Super Mario 3D World: Unlockables and Secrets

Welcome to our ultimate guide to Super Mario 3D World: Unlockables and Secrets! Whether you're a seasoned player or a new adventurer in the Mario universe, this guide is packed with exciting tips and tricks to enhance your gameplay. Ready to discover every hidden nook and cranny? We'll cover everything from Finding Hidden Items and Unlocking Secret Levels to Using Cheats and Shortcuts. Plus, we'll dive deep into Exploring Hidden Areas and show you how to Complete 100% of the Game. Get ready to outsmart Bowser and uncover all the game’s best-kept secrets!

Finding Hidden Items in Super Mario 3D World

Super Mario 3D World is packed with hidden treasures, secret pathways, and countless surprises. Knowing where to look can make a huge difference in gathering all those sweet collectibles, like Green Stars and Stamps. Here's a detailed guide to help you uncover every last hidden item in the game. Let's go!

Keep an Eye on the Environment

Whether you're wandering through grassy plains or navigating tricky castles, always pay close attention to your surroundings. The game designers at Nintendo love to hide items in plain sight--and sometimes not-so-plain sight.

• Invisible Blocks: Certain areas have invisible question mark blocks that only reveal themselves when you jump into their space. Try jumping in spots with nothing around just in case.

• Suspicious Walls and Ground: Some walls and floors may look a little different or have a slight shimmer. These can often be broken or reveal hidden pathways when hit or walked through.

Use Power-Ups Wisely

Different power-ups can help you find secret items in various ways. Here’s how some can aid your quest:

• Cat Suit (Super Bell): Climbing walls and scratching at suspicious spots can reveal hidden power-ups or switches.
• Fire Flower: Fling fireballs at walls and enemies. Sometimes they can expose secret blocks or tunnels.
• Boomerang Flower: The boomerang can hit out-of-reach question blocks or enemies, revealing hidden goodies.

Explore Every Nook and Cranny

Exploration is key in Super Mario 3D World. Don’t rush through levels; instead, take your time and check every area thoroughly. Here are some tips on thorough exploration:

• Camera Angles: Adjust the camera to spot hidden pathways or items above or below you.
• Ledges and Platforms: Often, hidden items are just out of the main path's sight, so investigate off to the sides or behind obstacles.
• Backtracking: A door or pipe you see early in a level might lead to a secret area later on--or new paths may open up after defeating certain enemies.

Use Miiverse Stamps

While Miiverse might be a thing of the past, the Miiverse Stamps in the game are still fun to collect and often indicate hidden areas. Here are some tips:

• Look for hidden compartments: Stamps are usually in sneaky places like behind walls, under platforms, or in secret rooms.
• Revisit levels: If you think you’ve missed a Stamp, try replaying the level with a different character or power-up.

Pay Attention to Enemies

Enemies aren’t just for stomping--they can also lead to hidden goodies.

• Defeat All Enemies: Sometimes, beating all baddies in an area will make a hidden block or platform appear.
• Follow Enemies’ Paths: Observe where flying or patrolling enemies go; they might be guarding a secret area or item.

Listen to the Music and Sound Effects

Your ears can also help you find secrets. Sometimes you can hear a faint jingle or a different music tone near hidden items. Turn up the volume and listen carefully as you explore!

Final Tips

• Talk to Toads: If you see blue Toad characters, they might reveal secrets or paths to hidden items.
• Check Behind the Goal Post: Before you finish a level, always look around the goal post. There might be a hidden item just out of sight.
• Use Multiplayer to Your Advantage: Playing with friends can help you explore more effectively. Each character has unique abilities that may reveal different secrets.

Uncovering all the hidden items in Super Mario 3D World can be a real challenge, but with these tips, you'll be collecting those Green Stars and Stamps in no time. So, grab that controller and start exploring every inch of those whimsical stages! Good luck!

Unlocking Secret Levels in Super Mario 3D World

So, you've powered through Bowser's nefarious plans and conquered most of the levels in Super Mario 3D World. But hold on--did you know there are a bunch of secret levels lurking within this colorful universe? Yup, there are extra stages that aren't immediately obvious but are oh-so-satisfying to unlock and play. Ready to extend your adventure? Let's dive in!

World Star

The first set of secret levels is in World Star. To unlock it, you need to beat Bowser in World Castle and then clear World Bowser. Once you've toppled King Koopa himself, World Star will open up, offering fresh challenges and more platforming fun.

World Mushroom and World Flower

Ready for more? After making your way through World Star, there are two more hidden worlds: World Mushroom and World Flower. These aren't your typical levels--they're basically a gauntlet of super fun and tough courses that will test every skill you've honed so far.

How to Unlock

1. World Mushroom: Finish all levels in World Star.
2. World Flower: Complete every single level in World Mushroom.

These worlds ramp up the difficulty, but they're a blast to play. Just be ready for a challenge!

World Crown

The ultimate secret world in Super Mario 3D World is World Crown. This world is the pinnacle of Mario platforming and includes some of the toughest levels in the entire game.

