Tony Hawk's Pro Skater: School 2 Open Gym Secrets!

Alright, gamers and Tony Hawk fans! Let's dive into one of the most iconic levels in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2: School II. More specifically, we're cracking open the secrets of the Open Gym area. This spot is a treasure trove of points, challenges, and just plain fun, but knowing how to unlock it and what to do once you're inside can seriously up your game. So, grab your board (virtually, of course), and let's get started!

Unlocking the Open Gym: Your Ticket to Ride

First things first, how do you even get into this legendary Open Gym? It's not exactly front and center, and many players cruise right past it without realizing the potential it holds. The key is knowing where to look and what to do. Think of it as a mini-quest within the level itself.

The Open Gym is hidden, and you need to break through a specific wall to access it. This isn't just any wall; it's a destructible wall located in the library. Yes, the library! Who knew skateboarding and books could mix so well? To find the library, start near the entrance of the school. Head towards the right side of the map, and you'll spot the library doors. Once inside, look for a bookshelf that seems a bit out of place or has a different texture than the others. This is your target.

Now, how do you break through this wall? You can't just ollie into it and hope for the best. You need some serious speed and power. The most effective way to smash through is by performing a trick into the wall. A good strategy is to grind along the row of bookshelves leading up to the destructible one, then jump off into a powerful trick like a kickflip or heelflip. Make sure you have enough speed to register the impact. If done correctly, the bookshelf will shatter, revealing the entrance to the Open Gym.

Another popular method involves using the ramp located near the library entrance. Build up your speed by skating back and forth, then launch yourself off the ramp towards the wall. Performing a trick mid-air will add extra impact. Keep in mind that this might take a few tries, so don't get discouraged if you don't break through on your first attempt. Persistence is key!

Once you've successfully breached the library wall, you'll be greeted by the glorious Open Gym. This area is a skater's paradise, filled with ramps, rails, and plenty of opportunities to rack up massive scores. But before you start shredding, let's take a closer look at what makes this area so special and how to make the most of it.

Mastering the Open Gym: Tricks and Strategies

So, you've unlocked the Open Gym – congrats! Now it's time to explore and master this awesome space. The Open Gym is designed to be a trick-filled playground, offering numerous ramps, rails, and hidden spots that can help you boost your score and complete challenges. Knowing the layout and how to link tricks together is crucial for maximizing your time in this area.

One of the first things you'll notice is the large halfpipe at the far end of the gym. This is a prime location for performing vert tricks. Launch yourself into the air and bust out some aerial maneuvers like ollies, kickflips, and grabs. The height you gain from the halfpipe allows you to extend your tricks and add rotations, increasing your score multiplier. Don't forget to use the lip of the halfpipe for lip tricks like grinds and stalls. These can add variety to your runs and earn you extra points.

Scattered throughout the Open Gym are various ramps and quarter pipes. These are perfect for launching into gaps and performing transfer tricks. A gap is when you jump from one ramp to another without touching the ground in between. Transfer tricks involve performing a trick while in the air during a gap. Experiment with different combinations of tricks to find what works best for you.

The rails in the Open Gym offer endless possibilities for grinds and slides. Try grinding the rails that run along the edges of the ramps, or challenge yourself by grinding the curved rails in the center of the gym. Mix up your grinds by performing manuals in between, creating long and impressive combos. Remember to maintain your balance while grinding, as losing your footing can cut your combo short.

In addition to the obvious features, the Open Gym also has several hidden spots and secret lines. These hidden gems can be tricky to find, but they often lead to high-scoring opportunities. For example, try grinding the basketball hoop or skating along the top of the bleachers. Explore every nook and cranny of the Open Gym to uncover all its secrets.

To truly master the Open Gym, you need to focus on linking tricks together seamlessly. This means transitioning smoothly from one trick to the next without any pauses or stumbles. Manuals are your best friend when it comes to linking tricks. By performing a manual in between grinds, aerials, and gaps, you can keep your combo going indefinitely. Practice transitioning from a grind into a manual, then into another grind or aerial. The more tricks you can link together, the higher your score will be.

