Welcome to the ultimate “Super Mario Galaxy: Star Collection Guide!” Dive into the cosmic adventures of Mario like never before with our comprehensive strategy guide. Whether you’re on the hunt for elusive Hidden Stars, uncovering Key Locations for Secret Stars, mastering Strategies for Comet Stars, leveraging Power-Ups to Access Stars, or gearing up to Unlock the Final Galaxy, our guide is packed with expert tips and insider secrets to help you shine brighter than ever in the galaxy far, far away. Ready to reach for the stars? The journey starts now!

Finding Hidden Stars#

So, you’ve got most of the stars in Super Mario Galaxy but those sneaky hidden stars are eluding you? No worries! This guide will help you track down those elusive sparkles scattered throughout the galaxies. Strap on your space boots, ‘cause it’s time to do some serious star collecting!

1. Understanding Hidden Stars#

First things first: what are hidden stars? Hidden stars are special, secret stars hidden in various levels (or “galaxies”). Unlike main stars, you won’t just stumble upon them naturally by following the level’s main objectives. You often need to go off the beaten path or complete special challenges to get them.

2. Hidden Stars by Galaxy#

Let’s dive into some popular galaxies and reveal their secrets.

Good Egg Galaxy#

• Star 1: Dino Piranha – Right after you break the egg and fight Dino Piranha, look for a launch star that appears to get you to a high platform. Spin to create Pull Stars and navigate through the hidden area.

Honeyhive Galaxy#

• Star 2: Trouble on the Tower – Head over to the huge tree towards the end of the level. Use the Bee Mushroom to fly on top of the tree. There you’ll find a hidden launch star that takes you to a new area where you’ll find the hidden star.

Loopdeeloop Galaxy#

• Star 3: Surfing 101 – After you beat the main mission, replay the level and you’ll encounter a surf instructor who challenges you to beat a special time trial. Win this more challenging race to get the hidden star.

3. Keep an Eye Out for Hungry Lumas#

Don’t forget about those Hungry Lumas you see scattered around the observatory and galaxies. These star-shaped creatures have big appetites and will transform into entire galaxies once you feed them enough Star Bits. These new galaxies often hold hidden stars!

Feeding Hungry Lumas#

• Feeding Luma 1: In the Terrace Dome, feed the first Hungry Luma 400 Star Bits. This opens up the Sweet Sweet Galaxy, which contains a hidden star.
• Feeding Luma 2: Outside the Garden Dome, feed the Hungry Luma 1600 Star Bits to access the Snow Cap Galaxy for more hidden star goodness.

4. Secret Missions and Pranks#

Be on the lookout for secret missions and prank comets. These comets shift the gameplay dramatically and often lead the way to hidden stars.

• Purple Coin Challenges: Collecting 100 Purple Coins can sometimes reveal a hidden star.
• Speedrun Missions: Completing these timed missions can net you extra stars.

5. Utilize Luigi’s Help#

At certain points, Luigi will get himself lost, and you have to rescue him. Each time you save him, he’ll find one of these hidden stars for you.

• Example: After rescuing Luigi the first time, check in the Terrace Dome. He’ll send you a letter showing you the new location of a hidden star.

6. Ask Toad for Help#

Toad is stationed at the Mailtoad area in the Comet Observatory and sometimes receives letters. These letters often contain critical hints and even Star Bits that can help you unlock new galaxies.

Final Tips#

• Explore: Don’t rush through levels. Take your time, explore every nook and cranny, and you’ll be surprised at what you find.
• Talk to NPCs: Characters like Penguins, Toads, and Bees often give important hints on where to find hidden stars.
• Replay Levels: Returning to levels after you’ve progressed unlocks new areas and challenges that hide stars.

Happy star hunting, space adventurer! Remember, sometimes the most challenging paths lead to the most rewarding treasures. Keep exploring, and you’ll be swimming in hidden stars before you know it.

Key Locations for Secret Stars#

Super Mario Galaxy is brimming with hidden stars just waiting for you to find them. These Secret Stars are tucked away in nooks and crannies you might ordinarily scamper past. Let’s dive into some of the coolest places hidden gems are stashed away, helping you add these fabulous finds to your collection.

