View source for Knuckles the Echidna

{{Short description|Video game character}}{{About|the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' character|the comic series based on this character|Knuckles the Echidna (comics)|the television miniseries|Knuckles (TV series)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Knuckles the Echidna
| image = Knuckles the Echidna.png
| caption = Classic (''left'') and Modern (''right'') Knuckles designs
| first = ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (1994)
| series = [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]
| creator = {{ubl|Takashi Yuda|Pamela Kelly}}
| designer = {{ubl|Takashi Yuda|Yuji Uekawa}}
| species = [[Short-beaked echidna]]
| voice = {{Collapsible list|title=[[Japanese language|Japanese]]
|[[Yasunori Matsumoto]] (1996 OVA)
|[[Nobutoshi Canna]] (1998–present)<ref name="btva"/>
|[[Subaru Kimura]] ([[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|live action franchise]])<ref name="Paramount Film 2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-03-03/sonic-the-hedgehog-2-film-japanese-dub-trailer-reveals-tails-knuckles-cast/.183225|title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Film's Japanese Dub Trailer Reveals Tails, Knuckles Cast|date=27 May 2023|access-date=2022-03-05|archive-date=2022-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305003919/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-03-03/sonic-the-hedgehog-2-film-japanese-dub-trailer-reveals-tails-knuckles-cast/.183225|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
{{Collapsible list|title=[[English language|English]]
|[[Brian Drummond]] (''[[Sonic Underground]]'')<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Knuckles the Echidna Voices (Sonic the Hedgehog) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Knuckles-the-Echidna/ |website=Behind The Voice Actors |access-date=31 January 2021 |archive-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324114132/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-The-Hedgehog/Knuckles-the-Echidna/ |url-status=live }} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref>
|[[Bill Wise]] ([[Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA)|OVA]])<ref name="btva"/>
|Michael McGaharn ([[Sonic Adventure|1999]])<ref name="btva"/>
|[[Ryan Drummond]] ([[Sonic Shuffle|2000]])<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url= http://www.sonic-cult.org/dispart.php?catid=3&gameid=4&subid=2&artid=1 |title=Sonic Cult // Sonic - Post 16 bit // Sonic Adventure // Interviews // Interview with Ryan Drummond //|website=www.sonic-cult.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918022558/http://www.sonic-cult.org/dispart.php?catid=3&gameid=4&subid=2&artid=1|access-date=16 February 2018|archive-date=2017-09-18}}</ref>
|Scott Dreier (2001–2004)<ref name="ScottDreier">{{cite web|url=http://www.scottdreier.com/about/|title=About|website=Scott Dreier|access-date=16 February 2018|archive-date=3 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203213836/http://www.scottdreier.com/about|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[Dan Green (voice actor)|Dan Green]] (2003–2010)
|[[Travis Willingham]] (2010–2018)<ref name="btva"/>
|[[Dave B. Mitchell]] (2019–present)<ref name="btva"/>
|[[Idris Elba]] ([[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|live action franchise]])<ref name="TheWrap">{{Cite web|date=2021-08-10|title=Idris Elba to Voice Knuckles in 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/idris-elba-to-voice-knuckles-in-sonic-the-hedgehog-2/|access-date=2021-08-10|website=TheWrap|archive-date=2021-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810192738/https://www.thewrap.com/idris-elba-to-voice-knuckles-in-sonic-the-hedgehog-2/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[Fred Tatasciore]] (2022; ''Sonic Drone Home'')<ref name="Megavisions">{{Cite web|url=https://www.megavisions.net/new-sonic-movie-short-sonic-drone-home-available-to-watch/|title=New Sonic movie short, 'Sonic Drone Home', available to watch|date=May 24, 2022|access-date=May 25, 2022|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922151342/https://www.megavisions.net/new-sonic-movie-short-sonic-drone-home-available-to-watch/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Adam Nurada (''[[Sonic Prime]]'')<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=August 19, 2022|title=Sonic Prime will reportedly debut on Netflix in December|url=https://mynintendonews.com/2022/08/19/sonic-prime-will-reportedly-debut-on-netflix-in-december/|access-date=December 8, 2022|archive-date=August 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831090621/https://mynintendonews.com/2022/08/19/sonic-prime-will-reportedly-debut-on-netflix-in-december/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[Vincent Tong (voice actor)|Vincent Tong]] (''Sonic Prime''; Shatterverse counterparts)<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=December 19, 2022|title='Sonic Prime' Voice Cast and Where You've Heard Them Before|url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/sonic-prime-voice-cast-where-youve-heard-them-before/|access-date=February 12, 2023|archive-date=February 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212194202/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/sonic-prime-voice-cast-where-youve-heard-them-before/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
| origin = Angel Island Zone
}}
{{nihongo foot|'''Knuckles the Echidna'''|ナックルズ・ザ・エキドゥナ|Nakkuruzu za Ekiduna|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a character from [[Sega]]'s ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series. He is an [[anthropomorphic]] red [[short-beaked echidna]] who is [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]]'s secondary best friend and former [[rival]]. Determined and serious, but sometimes gullible, he fights his enemies using brute force and strength. His role is established as the guardian of the Master Emerald, a large gemstone which controls the series' integral [[Chaos Emeralds]], and is the last living member of his tribe, the Knuckles [[Clan]].

Knuckles debuted as one of the main antagonists in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (1994); in ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'', he first became a playable character. In the games' story, [[Doctor Eggman]] manipulates him into opposing Sonic and [[Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Tails]]. After antagonizing the duo, he forms a temporary alliance with them after learning of Eggman's trickery. Since then, he has appeared in numerous playable and non-playable roles, as well as in several series of [[comic book]]s, Western animated television, and Japanese [[anime]], in addition to the feature films ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', he stars in the live action ''[[Knuckles (TV series)|Knuckles]]'' television miniseries.

One of the series' most popular characters, Knuckles has appeared in most games in the franchise, including those for the main series and spin-offs. His likeness has been frequently utilized in ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' merchandise, with the character also being subject to various [[Internet meme]]s.