To unlock World Crown, you need to:

1. Complete Every Other World: Yup, you heard that right. Finish Worlds 1 through Flower.
2. Collect All Green Stars, Stamps, and Get Top of Each Flagpole: This requirement is no joke. You'll need to find every hidden Green Star, grab each collectible Stamp, and reach the top of every flagpole in the game. It's a massive undertaking, but the reward is so worth it.

Tips and Tricks for Unlocking Secret Levels

• Use Multiple Characters: Some Green Stars and Stamps are easier to get with different characters like Peach's floating ability or Luigi's higher jumps.
• Team Up: Playing with friends can make certain challenges easier, especially when you need to reach tricky spots or collect scattered items.
• Take Your Time: Don’t rush through levels. Spend time exploring every nook and cranny to find those hidden items.

Unlocking these secret levels will definitely extend your playtime and challenge your Mario skills. Enjoy every bit of these hidden gems and savor the sense of accomplishment when you finally unlock and beat them! Now get out there, collect those Stars, and show Bowser who's boss one more time!

Using Cheats and Shortcuts

Even though Super Mario 3D World is packed with thrilling levels and challenging bosses, sometimes you might just want a helpful boost or a quicker way to get to the end. Whether you're trying to gather more Green Stars, or simply want to speed through to the tougher worlds, cheats and shortcuts can be your best friends. Here’s a guide to using them to your advantage!

Infinite Lives Trick

It’s always handy to have extra lives, especially when you’re tackling the trickier levels. Here’s a neat trick to rack up infinite lives early in the game:

1. World 1-2: Koopa Troopa Cave
   • Near the beginning of the level, find the first Koopa Troopa.
   • Pick up the Koopa shell and carry it to the staircase.
   • Position Mario (or any character you're playing) on the third step of the staircase.
   • Release the shell. If done correctly, the shell will continuously bounce between the steps and Mario’s foot, earning you an extra life each time.
   • After a few moments, you’ll have so many extra lives that you won’t need to worry about Game Overs for a long time!

Warp Zones

If playing through every level isn’t your style, you can use warp zones to skip ahead:

1. World 1 to World 2

   • In World 1-2, reach the invisible blocks near the end of the cave section.
   • Hit the blocks to reveal a beanstalk.
   • Climb up and enter the green pipe to go straight to World 2.

2. World 4 to World 5

   • In World 4-2, look for two Shadow Platforms about halfway through the level.
   • Jump onto the first Shadow Platform, then immediately onto the other one.
   • Hit the hidden blocks between the two platforms to reveal another beanstalk.
   • Climb up and enter the green pipe to warp to World 5!

Speed Running Strategies

For those looking to finish the game in record time, here are a couple of handy speed running tips:

1. Use Toad for Speed

   • Out of all the characters, Toad is the fastest. While he doesn’t jump as high as others, his speed can make up for it in many scenarios.
   • Utilize Toad especially in levels where you primarily need to run and avoid obstacles rather than jump a lot.

2. Propeller Box and Cat Suit

   • In levels where you get the Propeller Box or the Cat Suit, grab them as soon as possible!
   • The Propeller Box allows you to fly through levels quickly, and the Cat Suit lets you climb walls and bypass areas that would normally take longer.

Secret Luigis

Hidden throughout Super Mario 3D World are pixel Luigis! They don’t affect gameplay, but finding them is a fun challenge:

• World 1-1: Near the beginning, ground-pound to reveal a pixel Luigi in the flowers.
• World 2-2: Look carefully at the train platforms; you might see a tiny Luigi hidden among the train cars.

Unlocking Rosalina

Finally, playing as different characters can change your game experience. To unlock Rosalina:

1. Reach World Star-2
   • Defeat the boss in World Bowser to unlock World Star.
   • Complete the first level and then proceed to World Star-2.
   • Once you reach a certain part of the level, Rosalina will join your party!

Using these cheats and shortcuts can open up new ways to enjoy Super Mario 3D World, helping you manage tougher levels and enjoy the game in a different light. So go ahead and give these tricks a try, and may your adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom be filled with excitement and success!

Exploring Hidden Areas

If you think you've found everything in Super Mario 3D World, think again! This game is packed with hidden areas just waiting to be discovered. These secrets can hold extra Green Stars, Stamps, and power-ups. Knowing where to look can make a huge difference in your quest to save the Sprixie Kingdom.

Look Behind Everything

One of the key tricks in Super Mario 3D World is to always look behind objects and structures. The game’s three-dimensional aspect means there can be hidden paths everywhere. If you see a suspicious-looking wall or a cluster of blocks that seem out of place, run behind them! Often, these spots house Green Stars or Stamps.

• Example: In World 1-1, Super Bell Hill, there’s a tree near the beginning. Climb it to find a hidden 1-Up Mushroom.

Check the Corners

Corners are your friends in this game. Levels often have corners that seem like dead ends but actually lead to secret spots. Use your camera controls to check thoroughly. You might find a stash of coins, a Green Star, or even a hidden pipe leading to a bonus area.