Good Egg Galaxy - Dino Piranha Star#

Look for the secret launch star on the first planet. To find it, you’ll need to solve the blue star puzzle. Collect the five blue star chips to make some blue pull stars appear. Use these to zip over to the next planet, where you’ll get a chance to unlock a secret area. There’s a hidden launch star to take you to a secret planet with purple coins. Collect all the purple coins here to earn your Secret Star.

Honeyhive Galaxy - The Secret Walls#

You wouldn’t expect it, but Honeyhive Galaxy has a Secret Star lurking behind a breakable wall. When you’re in the area with the big waterfall and the giant honeycomb, look out for a large stone wall. Ground pound this wall to reveal a hidden launch star that zips you to a secret planet. Here, you’ll find a star encased in a crystal. Smash it open to claim your prize!

Battlerock Galaxy - Battle Rock Barrage#

In Battlerock Galaxy, take a detour during the mission “Breaking into the Battlerock.” Instead of finishing the mission as usual, hop on the moving platform and use the Bob-ombs (those walking bombs) to break the cages as you go. One of the cages has a launch star that takes you to a brand new planet filled with danger and, of course, a Secret Star.

Beach Bowl Galaxy - Life in the Water#

Ready to take the plunge? In Beach Bowl Galaxy, the Secret Star is hiding underwater. When riding in your favorite shell, head to the center of the underwater area under the main island. Dive deep, and you’ll see a chest that needs a shell to open. Inside, there’s a launch star that will take you to an icy planet. Skirt around the ice and nab all the silver stars to complete the mold and earn yourself a shiny new Secret Star!

Dusty Dune Galaxy - Blasting Off Again#

Dusty Dune Galaxy’s Secret Star involves some tricky platforming. Play through the “Blasting through the Sand” mission, and keep your eyes peeled for a hidden warp pipe. It’s located on a small sandy planet with shifting layers. Use the tornadoes to boost yourself up and land near the pipe. Go through it to enter a bonus room where careful jumps will lead you to a Secret Star.

Gusty Garden Galaxy - Dirty Tricks and Hidden Glory#

In the Gusty Garden Galaxy, the Secret Star is part of the Dirty Tricks of Major Burrows mission. When you reach the area with the floaty fluff (those dandelion-like plants), take hold and float down to a small planetoid with a switch. Activate the switch to reveal a launch star that takes you to a hidden planet. There, you need to defeat all the enemies fast to make the Secret Star appear.

Finding these Secret Stars isn’t just fun—it also helps you unlock more galaxies and levels, bringing you closer to rescuing Princess Peach. Equip yourself with this knowledge, and you’ll nab each one with Mario’s signature flair. Happy star hunting, space explorers!

Strategies for Comet Stars#

Comet Stars in Super Mario Galaxy are a whole different ball game compared to regular stars. They come with special challenges that make them tricky but super rewarding to snag. Here’s how to tackle each type of Comet Star without losing your sanity.

Speedy Comets#

Speedy Comets are all about racing against the clock. Here are some tips to beat the timer:

• Plan Your Route: Before diving in, take a moment to map out the quickest path to the star. This could mean skipping unnecessary enemies or knowing when to take a shortcut.
• Use Long Jumps: Long Jumps (Z+B) are your best friends here. They cover more ground faster than regular running or jumping.
• Don’t Fight Everything: It’s tempting to take out every enemy, but it’s not always necessary. Focus on dashing to the star unless an enemy blocks your path.
• Remember Power-ups: Utilize any available power-ups like the Super Mushroom to increase your speed and survivability.

Cosmic Comets#

Cosmic Comets pit you against a Cosmic Clone or Shadow Mario. These races aren’t just about speed; they’re about knowing the terrain and outsmarting your shadow.

• Watch for Shortcuts: Often, the levels will have hidden paths or quicker routes. Learn these and use them to your advantage.
• Use the Spin Ability: A well-timed spin (shake the Wii Remote) can give you that tiny edge to jump gaps or gain speed.
• Jump Trick: If Shadow Mario is ahead, try performing mid-air stunts. They can throw off the shadow’s copying ability and sometimes make him mess up.

Daredevil Comets#

Daredevil Comets mean you’re tackling levels with only one health point. No room for mistakes here.