==Concept and creation==
[[File:Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Knuckles concept art.png|thumb|left|190px|Multiple prototype designs of Knuckles the Echidna]]
During conception of ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'', the development team wanted to create a new rival for Sonic.<ref name="Naka interview 96">{{cite web |url=http://www.sega.com/features/allsonic/creator/naka04.html |title=Sonic's Creator - Yuji Naka|publisher=Sega.com|access-date=August 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970605172353/http://www.sega.com/features/allsonic/creator/naka04.html |archive-date=June 5, 1997}}</ref> The final design of Knuckles was the result of dozens of possible designs inspired by numerous different animals. In collaboration between the Sonic Team and Sega of America's product marketing manager, Pamela Kelly, the final character of "Knuckles" was chosen.<ref name="Naka interview 96"/><ref name="sost">{{cite web|url=http://sost.emulationzone.org/sonic_3/interview/rogerhector.htm|title=Secrets of Sonic Team: Interview with Roger Hector, former Director of Sega Technical Institute|access-date=February 28, 2008|publisher=EmulationZone|archive-date=January 14, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070114233940/http://sost.emulationzone.org/sonic_3/interview/rogerhector.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The emphasis of the character was to break walls,<ref name="Naka interview PPF">{{cite web|url=http://www2.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_sonicteam.php?article=nakainterviewsonic |publisher=Sega.com |title=Sonic Central interview: Yuji Naka on Sonic's Past, Present, Future |access-date=July 7, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526174339/http://www2.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_sonicteam.php?article=nakainterviewsonic |archive-date=May 26, 2010 }}</ref> with the original idea being a 'whirlwind' ability, rather than punching.<ref>{{Cite web |last=The Nomad |first=Barry |date=March 22, 2022 |title=Early Knuckles the Echidna art and details emerge from newly uncovered internal document |url=https://sonicretro.org/2022/03/22/early-knuckles-the-echidna-art-and-details-emerge-from-newly-uncovered-internal-document/ |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=Sonic Retro |archive-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325173827/https://sonicretro.org/2022/03/22/early-knuckles-the-echidna-art-and-details-emerge-from-newly-uncovered-internal-document/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Knuckles was created by developer Takashi Yuda and Pamela Kelly who never intended him to be any more than a "supporting character".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/sonic-riders/683757p1.html|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|date=January 27, 2006|last=Theobald|first=Phil|title=Sega Talks Sonic Riders Part Two|access-date=April 2, 2014|archive-date=December 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206005525/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/sonic-riders/683757p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Knuckles was introduced in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' as an "intimidator" because of his powerful abilities and physical strength.<ref name="IGN Bio">{{cite web|title=Knuckles the Echidna Biography|url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/962/962521_biography.html|website=IGN|access-date=October 26, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304040140/http://www.ign.com/characters/knuckles-the-echidna|archive-date=March 4, 2014}}</ref> He was given a headlining role in the next game, ''Sonic & Knuckles'', where he made his first appearance as a playable character.<ref name="IGN smash">{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|date=October 12, 2007|title=Smash It Up! - Sonic Team|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/13/smash-it-up-sonic-team?amp=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318202845/http://wii.ign.com/articles/827/827234p1.html|archive-date=March 18, 2012|access-date=October 26, 2014|website=IGN}}</ref>

===Voice portrayal===
[[File:Dave B. Mitchell by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|198x198px|Actor [[Dave B. Mitchell]] (pictured in 2022) has been voicing Knuckles since 2019.]]
Knuckles has been voiced by several different actors over the years. In the Japanese dubs, he was voiced by [[Yasunori Matsumoto]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA)|Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie]]''
and by [[Nobutoshi Canna]] since 1998, beginning with ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''.<ref name="btva"/>

In animation, he was voiced by [[Brian Drummond]] in ''[[Sonic Underground]]'' and by [[Bill Wise]] in the English dub of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA)|Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie]]''.<ref name="btva"/>

In the video games, Knuckles was originally voiced by Michael McGaharn in ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', and then by [[Ryan Drummond]] in ''[[Sonic Shuffle]]''.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="btva"/> Scott Dreier began voicing the character in 2001, starting with ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''.<ref name="ScottDreier"/> He continued to voice the character for three more years until 2004, his final role as Knuckles was in ''[[Sonic Advance 3]]''.<ref name="ScottDreier"/> [[Dan Green (voice actor)|Dan Green]] began voicing the character in the anime series ''[[Sonic X]]'', he would later take over the role in the video games in 2005, starting with ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''.<ref name="btva"/> In 2010, he was replaced by [[Travis Willingham]], beginning with ''[[Sonic Free Riders]]''.<ref name="btva"/> Willingham continued voicing the character until 2018, and his final role as Knuckles was in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.<ref name="btva"/> Since 2019, Knuckles has been voiced by [[Dave B. Mitchell]], beginning with ''[[Team Sonic Racing]]''.<ref name="btva"/> In the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|live-action subfranchise]], Knuckles is voiced by [[Idris Elba]].<ref name="TheWrap"/><ref name="SequelAndKnuckles">{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=February 15, 2022 |title='Sonic The Hedgehog' Universe Continues To Grow As Sega And Paramount Sign Off On Third Film As Well As A 'Knuckles' Spin-Off Series In The Works At Paramount+ With Idris Elba Reprising Role |url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-sega-paramount-third-installment-knuckles-spin-off-series-idris-elba-1234933921/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215220856/https://deadline.com/2022/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-sega-paramount-third-installment-knuckles-spin-off-series-idris-elba-1234933921/ |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |access-date=February 15, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=February 2, 2024 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Adds Krysten Ritter, Cristo Fernández, Alyla Browne, and More |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-adds-krysten-ritter-cristo-fernndez-alyla-browne-and-more |access-date=February 2, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202171109/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-adds-krysten-ritter-cristo-fernndez-alyla-browne-and-more |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 2022 Sonic short film, ''Sonic Drone Home'', Knuckles is voiced by [[Fred Tatasciore]].<ref name="Megavisions"/> In the [[Netflix]] series ''[[Sonic Prime]]'', Knuckles is voiced by Adam Nurada,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/sonic-prime-release-date-december-2022-netflix/ | title=Sonic Prime Brings a New Animated Adventure to Netflix This December | date=27 October 2022 | access-date=2 November 2022 | archive-date=2 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102150035/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/sonic-prime-release-date-december-2022-netflix/ | url-status=live }}</ref> while his Shatterverse counterparts (respectively named Renegade Knucks, Gnarly Knuckles, and Knuckles the Dread) are voiced by [[Vincent Tong (voice actor)|Vincent Tong]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Sonic-Prime/|title=Sonic Prime (2022 TV Show) - Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=February 12, 2023|archive-date=March 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324094611/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Sonic-Prime/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
Knuckles is an anthropomorphic red short-beaked echidna, the only living descendant of a well-established clan of echidnas.<ref name="EUR profile"/> For many years, his clan guarded a giant gemstone called the Master Emerald, which controls the [[Chaos Emeralds]], objects central to the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' game series.<ref name="jp profile">{{cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/Knuckles/index.html |script-title=ja:ナックルズ・ザ・エキドゥナ|language=ja|publisher=Sonic.sega.jp|access-date=January 8, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061231041629/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/knuckles/index.html |archive-date=December 31, 2006}}</ref> As such, Knuckles has spent most of his life atop a [[Floating island (fiction)|floating island]] called Angel Island, guarding the Master Emerald from harm.<ref name="Sonic Adventure 2 profile">''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' (Dreamcast) [https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sega_Dreamcast//Manual/formated/Sonic_Adventure_2_-_2001_-_Sega.pdf instruction manual] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607211105/https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sega_Dreamcast/Manual/formated/Sonic_Adventure_2_-_2001_-_Sega.pdf |date=2020-06-07 }}, pp. 10–11. (PDF)</ref> He has grown up fairly [[extraversion and introversion|introverted]] as a result.<ref name="EUR profile"/>

