Welcome to the ultimate New Super Mario Bros.: Star Coin Guide! Ready to collect all those elusive Star Coins and unlock every secret level in the game? Whether you’re hunting for those hidden treasures, mastering key locations, or learning to use Mario’s abilities to their fullest, this guide covers it all. Dive in as we explore top strategies for finding hidden Star Coins, crucial ways to manage your inventory and resources, and tips for unlocking secret levels. Gear up, because your adventure to become a Star Coin master starts now
Finding Hidden Star Coins in New Super Mario Bros
So, you’re playing New Super Mario Bros. and wanna find all those hidden Star Coins, right? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you snag every last one of them. Let’s dive right in!
What Are Star Coins?
Star Coins are special collectibles scattered throughout the levels of New Super Mario Bros. Each level has three Star Coins, and collecting them can unlock secret paths and extra levels. Plus, it’s super satisfying to see that 100% completion rate!
Tips for Hunting Star Coins
1. Be Curious and Explore
The most crucial tip is to explore. Don’t just rush from the start to the goalpost—take your time to look around. Break every block, ground-pound suspicious-looking areas, and investigate every nook and cranny. Sometimes the Star Coins are tucked away in hidden alcoves or behind breakable walls.
2. Use Power-Ups Wisely
Power-ups are your best friends when searching for Star Coins. Here’s how some of them can help:
- Fire Flower: Use fireballs to clear out enemies or find hidden blocks.
- Mini Mushroom: This power-up lets you access tiny pipes and other tight areas where some Star Coins might be hiding.
- Mega Mushroom: Use this to smash through walls that could be concealing coins.
Remember, if you think a Star Coin is in a tricky spot, you probably need a specific power-up to get there.
3. Check the Midway Points
Often, Star Coins are placed near midway points or right after checkpoints. Take a moment to pause and look around when you hit these markers. They are great clues that you might be close to a hidden Star Coin.
4. Time and Timing
Look at the clock! Some Star Coins require you to complete certain actions within a limited time frame. For example, hitting a P-Switch and collecting the Blue Coins before they disappear can often reveal hidden Star Coins.
5. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
If you’re playing with friends, use teamwork to find those hard-to-reach coins. Have one player carry another to get to higher platforms or tricky spots.
Star Coin Locations by World
Here’s a quick rundown on where some particularly tricky Star Coins might be hiding in different worlds.
World 1
- World 1-2: After the red-ring checkpoint, look for a hidden path in the cave ceiling that you can reach by wall-jumping.
- World 1-Castle: Right after the midway point, use a Mini Mushroom to run through the small opening and grab the Star Coin.
World 2
- World 2-3: Near the end of the level, you’ll find a pipe hidden beneath the quicksand. Use a Koopa shell to clear the way.
- World 2-Tower: Climb all the way up, then backtrack to find a hidden alcove with the Star Coin.
World 3
- World 3-1: Survive the rising water levels and look for an underwater tunnel on the left side of the screen.
- World 3-Ghost House: Look for invisible floors and hidden doors, as many Ghost Houses have Star Coins cleverly tucked away.
Keep the Adventure Going
Remember, the key to finding all these hidden Star Coins is patience and exploration. Take your time and enjoy each level. Not only will you get those starry prizes, but you’ll also uncover neat secrets and shortcuts that make New Super Mario Bros. even more fun.
Good luck, and happy coin hunting!
New Super Mario Bros.: Star Coin Guide
So, you’re on the hunt for those shiny Star Coins in New Super Mario Bros.? These elusive collectibles are scattered throughout the worlds, each one requiring a little more ingenuity to grab than the last. Here’s a rundown of key locations to find Star Coins and some tips to add them to your collection with ease.
World 1
1-1: Easy Breezy
- Star Coin 1: Not far from the start, you’ll see this coin above a set of blocks. Use a well-timed jump or hit the blocks below to make it easier to reach.
- Star Coin 2: Shortly after the Checkpoint Flag, you’ll find it trapped between two pipes. Simply jump in to grab it.
- Star Coin 3: Near the end, this one is hidden in a pipe that takes you to an underground area. Spot the red pipe sticking out and hop down.
World 2
2-1: Desert Dash
- Star Coin 1: At the start, use the tilting platform to reach a higher ledge where this coin is snugly placed.
- Star Coin 2: Check the long line of red Koopa Troopas. One of the pipes here is a sneaky entrance. Be quick!