• Example: In World 2-2, Puffprod Peaks, there is a hidden Green Star in a corner just off-screen to the right of the main path. Use the touch screen (or cursor in docked mode) to reveal the platforms leading to it.

Use Suspicious Pipes

Not all pipes are easy to spot. Some are slightly hidden or disguised as part of the background. If a pipe looks a bit off, it's worth checking out. Additionally, some pipes need to be hit with Fire Mario's fireballs or other power-ups to reveal their secrets.

• Example: In World 3-3, Shifty Boo Mansion, a hidden pipe behind some crates leads to a room with a bunch of coins and a Green Star.

Investigate Invisible Blocks

Invisible blocks make a sneaky return in this game. These hidden blocks often appear when you jump around suspicious areas. They might reveal extra lives, power-ups, or even a platform to reach a hard-to-get Green Star.

• Example: In World 4-2, Piranha Creeper Creek, there are several sections with invisible blocks that help you reach higher platforms and hidden items.

Unusual Suspended Platforms

Keep an eye out for platforms that don’t seem to have a purpose or seem hard to reach. These usually hide goodies or lead to secret paths. Use your Cat Suit ability to climb or jump to these odd platforms, and you might stumble upon great rewards.

• Example: In World 1-4, Plessie’s Plunging Falls, there's a high platform near the middle of the level that you can reach by steering Plessie carefully. It leads to a Green Star.

Special Power-Ups and Their Secrets

Certain power-ups unlock hidden areas or make secret paths easier to access. The Cat Suit, for instance, allows you to climb walls to reach hidden spots. The Double Cherry can let you hit multiple switches at once to reveal new paths.

• Example: In World 2-4, Really Rolling Hills, the Cat Suit allows you to climb up to a hidden wall that contains a Green Star.

Bottom Line

Super Mario 3D World encourages exploration with its clever level design and hidden surprises. Always stay curious and try to think outside the box. Look behind every structure, check every corner, jump around for invisible blocks, and don't forget to use your power-ups wisely. Next time you play, try taking a different route or using a power-up in a new location - you just might find something amazing!

Completing 100% of the Game

Super Mario 3D World is packed with hidden goodies, challenging levels, and lots of ways to test your skills. To truly conquer this game and reach the coveted 100% completion, you need to do more than just beat Bowser. Think you have what it takes? Let’s dive into everything you need to know to achieve that glorious 100%.

Collect All Green Stars

Green Stars are spread across every level and are essential for unlocking new worlds. Each standard level in the game usually has three Green Stars hidden within. Keep your eyes peeled, as some may be hidden behind breakable walls, inside enemies, or high up in the sky.

Tip: Use your Cat Suit power-up often - you can climb walls and reach stars other characters can't!

Gather the Stamps

Stamps are another collectible item in Super Mario 3D World. Each level (up to World Bowser) has its own unique Stamp, usually tucked away in hidden corners or hard-to-reach places. Collecting all stamps fills out your Stamp Book, showing off your dedication.

Note: Certain Stamps are character-specific. Make sure to revisit levels with different characters to get them all.

Gold Flagpoles

At the end of each level, you need to make sure you grab the top of the flagpole for it to turn gold. Use the Cat Suit or a well-timed jump to hit the very top. If you've missed any, don't worry! You can replay levels to get those gold flagpoles.

Clear All Levels with All Characters

This one is a biggie. To achieve 100% completion, you have to clear every level with Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and Rosalina. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but it’s necessary for that perfect file. Characters play differently, so some levels may be easier or harder depending on who you're using.

Pro Tip: Keep track of your progress. Each character has a stamp icon next to the level flag after they complete it.

Unlock and Beat World Crown

World Crown is the game's final and toughest world. To unlock it, you need to complete Worlds 1-8, World Star, World Mushroom, and World Flower. Inside World Crown, be ready for a hefty challenge:

• Crown-1: Champion’s Road - An intense gauntlet that tests all your platforming skills.
• Crown-2: Captain Toad’s Fiery Finale - Guide Captain Toad through some of the trickiest puzzles.
• Crown-Crown - A special level for completing the sticker collection.

Miiverse Stamps (Switch Version Note)

Originally in the Wii U version, Miiverse Stamps were used to create posts, but in the Switch version, these stamps are mainly for your collection and level completion.

Final Steps to Glory

Once you've done all of the above, a special fireworks show will celebrate your 100% completion, and you’ll unlock a star next to your save file. Congrats, you've officially mastered Super Mario 3D World!

Closing Tips

• Patience is Key: Some levels are extremely challenging. If you get frustrated, take a break and come back later.
• Team Up: Play with friends to help collect those hard-to-reach items.
• Experiment with Power-Ups: Certain power-ups like the Cat Suit and Tanooki Suit can make tricky levels much easier.

Remember, completing every little detail can be tough, but the satisfaction of seeing that 100% is totally worth it. Best of luck, and happy gaming!