Knuckles has a personality described as cool.<ref name="Sonic Central"/> However, he sometimes loses his composure and gets in fights with [[List of Sonic the Hedgehog video game characters|other characters]], and he can be shy around girls.<ref name="Sonic Jam profile">[[Sega]] (1997). ''[[Sonic Jam]]'', Sega Saturn. Sonic World's Character Profiles (in [[English language|English]])</ref> His favorite food is [[grape]]s, and his relationship with [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]] is ambivalent. However, in later games, their relationship became more unequivocal: Knuckles entered the series as an antagonist of Sonic but later becomes one of the protagonists and sees him as a partner,<ref name="GSpy Naka">{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/articles/654/654749p1.html |last=Kemps |first=Heidi |title=Sega's Yuji Naka Talks! |access-date=October 26, 2014 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |date=September 30, 2005 |archive-date=June 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624050230/http://ps2.gamespy.com/articles/654/654749p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Advance 3"/><ref name="Heroes">[[Sega]] (2003). ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' [https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sony_Playstation_2//Manual/formated/Sonic_Heroes_-_2003_-_Sega.pdf instruction manual] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630101349/https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sony_Playstation_2/Manual/formated/Sonic_Heroes_-_2003_-_Sega.pdf |date=2019-06-30 }}, pp. 7–8. (PDF)</ref> while envying Sonic's adventurous lifestyle.<ref name="Sonic Central">{{cite web|author=Sega of America |publisher=Sega.com |url=http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters |title=Sonic's official character profile from Sega of America |access-date=March 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217221441/http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters |archive-date=February 17, 2009 }}</ref> He is depicted as somewhat gullible and very rash, especially when angered.<ref name="jp profile"/><ref name="bright"/> Knuckles has often been tricked by [[Doctor Robotnik]] due to his naivety, but is stated in one game manual to have become more skeptical of him, possibly due to the multiple times of getting fooled by Robotnik.<ref>''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'' (Wii) instruction manual, p. 4.</ref>

While slower than Sonic, Knuckles is depicted as one of the series's strongest characters and a skilled [[martial arts|martial artist]]: his brawny physique allows him to lift objects many times his size and weight, while his powerful fists enable him to smash boulders and break through solid ground.<ref name="EUR profile">{{cite web |url=http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/knuckles/index.html |title=Sonic City |access-date=March 4, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080225070243/http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/knuckles/index.html |archive-date = February 25, 2008 |author=<!-- not stated --> |website=sonic-city.com |publisher=[[SEGA]] }}</ref><ref name="jp profile"/> He can also glide long distances and climb up walls using the spikes of his gloves.<ref name="jp profile"/> Unlike Sonic, Knuckles is able to swim.<ref name="Advance 3">[[Sega]] (2004). ''[[Sonic Advance 3]]'' instruction manual, pp. 12-13.</ref> As is typical among ''Sonic'' characters, Knuckles can roll into a ball to attack enemies.<ref name="Sonic & Knuckles">[[Sega]] (1994). ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' [https://www.digitpress.com/library/manuals/genesis/sonic%20&%20knucles.pdf instruction manual] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121100747/https://www.digitpress.com/library/manuals/genesis/sonic%20%26%20knucles.pdf |date=2022-01-21 }}, pp. 7–8. (PDF)</ref> He also has an empowered "[[Super transformation (Sonic the Hedgehog)|super]]" form: using the Chaos Emeralds allows him to transform into Super Knuckles. Using the Super Emeralds allows him to transform into Hyper Knuckles.<ref name="chronicles super">{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]] |developer=Bioware |publisher=Sega |platform=Nintendo DS |level=Codex }}</ref>

==Appearances==

===In video games===
Knuckles debuted in the 1994 [[Sega Genesis]] game ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3''. Knuckles joins the series's primary antagonist Dr. Robotnik after being tricked into thinking that Sonic is attempting to steal the Master Emerald; Knuckles fights Sonic at several points throughout the game. Robotnik's betrayal is revealed late in ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' when he steals the Master Emerald and attacks Knuckles, ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' is also the first game where he became a player character, his story takes place after ''Sonic's Story''.<ref name="ign sand"/> A similar plot follows in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble]]''. While Knuckles's canonical playable debut comes in ''Sonic & Knuckles'', he is playable in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2|Sonic 2]]'' and ''3'' via the Genesis' [[Sonic & Knuckles#Lock-on technology|lock-on technology]].<ref name="ign sand">{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/02/22/sonic-knuckles-review|title=Sonic & Knuckles Review|website=[[IGN]]|date=February 22, 2010|access-date=March 13, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714200548/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/02/22/sonic-knuckles-review|url-status=live}}</ref> Knuckles starred in ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]'' for the [[Sega 32X]], in which he serves as the guardian of an island [[amusement park]] and rescues his friends—collectively known as the [[Chaotix]]—from Robotnik in 1995. He teams up with them individually, creating an unusual gameplay style involving two characters being tethered together.<ref>''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]'' [https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sega_32X//Manual/formated/Knuckles-_Chaotix_-_1995_-_Sega.pdf instruction manual] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328214947/https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sega_32X/Manual/formated/Knuckles-_Chaotix_-_1995_-_Sega.pdf |date=2019-03-28 }}, p. 2. (PDF)</ref>

Eggman shatters the Master Emerald, thus freeing [[Chaos (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Chaos]] who appears before Knuckles, the pieces are scattered around, and Chaos flees in ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Adventure]]|developer=[[Sonic Team]]|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Knuckles: Something's happened to the Master Emerald!}}</ref> To restore the Emerald, thereby protecting Angel Island,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Knuckles: Without the Master Emerald's power, this whole island will fall into the ocean!}}</ref> he searches through various expansive levels for pieces.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Knuckles: It's up to me to find the missing pieces of the Master Emerald.}}</ref> At one point, he defeats Chaos,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Knuckles: It's that creature again! The same one I saw on my island.}}</ref> and Eggman tricks Knuckles into thinking that Sonic is trying to collect Emerald shards for his own purposes.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Eggman: He's after the pieces of the Master Emerald, too!}}</ref> Knuckles finds Sonic holding two Chaos Emeralds he thinks are Master Emerald shards, and attacks him.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Knuckles: All right! Put 'em up! Hand over the Emerald now!}}</ref> This knocks them out of Sonic's hands,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Sonic: Oh no! The Chaos Emeralds...!}}</ref> so Eggman shows up to steal them and leaves.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Eggman: Ha! That's all there is to it. You guys are too easy!}}</ref> He initially stays on Earth to look for pieces while Sonic and [[Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Tails]] follow Eggman,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Sonic: No problem, Knuckles! We'll take care of everything here.}}</ref> but later joins them aboard Eggman's airship, the Egg Carrier, after seeing a vision of there being more pieces on it.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Knuckles: Hey look! It's Eggman's flying fortress. That's where the rest of the pieces must be.}}</ref> He finds the final pieces and is confronted by Chaos' final form,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Knuckles: No! It can't be! I guess he didn't get enough the first time!}}</ref> then returns to the Emerald's island to restore it.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote=Knuckles: This should do it! Perfect. All is well, now! The Master Emerald and the island have been restored.}}</ref>