- Star Coin 3: Near the Quick Sand. Carefully sink a bit until the hidden alcove appears. Try not to overdo it.
World 3
3-2: Water Woes
- Star Coin 1: An easy catch right above a Cheep Cheep fish. A few careful swims and it’s yours.
- Star Coin 2: Above a narrow passage. Timing your jump here is key because of all the pesky underwater enemies.
- Star Coin 3: Near the end, in a tricky place guarded by a Big Bertha. Use an Invincibility Star or time your swim perfectly to dodge her.
World 4
4-3: Jungle Fever
- Star Coin 1: In plain sight atop a series of moving platforms. Just be patient and time your jumps.
- Star Coin 2: Inside a hidden area that requires you to ground pound a set of blocks. Listen for the distinct sound that clues you in.
- Star Coin 3: At the end, guarded by several Goombas and positioned above a dangerous pit. Just take out the Goombas first to make life easier.
World 5
5-4: Snowy Summit
- Star Coin 1: Check the high ledges frozen in ice. Fire Mario makes this a breeze.
- Star Coin 2: When hitting the trampoline, bounce higher and head left instead of right.
- Star Coin 3: Hidden behind some destructible bricks near the end. Ground pound, then grab!
World 6
6-2: Cave Craze
- Star Coin 1: Early in the level under a tilting platform. Wait for an opening.
- Star Coin 2: High above a gap, requiring a running jump or a Koopa shell toss.
- Star Coin 3: At the end, in a tall cavern. Utilize wall jumps and enemies to assist in reaching this toughie.
World 7
7-1: Sky High
- Star Coin 1: Above a sleeping Piranha Plant. Use the springboard wisely.
- Star Coin 2: Right near the moving platforms. Just keep your timing tight.
- Star Coin 3: Hidden high with the help of Bullet Bills. Jump on them to boost your height and snag the coin.
World 8
8-3: Fiery Finale
- Star Coin 1: On a ledge guarded by fire bars. Just dodge and dash.
- Star Coin 2: Floating above a series of falling platforms. Quick reflexes are key.
- Star Coin 3: Near the end, hidden in a lava cavern. Use the P-switch to reveal blocks that lead to it.
Pro Tips
- Power-ups are your friends: Fire Flowers, Mini Mushrooms, and Super Stars can make your quest for Star Coins easier.
- Take your time: Sometimes the coins are in spots you’ll miss if you rush. Explore thoroughly.
- Listen for clues: Certain sounds and visual cues can hint at hidden areas where Star Coins are waiting.
Happy hunting, and may your mushroom-laden adventures lead you to every last Star Coin in the game!
Using Abilities to Access Star Coins
When it comes to New Super Mario Bros., Star Coins are like the ultimate collectible trophies. They’re hidden in every level, and snagging them all isn’t always a walk in the park. To nab these elusive coins, you often need to use special abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the abilities you’ll need and how to master them.
1. Super Mushrooms and Fire Flowers
Super Mushrooms make Mario grow larger, which sometimes helps to break through bricks blocking the Star Coins. When you see a brick wall, try smashing through it with Super Mario’s larger size. Check above and below, as sometimes the Star Coins are sneaky and tucked away in hidden alcoves.
Fire Flowers transform Mario into Fire Mario, which is perfect for taking out enemies that are guarding Star Coins. Fireballs can also reveal hidden blocks when shot at suspicious places. These blocks might create a path to that shiny prize.
2. Mini Mushrooms
Imagine Mario but tiny. That’s what Mini Mushrooms do, shrinking Mario so he’s almost bite-sized. This tiny form lets you get into tight nooks and crannies where Star Coins are often stashed. Look for small pipes, gaps, and hidden passages that only Mini Mario can access. Remember, Mini Mario is super light, so his jumps are floaty. Use this to your advantage to reach high places.
3. Mega Mushrooms
The Mega Mushroom transforms Mario into a giant, unstoppable force, perfect for smashing through almost anything. When you spot walls, pipes, or large enemies guarding a Star Coin, use the Mega Mushroom to bulldoze through barriers. The destruction often reveals hidden Star Coins just waiting to be collected.
4. Blue Shell
The Blue Shell power-up is a bit quirky but super useful. It turns Mario into Shell Mario, letting him zip around the stage like a spinning top. Dashing through narrow pathways or breaking blocks while shell dashing can uncover Star Coins. Be mindful, though; controlling Shell Mario takes practice and precision.
