Super Sonic has always been one of Sonic’s most iconic transformations, and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds continues that tradition by making him the ultimate reward for dedicated players. Unlike most of the cast, who are available right from the start, unlocking Super Sonic requires a serious test of skill and patience. Here’s everything you need to know to add him to your roster.
One of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ defining features is the Rival System.
- Before each Grand Prix, you’re assigned a rival racer, or you can manually pick one from the character select screen.
- Rivals are tougher than standard opponents and will taunt you throughout the race, making them feel like mini-bosses.
- There are 23 rivals in total, each of which you must defeat in Grand Prix mode to unlock Super Sonic.
What Counts as a Rival Defeat?
A rival defeat is only credited when you finish ahead of them across the full four-race Grand Prix. Beating them in a single race does not count. You don’t need to win the Grand Prix outright—just score more points than your rival over all four races.
See also: Skate Achievement Trophy Guide: How to Unlock All Achievements & Trophies
How to Unlock Super Sonic in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds
- Start a Grand Prix
- A rival will be assigned, but always check the rival selection menu to track who you’ve already beaten.
- Adjust Difficulty if Needed
- On PS5, press R1 to open rival settings and L1 to lower difficulty. Reducing flame bars makes rivals easier to handle.
- Chip Away Gradually
- With 23 rivals to clear and only seven Grand Prix tracks available (eight once you unlock the Secret Grand Prix), you’ll need to replay circuits multiple times.
- Keep a checklist, as defeated rivals are marked with a yellow tick on the selection screen.
- Beat All 23 Rivals
- Once every rival has been defeated, Super Sonic unlocks automatically after the credits roll.
Super Sonic Unique Abilities
Super Sonic isn’t just a cosmetic skin—he changes the game’s balance:
- Invincible – Immune to all item effects and collisions.
- Improved Drift Charging – Builds boost faster than standard Sonic.
- Offline Only – Due to his overwhelming power, Super Sonic is restricted to Grand Prix mode and cannot be used in online multiplayer.
This makes him the ultimate reward for players who commit to mastering Grand Prix racing.
Best Strategies to Defeat Rivals
- Stick to Lower Difficulty: Rivals are scaled down, so you’ll clear them more reliably.
- Replay Grand Prixs Efficiently: Don’t accept unnecessary difficulty increases when offered new rivals.
- Track Progress Manually: Even though the game marks beaten rivals, keeping notes ensures you don’t waste runs.
- Unlock the Secret Grand Prix: Completing every standard Grand Prix once grants access to the Secret GP, giving you more variety while working toward rival completion.
Super Sonic embodies the thrill of Sonic’s Chaos Emerald transformation in a racing format. His invincibility, speed boosts, and exclusive offline availability make him the most powerful character in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. While grinding through all 23 rivals takes time, the reward is an unmatched experience in Grand Prix mode that feels both nostalgic and rewarding. Play Now!