Early in ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'', Knuckles and [[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]] argue over the Emerald;<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Adventure 2]]|developer=[[Sega Studio USA]]|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Knuckles: What are you talking about? That Emerald's mine!}}</ref> she wants the pieces for her personal collection. Eggman tries to steal it,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Rouge: Whaa... thief!}}</ref> so Knuckles shatters it aboard Eggman's hovercraft, sending the pieces every which way, while also mentioning that if the shards are found they can be made whole. He spends the game recollecting the pieces like in ''Adventure''.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Knuckles: I did that to prevent the Master Emerald from being stolen, you idiot! If it's in pieces, I can restore it.}}</ref> He later helps Sonic, Tails, and Amy find Eggman's base inside a [[Egyptian pyramids|giant pyramid]]<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Knuckles: I saw Eggman go inside the pyramid and more importantly, I saw that bat go inside with him as well.}}</ref> and a key to an inner chamber housing a giant [[Space Shuttle]].<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Knuckles: What? Why do I have to find the key?}}</ref> He follows them to a giant space station called the ARK with it, where he again scuffles with Rouge over the Emerald.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Knuckles and Rouge in unison: Stop fooling around, and give me back MY Emeralds!}}</ref> He saves her from falling into a constructed pit of [[lava]];<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Rouge: Keep your hands to yourself! Don't touch me!}}</ref> she decides the shards are worthless and dismissively lets him keep them,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Rouge: Fine, just take them. They stink like echidnas do.}}</ref> so he reassembles the Emerald and runs off.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Knuckles: Finally.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Rouge: We should get going.}}</ref> The antagonist [[Gerald Robotnik]], Eggman's grandfather, initiates a program to send the ARK on a collision course with Earth as revenge for an attack on the ARK decades earlier,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Gerald: All of you humans who took everything away from me will feel my loss and despair!}}</ref> so Knuckles teams up with the other playable characters to reroute it.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 19, 2001|quote=Knuckles: That's right. If I use this, we just might be able to stop the Chaos Emerald!}}</ref>

Knuckles serves as a power-based character in ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' alongside Sonic and Tails, who respectively represent speed and flight.<ref name="heroes 7">''Sonic Heroes'' (GameCube) instruction manual, p. 7.</ref> They team up to defeat Eggman after receiving a letter saying that he will destroy the world in three days.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Heroes]]|developer=Sonic Team USA|publisher=Sega|date=January 5, 2004|quote=Eggman: In 3 days, I will conquer the world. Think you can stop me?}}</ref> However, it turns out that Eggman is being impersonated by [[Metal Sonic]], whom all of the other characters defeat together.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Heroes|developer=Sonic Team USA|publisher=Sega|date=January 5, 2004|quote=Eggman: Aaaa... If only we had the 7 Chaos Emeralds!}}</ref> Knuckles helps Sonic, Tails, [[Amy Rose]], and [[Cream the Rabbit]] stop Eggman from building an empire in the ''[[Sonic Advance]]'' [[Sonic Advance 3|trilogy]].<ref>''[[Sonic Advance]]'' (Game Boy Advance) instruction manual, p. 4.</ref><ref>''[[Sonic Advance 2]]'' instruction manual, p. 4.</ref><ref>''[[Sonic Advance 3]]'' instruction manual, p. 12.</ref> With the same team, Knuckles recurs in ''[[Sonic Riders]]'' and its two sequels; in each game, they participate in board-racing competitions together.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Riders]]|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=February 21, 2006|quote=Knuckles: (about [[Wave the Swallow]]) Did she say red MUTT?!}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=January 8, 2008|quote=Knuckles: Anytime... Babylon Rogues.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Free Riders]]|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=November 4, 2010|quote=Knuckles: Step aside!}}</ref> In another team-based installment, the [[role-playing video game|role-playing game]] ''[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]'', Knuckles is a playable character with a major role in the story. The game begins with Tails informing Sonic that Knuckles has been kidnapped, so a team beginning as Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Rouge must rescue him. He is eventually saved, and it is revealed that the echidna race is still alive in the form of the helpful Shade the Echidna and her villainous tribe, the Nocturnus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood-review/1900-6199160/|website=[[GameSpot]]|last=Stella|first=Shiva|title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Review|date=October 10, 2008|access-date=October 26, 2014|archive-date=May 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519181742/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood-review/1900-6199160/|url-status=live}}</ref>

He is a minor character in ''[[Sonic Rush]]'',<ref name="bright">{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Rush]]|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=November 15, 2005|quote=Cream: He's a tough guy, but he isn't very bright.)}}</ref> where he accosts [[Blaze the Cat]] under the impression that she has stolen Chaos Emeralds.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Rush|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=November 15, 2005|quote=Knuckles: I can sense their power here!}}</ref> In the [[Nintendo DS]] version of ''[[Sonic Colors]]'', Knuckles arrives at an amusement park Eggman has created after receiving a letter.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Colors]] (Nintendo DS)|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=November 16, 2010|quote=Rouge: Are you saying you didn't come here because of one of Eggman's letters?}}</ref> Frustrated at having been tricked,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Colors (Nintendo DS)|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=November 16, 2010|quote=Tails: So, um, Knuckles? How'd he trick you this time?}}</ref> he challenges Sonic to a race as a mission,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Colors (Nintendo DS)|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=November 16, 2010|quote=Knuckles: Hey, I'll, uhh... Race you through that ride! C'mon, are you chicken?!}}</ref> but shortly learns that Rouge wrote the letter inviting him to the park. He has a short argument with Rouge.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Colors (Nintendo DS)|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=November 16, 2010|quote=Rouge: Well, if you must know, I was the one who wrote that letter. Satisfied?}}</ref> Modern Knuckles gives Classic and Modern Sonic missions and helpful advice in ''[[Sonic Generations]]''.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Generations]]|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=November 1, 2011|quote=Knuckles: Look carefully while you're on the Zip Line after the Warp Point. There's another Zip Line that'll lead to a path with a Red Star Ring.|level=Hub world (outside Sky Sanctuary)}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Generations]]|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=November 1, 2011|quote=Mission description: Knuckles: Buried Treasure / Press Y to make Knuckles dig up Medals! Collect a set number and reach the goal in time!|level=Hub world (outside Sky Sanctuary)}}</ref> In ''[[Sonic Lost World]]'', Knuckles and [[Amy Rose|Amy]] look after forest animals while Sonic and Tails rescue the animals' friends.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Lost World]]|developer=Sonic Team|date=October 29, 2013|publisher=Sega|quote=Amy: Sonic and Tails'll get your buddies back.}}</ref> Later, the Deadly Six take control of one of Eggman's machines to drain life from the world,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Lost World|developer=Sonic Team|date=October 29, 2013|publisher=Sega|quote=Amy: It's like something in the sky is draining the life out of the world.}}</ref> and Amy and Knuckles die, but they are brought back to life when Sonic and Tails replenish it.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Lost World|developer=Sonic Team|date=October 29, 2013|publisher=Sega|quote=Amy: Thanks to you and Tails.}}</ref> He is a playable character in ''[[Sonic Mania|Sonic Mania Plus]]'', regaining his role from the first games alongside Sonic, Tails, Mighty and Ray. He appears in the game ''[[Sonic Forces]]'', where he becomes the leader of a resistance created to fight back against Eggman's advancing forces. In ''[[Sonic Frontiers]]'', Knuckles inadvertently arrives on the Starfall Islands while investigating some ruins on Angel Island, once there he is captured by Sage. After Sonic releases his digital form who helps him search for the Chaos Emeralds, Knuckles notices that the ruins of Starfall Islands are similar to those on Angel Island, making him and Sonic wonder if the inhabitants of the islands resettled there after their arrival on the planet. After comparing the extinction of the Ancients and his own people reminds him that he is the last of his kind, Sonic encourages him to live his life to the fullest and not make the protection of the Master Emerald his sole purpose in life, with Knuckles deciding to heed his advice after he is free from Cyber Space.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fisher |first=Luca |date=2022-12-08 |title=Sonic Frontiers: 13 Things Only Fans Of The Franchise Noticed |url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-frontiers-series-easter-eggs-references-lore/ |access-date=2022-12-09 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116200343/https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-frontiers-series-easter-eggs-references-lore/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Sonic World Story">{{cite web | title=Sonic World Story | work=Sonic Channel | publisher=SEGA | url=https://sonic.sega.jp/sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/worldstory/ | quote=古代人がカオスエメラルドを持って地球に避難する。ミスティックルーインと呼ばれる地に逃げ延びたその末裔の少数は、マスターエメラルドの神殿を建立。何十万年という時間の経過により、いつしか古代人はチャオとなる。 | trans-quote=The Ancients take refuge on Earth with the Chaos Emeralds. A small number of their descendants escape to a place called Mystic Ruins and build a temple to the Master Emerald. Over the course of hundreds of thousands of years, the Ancients become the Chao. | language=ja | access-date=March 20, 2025}}</ref>

