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Competition Rules

Rules last updated 03-31-22.

General Rules

* Statistics are taken from the time the timer stops at the end of the level. This is usually when the signpost, goal ring or the capsule is hit, though in some levels it may apply to other events, eg. in Wing Fortress, time is taken from when the screen fades out. Scores are taken after all the relevant act bonuses are added.
* For ring stats, you may not collect the same ring(s) more than once.
* All submissions must be your own. You may not submit statistics, videos, or guides obtained or created by another person.
* Gamesharks, similar cheat devices, "turbo" or "autofire" features of controllers, and ROM save states must not be used, nor any functions on the emulator, such as slowing down the speed of the game.
* Common sense applies in all games. If something seems iffy, you probably should not be doing it. Or at least check with someone before you do. Note that if a new rule is enacted, anything already submitted in violation of that rule is void.
* In any game where there is a co-op mode, the second controller may not be used.
* With the exception of items designed to change the timer, using any method to reset the timer to zero in the middle of a level is not allowed.
* You may use any emulator for competition; however, any action performed during the run (be it an in-game action or use of an emulator function) that cannot be replicated on console voids your stat.
* The original game and all its contents must be preserved and unmodified.
* Any game running on a PC or emulator must perform at full speed while playing the game you're submitting for (60 FPS in most cases). The exception is if lag is caused by the game, rather than by bad hardware or emulation.
* You can create only one account per person. Alternate accounts are prohibited. Conversely, one person per account.
* Emulators for GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox and any home console released after those, as well as DS, 3DS, and PSP are banned for competition.
* All first-place records (including ties) must have a video of the whole run linked in the stat comment. Emulator runs must have an input file linked instead. If using Retroarch with Genesis Plus GX, video is required instead of an input file and the Retroarch Menu that displays the Genesis Plus GX core and version must be shown at point during the video.

Sonic 1

* Any re-released version of this game (official or unofficial) that has been modified to include the Spin Dash, or which creates a functional change to level layouts, is not permitted for use in competition.
* Use of level select is allowed, but debug is not.
* Pressing B or C while the game is paused is not allowed.

* For all levels except the final level, if the game does not transition to the next stage, your stat is invalid.

Score Divisions
* Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).

Sonic 1 2013

* Super forms are not allowed.
* Level select is allowed, but debug mode is not.

Rings Divisions
* Due to a bug allowing Sonic and Tails to earn credit twice for a single ring, flying as Sonic and Tails together is disallowed. Earning credit twice for a single ring by any other means is also disallowed.

Score Divisions
* The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records for Scrap Brain 3 and Final Zone.
* Scores must be attained in a single, continuous run (without deaths or restarting the level).
* Due to a bug allowing Sonic and Tails to earn credit twice for a single ring, flying as Sonic and Tails together is disallowed.
* Finishing in 9:59 for a 100,000 point Time Bonus is not allowed.

Sonic 2

* Any re-released version of this game (official or unofficial) that has been modified to create a functional change to level layouts is not permitted for use in competition.
* Knuckles charts require you play locked on to Sonic and Knuckles.
* Super forms are not allowed.
* Level select is allowed, but debug mode is not.
* Pressing B or C while the game is paused is not allowed.
* For all levels except the final level, if the game does not transition to the next stage, your stat is invalid.

Rings Divisions
* Entering a special stage is not allowed.
* For Knuckles charts, restarting from a starpost is not allowed.

Score Divisions
* For Knuckles charts, entering a special stage is not allowed, nor is dying after hitting a starpost.
* Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).

Freestyle Divisions
* Super characters may be used in this category.

Sonic 2 2013

* Super forms are not allowed.
* Level select is allowed, but debug mode is not.
* As mobile games cannot be downgraded easily, the latest version of the game is to be used at all times. Any submissions that take advantage of a bug or feature removed in a new version of the game will be removed.
* Random item boxes are not allowed.

Rings Divisions
* Ring amounts must be attained in a single, continuous run (without deaths, re-entering from a special stage, or restarting the level).
* You may not earn rings from slot machines.
* Due to a bug allowing Sonic and Tails to earn credit twice for a single ring, flying as Sonic and Tails together is disallowed. Earning credit twice for a single ring by any other means is also disallowed.

