Hidden Palace Zone (Sonic & Knuckles)

Hidden Palace Zone
Fifth Zone, Sonic & Knuckles
Maximum rings, Act 1: 33 + 40

Hidden Palace Zone is the fifth zone in Sonic & Knuckles (the eleventh zone in Sonic 3 & Knuckles). Hidden Palace Zone is where Knuckles hides and protects the Master Emerald. As Sonic, is the setting of a major turn point in the game's storyline.

The level begins at the end of Lava Reef Zone Act 2. After a few steps, the scenery changes into that of the Hidden Palace. After a short walk through the level, Sonic will fight Knuckles (unless you are playing as Knuckles, in which case the zone is rendered useless). After this fight, a cutscene occurs in which Dr. Robotnik steals the Master Emerald. Knuckles attempts to save it, but Robotnik electrocutes him. After this, Knuckles will lead you to a teleporter that sends you to the next zone, Sky Sanctuary Zone. As Knuckles, the palace leads directly to another teleporter that leads into another part of Sky Sanctuary Zone, where you fight the game's final bosses.

Instruction Manual Description

“	Some mysteries are solved! Robotnik makes his big play, and Knuckles finds out who is the REAL bad guy is!	„

Trivia

• The mural in the background where Sonic fights Knuckles depicts/predicts the final battle in the Doomsday Zone.
• If one is playing Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and one has collected the all Super Emeralds, they can be seen around the Master Emerald altar.