Knuckles has been a playable character in numerous spinoff games with little effect on the series's plot, such as the [[fighting game]] ''[[Sonic the Fighters]]'',<ref>''[[Sonic Gems Collection]]'' (GameCube) [https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_GameCube/Manual/formated/Sonic_Gems_Collection_-_Sega.pdf instruction manual] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121095026/https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_GameCube/Manual/formated/Sonic_Gems_Collection_-_Sega.pdf |date=2022-01-21 }}, p. 5. (PDF)</ref> the [[racing game|racing]] title ''[[Sonic R]]'',<ref>''Sonic Gems Collection'' (GameCube) instruction manual, p. 11.</ref> and the [[party video game|party]] title ''[[Sonic Shuffle]]'',<ref>''[[Sonic Shuffle]]'' [https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sega_Dreamcast/Manual/formated/Sonic_Shuffle_-_2000_-_Sega.pdf instruction manual] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023012810/https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sega_Dreamcast/Manual/formated/Sonic_Shuffle_-_2000_-_Sega.pdf |date=2021-10-23 }}, p. 21. (PDF)</ref> as well as crossover games like ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]''<ref>{{cite web|title=Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games|url=http://www.ign.com/games/mario-sonic-at-the-olympic-games/nds-896693|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513004023/http://www.ign.com/games/mario-sonic-at-the-olympic-games/nds-896693|archive-date=May 13, 2015|access-date=October 13, 2014|website=IGN}}</ref> and ''[[Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/mario-kart-8-vs-sonic-racing-the-comparison-we-had-t-1610241058|publisher=[[Kotaku]]|title=''Mario Kart 8'' vs. ''Sonic Racing'': The Comparison We Had To Make|date=July 24, 2014|last=LeJacq|first=Yannick|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019210347/http://kotaku.com/mario-kart-8-vs-sonic-racing-the-comparison-we-had-t-1610241058|url-status=live}}</ref> He makes a cameo appearance in ''[[Sega Superstars Tennis]]'', as a member of the audience in the [[Green Hill Zone|Green Hill]] court<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sega Superstars Tennis]]|date=March 18, 2008|publisher=Sega|developer=[[Sumo Digital]]|level=Green Hill}}</ref> and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''{{'s}} Green Hill stage, where he, Tails, and [[Silver the Hedgehog|Silver]] run through the [[vertical loop]] in the background.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]|date=March 9, 2008|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|developer=[[Sora, Ltd.]]|level=Green Hill Zone}}</ref> Knuckles appears as one of four playable characters in the [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] spin-off property ''Sonic Boom'' (''[[Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric|Rise of Lyric]]'' and ''[[Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal|Shattered Crystal]]'').<ref name="scarf">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/6/5387184/why-sega-handed-sonic-over-to-western-studios-and-gave-him-a-scarf|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|title=Why Sega handed Sonic over to Western studios and gave him a scarf|last=Corriea|first=Alexa Ray|date=February 6, 2014|access-date=February 27, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006094313/http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/6/5387184/why-sega-handed-sonic-over-to-western-studios-and-gave-him-a-scarf|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''[[Lego Dimensions]]'', Knuckles appears as a non-playable character in the Sonic the Hedgehog world, in which he requests the player to assist him in a sidequest to take down some of Eggman's robots, during which he makes a number of references to the rap songs about him in the ''Sonic Adventure'' games. Knuckles also makes a cameo as an easter egg in ''[[Deus Ex: Mankind Divided]]'' on the box of a video game entitled ''Knuckles the Echidna in Knuckles & Knuckles & Knuckles'' which stems off of a running joke regarding the "& Knuckles" part of the title card when Sonic 3 is locked on to the Sonic and Knuckles cartridge.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/deus-ex-mankind-divided-easter-eggs/|title=Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Easter eggs reference Portal, Sonic, and Mitt Romney|magazine=Pc Gamer|access-date=16 February 2018|date=2016-08-24|last1=Davenport|first1=James|archive-date=2017-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208174800/http://www.pcgamer.com/deus-ex-mankind-divided-easter-eggs/|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Knuckles appears as an assist trophy that attacks enemy players when summoned; he also appears as a spirit.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Versus |first1=Nintendo |title=Knuckles the Echidna comes to Super #SmashBrosUltimate as an Assist Trophy! He'll pummel nearby fighters with his fists, and can attack from underground with a big uppercut! |url=https://twitter.com/NintendoVS/status/1013905209012244480 |website=twitter.com |access-date=3 July 2018 |archive-date=18 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518220606/https://twitter.com/NintendoVS/status/1013905209012244480 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Knuckles appears as an unlockable playable character in ''[[Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=June 5, 2024|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/06/super-monkey-ball-banana-rumble-dlc-sega-pass-sonic-tails-knuckles-and-amy-trailer-screenshots|title=''Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble'' DLC 'SEGA Pass' – Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy trailer, screenshots|website=Gematsu|access-date=October 6, 2025}}</ref>

===In comics===
In ''[[Sonic the Comic]]'', Knuckles plays a similar role to that of the games. When the Death Egg crashes on Angel Island, Knuckles is briefly tricked by Dr. Robotnik<ref>{{cite comic|story=Knuckles: Guardian of the Chaos Emeralds|title=[[Sonic the Comic]]|issue=N/A ("Sonic Holiday Special 1994")|date=June 18, 1994 |publisher=[[Egmont Publishing]]}}</ref> and thus allows Robotnik to place his robot armies on the island and construct a base to repair his Death Egg.<ref>{{cite comic|story=Robotnik's Revenge, Part 1|title=Sonic the Comic|issue=37|date=October 28, 1994|publisher=Egmont Publishing}}</ref> Knuckles also assists him in fighting Sonic and stealing Sonic's own six Emeralds so they can be combined with Knuckles's into one set of Emeralds.<ref>{{cite comic|story=Power of the Chaos Emeralds, Part 1|title=Sonic the Comic|issue=35|date=September 30, 1994|publisher=Egmont Publishing}}</ref> However, Knuckles does not trust Robotnik enough to tell him that he possesses a seventh Emerald that can control the others, and when Robotnik tries to absorb the Emeralds' power into himself, Knuckles uses this Emerald to defeat him.<ref>{{cite comic|story=Power of the Chaos Emeralds, Part 2|title=Sonic the Comic|issue=36|date=October 13, 1994|publisher=Egmont Publishing}}</ref> From that point on, he works as an ally against Robotnik, starting by removing all traces of the doctor's influences from Angel Island.<ref>{{cite comic|story=Carnival Night Conspiracy, Part 1|title=Sonic the Comic|issue=39|date=November 25, 1994|publisher=Egmont Publishing}}</ref>