Score Divisions
* Scores must be attained in a single, continuous run (without deaths, re-entering from a special stage, or restarting the level).
* You may not earn rings from slot machines.
* Due to a bug allowing Sonic and Tails to earn credit twice for a single ring, flying as Sonic and Tails together is disallowed.
* Finishing in 9:59 for a 100,000 point Time Bonus is not allowed.

Special Divisions
* "Secret Special Stage" refers to the one only accessible from the level select via playing sound 07 and then selecting SPECIAL STAGE.

Sonic CD

* Activation of the Debugger game menus is not allowed.

Time Divisions
* The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Rings Divisions
* In Wacky Workbench 1, you can't activate the Angel Statue more than once.

Score Divisions
* Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).
* In Wacky Workbench 1, you can't activate the Angel Statue more than once.

Sonic CD 2011

* Debug Mode is not allowed.

Rings Divisions
* In Wacky Workbench 1, you can't activate the Angel statue more than once.

Score Divisions
* In Wacky Workbench 1, you can't activate the Angel Statue more than once.
* Scores must be attained in a single, continuous run (without deaths).

Special Divisions
* The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Sonic 3

* Knuckles's charts require you lock onto Sonic and Knuckles. For all other charts you may choose whether to lock on or not.
* Super and Hyper forms are not allowed.
* Level select is allowed, but debug mode is not.
* Pressing B or C while the game is paused is not allowed.
* You must defeat a boss in Marble Garden 2 for your stat to count.
* Any re-released version of this game (official or unofficial) that has been modified to create a functional change to level layouts is not permitted for use in competition.
* For all levels except the final level, if the game does not transition to the next stage, your stat is invalid.

Time Divisions
* You may start any zone's Act 2 from the end of Act 1 or from selecting Act 2 in stage select, but from nowhere else.
* In Launch Base 2, you can't destroy the boss from Act 1.

Time Attack Divisions
* Time Attack mode must be used (one player, monitors off).

Rings Divisions
* You may not enter Bonus Stages in the middle of a level.
* You may collect large rings for 50 rings if you already have all emeralds.
* In Icecap 1, if you are locked on to Sonic & Knuckles, you may not skip the Act 1 boss.

Score Divisions
* You may not enter Bonus Stages in the middle of a level.
* You may not enter Special Stages in the middle of a level, but you can collect the large rings for 50 rings if you already have all emeralds.
* Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).
* In levels with a falling signpost, only a single hit of the signpost counts toward your score. (If you hit it additional times, subtract 100 points from the displayed score for each hit beyond the first.
* In Icecap 1, if you are locked on to Sonic & Knuckles, you may not skip the Act 1 boss.
* Only 100 points of time bonus can count toward your score for any completion time longer than 3:30. (This only applies if you finish in 9:59; in this case subtract 99,900 points from the displayed score.)

Freestyle Divisions
* Super and Hyper characters are allowed in this category.

Sonic & Knuckles

* Tails's charts require you lock onto Sonic 3. For all other charts you may choose whether to lock on or not.
* Super and Hyper forms are not allowed, except in The Doomsday Zone.
* Level select is allowed, but debug mode is not.
* Pressing B or C while the game is paused is not allowed.
* Any re-released version of this game (official or unofficial) that has been modified to create a functional change to level layouts is not permitted for use in competition.

Time Divisions
* You may start any zone's Act 2 from the end of Act 1 or from selecting Act 2 in stage select, but from nowhere else.

Rings Divisions
* You may not enter a Bonus Stage in the middle of a level.
* You may collect a large ring for 50 rings if you already have all emeralds.

Score Divisions
* You may not enter a Bonus Stage in the middle of a level.
* You may not enter a Special Stage in the middle of a level, however you may collect a large ring for 50 rings if you already have all emeralds.
* Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).
* In levels with a falling signpost, only a single hit of the signpost counts toward your score. (If you hit it additional times, subtract 100 points from the displayed score for each hit beyond the first.
* Only 100 points of time bonus can count toward your score for any completion time longer than 3:30. (This only applies if you finish in 9:59; in this case subtract 99,900 points from the displayed score.)

Freestyle Divisions
* Super and Hyper characters may be used in this category.

Sonic Mania

* Debug mode is allowed only to select special stages.
* Stats for Angel Island - Encore are taken at the end of the bonus tally.
* When playing in Encore Mode, losing characters in such a way that results in spawning from a checkpoint is prohibited.
* Game Options for Mania Mode must have Time Limit set to On, Debug Mode set to Off, and Sonic Ability set to Mania.
* Freezing the timer after it has started, or by dying in the level transition from the previous level, is prohibited.

