THPS 3+4: How To Get The Secret Tape In College (March 2026)

Looking to snag that elusive College secret tape in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4? You’re not alone! This challenging collectible has frustrated countless skaters since the game launched on July 11, 2026. Unlike straightforward tapes you can spot and grab, the College secret tape requires precise execution of a multi-wire grinding route across several rooftops. I’ve spent hours perfecting this route, and I’m here to share the exact method that works every time.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4: College Secret Tape Route

Step	Location	Action Required	Key Tip
1	Starting street	Go left past first pillar	Look for wall on right side
2	Wall before pillar	Wallride + grind	Hold grind for 1 second
3	Banner string	Jump right and grind	Black wire visible ahead
4	First black wire	Jump left halfway across	Leads to first rooftop
5	First rooftop	Find wire to sculpture square	Grind rooftop lip
6	Second wire	Perform tricks while grinding	Maintain speed crucial
7	Brick building	Jump left, turn sharp left	Avoid gaps in roof
8	Final wire	Back up for speed, grind left side	Steep incline requires tricks

Understanding the College Level Layout

Before attempting the secret tape, it’s crucial to understand the College level’s unique design. The tape floats high above the campus, accessible only by following a specific path across multiple rooftops connected by electrical wires. This isn’t a collectible you’ll stumble upon – it requires deliberate planning and execution.

The College level features several distinct areas:

• Main campus quad with fountains and benches
• Academic buildings with grindable ledges
• Clock tower (alternate route entrance)
• Sculpture square area
• Rooftop network connected by wires

Prerequisites for Success

Essential Skills You’ll Need

Wallriding Mastery: The entire sequence begins with a critical wallride. In THPS 3+4, wallriding requires approaching a wall at an angle, jumping onto it, then pressing the grind button (Y on Xbox, Triangle on PlayStation) when you make contact. Practice this mechanic in other areas first if you’re struggling.

Wire Grinding: Unlike regular rails, wires have unique properties:

• They sway slightly when you land on them
• Speed depletes faster than on solid rails
• You can fall off if grinding too slowly
• Performing tricks is essential to maintain momentum

Trick Combos for Speed: The final wire has a steep incline that’s impossible to climb without performing tricks. Master these quick combos:

• Kickflips and heelflips (easy to execute rapidly)
• Grab tricks like Indy or Melon
• Special tricks if your meter is full

Recommended Stats

While technically possible with base stats, having upgraded stats makes this significantly easier:

• Speed: At least 6/10 for maintaining wire momentum
• Grind: 7/10 or higher for extended wire sequences
• Air: 5/10 minimum for jumping between wires

According to the complete skaters guide, certain characters like Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen have naturally higher grind stats that help with this challenge.

How To Get The Secret Tape In College In Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4?

Step 1: Finding Your Starting Position

From the spawn point, immediately turn left and skate up the street. You’re looking for the first concrete pillar on the wall to your right. This pillar serves as your landmark – you need to position yourself just before it.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush this part. Many players fail because they start from the wrong position. Take a moment to orient yourself properly.

Step 2: The Critical Wallride

This is where most attempts fail. Here’s the exact technique:

1. Turn around after passing the pillar
2. Build moderate speed – not too fast or you’ll overshoot
3. Jump at the wall before the pillar at a 45-degree angle
4. Press grind immediately upon wall contact
5. Hold the grind for approximately one second
6. Jump off to the right while still ascending

The wallride should take you high enough to see the banner string stretching across to the buildings.

Step 3: Banner String to First Wire

As you jump off the wall, angle yourself toward the banner string and grind it. While grinding:

• Look ahead for a black electrical wire
• The wire leads to a rooftop on your left
• About halfway across the banner, prepare to jump

Critical moment: Jump left onto the black wire when you’re roughly halfway across the banner. Timing is everything here – too early and you’ll miss, too late and you’ll overshoot.

