A recent leak of internal files from an old Sega workstation has revealed some new information onSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2, hinting at future plans for the series. TheSonic 4games were relatively short-lived, adopting an episodic release style only to stop after releasing the second game. However, this leak tells a different story, revealing that another game was already being considered. This has been a source of excitement for manySonicfans, as this is the first major update on theSonic 4games sinceSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2released in 2012.
Despite many fans favoring Classic Sonic revivals likeSonic SuperstarsoverSonic 4, perspectives on both episodes have changed since their initial release. Knowing thatEpisode 1was originally intended to be nothing more than a spin-off exclusive to mobile devices, some of theSoniccommunity understand that the name “Sonic 4” comes with expectations that a spin-off could not match. Nevertheless,Episode 2is praised by fans as being a solid sequel that stands up on its own, and many have been eager for a conclusion to the story. With the recent leak, they may finally get answers to whatEpisode 3may have been.
The Leaked Ending Sets Up Sonic 4’s Episode 3
The major asset found in the leak was a cut ending forSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2. The sound for this cutscene had already been found in anaccidentally released beta build forSonic the Hedgehog 4from June 20, 2025. There was some fan speculation about what this could have been used for, especially considering what sounded like a Chaos Emerald, but now fans can rest knowing the audio track’s true intent.
As the credits of the base game roll, the Death Egg mk.2 can be seen drifting through space, slowly losing power as a result of Sonic and Tails destroying the Egg Heart. In the files, this is called “Cutscene 9A”. TheleakedSonicending– dubbed “Cutscene 9C” – is likely to have followed on afterward as a post-credits scene, revealing the space station being restored by the power of the Master Emerald. This clarifies what the sound fans heard all those years ago was, but what may be more surprising is the presence of Knuckles, seemingly assisting Eggman.
Knuckles May Have Been Episode 3’s Secondary Villain
The details of this ending feel very reminiscent of the plot ofSonic 3 & Knuckles, whereKnuckles was tricked by Dr. Robotnikto hand over the Master Emerald, which he then used as a power source to restore the original Death Egg. With this unused ending showing Knuckles inside the Death Egg mk.2 as the Master Emerald powers the base back up, it is very likely that Eggman would have fooled the echidna once again, possibly working alongside him.
Knuckles misplacing his trust is common throughout the entire franchise, so this would not have been an out-of-character decision. In fact, it may have been able to explain an inconsistency in another game. According to theofficialSonic the Hedgehogtimeline,Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 3would’ve taken place beforeSonic Adventure, a game in which Knuckles does not trust Sonic’s intentions from the start of his story. The current state of the timeline shows that Knuckles was still Sonic’s ally betweenSonic 3 & KnucklesandSonic Adventure, so this sudden distrust may have finally been explained byEpisode 3.
Each Sonic 4 Game Reimagines the Classics
Each episode ofSonic 4followed in the footsteps of their classic counterparts, and the leaked ending reveals thatEpisode 3would have done the same.Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1took inspiration from different classic zones but filled them with their own unique gimmicks. Where it reinvented itself, though, is with Modern Sonic’s moveset, bridging the gap between the Classic and Adventure eras.Episode 2’s evolution from its predecessor is much more apparent; inspired by the game that introduced Sonic’s sidekick Tails, this episode builds upon that bond by giving the pair unique Tag Actions to take on new challenges.
What This Might’ve Meant for the Canceled Episode 3
Using the past episodes as a blueprint and Knuckles’ appearance in the cutscene as evidence, it is very likely that he would have returned as a playable character, much likeSonic 3 & Knuckles. Like this game, though, it is doubtful thatKnuckles’ levels or storywould be the same as Sonic’s, with him being able to glide and climb to explore different paths of his own.
Since theSonic 4games like to change the pre-established formula and push the unique qualities of the original trilogy, it’s very possible that this would be the focus. It’s clear from the scrapped ending that Knuckles is already working with Robotnik on the Death Egg mk.2, meaning his perspective of the story would have a different starting point from Sonic. Rather than giving Knuckles his own paths and a handful of unique bosses,Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 3could have given him an exclusive campaign, complete with levels designed specifically with his abilities in mind. This could even include a boss fight against Sonic before they inevitably team up at the end, or the return ofHyper Knuckles fromSonic 3 & Knuckles.
Sonicfans have patiently waited for information onSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 3, and this recent leak may have delivered. However, the excitement building in the community as a result may only stir more eagerness for this final episode in the trilogy to see the light of day. Fans of the series already have a lot tolook forward to in 2025 forSonicfans, so if Sega want to take advantage of this hype, they could consider finally finishing theSonic 4trilogy.
