The echoes of kickflips, grinds, and the iconic soundtrack of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater are still potent in the memories of gamers. For many, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 represent the zenith of the beloved skateboarding series, a golden era that blended challenging gameplay with an unforgettable sense of style and rebellion. With the resounding success of the THPS 1+2 remake, the question on everyone’s lips is inevitable: When can we expect a remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4? And what do we know about its potential release date, tracklist, and other exciting details?
While official announcements remain tantalizingly absent, the gaming community is buzzing with speculation, fueled by industry whispers, developer hints, and the undeniable demand for another dose of classic Hawk. Let’s dive into everything we know, and more importantly, everything we hope for regarding a potential THPS 3 & 4 remake.
### The Legacy of THPS 3 & 4: Why We Need This Remake
Before we dissect the possibilities, it’s crucial to understand why these two titles are so cherished. THPS 3, released in 2001, introduced the revert, fundamentally changing combo mechanics and adding a new layer of skill to the already addictive gameplay. It also boasted a stellar cast of skaters and arguably one of the most iconic soundtracks in gaming history.
Then came THPS 4 in 2002, which broke away from the timed run structure of its predecessors, introducing free-roam levels and objective-based gameplay. This shift allowed for more exploration, creative line building, and a deeper immersion into the skater’s world. Together, these games represent a perfect storm of innovation, refinement, and pure, unadulterated fun.
### Release Date: The Million-Dollar Question
This is where speculation truly takes flight. Activision, the publisher of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater franchise, has remained tight-lipped about future installments. However, the success of THPS 1+2 in 2020, developed by Vicarious Visions (now Blizzard Albany), provided a clear blueprint and a strong financial incentive.
Industry insiders and reputable leaks have hinted at ongoing development for a THPS 3 & 4 remake. While no concrete release date has been confirmed, the general consensus points towards a potential late 2024 or 2025 release window. This would allow for a reasonable development cycle, building upon the engine and assets established in the previous remake, and ensuring a polished final product.
It’s important to remember that this is purely speculative.
Development timelines can shift, and unexpected challenges can arise. However, the demand and the precedent set by THPS 1+2 make a future installment feel not just likely, but almost inevitable.
### Tracklist: The Soundtrack of a Generation
The music in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games is as iconic as the gameplay itself. For THPS 3 & 4, this means a treasure trove of punk, rock, and hip-hop anthems that defined an era. While an official tracklist for a potential remake is impossible to confirm, we can anticipate a blend of nostalgia and fresh inclusions:
What We Expect (and Hope For) in the THPS 3 & 4 Tracklist:
The Classics Return: It would be an absolute crime to omit the absolute bangers from the original soundtracks. We’re talking: THPS 3: (Not Your Kind of Girl) – The Breeders, (Anarchy) – The Sex Pistols, (Blitzkrieg Bop) – Ramones, (Ace of Spades) – Motörhead, (Iron Man) – Black Sabbath, and so many more.
THPS 4: (The Old Neighborhood) – Bad Religion, (Sk8er Boi) – Avril Lavigne, (Run-DMC) – Rock Box, (Pump It Up) – Elvis Costello, (This Is How We Do It) – Montell Jordan.
New Additions: To keep the soundtrack fresh and relevant for a new generation of players, we can expect new tracks from artists who embody the spirit of skateboarding and the THPS ethos. This could include a mix of established bands and up-and-coming artists across rock, punk, alternative, and hip-hop genres.
The “THPS Vibe”: The key is capturing the curated, often gritty, and undeniably cool feel that made the original soundtracks so memorable. It’s about songs that make you want to grab a board and hit the streets.
Vicarious Visions (now Blizzard Albany) did a masterful job of curating the THPS 1+2 soundtrack, striking a perfect balance between familiar favorites and exciting new additions. We trust they’ll do the same for THPS 3 & 4.
### Everything Else We Know (and Hope For):
Beyond the release date and tracklist, what other aspects of a potential THPS 3 & 4 remake are on our minds?
Gameplay Overhaul (with Classic Core): We expect the remake to build upon the already perfected engine of THPS 1+2. This means the core mechanics of grinding, flipping, and chaining tricks will be as smooth and responsive as ever. The introduction of the revert in THPS 3 and the free-roam, objective-based gameplay of THPS 4 will be key highlights.
Iconic Levels Reimagined: The opportunity to revisit legendary skateparks like the Airport, Suburbia, The Office, and the Zoo with modern graphics is incredibly exciting. We anticipate meticulously recreated environments with enhanced details, lighting, and perhaps even new secrets to discover.
The Roster: The original games featured an incredible lineup of professional skaters. We’d love to see the return of legends like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Geoff Rowley, Rodney Mullen, and Elissa Steamer. Will there be new additions to the roster? The THPS 1+2 remake included newcomers, so it’s a strong possibility.
Multiplayer Mayhem: Online multiplayer was a massive draw for the original games. We expect robust online modes, including competitive play, cooperative challenges, and the ability to create and share custom parks.
Create-a-Park and Create-a-Skater: These beloved modes are essential. The ability to design and share your own dream skateparks, and to customize your skater with endless options, is a core part of the THPS experience.
Story and Challenges: While THPS wasn’t known for its deep narrative, the objective-based challenges in THPS 4 were incredibly engaging. We anticipate a similar structure, offering plenty of replayability and rewarding mastery.
The “Tony Hawk Factor”: At the heart of it all is Tony Hawk himself. His continued involvement and passion for the franchise are crucial to its authenticity.
### The Waiting Game
As with any highly anticipated sequel, the wait can be agonizing. However, the success of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 has undoubtedly paved the way for a THPS 3 & 4 remake. The groundwork has been laid, the demand is palpable, and the potential for another skateboarding masterpiece is immense.
For now, we can only dream, speculate, and perhaps revisit the classics to keep our skills sharp. But one thing is certain: when the day finally arrives for Tony Hawk to roll back into our lives with the iconic levels and killer soundtracks of THPS 3 and THPS 4, the skateboarding world will be ready to drop in.