A Comprehensive Guide to the Complete Sonic The Hedgehog Timeline

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for the Sonic the Hedgehog series!

The live-action Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has expanded significantly with three feature films and a spin-off TV series, prompting an exploration of the complete Sonic timeline. While the stories across video games, television shows, and comic narratives share common elements, the canon can often feel ambiguous due to varied interpretations.

With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on the horizon, this upcoming installment promises to be even more expansive than its predecessors by adapting key elements from Sonic Adventure 2. The anticipated introduction of key characters like Gerald Robotnik and Shadow the Hedgehog is likely to introduce complex narrative threads, potentially confusing for fans unfamiliar with the established lore.

The Owls & Echidna War

Ages Before The Events Of Sonic The Hedgehog

In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Knuckles recounts the origins of the conflict between the Giant Owls and the Echidna Tribe, an event that unfolded long before the first movie. The Giant Owls, a bird-like alien race, served as protectors on the planet Mobius and coexisted with the Echidnas until the latter forged the Master Emerald—a powerful artifact capable of materializing any thought.

Fearing such immense power should belong to no one, the Giant Owls retaliated against the Echidna Tribe, seizing the Master Emerald and concealing it on Earth. This initiated a prolonged feud, with the Echidnas ruthlessly hunting down the Owls in a bid to recover the Emerald.

Fast forward to a decade prior to Sonic’s arrival, and just one Giant Owl remains—Longclaw. She protects a young Sonic, hiding out on Mobius until the Echidnas discover them. In an act of sacrifice, Longclaw sends Sonic to Earth for safety, becoming a distant memory for him.

Project Shadow

50 Years Before Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Following the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, a pivotal moment is revealed in the post-credits scene—Project Shadow, which occurred half a century prior. This major narrative thread is expected to play a substantial role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. In the game’s storyline, Project Shadow was designed by Gerald Robotnik to explore the quest for immortality. However, it resulted in the creation of Shadow the Hedgehog. G.U.N. intervenes, leading to Shadow’s containment and Gerald’s execution.

Sonic The Hedgehog & Knuckles’ Origin Stories

Around 10 Years Before The Events Of Sonic The Hedgehog

After Sonic’s arrival on Earth as a child, he spends three years in isolation before settling in a hidden cave in Green Hills, Montana. As time passes, his loneliness drives him to explore the nearby town, attracting the attention of local humans, including Tom Wachowski and Doctor Robotnik.

Similarly, Knuckles, as a child of the Echidna Tribe, became aware of Sonic’s existence when the tribe tracked down Longclaw. In a tragic turn of events, Longclaw defeats several Echidnas, including Knuckles’ father. This deeply impacts Knuckles, shaping him into a determined warrior bent on finding Sonic, which sets the stage for Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Sonic The Hedgehog 1

The First Movie In The Timeline

The original Sonic the Hedgehog movie sets the foundation for the entire series. The plot follows Sonic’s quest as his teleportation rings are stolen, leading him and Tom to San Francisco while pursued by Doctor Robotnik and government agents. The climax features Robotnik retrieving one of Sonic’s quills, initiating the infamous San Francisco Incident. Ultimately, Sonic manages to banish Robotnik to the Mushroom Planet, choosing to reside with the Wachowskis, while Tails arrives, seeking out Sonic.

The Creation Of The Guardian Units Of Nations

In Between The First Two Sonic The Hedgehog Movies

Shadow the Hedgehog with Robotnik and Stone

In response to Sonic’s appearance and the chaos caused by Robotnik during the San Francisco Incident, the U.S. government forms the Guardian Unit of Nations (G.U.N.). Headed by Commander Walters, this initiative aims to enhance the nation’s readiness against extraterrestrial threats. The creation of G.U.N. reflects a militarized strategy targeting large-scale dangers, such as the potential return of Robotnik and investigations surrounding the enigmatic Project Shadow.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2

One Year After The Events Of Sonic The Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 resumes one year post the first film. Knuckles is lured to the Mushroom Planet by Sonic’s quill and ultimately allies with Doctor Robotnik to hunt for the Master Emerald and Sonic. Meanwhile, Tails arrives to warn Sonic about the threat posed by Robotnik. The narrative escalates as Robotnik discovers the Master Emerald, granting him overwhelming power. With Knuckles joining Team Sonic, they collaborate to confront the formidable Robotnik and his massive creation. Their eventual victory leads Knuckles and Tails to make Green Hills their new home alongside Sonic and the Wachowskis.

Knuckles

Shortly After The Events Of Sonic The Hedgehog 2

The spinoff series focused on Knuckles unfolds between the second and third films, showcasing the developing bond between Knuckles and Wade Whipple. As Knuckles trains Wade to be the quintessential warrior, they embark on a journey to Reno, where Wade must confront his estranged father in a bowling showdown. In the midst of this, Knuckles faces threats from former G.U.N. agents and criminal organizations utilizing Robotnik’s technology and Team Sonic’s quills for ulterior motives.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3

Sometime After The Events Of Sonic The Hedgehog 2 & Knuckles

Sonic and Knuckles concerned about Shadow

Although Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is yet to be released, trailers and promotional content have already hinted at key plot points. This installment appears to introduce G.U.N.’s discovery of Project Shadow, as Shadow the Hedgehog escapes from Prison Island. Team Sonic finds itself caught between facing this new threat and the manipulative schemes of Ivo Robotnik and Gerald Robotnik, who aim to exploit Shadow for their agendas. The introduction of Project Shadow signals that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 could prove to be the most impactful film in the franchise to date.

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