• Patience: Slow and steady wins the race. Take your time with each enemy and obstacle. Rushing will often lead to mistakes.
• Learn Boss Patterns: If you’re facing a boss with a Daredevil Comet, study their attack patterns. Knowing when and how they strike can save you from a one-hit KO.
• Stay Alert: Watch out for hazards like lava pits or moving platforms. Memorize their timing and be cautious while navigating them.

Fast-Foe Comets#

Fast-Foe Comets speed everything up—enemies, platforms, projectiles. Everything moves faster.

• Focus: Keep your eyes on the movement patterns. Fast foes can be confusing, so maintaining sharp focus will help you time your actions.
• Anticipate Movements: You might need to jump or dodge earlier than usual because of the increased speed. Anticipate the movements of enemies and moving platforms ahead of time.
• Stay Calm: The speed can be disorienting. Remember to stay calm and composed, which will allow you to think more clearly and react faster.

Purple Comets#

Purple Comets challenge you to collect 100 purple coins scattered across the level. Sometimes they’re timed and sometimes not.

• Scan the Area First: Do a quick fly-by to get a sense of coin locations. This could save you time and prevent backtracking.
• Systematic Collection: Approach coin collection methodically. Divide the area into sections and clear each one before moving on to the next.
• Use Bee or Flying Power: Some areas might require the Bee Mushroom or other power-ups to reach high or hard-to-reach coins. Keep an eye out for these.

Remember, practice makes perfect. If a specific comet level is giving you a hard time, don’t be afraid to replay it a few times to learn the layout and improve your strategy. Happy star hunting!

Using Power-Ups to Access Stars#

Super Mario Galaxy has tons of stars to collect, but some of them are well-hidden or really hard to reach. That’s where Mario’s awesome power-ups come in! Using the right power-up can help you snag those tricky stars with style. Let’s dive into how you can use these power-ups to maximize your star count.

Bee Mushroom#

When Mario transforms into Bee Mario, he gains the ability to fly for a short bit. You’ll find Bee Mushrooms in levels with a lot of flowers, honeycombs, or areas that seem impossible to reach with regular jumps. Here’s how to make the most of Bee Mario:

• Hovering: Hold the “A” button to hover. This lets you cross wide gaps and reach higher platforms that normal Mario can’t.
• Climbing Walls: Look for sticky honeycomb walls. Bee Mario can stick to these and climb, opening up new paths and hidden areas.
• Water Hazard: Be careful around water. If Bee Mario touches water, he turns back into regular Mario. Plan your routes to avoid taking a dip.

Boo Mushroom#

The Boo Mushroom turns Mario into Boo Mario, making him ghost-like and able to float and move through some walls. This one’s necessary for getting through spooky, ghost-infested levels.

• Floating: Use the float ability to navigate across large gaps slowly and precisely.
• Invisibility: Hold the “A” button to turn invisible. This can get you past certain barriers and enemies that would otherwise block your progress.
• Walls and Bars: Being a Boo allows Mario to move through certain walls and bars. Keep an eye out for slightly glowing or transparent sections of walls, indicating secret paths.

Spring Mushroom#

Spring Mario can bounce to insane heights, but he’s also a bit tricky to control. This power-up is handy for reaching high places and is often found in levels with lots of vertical space.

• High Bounces: Press “A” right when Spring Mario hits the ground to bounce higher. Perfect timing is key to getting serious air.
• Wall Jumps: Spring Mario can wall-jump, which adds even more height to your bounces when walls are close together.
• Control Issues: Navigation might be tough since Spring Mario has a mind of his own. Practice controlling his jumps to avoid flying off the stage.

Fire Flower#

Classic and effective, the Fire Flower gives Mario the power to shoot fireballs. This is useful for melting ice, lighting torches, and, of course, defeating enemies.

• Melting Ice: Aim your fireballs at icy barriers and enemies to clear pathways.
• Lighting Torches: Some areas have torches that need to be lit to open doors or reveal stars. Don’t forget that fireballs can light them up!
• Limited Time: This power-up has a timer, so make sure you do what needs to be done quickly before you revert back to regular Mario.

Ice Flower#

The Ice Flower turns Mario into Ice Mario, giving him the power of icy awesomeness! He can walk on water by freezing it, creating new paths and platforms.

• Creating Platforms: Freeze water surfaces to walk across lakes or reach distant platforms.
• Climbing Waterfalls: Frozen waterfalls can be climbed, allowing you to reach new heights. Look for these in watery areas.
• Slip and Slide: While cool, Ice Mario can be slippery to control. Watch out that you don’t slide right off edges.