5. Propeller Mushrooms
For those hard-to-reach Star Coins high up in the air, the Propeller Mushroom is a lifesaver. This ability lets Mario fly upwards by shaking the Wii Remote, reaching Star Coins in elevated or vertical areas. Keep an eye out for platforms or clouds floating way up high, as they often hide Star Coins.
6. Penguin Suit
The Penguin Suit mixes cool aesthetics with practicality. This outfit allows Mario to glide gracefully across icy surfaces and swim with agility. Use it in levels with slippery terrains and underwater sections to navigate spaces and access those submerged—or ice-encased—Star Coins smoothly.
7. Secret Blocks and Hidden Passages
Not strictly an ability, but knowing where to find secret blocks is essential. These invisible blocks are often key to reaching Star Coins. Jump and hit above suspiciously empty spaces or near regular blocks to reveal them. Sometimes these blocks create stairways or bridges to otherwise unreachable areas.
Strategy Tips
- Scan Each Level: Study the layout of each level carefully. Look for anything that seems out of place or suspicious, like walls with slight cracks or platforms that seem to have no purpose.
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush. Star Coins are meant to be a challenge, so slow down and explore every inch of the level.
- Revisit Levels: Sometimes you need specific abilities that you didn’t have the first time through. Replaying levels with the correct power-up can be the key to collecting every Star Coin.
Mastering each ability and knowing when to use them is essential for completing your Star Coin collection. Equipped with this knowledge, you’re now ready to comb through the New Super Mario Bros. levels and track down every last Star Coin! Happy hunting!
Managing Inventory and Resources
In New Super Mario Bros., one of the key aspects to mastering the game is learning how to manage your inventory and resources effectively. Whether you’re hunting for those elusive Star Coins or just trying to survive Bowser’s latest trap, smart resource management can make or break your adventure. Let’s dive into some crucial tips and tricks to help you on your quest.
Power-Ups: Your Best Friends
First things first: power-ups. These handy items can sometimes be the difference between life and death in the Mushroom Kingdom. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Mushroom: Makes Mario grow larger, giving you an extra hit before you die.
- Fire Flower: Allows Mario to shoot fireballs, which can take out enemies from a distance.
- Mini Mushroom: Shrinks Mario, allowing him to fit through tiny gaps but makes him more vulnerable.
- Mega Mushroom: Temporarily turns Mario into a giant, squashing everything in his path.
- Star: Grants temporary invincibility.
Pro Tip: Always try to keep a spare power-up in your inventory box found at the top of the screen. You can activate it with the Select button when you’re in a pinch.
Coin Collecting 101
Coins aren’t just for show; they’re your ticket to extra lives. Every 100 coins you collect will grant you one extra life, and trust us, you’ll need as many of these as you can get.
Easy Ways to Collect Coins:
- Koopa Shell Trick: Kick a Koopa shell in small areas to repeatedly hit enemies and blocks for extra coins.
- Secret Rooms: Look out for pipes and hidden doors that lead to secret coin-rich rooms.
- Star Coins: While not regular coins, collecting all three in each level can unlock bonus levels and game secrets.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Sometimes taking a few extra seconds to explore can yield a treasure trove of coins.
Utilize Your Inventory
Smart use of the inventory system in New Super Mario Bros. can give you an edge, especially in tough levels. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Plan Ahead: Before entering a particularly challenging level, equip a power-up from your inventory to give yourself an advantage right from the start.
- Switch It Up: If you find yourself constantly dying in a level, try using a different power-up from your inventory to see if it makes things easier.
- Conserve When Possible: Don’t waste power-ups on easy levels. Save them for when you really need them, like against difficult bosses or in levels full of tricky jumps.
Pro Tip: Learn the levels. Knowing what’s ahead can help you decide which power-ups to save and which ones to use immediately.
Advance Tactics for Star Coins
Star Coins are the game’s premier collectible, and gathering all of them is quite the challenge. Here’s how to efficiently manage your resources to snag every single one:
- Scout the Level: Take a leisurely run through the level to memorize the locations of each Star Coin. This pre-run also lets you know what power-ups you might need for particular coins.
- Power-Ups as Tools: Sometimes, specific Star Coins can only be reached with a particular power-up. For example, the Mini Mushroom might be necessary to get through a small pipe or gap.
- Use Warp Pipes Wisely: Levels often have hidden passages accessible via Warp Pipes. Don’t hesitate to backtrack if you think you’ve missed one—Star Coins are often lurking just out of sight.
