Highlights
"The Final Horizon" - Sonic Frontiers' long-awaited third DLC update, is slated to launch on September 28th. Get ready for an exhilarating adventure as this update introduces a captivating storyline along with the introduction of beloved characters such as Amy, Knuckles, and Tails.
The upcoming update is anticipated to introduce fresh challenges, enhancing the game's depth and replayability. Although the reward for completing the challenge mode remains undisclosed, it is possible that players may unlock access to Super Sonic in unexplored regions.
Gamers should anticipate a significant update, surpassing or equaling the previous updates in terms of content. These previous updates showcased new Koco, improvements to enhance gameplay experience, and additional music options for the game's Juke Box.
Sonic Frontiers surprised fans at Gamescom Opening Night Live by announcing the upcoming release of its highly anticipated third DLC update. The announcement was accompanied by a visually stunning promotional trailer, which followed the announcement of the release date for the classic 2D side-scrolling game Sonic Superstars. The trailer took viewers by surprise as it transitioned from a cute and whimsical atmosphere to a more intense and serious setting, with the iconic blue character leading both friends and enemies into battle.
While Sonic Superstars is scheduled to be available in stores in October, the final Sonic Frontiers update, titled "The Final Horizon update", will be released to all players on September 28. Although some details about the update had been previously revealed, the trailer completely shattered fan expectations by offering glimpses of new features, including a unique boss fight against a titan, an enhanced Super Sonic transformation, and other unexpected additions.
What's Known About Sonic Frontiers' Third Update
Fans were already aware of The Final Horizon as it was included in Frontiers' DLC roadmap, which was released less than a month after the game's launch. According to the roadmap, the third update would introduce a new storyline and add new playable characters to Sonic Frontiers. The announcement specifically mentioned Amy, Knuckles, Tails, and Sage, causing speculation about whether they would receive the same treatment as Sonic himself.
However, the truth behind this question was leaked early on during the first Sonic Frontiers update. Dataminers discovered files that indicated Tails, Amy, and Knuckles would indeed be playable. This suggests that the inclusion of Sage in the teaser image for the third update implies she will play a significant role in The Final Horizon's story. This makes sense given the events and true ending of Frontiers.
What to Expect from Sonic Frontiers' The Final Horizon Update
The Final Horizon, the final DLC update, has exceeded fans' original expectations with its abundance of content. Although fans may have initially thought that the time spent with the new playable characters would be limited, the Final Horizon trailer hints that Sonic will need the help of his friends to defeat The End, who has gained control over a formidable new titan. According to a press release from Japan, playing as Tails, Knuckles, and Amy could potentially lead to a different ending for the main game.
Another notable detail about the third DLC is the addition of "new challenges," alongside everything else. These challenges are expected to be similar to the ones introduced in previous updates, such as the Open-Zone Challenge, Battle Rush, and Cyber Space Challenge. These modes offered players an extensive and appropriately named experience that required time and mastery to unlock new features, like Sonic's Spin Dash. While the specifics of The Final Horizon's challenge mode remain unknown, it is likely to provide its own rewards for completionists aiming for an S Rank.
However, determining the exact nature of this reward is difficult. Once players have cleared all current challenge modes in Extreme Difficulty, they are already able to Spin Dash and Power Boost to their heart's content. However, one possibility for the game is to allow Super Sonic to be accessed on the islands where fans have collected all the Chaos Emeralds, including the new blue-eyed form showcased in the trailer.
Regardless of the specific reward that awaits players at the conclusion of The Final Horizon and its challenge mode, fans should brace themselves for a significant update that matches or even surpasses the scale of the previous two updates. The previous updates introduced new Koco, improved the quality of life in the game, and added more music to Sonic Frontiers' Juke Box. While the focus of the third update will likely be on the playable characters and story, players can expect a plethora of new content to discover upon its release.
Sonic Frontiers is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.