Time Divisions
* For Titanic Monarch 2 - Encore, add the time displayed when entering the boss fight with the time after finishing the boss fight.

Score Divisions
* Entering special or bonus stages is not allowed.
* In levels with a falling signpost, only a single hit of the signpost counts toward your score. (If you hit it additional times, subtract 100 points from the displayed score for each hit beyond the first).
* Turning super to freeze the timer is not allowed

Sonic 4: Episode I

* Use of the iOS version of Sonic 4: Episode I for the levels Casino Street 2 and Lost Labyrinth 2 invalidates your stat.
* Leaving the level and restarting from a starpost invalidates your stat.
* In Super Sonic divisions, you must transform into Super Sonic before the act ends in order for your stat to count.
* In Sonic Divisions, transforming into Super Sonic invalidates your stat.

Time Divisions
*Where available, the game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Sonic 4: Episode Metal

*Use of any prereleased form of this game (especially Beta 8) is not allowed.
*Beginning any stage with a ringcount other than 0 voids your stat.

Time Divisions
*The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Sonic 4: Episode II

*Use of any prereleased form of this game (especially Beta 8) is not allowed.
*In Super Sonic Divisions, you must transform into Super Sonic at least once before the act ends, in order for your stat to count. You may freely revert and re-transform as often as you like thereafter.
*In Sonic Divisions, transformation to Super Sonic invalidates your stat except where specified.
*Beginning any stage with a ringcount other than 0 voids your stat.

Time Divisions
*The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.
*In Sky Fortress 1, you may freely use and revert from Super Sonic as you wish.

Rings Divisions
*You may freely use and revert from Super Sonic as you wish.

Knuckles Chaotix

* You must use single-player mode (computer-controlled partner).
* Level select is allowed, but moving around while the game is paused is not.
* If Level Select is active, you may not pause the game while the screen fades.

Rings Divisions
* You may not enter Bonus Stages in the middle of a level.

Score Divisions
* You may not enter Bonus Stages in the middle of a level.

Special Divisions
* Please note that the numbering of Special Stages in the Stage Select is one less than the in-game numbering. For example, if you're playing a wireframe Special Stage 6, you're doing it wrong.

Sonic 3D Blast


Score Divisions
* You may not enter a Special Stage in the middle of a level.
* Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).

Sonic Adventure (DX)

* Rings may not be carried over from an adventure field to an action stage.
* When using Trial mode, you must only begin a stage from the same place Adventure mode would have you begin that stage (The time at which you start doesn't matter).
* Emulation of the Dreamcast version of the game is not allowed due to inaccuracies in game physics on known emulators.

Rings Divisions
* Rings you dig up and collect as Knuckles don't count.
* In Speed Highway and Casinopolis, you can't hit an object that dispenses rings in such a way that it will dispense the same number or more rings as the last time you hit it.

Score Divisions
* Rings you dig up and collect as Knuckles don't count.
* In Speed Highway and Casinopolis, you can't hit an object that dispenses rings in such a way that it will dispense the same number or more rings as the last time you hit it.
* In the Icecap subgame and Sand Hill, no trick ramp may be jumped from more than once.

Boss Divisions
*You may not restart the level; by dying or otherwise, between the mission being completed and your time being saved.

Sonic Adventure 2 (B)

*You may not start a life with the effects of a speed shoe boost attained from a previous life.
*You may not obtain two speed shoe items within 14 seconds of each other.
*In Cannon's Core, starting any section other than Tails' by any means other than direct continuation from the previous section voids all stats for the run except where specified.
* Emulation of the Dreamcast version of the game is not allowed due to inaccuracies in game physics on known emulators.

Time Divisions
*You may not restart the level; by dying or otherwise, between the mission being completed and your time being saved.
*You may not submit times achieved playing a demo of the game.
*You can submit your Mission 4 times to both Mission 1 and Mission 4 charts. You can submit your Mission 1 times to Mission 4 charts as long as you don't restart at any checkpoints nor get speed shoes or shields from them, and provide a link to a video of the run in your comment for verification purposes.

Rings Divisions
*Any rings dug up and collected as Knuckles or Rouge, or thrown by enemies, don't count toward your total. (If you can keep track of how many rings were obtained that way, you can subtract them from the final displayed total.)