Pro Tip: Some Star Coins might require tricky maneuvers. Don’t hesitate to trigger the power-ups in your inventory for that added boost!
Life Management
Your lives are your most valuable resource, and knowing how to manage them can keep you from seeing that dreaded Game Over screen. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Farm Extra Lives: Levels with lots of coins or easy-to-hit enemy combos are perfect for farming extra lives.
- Avoid Recklessness: Taking unnecessary risks can cost you dearly. Always weigh the risk versus reward, especially in longer levels.
- Save Regularly: Make frequent use of save points. Quitting the game properly ensures that your progress isn’t lost and you don’t waste lives repeating levels.
Pro Tip: If you’re low on lives, revisit earlier levels where you know you can rack up coins or find 1-Up Mushrooms.
Mastering your inventory and resources in New Super Mario Bros. isn’t just about survival—it’s about making the game work for you. Use these strategies to keep Mario on his feet and ready to tackle whatever Bowser throws his way. Happy adventuring!
Unlocking Secret Levels in New Super Mario Bros
So, you’ve been playing New Super Mario Bros., and now you’re wondering about those elusive secret levels everyone talks about. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Unlocking these hidden gems can be a bit tricky, but with our guide, you’ll be breezing through them in no time. Ready to become a Mario legend? Let’s dive in!
World 1 - Unlocking World 1-A
To get to the secret level World 1-A, you’ll need to collect the Star Coin in World 1-3. Here’s how you do it:
- Find the Blue Koopa Troopa: Near the start of the level, you’ll see a Blue Koopa Troopa. Knock him out of his shell and grab the shell.
- Hit the Red Switch: Carry the shell to the right until you see a bunch of red blocks and a Red Switch. Toss the shell to hit the switch.
- Grab the Star Coin: Quickly run back to grab the Star Coin that’s surrounded by red blocks. Once you have it, continue to the end of the level where you’ll find a secret exit that leads to World 1-A.
World 2 - Finding World 2-A and World 2-B
World 2 has two secret levels: World 2-A and World 2-B. Here’s how to unlock both:
World 2-A
- Enter World 2-3: Start playing through this sandy, desert level.
- Get the Mini Mario Power-Up: Find and grab a Mini Mushroom.
- Look for the Mini Pipe: Near the end of the level, you’ll notice a tiny pipe on the ground. Only Mini Mario can enter it.
- Enter the Pipe: Go through the pipe, and you’ll emerge in an area with the secret exit leading to World 2-A.
World 2-B
- Head to World 2-4: Start the level and keep an eye out for the secret area.
- Look for a Secret Room: Midway through the level, you’ll come across a bunch of bricks just above a quicksand pit.
- Activate the P-Switch: Find and activate the hidden P-Switch to reveal a bunch of coins and a Star Coin.
- Locate the Secret Exit: Follow the new path that the P-Switch reveals and you’ll find a secret exit ultimately leading to World 2-B.
World 4 - Unlocking World 4-A
To unlock World 4-A, you need to finish World 4-Tower as Mini Mario. Mini Mario? That’s right, you need the Mini Mushroom again!
- Reaching the Tower: Enter World 4-Tower with a Mini Mushroom in your inventory. You can find a Mini Mushroom in World 2-A if needed.
- Defeat the Boss as Mini Mario: Carefully avoid damage and defeat the boss, Mummipokey, while still in your Mini form.
- Find the Secret Area: Once you use the key to open the door, you’ll automatically unlock the path to World 4-A.
World 7 - Accessing World 7-5
The Forest World, World 7, has some tricky secrets. Here’s how to access World 7-5:
- Enter World 7-4: Play through the level until you reach the first Star Coin.
- Look Up for a Secret Path: When you reach an area with a vine in the middle of the level, climb it. This leads to a hidden area.
- Find the Secret Exit: In this hidden area, locate the secret exit that will unlock World 7-5 on your world map.
Final Tips
- Keep Mini Mario Handy: Many secret levels require you to be Mini Mario. Stock up on Mini Mushrooms whenever you can.
- Look for Alternate Exits: Often, these secret levels are hidden behind physical blocks or require pressing hidden switches.
- Explore Thoroughly: Sometimes, the key to finding a secret exit is all about exploring unseen areas or experimenting with power-ups.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be zooming through the secret levels in no time. Think of them as hidden treasures, waiting for a true adventurer like yourself to find. Happy gaming!