How to find Hidden Palace Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in Sonic Origins

It’s called hidden for a reason.

Screenshot by Gamepur

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Hidden Palace Zone is one of the more famous pieces of cut content in Sonic the Hedgehog’s history. When Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was being advertised, there were screenshots of this location that were not in the game. It wasn’t until decades later, with the Christian Whitehead mobile port of the game, that we officially got to play through this zone, and it’s been brought back in Sonic Origins. Here is how to find it.

Related: How to unlock Mirror Mode in Sonic Origins

Where is Hidden Palace Zone in Sonic Origins?

Unlike every other zone in the game, the Hidden Palace Zone will not appear during your normal gameplay progression unless you accidentally fall into it. Literally. To find this new level, you need to be on Mystic Cave Zone 2 and reach this location in the level.

Screenshot by Gamepur

In the game’s original release, falling down this hole would land you in a deathtrap of spikes. There was no way to escape. You would just lose a life and be punished for going too fast in this area. You will be taken to the Hidden Palace Zone if you jump down here. If you grab the handlebar and open the bridge, you will be cut off from going to the secret level.

Screenshot by Gamepur

Hidden Palace Zone is unlike the other levels in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 because it is only a zone with one level. There are some gems you can destroy to find bounce springs, and there are some water parts to it, but playing a level that was never supposed to exist is genuinely exciting. When you reach the end, you will have a boss fight against Dr. Eggman like usual, where he will drop spike balls into the water below you.