Some of the hardest goals in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 levels are only difficult because of how little is explained to the player. In the Alcatraz level THPS 3+4 players are tasked to "Release the Prisoner", but aren't given any clues on how to do so – aside from a brief look at a trash can in the intro goal flythrough.

THPS 34 Save Painter Neal Boulder Shark Complete
How To Save Painter Neal In Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4

Referencing a mission in the original THPS 4, to Save Painter Neal, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 players must grind and wallplant off an object nearby.

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Indeed, to free the prisoner in Alcatraz, THPS 3+4 players must find the cellblock keys somewhere on the level. Follow this guide to learn how to get the cellblock keys and complete the Release the Prisoner goal in THPS 3+4.

Make sure to check out our full interactive map for Alcatraz here!

How To Release The Prisoner In Alcatraz

Search Trash Bins To Find The Prison Keys In THPS 3+4

To release the prisoner in Alcatraz, THPS 3+4 players must knock over a series of trash bins spread out throughout the level. There are a total of five bins throughout the level – the blue trash cans don't count, only the larger green wheelie bins count toward your search.

To search a bin, you must tip it over, either by grinding a nearby rail or just by running directly into it.

  1. Go forward from the start of the level until you hit the first switchback (near the ruins). One green bin can be found free-standing in a grassy patch.
  2. Head up to the prison itself and look for another wheelie bin on a rail just opposite the cell block door.
  3. Two green garbage bins can be found on either side of the Parade Grounds, the grassy area with the bulldozer. Grind the rails these bins sit on to collect them.
  4. Finally, the last green trash bin is located on a rail as you travel toward the full pipe (the ramp that leads to a jump pad in the ocean). Look for this one on the left side of the main prison building, as you face it from the Parade Grounds.

Upon hitting the fifth trash can, you will find the Cellblock Keys. Bring these back to the cellblock door at the top of the prison, and you will immediately initiate a cutscene in which a ghostly prisoner flies out of Alcatraz as he celebrates his freedom. You can reach the Secret Tape from here and a Skill Point node from this newly-unlocked interior prison area.

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Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4
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Released
July 11, 2025
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

ESRB
Teen / Lyrics, Mild Blood, Mild Violence
Developer(s)
Iron Galaxy
Publisher(s)
Activision
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
Number of Players
1-2 players (local), 1-8 players (online)
Genre(s)
Sports
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Press Image 1
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