In the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|comic series of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'']] published by [[Archie Comics]], Knuckles is the eighteenth guardian of the Floating Island, which is also called Angel Island. He is also a member of the [[Brotherhood of Guardians]], a [[secret society]] that defends the island and is made up of Knuckles's predecessors/ancestors. In keeping with the incorporation of elements of the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'']] cartoon into the series, Knuckles lives on the planet Mobius. Knuckles is supported in his efforts by the [[Chaotix]], and often works together with Sonic the Hedgehog and the Freedom Fighters.<ref name="auto7">{{cite book|last1=Bollers|first1=Karl|last2=Penders|first2=Ken|title=Archie Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 131|date=December 2003|publisher=Archie Comics|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Penders|first=Ken|title=Archie Knuckles the Echidna Issue 1|date=January 1997|publisher=Archie Comics|language=en}}</ref>

In the intercompany crossover miniseries ''[[DC X Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', Knuckles is among Sonic's friends who join forces with the Justice League to stop Darkseid from conquering their universe with the Chaos Emeralds. Knuckles becomes mainly partnered with [[Superman]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Scullion |first1=Chris |title=DC x Sonic the Hedgehog: Here's the first art and plot details from Sega and DC's crossover comic |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/dc-x-sonic-the-hedgehog-heres-the-first-art-and-plot-details-from-sega-and-dcs-crossover-comic/ |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |access-date=March 19, 2025 |date=March 13, 2025}}</ref>

===In animation===
Knuckles's animation debut came with the 1996 Japanese ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' [[original video animation|OVA]]. Sonic and Tails meet him during their trip into the Land of Darkness, and over the course of the film he helps them defeat Black Eggman/Metal Robotnik and [[Metal Sonic|Hyper Metal Sonic]], two robots created by Eggman/Robotnik. As Metal is about to descend into a lava pit, Sonic attempts to save him after all, but Knuckles holds him back and Sonic is disappointed. Knuckles play-fights with Sonic a few times in the film as well.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=[[Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA)|Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie]]|year=1999|publisher=[[ADV Films]]|medium=DVD}}</ref>

Knuckles is a minor character in ''[[Sonic Underground]]''. Sonic, Sonia, and Manic meet Knuckles atop his home, the Floating Island while searching for their mother. Knuckles is initially skeptical of them but soon accepts their help in protecting the Island and its guardian Chaos Emerald from villains Sleet and Dingo.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Friend or Foe?|episode-link=List of Sonic Underground episodes|series=[[Sonic Underground]]|airdate=January 18, 2000|season=1|number=18}}</ref> Later on, the siblings recruit Knuckles to help them deactivate Doctor Robotnik's giant fortress, as it is powered by Emeralds and he can control them.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Flying Fortress|episode-link=List of Sonic Underground episodes|series=Sonic Underground|airdate=March 22, 2000|season=1|number=27}}</ref> They succeed, but Sleet and Dingo accidentally break the Emerald, unleashing gradually effective but massive energy upon the planet Mobius, and Knuckles enlists one of his relatives to help them control it, with mediocre results.<ref>{{cite episode|title=No Hedgehog Is an Island|episode-link=List of Sonic Underground episodes|series=Sonic Underground|airdate=March 29, 2000|season=1|number=28}}</ref> Reluctantly, Knuckles cuts a deal with Robotnik to turn over the hedgehogs in exchange for setting Mobius right; Robotnik succeeds and starts turning the hedgehogs into robots, but Knuckles betrays Robotnik to rescue his friends.<ref>{{cite episode|title=New Echidna in Town|episode-link=List of Sonic Underground episodes|series=Sonic Underground|airdate=April 5, 2000|season=1|number=29}}</ref>

Knuckles appears in all three seasons of ''[[Sonic X]]'', where he is depicted as the guardian of the Master Emerald, and is said to have a "chip on his shoulder". The Sonic X version of Knuckles has been described as an "incredibly serious warrior with a deep, fleshed-out backstory" in comparison to the more comedic depictions of the character in recent years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pitman |first=Robert |date=2024-04-28 |title=If You Liked Knuckles, Check This Underrated Sonic The Hedgehog Show From 21 Years Ago |url=https://screenrant.com/knuckles-sonic-x-animated-show-good-watch/ |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> After being stranded in the new world with Sonic, his only desire is to get back home quickly.<ref name="4Kids characters">{{cite web |url=http://www.4kids.tv/show/sonic-x/characters |title=Characters: Knuckles|access-date=October 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410060055/http://www.4kids.tv/show/sonic-x/characters|archive-date=April 10, 2012|publisher=4Kids.tv}}</ref>

Knuckles is among the main cast in the ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic Boom]]'' animated series, and had been redesigned for it: now being taller and more muscular than before.<ref name="scarf"/> His Intelligence has regressed, as he become opposite of his original self.

Knuckles appears as a supporting character in ''[[Sonic Prime]]''. After Sonic shatters the Paradox Prism, which results in the creation of multiple parallel dimensions at the expense of his own, multiple versions of Knuckles are made as well; such as Renegade Knucks who is a rebel against the Chaos Council of New Yoke City, the feral and paranoid Gnarly, and the pirate captain Knuckles the Dread. Knuckles is voiced by Adam Nurada and his variants are voiced by [[Vincent Tong (voice actor)|Vincent Tong]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=David |date=October 27, 2022 |title=Sonic Prime: Exclusive Release Date and Character Posters Reveal for Netflix Animated Series |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-prime-release-date-character-posters-netflix |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=October 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030123816/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-prime-release-date-character-posters-netflix |url-status=live }}</ref>

===In other media===
While Knuckles does not appear in the Sonic series's first theatrical film, ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', his existence is alluded to within the film's opening sequence in which a young Sonic and his caretaker Longclaw are attacked by a native clan of Echidnas.