Step 4: Navigating the First Rooftop

Successfully landing on the first rooftop is a milestone, but you’re only halfway there. Once on the roof:

1. Don’t celebrate yet – maintain your momentum
2. Ride toward the corner closest to the sculpture square
3. Look for another black wire connecting to the opposite roof
4. Position yourself on the rooftop’s halfpipe structure

Step 5: The Second Wire Crossing

This wire requires a specific approach:

• Grind the right-side lip of the rooftop halfpipe
• You’ll automatically transfer to the wire
• Immediately start performing tricks to maintain speed
• Mix kickflips and grab tricks for best results

Remember: This wire is longer than the first, and speed loss is your enemy. Keep those tricks flowing!

Step 6: The Brick Building Jump

Once you reach the second rooftop:

1. Jump to the left as you arrive
2. Turn sharply left (but not too sharp!)
3. Jump across to the brick building
4. Watch for gaps – there’s a hole that can end your run

This jump catches many players off-guard. The key is maintaining forward momentum while turning. If you turn too sharply, you’ll fall through the gap between buildings.

Step 7: The Final Wire – Your Ultimate Test

You’ve made it to the brick building – the secret tape is finally within reach! But this final wire is the most challenging:

Setup is crucial:

1. Locate the wire at the back-right corner (as you land)
2. Back up to the opposite side of the roof
3. Build maximum speed
4. Approach the left side of the rooftop
5. Start your grind to automatically shift onto the wire

During the grind:

• This wire has a steep incline
• It’s longer than both previous wires
• You MUST perform continuous tricks
• Alternate between flip tricks and grabs
• Use special tricks if available

The moment of truth: As you near the top, the secret tape hovers just above the wire. You’ll automatically collect it if you’ve maintained enough speed!

Alternative Methods

The Clock Tower Shortcut

There’s an easier method that experienced players might mention: For the College Secret Tape, you can approach it from one of two directions, using the wire with the banners from the rooftop and grind your way up, or the easier way is to enter the door behind the clock tower. This will pop you out right at the top of the wire and you can then grind down.

However, this method requires you to have already unlocked the clock tower door, which isn’t available in your first playthrough of the level.

Speed Run Strategy

Speedrunners use a slightly modified approach:

1. Build special meter before attempting
2. Use manual combos between wires
3. Activate special grind tricks on the final wire
4. Can complete entire route in under 45 seconds

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1: Wrong Wallride Angle

Problem: Approaching the wall straight-on Solution: Always approach at a 30-45 degree angle

Mistake #2: Grinding Entire Wire Length

Problem: If you grind the entire length of the wire, you will fall to the ground at the end. Solution: Jump onto the rooftop before reaching the wire’s end

Mistake #3: Insufficient Speed on Final Wire

Problem: Sliding back down the inclined wire Solution: Perform more tricks, consider upgrading grind stats

Mistake #4: Missing the Brick Building

Problem: Turning too sharply after the second wire Solution: Moderate your turn – aim for the building’s center

Additional Secrets on the Route

While hunting for the secret tape, don’t miss this bonus collectible: There are two wires that extend over the level that lead away from this rooftop: one leads to the Secret Tape, and the other leads to an Iron Galaxy logo, which unlocks new items for purchase in the Secret Shop.

To get the Iron Galaxy logo:

1. Follow the same route to the brick building
2. Instead of the left wire, grind the right side
3. This wire leads over the plaza
4. The logo floats at the wire’s midpoint

Note: You cannot collect both in a single run – plan accordingly!

Tips for Different Skill Levels

Beginners

• Practice wallriding in the Warehouse level first
• Upgrade your grind stat to at least 7
• Don’t attempt this as your first College goal
• Use Tony Hawk for his balanced stats

Intermediate Players

• Try to chain the entire sequence in one combo
• Experiment with manual tricks between wires
• Aim for collecting it within 5 attempts

Advanced Players

• Challenge yourself with low-stat characters
• Attempt the “reverse route” starting from the clock tower
• Try collecting both the tape and Iron Galaxy logo in back-to-back runs

Platform-Specific Controls

PlayStation (PS4/PS5)

• Wallride: X to jump, Triangle when touching wall
• Grind: Triangle
• Tricks: Square (flip), Circle (grab)

