In Sonic Rivals, there are 6 Zones, areas of Onyx Island or space.
Forest Falls Zone[edit]
This is the first Zone, Forest Falls, and as such it is the easiest. This is where the story starts, and in Sonic and Knuckles' stories, they meet. It has waterfalls and lots of loops, and greatly resembles the first stage in a number of games, particularly a cross of Mushroom Hill and Green Hill from Sonic and Knuckles and Sonic. Enemies include Venoom and the boss is the Egg Turtle.
Colosseum Highway Zone[edit]
The second level has a Romanesque theme, which also appears desert like at points. There is a very large loop in this level. At the end of Act 1, to progress the player jumps into a catapult and is flung to the finish line. Enemies include Vultur, a flying enemy, and the boss is Egg Falcon.
Sky Park Zone[edit]
This is the typical Carnival level, a recurring theme in almost every sonic game from its conception. It can be quite frustrating at times as there are disappearing platforms in this level. Enemies of this level include Mono Clown, and the second Act consists of a race versus Metal Sonic. There is no boss for this stage.
Crystal Mountain Zone[edit]
This level is an icy mountainous area. There are trees which, when hit, drop a frozen ice block similar to the one left by the ice powerup in its defensive form. Enemies here include Yetee, and the boss is the Egg Lynx.
Death Yard Zone[edit]
This is a very technological area, and the last on Onyx Island. There's two sections where the racers grab onto a giant wrecking ball and swing across the map. It also has a zipline that both players ride on and a lot of bottomless pits. The Second Act is also a race against metal Sonic. The enemies here include Metal Hound and the boss is Egg Kong, where instead of competing with a rival, the competition is with Metal Sonic. The name is an homage to Spring Yard Zone in Sonic 1.
Meteor Base Zone[edit]
This is the final level, and it takes place in outer space. It is reminiscent of Meteor Herd, a Knuckles level from Sonic Adventure 2. This level, in story mode, has no rival to race, but instead is a race against time. There are a lot of rings in this level. Additionally, two other characters will aid you in your progression through the level, instead of competing with you. There is lava on the ground. Other areas resemble asteroids. At the end of the first act appears to be an energy source. After this, the final boss is fought and the credits roll. The characters get their respective goals, and all imprisoned people and items are released. Enemies here include Egg Pawn, and the boss is Egg Destroyer.