini-Boss Battle: Hand Machine - 8 Hits

Tips
  • Use the Spin Dash ability frequently to break through obstacles and gain momentum.
  • Pay close attention to the timing of moving platforms and lava flows to avoid damage.
  • The northern path after the ground collapses offers an alternative route.
  • Destroying switches often reveals new paths or exits.

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