Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is the faster, bigger sequel that brought Tails into the story. Dr. Robotnik is turning animals into robots and building the Death Egg, and Sonic races through zones full of loops, springs and secret paths to stop him. Sonic 2 added the spin dash, the half-pipe special stages and Super Sonic. This is the 1992 Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) game, and it plays right here in your browser with no download.

Already finished it? Continue the story with Sonic & Knuckles.

How to play

1. Press Play under the title picture, then Start (Enter) with 1 PLAYER selected. If you wait on the title screen, the game shows a demo; press Start to return to the title.
2. Run with the arrow keys and jump with Z, X or C. Jumping on enemies and monitors breaks them.
3. Collect rings. While you hold at least one ring, a hit only makes you drop them.
4. Hold down and press jump to charge a spin dash, then let go of down to shoot off at full speed.
5. Reach the signpost at the end of each act. Every zone ends with a fight against Dr. Robotnik.

Controls

Computer: arrow keys run and look up or crouch, Z, X or C jump, down + jump charges the spin dash, Enter is Start and pauses. Move the mouse over the game to show the bar with pause, restart, sound, save state, load state and full screen buttons.

Phone and tablet: the classic three-button pad appears under the game: the cross, A, B and C to jump, and Start.

A USB or Bluetooth gamepad also works.

Cheats

Press the magic wand button next to the full screen button above the game. A small panel opens over the game, and the game waits until you close it.

• Unlimited lives: you always have three lives.
• Unlimited rings: you always hold 50 rings, so a hit never costs a life.
• Super form: all seven Chaos Emeralds and 50 rings. Jump, then press jump again in the air to turn into golden Super Sonic, faster and invincible.

Reloading the page turns the cheats off again.

Special stages and Super Sonic

Touch a star post (the checkpoint lamp) while you hold 50 rings or more, and a circle of stars appears above it. Jump into the stars to enter the half-pipe special stage. Collect the required number of rings before each checkpoint to win a Chaos Emerald. With all seven emeralds and 50 rings, jump and press jump again in the air to become Super Sonic. Super Sonic loses one ring every second and turns back when the rings run out.

About Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sega released Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Mega Drive in November 1992. It was developed by Sega Technical Institute in the United States with Sonic Team members, and it became one of the best-selling Mega Drive games.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sonic 2 free to play here?

Yes. You can play it free in your browser on Yes This Game, with no download and no sign-up.

How do I do the spin dash?

Hold down, press jump a few times to charge, then let go of down.

How do I become Super Sonic?

Collect all seven Chaos Emeralds in the special stages, then with 50 rings jump and press jump again in the air. The Super form cheat does this for you.

Can I play Sonic 2 on my phone?

Yes. On a phone or tablet the three-button pad appears under the game.

Why did the game start in split screen?

That is the demo the game plays on its own. Press Start to go back to the title and choose 1 PLAYER.