It isn’t a Sonic game without a “true” final battle, and Sonic Mania doesn’t disappoint. After finishing the game once, there’s still more to accomplish — defeat the real Dr. Eggman, unlock the best ending, and bask in the glow of self-accomplishment.
Surprisingly, there’s actually a challenging boss waiting at the end of Sonic Mania, one that can hurt even the most powerful version of Sonic. Usually, there’s no difference to the ending of a Sonic game — not until the modern era, anyway — but this game throws a curveball at the very end for completionists. It takes some collecting, but getting to the secret final form of Dr. Eggman isn’t too tough. It’ll just take some time, and a little bit of scrounging through the acts.
More Sonic Mania guides on Gameranx:
- Sonic Mania: “What Nintendon’t” Studiopolis Easter Egg Guide
- Sonic Mania: 7 Chaos Emerald Locations | Super Sonic Guide
- Sonic Mania: How To Beat Every Boss | Battle Tips Guide
- Sonic Mania: All Blue Sphere Bonus Stage Rewards | Unlock Guide
- Sonic Mania: How To Unlock “& Knuckles” | Secret Bonus Mode
- Sonic Mania: How To Access Level Select | Cheat Code List
- Sonic Mania Trophy List
How to Fight the Secret Final Boss | True Ending Guide
The true final battle is unlocked in a pretty predictable way — collect all 7 Chaos Emeralds. Pretty self-explanatory. Like in other games in the series, Sonic will transform into a glowing-gold version of himself called Super Sonic. As Super Sonic, he can fly through stages super-easily.
That’s where the secret final boss comes into play. If you defeat Dr. Eggman as Super Sonic, a secret Egg Robo will appear for a final showdown with Super Sonic. In a series first, the Egg Robo can hurt Super Sonic and make him lose rings during the battle.
[SPOILER WARNING — Ending Video Ahead. Check it out if you want to see the final boss in action.]
The menacing Egg Robo flies around the arena. Sonic can fly too — and the ending is a little strange. The station disappears, and Sonic’s face appears in the distance. Apparently, Sonic is okay! But… he’s also gone? Does the story continue in Sonic Forcces? I don’t know! Enjoy your charmingly ambiguous, silly retro ending.