Knuckles appears alongside Sonic and Tails in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)|second film]], voiced by [[Idris Elba]]. In the film, it is revealed he is the last of the Echidna Tribe, as the rest of his kind went extinct due to a war between them and the owls, and has a grudge against Sonic for being Longclaw's apprentice. After being informed of Sonic's location by Dr. Robotnik, he teams up with the scientist and travels to Earth to defeat Sonic and seek out the Master Emerald to honor his ancestors. At the temple where the Emerald is located, Robotnik betrays Knuckles and leaves him to die, but he is rescued by Sonic. He teams up with Sonic and Tails to defeat Robotnik in Green Hills and reclaim the Master Emerald. The three agree to safeguard the Emerald as they live with Sonic's adoptive Earth family, the Wachowskis.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Knuckles Seemingly Confirmed for Sonic 2|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/knuckles-sonic-the-hedgehog-2-leaked-set-photos/|access-date=2021-04-24|website=Gaming|date=21 April 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2021-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424160744/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/knuckles-sonic-the-hedgehog-2-leaked-set-photos/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TheWrap"/>

Knuckles is the primary protagonist of a [[Knuckles (TV series)|spinoff miniseries of the same name]] released on [[Paramount+]], with Elba reprising the role. In the miniseries, Knuckles (who is struggling to adjust to his new life and home on Earth) takes deputy sheriff Wade Whipple in as his "apprentice", training him in the ways of the Echidna warrior to help him prepare for a bowling tournament in [[Reno, Nevada]] where his estranged father will be competing. During their journey, Wade is reunited with his mother and sister, while Knuckles is pursued by "the Buyer", Dr. Robotnik's former operative who seeks to take Knuckles's power for himself.<ref name=":0b">{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=2022-02-15|title='Sonic The Hedgehog' Universe Continues To Grow As Sega And Paramount Sign Off On Third Film As Well As A 'Knuckles' Spin-Off Series In The Works At Paramount+ With Idris Elba Reprising Role|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-sega-paramount-third-installment-knuckles-spin-off-series-idris-elba-1234933921/|access-date=2022-02-15|website=Deadline|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215220856/https://deadline.com/2022/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-sega-paramount-third-installment-knuckles-spin-off-series-idris-elba-1234933921/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Knuckles appears alongside Sonic and Tails in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', with Elba reprising the role, again. Knuckles continues to live with Sonic and Tails, with the Wachowskis, serving as the "muscle" of their team when they try to stop Shadow the Hedgehog. Knuckles continues to safeguard the Master Emerald with Wade's assistance until Sonic forces them to give him the Emerald, to use its powers to defeat Shadow. Knuckles continues to tend to go into confrontations eager to fight, or at least break something, but continues to remain loyal and even tries to give supportive advice to Sonic.

==Reception and impact==
The character has received positive attention. According to ''[[IGN]]'''s Levi Buchanan, fans "seemed legitimately happy" with the addition of the character of Knuckles, who was popular enough to get marquee billing in ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'', but Buchanan felt that characters who came after him were going "overboard".<ref name="IGN wrong">{{cite web |url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/955/955741p2.html |title=Where Did Sonic Go Wrong? |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=February 20, 2009 |access-date=October 26, 2014 |archive-date=August 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831064313/http://retro.ign.com/articles/955/955741p2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> IGN's Colin Moriarty singled out the introduction of both Knuckles and Tails as when the series became "iffy" and listed them and all other characters in the series, sans Sonic and Robotnik, as being 2nd most in need to "die" on his top 10 list.<ref name="IGN die">{{cite web|author1=IGN PlayStation Team|author2=Moriarty, Colin|date=February 18, 2009|title=Wednesday 10: Video game Characters That Should Die|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/18/wednesday-10-videogame-characters-that-should-die-2?amp=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613191707/http://pc.ign.com/articles/955/955079p1.html|archive-date=June 13, 2011|access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> In contrast, he was listed as the best ''Sonic'' character by ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' based on the impact he brought to the ''Sonic'' games in which he first appeared.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=5|title=The best and worst Sonic characters|magazine=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]|last=East|first=Thomas|access-date=October 24, 2013|date=May 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204405/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=5|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Similarly, ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' writer Elijah Watson considers him a better character than Sonic. Watson praises his debut in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', and adds "Knuckles could have never been Sega's mascot; the echidna lacks the sociability of Sonic and his Nintendo counterpart, Mario. And yet this defining characteristic is what makes him so appealing. He is Sega's anti-hero: the dreadlocked brawler who is surprisingly selfless and has a soft spot for grapes and adorable animals."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2014/02/knuckles-is-better-than-sonic-definitive-reasoning-20-year-anniversary-sonic-the-hedgehog-3 |title=Knuckles is Better Than Sonic: A Definitive Reasoning on the 20 Year Anniversary of "Sonic The Hedgehog 3" |last=Watson |first=Elijah |date=February 5, 2014 |work=Complex |access-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418023947/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2014/02/knuckles-is-better-than-sonic-definitive-reasoning-20-year-anniversary-sonic-the-hedgehog-3 |url-status=live }}</ref>

According to official Sonic Team polls, Knuckles is the fourth most popular character in the series, following behind [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]], [[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]], and Sonic.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229160623/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/event/016/002.html|archive-date=February 29, 2012|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/event/016/002.html|script-title=ja:ソニックチャンネル/イベント/ソニック キャラクター 人気投票 結果発表！|language=ja|access-date=October 26, 2014|date=June 23, 2006}}</ref> Elton Jones from ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' listed Knuckles as his eleventh most wanted character in the next ''[[Super Smash Bros. (Wii U/3DS)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' game.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/07/25-characters-we-want-to-see-in-super-smash-bros-brawl-4/knuckles-the-echidna |title=Knuckles the Echidna — 25 Characters We Want To See In "Super Smash Bros. Brawl 4" |magazine=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]] |date=July 2, 2012 |last=Jones |first=Elton |access-date=August 2, 2012 |archive-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920014502/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/07/25-characters-we-want-to-see-in-super-smash-bros-brawl-4/knuckles-the-echidna |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ravi Sinha of ''GamingBolt'' named Knuckles' appearance in ''Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric'' as an entry on their "Worst Video Game Character Design", stating that "For as annoying as Sonic’s rework was in Sonic Boom, Knuckles was way more baffling. Even worse is that his character is little more than a “dumb jock,” with oddly intellectual viewpoints in the animated series because it's randomly funny or something."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamingbolt.com/worst-video-game-character-designs-that-were-totally-disliked-by-gamers|title=Worst Video Game Character Designs That Were Totally Disliked by Gamers|access-date=2021-09-20|archive-date=2022-01-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106013530/https://gamingbolt.com/worst-video-game-character-designs-that-were-totally-disliked-by-gamers|url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[Mega Zone]]''{{'}}s review of ''Knuckles' Chaotix'' praised the introduction of a new protagonist, whom it deemed "rougher and tougher" in comparison to the "spineless" Sonic.<ref name="megazone 2">{{cite journal|author=Adam|date=April 1995|title=Chaotix|url=https://archive.org/details/megazoneau50/page/n21/mode/2up|journal=Mega Zone|issue=50|page=22}}</ref> ''[[Mean Machines Sega]]'' called Knuckles's powers "impressive" and the character overall more useful and promising than Tails.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Sonic & Knuckles|url=https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-24/page/n15/mode/2up|magazine=[[Mean Machines Sega]]|publisher=EMAP|issue=24|page=16}}</ref> ''[[Sega Magazine]]'' stated that Knuckles "looks cooler" than Sonic, comparing him to [[Spider-Man]], and suggested he be given his own game.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Sega Magazine]]|title=Sonic cathedral of sound|publisher=EMAP|date=September 1994|issue=9|page=55}}</ref> ''Sega Magazine'' later called him "groovy" and "ace", concluding that they "love him."<ref>{{cite magazine|date=October 1994|title=Review|url=https://archive.org/details/sega-10/page/16/mode/2up|magazine=Sega Magazine|publisher=EMAP|issue=10|page=80}}</ref> Knuckles's characterization in ''Sonic Boom'' earned praise from ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' due to how "progressive" he is when mentioning [[feminism]] much to the shock of the characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/tv/2017/8/2/16085836/sonic-the-hedgehog-knuckles-feminist-woke-cartoon|title=Sonic Boom gets progressive in one great moment|website=Polygon|date=2 August 2017|access-date=January 23, 2019|archive-date=13 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513223815/https://www.polygon.com/tv/2017/8/2/16085836/sonic-the-hedgehog-knuckles-feminist-woke-cartoon|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kenneth Shepard from ''[[Kotaku]]'' felt Knuckles did not have enough screentime in his Paramount+ show, and observed "Elba is providing voice work for roughly 76 minutes and 47 seconds of a 172-minute-long season. Those are just scenes Knuckles is in, not accounting for whether or not he’s actually contributing to the scene in a meaningful way."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shepard |first1=Kenneth |title=Knuckles Is Barely In His Paramount+ Show |url=https://kotaku.com/knuckles-paramount-plus-show-episodes-idris-elba-1851423004 |website=Kotaku |access-date=January 27, 2025 |date=April 22, 2024}}</ref> Rendy Jones at ''[[RogerEbert.com]]'' praised his characterization in the show, noting the character "diverting his muscle-head dim-witted traits into a confident and jovial guy with a heart of gold—an echidna himbo, if you will."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Rendy |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise Moves to Streaming with Entertaining Knuckles |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/knuckles-tv-review |website=RogertEbert.com |access-date=January 27, 2025 |date=April 22, 2024}}</ref>

