Sonic & Knuckles/Special stages

In the combined version, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, these are accessed by entering the Hidden Palace Zone through the Special Rings. As Emeralds are acquired, they light up at the altar. Once the collection of the Super Emeralds has begun, the ordinary Chaos Emeralds can no longer be used to become Super Sonic or Super Knuckles. After all 14 Emeralds have been collected, Hyper Knuckles, Hyper Sonic, and Super Tails become available.

Making Rings
Groups of blue spheres can be turned into rings by going around the outside of them.

Example 1
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There must be at least 1 blue sphere in the center.

Example 2
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Notice how only the spheres in the outline and the center turn into rings.

Example 3
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Stage 2 Maps

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