Score Divisions
*If a trick bonus is awarded for a lock-on where a target isn't destroyed, locking onto that target again voids your score.
*Destroying more than 20 cars for points in City Escape, or more than 20 light darts in Eternal Engine, voids your score.
*Grabbing the missile in Metal Harbor more than once voids your score.
*Earning points in Cosmic Wall from objects between the third and fourth checkpoints invalidates your score if you're not attached to the monorail at the time.

Freestyle Divisions
*Starting a level with a speed shoe boost that's been retained from a previous life is permitted in this category.
*Entering Cannon's Core as a character other than Tails is allowed in this category.

Sonic Heroes

*As Team Chaotix, you may not touch a Back ring.
*Use of the Team Blast Glitch -- switching characters while simultaneously using Thunder Shoot to rapidly fill the Team Blast gauge --  is forbidden for all Team Dark charts except Rings.

Rings Divisions
*As Team Chaotix, you may not touch a Back ring.

Boss Divisions
*In the Team battles, if either team moves before you gain control of your team, your stat is void.

Shadow the Hedgehog

* If you die after completing a mission objective, your stat does not count.

Rings Divisions
* You may not duplicate rings by vacuuming and touching dropped rings simultaneously.

Score Divisions
* No GUN soldier may be revived more than once in a run.
* You may only destroy the same object multiple times if you finish under 10:25. This is to prevent players from destroying a respawning object for hours to get high scores.

Sonic The Hedgehog


Time Divisions
*In a boss fight, you may not make the boss leave the area to end the act early.

Rings Divisions
*When playing a town mission, you may not complete the objective more than once in the same run.

Score Divisions
*You may not pass through a trick ring more than once.
*In a town mission, you may not earn any points when the mission is not loaded.
*In a town mission, you may not complete the objective more than once in the same run.
*In White Acropolis, you may not break a searchlight more than once.

Sonic and the Secret Rings


Score Divisions
*You may not obtain increased bonuses by restarting the level.
*The following skills are disallowed: 28-31, 81-82, 104.

Sonic and the Black Knight

*When submitting a stat, use the value given in the row underneath "Total Score," not the value given by "Total Score."

Extra Divisions
*In Chain of Enemies, you may not kill the same enemy more than once.

Sonic Unleashed Wii-PS2


Rings Divisions
*Death invalidates a run on werehog stages.

Sonic Unleashed 360-PS3


Time Divisions
*If you restart the level between the mission being completed and your time being saved, by selecting to restart or otherwise, your time doesn't count.

Score Divisions
*If you restart the level between the mission being completed and your score being saved, by selecting to restart or otherwise, your score doesn't count.
*You may not gain points from the same quick-time event more than once.

Sonic Colors Wii

* Stats obtained in the Egg Shuttle cannot be submitted, with the exception of Tropical Resort 1, as well as your final time and score for the entire shuttle.

Time Divisions
* Egg Shuttle times may only be submitted if they are achieved across all 45 stages.

Sonic Generations

* Modifications of any kind, including cosmetic mods, are disallowed.

Time Divisions
*You may submit times obtained from Doppelganger challenges or Online Leaderboards to this category if you wish.
*You may have skills equipped when performing runs for this category.

Time Attack Divisions
*You may submit times obtained from Doppelganger challenges or Online Leaderboards to this category if you wish.
*You may not have any skills equipped for times submitted in this category.

Extra Divisions
*If you have a stat of 0:00:00, you may submit 0:00:01 instead until support for the former time is implemented.

Rings Divisions
* In Speed Highway, resetting a bell to make it dispense more rings than it should is not allowed.

Sonic Lost World


Time Divisions
* The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Rings Divisions
* Using an item in normal mode voids your stat.
* The Extra levels are for the ? stages.

Sonic Forces

* Use of Super Sonic in all Classic/Modern missions is prohibited
* Difficulty setting must be set to Hard.
* SOS missions are prohibited.
* Use of the time-stop glitch is not allowed.

Rings Divisions
* Rings must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).
* Entering the slot machines in Stage 13 Casino Forest is prohibited.
* Walking on the waterslide in Stage 14 Aqua Road is prohibited.