Challenges and Goals: Completing the Open Gym's Missions

Beyond just racking up high scores, the Open Gym is also home to several challenges and goals that you'll need to complete to progress in the game. These challenges test your skills and knowledge of the level, pushing you to explore every corner and master every trick. Some challenges are straightforward, while others require a bit more creativity and problem-solving.

One common type of challenge involves collecting specific items scattered throughout the Open Gym. These items might be hidden in hard-to-reach places, requiring you to perform precise jumps and grinds to obtain them. Pay close attention to your surroundings and look for clues that might lead you to the hidden items. Sometimes, the items are located in plain sight, but you'll need to figure out the best way to reach them.

Another type of challenge involves performing specific tricks in certain locations. For example, you might be tasked with performing a kickflip over a gap or grinding a particular rail. These challenges test your technical skills and your ability to execute tricks under pressure. Practice the required tricks in advance so that you're ready when the challenge comes up.

Some challenges require you to achieve a certain score within a time limit. These challenges test your ability to link tricks together and maintain a high combo. Focus on performing tricks that you're comfortable with and avoid taking unnecessary risks. It's better to play it safe and maintain a consistent combo than to attempt a difficult trick and risk wiping out.

In addition to the specific challenges, the Open Gym also offers opportunities to complete general goals, such as achieving a high score or finding the secret tape. These goals provide extra motivation to explore the level and improve your skills. Keep an eye out for these opportunities and take advantage of them whenever possible.

To maximize your chances of completing the Open Gym's challenges and goals, it's important to have a solid understanding of the level's layout and the location of key features. Spend some time exploring the Open Gym and familiarizing yourself with the ramps, rails, and hidden spots. The more you know about the level, the better equipped you'll be to tackle its challenges.

Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Skills to the Next Level

Once you've mastered the basics of the Open Gym, it's time to take your skills to the next level with some advanced techniques. These techniques require a higher level of skill and coordination, but they can significantly boost your score and impress your friends.

One advanced technique is the manual-to-manual combo. This involves transitioning seamlessly from one manual to another without touching the ground. Manual-to-manual combos can be tricky to execute, but they allow you to maintain your combo indefinitely. Practice balancing on your board while performing manuals and experiment with different foot positions to find what works best for you.

Another advanced technique is the revert-to-manual combo. This involves performing a revert at the end of a vert trick, then immediately transitioning into a manual. Revert-to-manual combos can add a lot of style to your runs and earn you extra points. To perform a revert, press the designated button as you land from a vert trick. Then, quickly transition into a manual by pressing the appropriate direction on the control stick.

The wallride is another useful technique that can help you reach hidden areas and perform stylish tricks. A wallride is when you ride along a wall for a short distance. To perform a wallride, approach a wall at an angle and ollie towards it. As you make contact with the wall, press the grind button to lock into a wallride. Then, release the grind button to jump off the wall and perform a trick.

Finally, don't forget to experiment with different combinations of tricks to find what works best for you. The Open Gym is a playground for creativity, so don't be afraid to try new things and push your limits. The more you experiment, the more you'll discover new ways to link tricks together and maximize your score.

Conclusion: Shredding the Open Gym Like a Pro

So there you have it, folks! The ultimate guide to unlocking and mastering the Open Gym in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2. From smashing through that sneaky library wall to linking insane combos, you're now equipped to dominate this iconic level. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more time you spend exploring the Open Gym and honing your skills, the better you'll become. So, grab your board, hit the ramps, and start shredding like a pro! Whether you're aiming for high scores, completing challenges, or just having fun, the Open Gym offers endless opportunities for skateboarding bliss. Now go out there and show off your skills! And don't forget to share your best Open Gym moments with your friends and the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater community. Happy skating!