Sonic '06 Wiki
Explore Sonic, Shadow, and Silver story routes with character profiles, stages, bosses, collectibles, glitches, lore, and Marathon Recompiled PC guides.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) Wiki Resources
Eight complete guides covering the story campaigns, bosses, collectibles, and the Marathon Recompiled PC port
PC Port & Recompiled
Marathon Recompiled setup, game files, and fixes
Walkthrough & Story
All three campaigns plus the Last Episode
Silver Medal Locations
Stage-by-stage collectible checklist
Boss Guide
Attack patterns, weaknesses, and counters
Beginner Guide & Controls
Xbox 360 and PS3 controls and basics
Characters & Abilities
All nine playable characters compared
Town Missions & S Rank
Soleanna missions and rank strategies
Unlockables & 100%
Full completion checklist and rewards
Latest Updates
Discover the newest guides, tips, and content
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 RPCS3: Emulator Setup Guide
Run Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 on RPCS3 with this setup guide covering firmware, settings, patches, performance fixes, and troubleshooting.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 Soundtrack: Track List & Listening Guide
Explore the Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 soundtrack: main themes, stage tracks, composers, and how to listen to every song from Sonic '06.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 Solaris: Final Boss & Lore Guide
Learn the full Solaris story in Sonic the Hedgehog 2006: Mephiles, Iblis, the Last Episode unlock, and a phase-by-phase final boss strategy.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 Marathon Recompiled: Setup Guide
How to run the Sonic 2006 Marathon recompilation on PC: requirements, setup steps, 4K enhancements, and gameplay tips.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 Remake: Project '06 vs Marathon Guide
Compare Project '06 and Marathon Recompiled, the two leading fan efforts to rebuild Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 for modern PCs, with setup steps and key.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 Walkthrough: Shadow Story Guide
Step-by-step Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 walkthrough covering the Shadow story stages, boss fights, vehicles, and Rouge teamwork tips.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 Where to Play: All Platforms Compared
Every way to play Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 in 2026: Xbox 360, backward compatibility, digital storefronts, and community modding options compared.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 How Long to Beat: Full Playtime Breakdown
How long is Sonic the Hedgehog 2006? Average completion times for each story, full endings, town missions, and 100% completion estimates.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 Download: Setup Guide & Access
Learn how to access Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC via Marathon Recompiled with this legal setup guide.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 Xbox Series X: Playability Status & Setup Guide
Can you play Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 on Xbox Series X? Current backwards compatibility status, disc requirements, and alternate ways to play.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 PC: Marathon Recompiled Setup Guide
Play Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 on PC with Marathon Recompiled. Setup steps, legal file requirements, settings, troubleshooting, and Project '06 comparison.
Princess Elise in Sonic the Hedgehog 2006: Character Guide
Explore Princess Elise's role in Sonic the Hedgehog 2006: her Soleanna backstory, the Iblis seal, key story scenes, and the timeline reset explained.
Marathon Recompiled is a fan-made recompilation that runs the original Xbox 360 game natively on PC. It preserves the original experience and is separate from Project '06, the fan overhaul that rewrites gameplay and levels. You supply your own legally obtained game files.
Download a Marathon Recompiled release
Grab a complete release archive from the official GitHub Releases page. Windows builds cover standard desktops, while Linux builds work on compatible systems and Steam Deck through the usual compatibility workflow. Extract it to a short path such as C:\Games\MarathonRecomp.
Prepare your original game files
The project does not distribute copyrighted assets. Dump the complete game data from your own legally obtained Xbox 360 copy, including the executable and asset directories the release expects. Do not mix files from different regional releases.
Place the game data in the expected directory
Copy the extracted files into the data directory named by the release's README, keeping the folder structure intact. Avoid special characters, cloud-sync folders, and deeply nested installation paths.
Launch and configure the game
Run the Marathon executable, set the resolution to your monitor's native one, pick a stable frame-rate option, and bind camera and controller inputs before starting a story campaign. An Xbox-style XInput controller is the simplest setup.