===Ugandan Knuckles===
[[File:Ugandan Knuckles.png|thumb|This deformed version of Knuckles by YouTube user Gregzilla became the basis for "Ugandan Knuckles", which had a brief surge of popularity in early 2018.]]
In late December 2017, players began to flood the virtual reality video game ''[[VRChat]]'' with avatars depicting a deformed version of the character called "Ugandan Knuckles". The character stemmed from a 2017 review of ''[[Sonic Lost World]]'' by [[YouTube]] user Gregzilla as well as from fans of ''[[PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds]]'' streamer [[Forsen]] who often make references to [[Uganda]] in the chat section of his streams. The character is often associated with quotes such as "Do you know da wae?" and "Save the queen!" among many other quotes, which originate from the 2010 Ugandan action comedy film ''[[Who Killed Captain Alex?]]'' as well as for "spitting" on other users whom they feel do not know "da wae".<ref name="daily dot">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/ugandan-knuckles-vrchat-meme/|title=How Ugandan Knuckles turned VRChat into a total trollfest|last=Hathaway|first=Jay|date=11 January 2018|website=The Daily Dot|access-date=13 January 2018|archive-date=14 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114183924/https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/ugandan-knuckles-vrchat-meme/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heavy.com/games/2018/01/controversial-ugandan-knuckles-meme/|title=Controversial 'Ugandan Knuckles' Meme Has Infested VRChat|last=MacGregor|first=Collin|date=9 January 2018|website=Heavy.com|access-date=13 January 2018|archive-date=9 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109225822/https://heavy.com/games/2018/01/controversial-ugandan-knuckles-meme/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The meme was criticized by some journalists as being racially insensitive;<ref name="daily dot" /><ref name=Polygon2/> ''Polygon'' described it as "problematic".<ref name=Polygon2>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/8/16863932/ugandan-knuckles-meme-vrchat|title='Ugandan Knuckles' is overtaking VRChat|last=Alexander|first=Julia|publisher=[[Vox Media, Inc.]]|work=Polygon|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=January 9, 2018|archive-date=January 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108233545/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/8/16863932/ugandan-knuckles-meme-vrchat|url-status=live}}</ref> The creator of the avatar, [[DeviantArt]] user "tidiestflyer", has expressed regret over how it has been used, in particular saying that he hopes it is not used to annoy players of ''VRChat'', and that he enjoys the game and he does not want to see anyone's rights get taken away because of the avatar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/362289-creator-vrchats-ugandan-knuckles-meme-regrets-decision|title=Creator of VRChat's 'Ugandan Knuckles' Meme Regrets His Decision|last=Tamburro|first=Paul|date=8 January 2018|website=GameRevolution|access-date=13 January 2018|archive-date=10 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110005557/http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/362289-creator-vrchats-ugandan-knuckles-meme-regrets-decision|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, in January 2018 the developers of ''VRChat'' published an open letter on ''[[Medium (website)|Medium]]'', stating that they were developing "new systems to allow the community to better self-moderate" and asking users to use the built-in muting features.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/10/16875716/vrchat-safety-concerns-open-letter-players-behavior |title=VRChat team speaks up on player harassment in open letter |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=January 10, 2018 |website=Polygon |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111044359/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/10/16875716/vrchat-safety-concerns-open-letter-players-behavior |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2019, Canadian toy company [[Youtooz]] launched their line of [[Polyvinyl chloride|vinyl]] collectible [[figurine]]s with a depiction of Ugandan Knuckles.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Weimer |first1=Jackson |title=Youtooz: Holding The Internet's Creators And Memes In Your Hand |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacksonweimer/2021/06/24/youtooz-holding-the-internets--creators-and-memes-in-your-hand/ |website=Forbes |access-date=8 May 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

===...& Knuckles===
Another Knuckles-centric meme is derived from the video game ''[[Sonic & Knuckles|Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'', a game which combined ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' and ''Sonic & Knuckles'', accessed by attaching the cartridge of the former to the latter. The awkward-sounding combination of names resulted in a meme where a fictitious and absurdly long video game name is created (usually one for a long-running franchise) with "& Knuckles" appended to the end of it. This meme was also used to poke fun at the [[Nintendo DS]] and [[Nintendo 3DS]] series of systems due to the large number of variants, with & Knuckles often appended to the end of an invented system, e.g. "New Nintendo 3DSi XL & Knuckles".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/knuckles |website=Know Your Meme |access-date=27 August 2024 |title=& Knuckles |date=26 December 2014 }}</ref> This was later referenced in ''[[Sonic Mania]]'', which featured an unlockable "& Knuckles" mode, allowing a computer-controlled Knuckles to follow the player's character, even if Knuckles is also chosen as the playable character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=August 15, 2017 |title=Sonic Mania's secret mode is Sega embracing fans' favorite joke |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/15/16151720/sonic-mania-secret-mode |website=Polygon}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters|List of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' characters]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080125182038/http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/knuckles/index.html Knuckles at Sonic-City] (archived)
* [http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/knuckles.html Knuckles at Sonic Channel] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Sonic the Hedgehog characters}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Knuckles}}
[[Category:Adoptee characters in films]]
[[Category:Animal characters in video games]]
[[Category:Anthropomorphic mammals]]
[[Category:Anthropomorphic animals]]
[[Category:Fictional anthropomorphic characters]]
[[Category:Child characters in film]]
[[Category:Fictional sole survivors]]
[[Category:Fictional boxers]]
[[Category:Fictional monotremes]]
[[Category:Male characters in video games]]
[[Category:Orphan characters in film]]
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog characters]]
[[Category:Teenage characters in video games]]
[[Category:Video game bosses]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1994]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with superhuman senses]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Video game memes]]
[[Category:Video game superheroes]]