How to Unlock Secret Retro Stage Levels

Well hidden in the Story mode of Streets of Rage 4 are four iconic scenes from the series. Check out our How to Unlock Secret Retro Stage Levels guide to find out how you can access them.

These secret retro levels can be accessed by either playing Story mode, Arcade, or Stage Select. As you play you need to keep an eye out for arcade machines bearing the 'Bare Knuckle' name and then find the taser which is needed to activate it. The taser will either be a drop from an enemy you defeat in the vincinity or just laying on the ground. To activate the arcade machine and be transported to a 16-bit world you simply have to strike it with the taser. Once you are in the secret levels you will only get 1 life to kill the boss. you will be rewarded with a star special pickup from one of the breakable items on that retro stage.

Retro Level 1 - Stage 2 (Police Precinct)

You will see an arcade machine on stage 2 after you have broken out of your cell. Beat up the prison guards and pick up the taser one of them drops to activate the arcade machine. Once done you you will be taken to the an old retro level and face off against the Boss Jack who throws knives and is easy to defeat.

Retro Level 2 - Stage 4 (Old Pier)

You will find an arcade machine at the end of stage 4's pier. You need to pry a taser off one of the big cops that are there and enter the arcade from the door to its right and strike the arcade cabinate with the taser to unlock the secret stage. The boss in this stage is Zanza who moves around a lot very quickly and has a wake up drill claw which you need to be careful of if you knock him down.

Retro Level 3 - Stage 5 (Underground)

You will find an arcade machine in stage 5 in the bar, hanging out towards the back. You will be able to access this secret stage provided you don't bust up the arcade machine as you are clearing out enemies. A taser can be found by breaking a nearby table. In this secret stage the boss is the wrestler Abedede who has a running lariat attack, a dive, and a wake up aoe attack with invincibility.

Retro Level 4 - Stage 8 (Art Gallery)

On stage 8 after you have passed the art exhibit you will end up in a room which has an arcade machine sitting in storage. You will also find the taser needed to activate it hidden just below it. In this secret level you will fight a few enemies before you fight retro Shiva who has an anti air attack, followed by Mr.X who runs around a lot and shoots you with his machine gun. There will also be some minions that continuously spawn.

Check out our How to Unlock Characters guide to find out how you can unlock all the playable characters in Streets of Rage 4.