Resolve common installation problems
Immediate crashes usually mean incomplete game data or a wrong directory structure. Missing textures call for a clean re-copy of the original data, and undetected controllers need XInput mode plus a conflict-free input setup.
Know the difference from Project '06
Marathon Recompiled recompiles the original game code for faithful execution, while Project '06 rebuilds physics, controls, and level layouts into a substantially improved interpretation. The original Xbox 360 release supplies the game data both projects build on.
Quick Tips
- Only use game files you legally own; the project never distributes ROMs, ISOs, or commercial assets.
- Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck are supported through the release builds and compatibility tooling.
- Check the release notes for controller, frame-rate, and patch settings before your first launch.
- Keep your original dump untouched so you can always re-copy a clean data set.
- The Recomp guides on this wiki cover resolution, widescreen, save paths, and crash troubleshooting in depth.
The story is split into Sonic, Shadow, and Silver campaigns that gradually converge around Princess Elise, Mephiles, Iblis, and Solaris. Clear all three to unlock the Last Episode and reach the true ending.
Complete Sonic's story
Rescue Princess Elise across Wave Ocean, Dusty Desert, Tropical Jungle, White Acropolis, Crisis City, Flame Core, Radical Train, Aquatic Base, Kingdom Valley, and End of the World while mastering speed sections, Homing Attacks, and Light Dash routes.
Complete Shadow's story
Investigate Mephiles and the ruined future through combat-heavy routes in White Jungle, Kingdom Valley, Crisis City, Flame Core, Radical Train, and Lava Shelter, using Chaos powers, vehicles, and alternate paths.
Complete Silver's story
Start in the burning future and chase Sonic through the past with Psychokinesis, hovering across Crisis City, Wave Ocean, Dusty Desert, Tropical Jungle, White Acropolis, Flame Core, Radical Train, and Aquatic Base.
Handle required town missions
Story objectives send you back into Soleanna between stages. Follow the active story marker first, then pick up escort, rescue, ring-collection, and race missions for rewards and completion records.
Unlock the Last Episode
Finish all three campaigns and return to the story selection screen, where the Last Episode becomes available once every ending has rolled.
Finish the Last Episode for the true ending
Shadow takes on Mephiles, Silver burns out Iblis, and Super Sonic faces Solaris through the final multi-phase battle. Clear every phase to watch the time-reset conclusion of the Solaris story.
Quick Tips
- Stage order differs per campaign, so check the route list for the character you are playing.
- Town missions are optional for the basic endings but required for full completion goals.
- Boss patterns reward patience: wait out attack animations and strike only exposed targets.
- Keep an eye on rings before boss arenas; they are your buffer against one-hit setbacks.
- The ending resets the timeline, wrapping up the Solaris incident for all three heroes.
Silver Medals hide across every action stage — elevated platforms, side paths, hidden chambers, and return routes. A dedicated exploration run beats a first-time speed clear every time.
Wave Ocean (Sonic)
Check the opening shoreline, the side platform above the first spring route, the upper ledges around the ocean platforms, and the return path after the large loop near the stage goal.
Dusty Desert (Sonic)
Search the first ruin chambers and the sand-slide side platforms, look behind breakable objects near the desert pillars, and sweep the approach to the Egg Cerberus arena.
Tropical Jungle (Sonic)
Inspect the first jungle branch above the main path, the areas behind waterfalls and foliage around the vine sections, and the final approach away from the direct route.
White Acropolis (Sonic)
Sweep the opening snowfield, the fortress balconies and side rooms, and the escape-route ledges beside the final snow platforms before triggering the high-speed escape.
Crisis City (Sonic & Shadow)
Cover the ruined streets, raised platforms beside collapsing routes, rooftops around fire hazards, and the final escape ledges. Chaos Control buys exploration time on Shadow's route.
Kingdom Valley (Shadow)
Search the first valley platforms, the side route near the opening bridge, castle balconies and interior chambers, and the edges of the wind-powered sections.
