Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2: School 2 Open Gym Guide

Hey guys! Ready to shred? If you're diving into Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, you're probably aiming to conquer every gap, nail every challenge, and unlock all the secrets. One spot that can be a bit tricky is the Open Gym in School II. This guide is here to help you navigate this iconic location and master everything it has to offer.

School 2: A Classic Reimagined

School 2 is a beloved level from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, brilliantly remastered in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. This level is packed with nostalgia, challenging lines, and hidden areas. One of the most memorable spots is the Open Gym, a sprawling indoor area filled with ramps, rails, and plenty of opportunities for insane combos. Whether you're a returning veteran or a newbie, mastering the Open Gym is essential for completing the game and showing off your skills.

Getting Started in School 2

Before diving into the Open Gym, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the overall layout of School 2. Take some time to explore the hallways, classrooms, and outdoor areas. Knowing the map will help you link tricks and maintain your momentum as you head towards the Open Gym. Look for the secret areas and collectibles scattered around the level; these will add to your overall score and completion percentage.

Basic Movements and Tricks

Make sure you're comfortable with the basic movements and tricks. Ollie, grind, manual, and revert are your bread and butter. Practice these moves until they become second nature. Experiment with different special tricks to find the ones that suit your style. Remember, the key to a high score is chaining tricks together, so focus on smooth transitions and maintaining your balance. Also, customize your skater! Choose the right stats and special tricks to match your play style. A well-customized skater can make all the difference when tackling the Open Gym's challenges.

Locating the Open Gym

Finding the Open Gym is straightforward once you know where to look. From the starting point, head down the main hallway and make a right turn. Continue through the hallway, past the classrooms, until you reach a set of double doors. Go through these doors, and you'll find yourself in the Open Gym. Alternatively, from the starting point, you can grind the rail to the left, which will take you directly to the Open Gym entrance. Keep an eye out for the gym entrance; it's hard to miss with its large doors and the promise of skateable goodness inside.

Navigating Inside the Open Gym

Once inside, take a moment to survey the area. The Open Gym is designed with a variety of ramps, rails, and platforms that offer countless possibilities for tricks and combos. Pay attention to the layout and plan your route. Look for the best lines and gaps to maximize your score. The Open Gym features several key areas, including the bleachers, the center ramp, and the upper platforms. Each area offers unique opportunities for tricks and challenges.

Mastering the Open Gym: Tips and Tricks

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s how you can dominate the Open Gym and rack up those high scores:

Utilizing the Environment

• Bleachers: Grind the edges of the bleachers for extended combos. Use the bleachers to gain height for big air tricks. The bleachers offer multiple lines and angles for grinds and manuals. Experiment with different approaches to find the most effective lines.
• Center Ramp: This is the heart of the Open Gym. Use the center ramp to launch into the air and perform flip tricks and grabs. Combine air tricks with grinds on the surrounding rails for massive scores. The center ramp is perfect for practicing your special tricks and aerial maneuvers.
• Upper Platforms: Reach the upper platforms by using the quarter pipes or transferring from the ramps below. Grind the rails on the upper platforms for bonus points. Use the height to your advantage and perform impressive air tricks. The upper platforms offer unique perspectives and opportunities for creative lines.

Achieving High Scores

To really crush it in the Open Gym, you'll need to focus on a few key strategies:

• Combo Chaining: The longer your combo, the higher your score. Focus on linking tricks together without bailing. Use manuals and reverts to maintain your momentum between tricks. Practice makes perfect; the more you play, the better you'll become at chaining tricks together.
• Special Tricks: Incorporate your special tricks into your combos for extra points. Save your special meter for critical moments and use it wisely. Experiment with different special tricks to find the ones that maximize your score potential. Remember, special tricks add a significant boost to your overall score.
• Grinding: Grinding is your best friend. Find long rails and grind them from one end to the other. Combine grinds with flip tricks and manuals for even more points. Practice different grind variations to add variety to your combos. Grinding is a reliable way to rack up points and maintain your combo.

Completing Challenges in the Open Gym

The Open Gym is also home to several challenges that will test your skills. Here’s how to tackle some of the common ones:

• High Score Challenges: Practice your lines and combos to achieve the target score. Focus on consistency and avoid bailing. Use the entire environment to your advantage and maximize your score potential.
• Collectibles: Look for hidden items scattered around the Open Gym. Use your skating skills to reach them and collect them all. Explore every nook and cranny to find all the collectibles.
• Gap Challenges: Identify the gaps and plan your approach. Use the right amount of speed and execute the necessary tricks to clear the gaps. Practice your timing and precision to nail the gap challenges.

Advanced Techniques for the Open Gym

Ready to take your game to the next level? Here are some advanced techniques to help you become a true Tony Hawk's Pro Skater master:

Manual Combos

Manuals are crucial for maintaining your combo and linking tricks together. Practice transitioning smoothly from grinds to manuals and vice versa. Use manuals to navigate the environment and find new lines. Mastering manuals will significantly improve your score potential.

Reverts and Transfers

Reverts allow you to extend your airtime and link vert tricks with ground tricks. Use reverts to transition between quarter pipes and maintain your combo. Transfers enable you to jump from one ramp to another, opening up new possibilities for tricks. Practice your timing and precision to execute reverts and transfers effectively.

Wall Rides and Wall Plants

Wall rides and wall plants can add flair to your combos and help you reach new areas. Use wall rides to maintain your momentum and grind along walls. Wall plants allow you to gain extra height and perform impressive air tricks. Experiment with different wall ride and wall plant variations to add variety to your gameplay.

Optimizing Your Skater for School 2

Your skater's stats and special tricks can significantly impact your performance in the Open Gym. Here’s how to optimize your skater for success:

Stat Distribution

• Ollie: Increase your ollie stat to jump higher and clear larger gaps.
• Speed: Increase your speed stat to gain more momentum and maintain your combo.
• Balance: Increase your balance stat to stay on your board longer and avoid bailing.
• Spin: Increase your spin stat to perform more rotations in the air and earn extra points.
• Switch: Increase your switch stat to improve your ability to skate in switch stance.

Choosing the Right Special Tricks

Select special tricks that complement your play style and maximize your score potential. Experiment with different special tricks to find the ones that suit you best. Consider the difficulty and point value of each special trick when making your decision. Some popular choices include the 900, the kickflip 50-50, and the impossible.

Conclusion

The Open Gym in School 2 is a fantastic location in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 that offers endless opportunities for fun and challenges. By mastering the environment, utilizing advanced techniques, and optimizing your skater, you can dominate the Open Gym and achieve high scores. So grab your board, practice your skills, and get ready to shred! Now go out there and become the ultimate skateboarding legend! Keep practicing, keep pushing your limits, and most importantly, have fun! You've got this!