Mastering the Hardflip: Complete Guide to the Castle and Fountain Gap in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4

In the iconic video game "Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4," players face a variety of challenges, one of which involves executing a hardflip over the castle and fountain gap within the Waterpark level. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the necessary steps to successfully complete this mission, highlighting the importance of restoring power to the arcade before attempting the trick.

To initiate the hardflip challenge, players must first restore power to the arcade, which unlocks access to the castle. According to Paulo Kawanishi, a freelance writer specializing in gaming, players can find the necessary keys for the arcade by exploring the Waterpark level. "The keys are located near the start of the level, specifically under a water slide," Kawanishi notes in his guide published on Polygon on July 15, 2025.

Once players have acquired the keys, they must deliver them to the arcade's outside area to unlock both the arcade and the castle entrance permanently. This setup is crucial, as the hardflip itself cannot be attempted without gaining access to the castle.

The hardflip maneuver requires a specific combination of controls. Kawanishi explains that players must press Left + Up and either Square or X to execute the flip trick while airborne. "Timing and positioning are key to landing the hardflip successfully," he emphasizes. After entering the arcade, players will find themselves teleported to a giant slide leading to a bowl area. From there, they need to perform a spine transfer to reach the ramp that will allow them to jump and attempt the hardflip over the fountain.

The significance of mastering the hardflip goes beyond mere completion of a mission. It reflects the broader gameplay mechanics within the Tony Hawk series, where skillful execution of tricks is rewarded with points and progression through levels. Expert players understand that each trick, including the hardflip, requires practice and precision, which contributes to the overall enjoyment of the game.

This guide serves not only as a resource for novice players but also as a reminder of the intricate design and challenges that make the Tony Hawk series a staple in the skateboarding game genre. The blend of skill, exploration, and puzzle-solving involved in completing missions like the hardflip over the castle and fountain gap exemplifies why these games continue to resonate with players around the world.