Xbox (Xbox One/Series X|S)

• Wallride: A to jump, Y when touching wall
• Grind: Y
• Tricks: X (flip), B (grab)

PC

• Wallride: Spacebar to jump, G when touching wall
• Grind: G
• Tricks: F (flip), C (grab)
• Note: Controls are customizable on PC

Nintendo Switch

• Wallride: B to jump, X when touching wall
• Grind: X
• Tricks: Y (flip), A (grab)

Integration with Career Mode

The College secret tape is one of 19 main goals across THPS 3 and THPS 4 levels. Overall, the Secret Tapes in Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4 are required to complete all the main goals in the game, and you’ll have to unlock all of them up to London before you can access the Pinball map and get the final one.

Collecting this tape contributes to:

• Career completion percentage
• Unlocking later levels
• Achievement/Trophy progress
• Overall game mastery

Related Collectibles in THPS 3+4

While mastering the College secret tape, consider pursuing these other challenging collectibles:

Secret Tapes in Other Levels

• Foundry: Hidden behind molten metal
• Canada: Requires halfpipe manipulation
• Cruise Ship: Complex vert route

College Level Exclusives

• Iron Galaxy logo (mentioned above)
• Hidden Deck near the library
• All gap challenges
• COMBO letters

For more on unlocking secret content, check out how to unlock Officer Dick and find all Panda Plushies.

Why This Secret Tape Matters

Beyond simple completion, mastering the College secret tape teaches essential THPS skills:

• Wire grinding precision
• Momentum management
• Route planning
• Trick economy

These skills transfer directly to later challenges, especially in THPS 4 levels where There are a few tricky ones in THPS 4, including Alcatraz and the Shipyard.

Conclusion

The College secret tape in THPS 3+4 represents one of the game’s most satisfying challenges. While it may take dozens of attempts, the feeling of finally grinding up that final wire and snagging the tape is unmatched. Remember: wallride high, grind with purpose, and never stop tricking on those wires.

With this guide, you’re equipped with everything needed to add this elusive collectible to your collection. Whether you’re a completionist aiming for 100% or just love the challenge, the College secret tape awaits. Now get out there and show those rooftops who’s boss!

For more THPS 3+4 tips and the latest updates about the game, keep skating with us at Ofzenandcomputing.com!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the College secret tape without upgrading stats?

Yes, it’s possible with base stats, but significantly harder. The final wire’s steep incline becomes nearly impossible without at least 5/10 grind stat. Most players find success after upgrading grind to 7/10 or higher.

What happens if I fall during the attempt?

You’ll respawn at ground level and need to start the entire sequence over. There are no checkpoints on this route, which is why precision matters so much.

Is there really an easier way through the clock tower?

Yes! For the College Secret Tape, you can approach it from one of two directions, using the wire with the banners from the rooftop and grind your way up, or the easier way is to enter the door behind the clock tower. However, this door only unlocks after completing specific challenges.

Which character is best for getting this secret tape?

Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen excel due to their high grind stats. However, any character can succeed with proper technique and timing.

Can I collect the secret tape and Iron Galaxy logo in one run?

No, they’re on different wires extending from the brick building. You’ll need two separate runs to collect both.

What’s the time limit for collecting secret tapes?

The standard 2-minute timer applies, but experienced players can complete this route in under 45 seconds. Take your time learning – speed comes with practice.

Do I need the secret tape to unlock other levels?

Yes, secret tapes count toward your total goals needed to progress. You’ll eventually need all of them to access the final Pinball level.

Why do I keep sliding down the final wire?

You’re not performing enough tricks. The steep incline requires constant trick input. Mix flips and grabs, and use special tricks if available.

Is the College secret tape harder than others in THPS 3+4?

It’s considered one of the moderate-difficulty tapes. The Alcatraz and Shipyard tapes in THPS 4 are generally regarded as more challenging.

What should I do if I keep failing the wallride?

Practice wallriding in easier levels first. The Warehouse and School levels have perfect walls for learning the mechanic without pressure.