Rainbow Star#

This power-up turns Mario invincible for a short period. While invincible, you can plow through enemies and obstacles without taking any damage.

• Invincibility: Use it when you need to rush through enemy-packed areas or across hazards.
• Collecting Coins: Rainbow Mario can break through normally indestructible objects, revealing hidden coins and pathways.
• Limited Time: Make the best of the invincibility since it only lasts a short few moments.

Red Star#

The Red Star is a special power-up that lets Mario fly freely for a limited time. Found in specific areas, this power is essential for high-altitude star collection.

• Free Flight: Use the Red Star to fly by shaking the Wii Remote. You can explore levels from a whole new perspective.
• High Altitude: Reach stars located in crazy high places that are otherwise unreachable.
• Terrain Traversal: This is great for levels with lots of verticality or floating platforms.

These power-ups are crucial tools for collecting all the stars in Super Mario Galaxy. Mastering them not only makes the game more fun, but it also helps unlock areas and stars you might otherwise miss. So get out there, power up, and happy star hunting!

Unlocking the Final Galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy#

Alright, you’ve made it this far in Super Mario Galaxy. You’ve battled Bowser, conquered tough levels, and collected Power Stars like a champ. Now, it’s time to unlock the epic Final Galaxy. Let’s break down how to get there!

Collecting 60 Power Stars#

First things first, collect 60 Power Stars. These aren’t just lying around, so you’ll need to explore every nook and cranny of the game. Don’t stress if you miss a few, just keep moving through different galaxies and gather as many as you can. The Toad Brigade is often nearby if you need tips on where to look. Keep an eye out for hidden areas, secret stars, and bonus objectives within each galaxy.

Defeating Bowser#

With 60 Power Stars in tow, it’s showdown time with Bowser. Head to the center of the Observatory, and Rosalina will unlock the path to Bowser’s Galaxy Reactor. This isn’t just any Bowser fight; you’ll be tackling challenging platforms and dodging fire hazards. It can get intense, so stay calm and focus on your jumps and spins. Once you defeat Bowser, congratulations! You’ve technically beaten the game, but there’s still more to see.

The Purple Comet Missions#

Bowser is down, but your mission isn’t over. Now’s your chance to collect even more Power Stars. New Purple Comet missions will start appearing in the different galaxies. These comets introduce new challenges, requiring you to collect 100 purple coins in each galaxy. These missions aren’t easy. It can take a bit of patience and skill, especially in levels with tricky platforming.

The 120 Power Star Challenge#

To unlock the ultimate Final Galaxy, you need to strive for perfection. That means collecting all 120 Power Stars. This includes every regular star, the purple coin stars, and any others hiding across all the game’s galaxies. It’s a marathon, not a sprint—some stars require you to revisit past levels and tackle new missions or challenges.

Play as Luigi#

After gathering the 120 Power Stars, you’ll unlock a special treat: Luigi! You can replay the entire game as Mario’s green-clad brother. Luigi’s gameplay is slightly different; he jumps higher, but he also slides more. It’s like playing through another side of the story, adding a fresh twist to the game.

The Final Galaxy: Grand Finale Galaxy#

Once you’ve tackled the game as both Mario and Luigi, you’re almost there. Achieving 120 Power Stars with each character unlocks the Grand Finale Galaxy. This is the game’s victory lap. Here, you’ll be treated to a replica of the Star Festival from the beginning of the game. It’s a celebratory level where you can soak in the scenery while collecting the last purple coins.

Final Star and Celebrations#

After finishing the Grand Finale Galaxy with both Mario and Luigi, you’re awarded the final, elusive Power Star. You did it! You’ve unlocked every secret Super Mario Galaxy has to offer. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the completion bonus as a reward for your skills and determination.

So, to recap, here’s what you need:

• 60 Power Stars: To access Bowser’s Galaxy Reactor.
• Defeat Bowser: Unlock Purple Comet missions.
• 120 Power Stars: Collect all stars including purple coins.
• Play as Luigi: Replay the game and collect another set of 120 stars.
• Grand Finale Galaxy: Unlock and complete for the ultimate star collection.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new fan, unlocking the Final Galaxy is a satisfying journey. Good luck, and happy star hunting!