Flame Core (Shadow & Silver)
Check the volcanic opening platforms, lava-pool ledges, side chambers around moving platforms, and the final lava corridor. Floating objects give Silver extra reach.
Silver's future stages
Across Crisis City, Dusty Desert, Tropical Jungle, White Acropolis, and Flame Core, lift debris to reveal side platforms, hover above broken roads, and inspect areas behind large structures.
Boss fights reward patience over constant attacking. Learn each attack cycle, hold safe positions, and strike only when the vulnerable window opens.
The game combines high-speed platforming, combat, exploration, and story progression. Learn the core controls first, then how each character handles speed, attacks, and special abilities.
Learn the basic controls
Move with the left stick and steer the camera with the right. Jump near enemies for a Homing Attack, use the attack button for character strikes, and the action button for switches and context interactions. On Xbox 360: A jumps, X attacks, B acts. On PlayStation 3: Cross jumps, Square attacks, Circle acts.
Manage rings and checkpoints
Rings absorb most damage; a hit at zero rings costs a life. Follow ring trails through jumps and speed sections, and pass checkpoints so failed attempts restart closer to the current section.
Handle Sonic's speed sections
Momentum is everything. Make small directional corrections instead of full turns, chain Homing Attacks across suspended targets, and let the Light Dash carry you along aligned ring lines. Slow down before blind corners and moving platforms.
Use Shadow's combat abilities
Shadow pairs Sonic-style speed with stronger combat. Separate enemy groups before committing, use Chaos Control for dense encounters or timed obstacles, and watch for openings instead of hitting armored targets repeatedly.
Use Silver's psychokinesis
Lift, throw, and manipulate objects to control the battlefield. Grab props before entering crowded areas, snipe distant enemies with thrown debris, and move obstacles to open new routes. Hover across gaps a normal jump cannot clear.
Understand stage progression
Episodes chain stages, bosses, and town scenes. Clear the current objective, then use the results screen to review time, rings, and rank. Revisit towns to find missions, shops, and story events between stages.
Quick Tips
- Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 share the same layout: left stick to move, face buttons for jump, attack, and action.
- Ring trails mark the intended route through tricky jumps and speed sections.
- Treat boss stages differently from speed stages: observe first, attack second.
- Replay stages after upgrades to reach medals and paths that were out of range.
- Homing Attack timing is worth practicing early — it unlocks most aerial shortcuts.
Three heroes lead the campaigns and six more join for team stages and town missions. Each has a distinct movement style, combat role, and set of upgrades.
Sonic
High-Speed PlatformerHoming Attack, Light Dash, Spin Jump, and Spin Dash make Sonic the fastest character. His stages emphasize momentum, rails, ramps, and chaining attacks across airborne targets. Upgrades: Light Chip, Bounce Bracelet, and the Tornado.
Shadow
Combat-Focused SpeedChaos Control manipulates enemies and time-based situations, pairing high-speed movement with real combat utility. Ideal in stages that mix traversal with battles. Upgrades: Light Chip, Air Shoes, and his firearm.
Silver
Psychokinetic ControllerLifts and throws objects, redirects attacks, and manipulates the environment. Slower movement is balanced by total battlefield control. Upgrades: Weight, Power Bracelet, and Psychokinesis enhancements.
Tails
Aerial SupportFlight reaches elevated routes while Tail Swipe and Remote Bomb handle ranged threats. His stages focus on aerial navigation, switches, and ranged support. Upgrades: Jet Anklet and Remote Bomb improvements.
Knuckles
Power & ExplorationGlides across gaps, climbs walls, digs through marked surfaces, and punches hard. Best for vertical exploration and route clearing. Upgrades: combat gear plus gliding and climbing equipment.
Rouge
Aerial ExplorerGlide, wall climb, kicks, and bombs reach objectives and control enemy groups in exploration-heavy missions. Upgrades: flight-related equipment and bomb improvements.