Score Divisions
* Submissions shall use the score displayed before the multiplier is applied.
* Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).
* Entering the slot machines in Stage 13 Casino Forest is prohibited.
* Walking on the waterslide in Stage 14 Aqua Road is prohibited.

Sonic 1 (GG)

* Emulation features allowing the Game Gear version of this game to be played in PAL are prohibited.

Score Divisions
*Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).

Sonic 2 (GG)

* Emulation features allowing the Game Gear version of this game to be played in PAL are prohibited.

Score Divisions
*Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).
* Scores must be achieved in 9:58 or less.

Sonic Chaos

* Emulation features allowing the Game Gear version of this game to be played in PAL are prohibited.

Score Divisions
*Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).

Sonic Triple Trouble

*Emulation features allowing this game to be played in PAL are prohibited.

Score Divisions
*Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).
*You may not enter a special stage in the middle of a level.

Sonic Pocket Adventure


Score Divisions
*Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).

Sonic Advance

*When not using Time Attack mode, the difficulty setting must be Normal.

Time Divisions
*Where available, the game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Rings Divisions
*Time Over must be enabled.
*You may not enter a Special Stage in the middle of a level.

Score Divisions
*Time Over must be enabled.
*You may not enter Special Stages in the middle of a level.
*If you die during an act, your submitted score must be the difference between your final score and your score upon respawning from your most recent death.

Sonic Advance 2

*When not using Time Attack mode, the difficulty setting must be Normal.

Time Divisions
*The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Rings Divisions
*Time Over must be enabled.

Score Divisions
*Time Over must be enabled.
*Scores must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).

Boss Divisions
*Where available, the game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Sonic Advance 3

*When not using Time Attack mode, the difficulty setting must be Normal.

Time Divisions
*The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Rings Divisions
*Time Over must be enabled.

Boss Divisions
*Where available, the game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Sonic Rush

*When not using Time Attack mode, the difficulty setting must be Normal.

Time Divisions
*The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Rings Divisions
*Time Over must be enabled.

Boss Divisions
*Where available, the game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Sonic Rush Adventure

*When not using Time Attack mode, the difficulty setting must be Normal.

Time Divisions
*The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Rings Divisions
*Time Over must be enabled.

Boss Divisions
*Where available, the game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Sonic Colors DS

* You may not restart a level or mission between clearing it or fulfilling the mission objective and the results screen being displayed.

Time Divisions
* Where available, the game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Rings Divisions
* Time Over must be enabled.

Boss Divisions
* Where available, the game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records.

Sonic Generations 3DS

* No bonus items from multiplayer mode may be used.

Sonic Lost World 3DS


Time Divisions
*The game's Time Attack mode is to be used for setting records for all stages except Windy Hill Tutorial. For this stage, RC vehicles, items brought into the stage, and Super Sonic are not to be used.

Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal


Rings Divisions
* Rings must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).

Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice


Rings Divisions
* Rings must be attained in a single continuous run (without deaths).
* Entering a Challenge Room is prohibited.

Sonic Drift

* Emulation features allowing this game to be played in PAL are prohibited.

Sonic Drift 2

* Emulation features allowing this game to be played in PAL are prohibited.

Sonic Riders


Time Attack Divisions
* Use of the lap respawn glitch is prohibited.

Race Divisions
* Use of the lap respawn glitch is prohibited.

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing


Race Divisions
* Do not simply submit times shown when pressing the Info button at the course select, since some times that aren't achieved by the player appear for an as of yet unexplained reason.

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing DS


Time Attack Divisions
* You may only submit times that appear on the course select screen.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

* You may use either normal or mirrored tracks for submissions.

Team Sonic Racing


Race Divisions
* All Race Options for Team Race must be left at default (4 Teams, 3 Laps, Mirrored Disabled)
* All Race Options for Standard Race must be left at default (11 AI Racers, 3 Laps, Mirrored Disabled)

Sonic Rivals


Score Divisions
* You may only use five physical attacks in a run.

Sonic Rivals 2


Rings Divisions
* The game's Free Play mode is to be used for setting records.

Score Divisions
* You may only submit scores that are displayed on the act results screen. You may not submit scores that only appear on the Player Stats screen.
* You may only use five physical attacks in a run.

Sonic the Fighters

* Default settings must be used (best-of-three fights, 30 seconds per fight, 5 barriers).
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The Sonic Center v3.9
Copyright 2003-2011 by The Sonic Center Team.