E-123 Omega
Heavy Ranged FirepowerMachine-gun fire, explosive attacks, and a durable frame excel at clearing groups and applying pressure from a distance. Upgrades: weapon improvements and combat equipment.
Blaze
Agile Fire FighterPyrokinetic attacks and acrobatic movement clear enemies and platforming sections faster than the heavy characters. Upgrades: fire attack improvements and movement equipment.
Amy
Hammer BrawlerThe Piko Piko Hammer powers both offense and hammer-jump movement. She lacks Sonic's speed but handles enemies and obstacles at close range. Upgrades: hammer-related and movement improvements.
Town missions across Soleanna use different characters, objectives, and rules from the main stages. Clear time, rings held, damage taken, and mission-specific conditions all shape the final grade.
Castle Town Speed & Delivery
SonicReach destinations, escort targets, and deliver items before the timer expires. Learn the shortest route, chain Light Dash lines, skip unnecessary fights, and preserve rings through risky turns.
Castle Town Combat Trials
ShadowDefeat enemy groups and activate every target in time. Group enemies before attacking, drop Chaos Control on dense encounters, and move directly between objectives instead of exploring side streets.
Castle Town Rescue Ops
SilverMove objects, defeat enemies, and rescue civilians with Psychokinesis. Grab useful props before combat, throw from a safe distance, and let the environment do the close-range work.
New City Time Trials
SonicCross city routes under strict time limits with checkpoints and collection goals. Restart after major mistakes, memorize turns and ramps, and stay controlled near traffic and narrow platforms.
New City Aerial Collections
Tails / RougeCollect targets and activate switches across a defined area. Plan one continuous flight loop, grab everything in a single pass, and avoid landing unless the mission demands a ground interaction.
Soleanna Forest Exploration
KnucklesReach hidden areas, clear enemies, glide, climb, and dig through marked spots. Use landmarks to avoid backtracking and clear enemies while already moving toward the next objective.
Support Character Assignments
Amy / Blaze / OmegaEscort and protect targets across town areas. Amy's hammer controls close range, Blaze's fire clears groups fast, and Omega's ranged power removes threats before they reach the objective.
S Rank Replay Strategy
Any characterReplay missions after learning the route. Aim for minimal damage, efficient combat, high ring retention, and zero detours in a single clean run.
S Rank Tips
- Mission grades weigh clear time, rings held, damage taken, and bonus conditions together.
- Practice the route once before attempting the record run.
- Keep escort targets alive; a failed condition ends the mission regardless of speed.
- Replaying a mission overwrites the previous grade, so there is no risk in retrying.
- Check the town map for new mission icons after every story stage.
A complete file combines the three story campaigns with Soleanna's optional content. Clear the episodes first to open the remaining campaigns, then return for medals, ranks, and platform objectives.
Complete the Sonic Episode
Finish Sonic's stages and bosses to open the additional character episodes that continue the main story.
Complete the Shadow Episode
Clear Shadow's combat and vehicle sections for a separate campaign with its own stages, objectives, and gameplay.
Complete the Silver Episode
Finish the psychokinesis-based campaign built around physics puzzles and environmental combat.
Unlock and finish the Last Episode
With all three episodes done, select the Last Episode from the story menu and complete the concluding battles for the true ending.
Collect Silver Medals
Sweep alternate paths, elevated platforms, and hidden chambers in every action stage; replay with the right character when a movement ability is required.
Complete Soleanna town missions
Finish escort, combat, delivery, rescue, collection, and time objectives for every playable character, replaying difficult ones to improve results.
Earn S Ranks
Reduce clear time, keep a strong ring count, avoid damage and deaths, and meet every mission-specific condition efficiently.
Collect Gold Medals and platform rewards
Hunt Gold Medals across Soleanna's rooftops and side streets using flight, climb, glide, dig, and psychokinesis, then finish the Xbox 360 achievement list and the PlayStation 3 in-game goals.