Hazy Maze Cave
Jump into the shiny black pool to enter the cave. The metal cap can be found here, along with a toxic maze and a giant sea serpent named Dorrie.
Swimming Beast in the Cavern
From the starting point, take the path to the left. Accurate long jump is the key to getting across the black hole. Head for the corridor where you see the giant boulders rolling out. Stick to the sides of the hall to avoid being crushed. Eventually you’ll reach Elevator 2. Take the lift down and follow the trail to the lake. Dive into the cool water and seek out the friendly sea dragon. Dorrie, who lives here, will help you get the Power Star on the island in the middle of the lake.
Elevate for Eight Red Coins
The eight red coins are suspending in crates and on platforms above the Work Elevator Room. You will need to ride the work elevator through the air to reach a vantage point where you can smash the crates and retrieve the coins. Don’t get freaked out by the wobbly nature of the elevator. Step on the arrows on the elevator to move and change directions, it’s also a good idea to use the C Buttons to adjust the camera view as you go. Once you collect all eight coins, climb the pole to the green and yellow- checkered lift. It’s more stable than the work elevator, but you cannot control it. Watch out for more obstacles that can knock you off the lift.
Metal-Head Mario Can Move: Requirement: Metal Cap
If you don’t have the metal cap check out The Basement: Secret Stars and Caps. The cavern in which you get the Metal Cap is located in this level, near Dorrie, on the far side of the lake. If you haven’t yet, go and get it now. At the top of the cavern where the lake is, by the elevator there is a metal cap. Grab it and haul buns to the water. Dive into the lake and hustle down the brown trail to a purple switch. You’ll need to still be Metal-Mario to push down on it. Near the switch is a door leading to a long hallway. Long jump over the gaps in the floor and avoid the flying bats to get the star.
Navigating the Toxic Maze The maze is full of toxic fumes that will hurt Mario if he stands immersed in the too long. Use the metal cap as often as possible. Follow the roughly sketched map at the right to get to the fourth Star. Do a backward somersault or double jump to reach the ledge, and once inside the corridor stay close to the wall under the exit, as there are slippery pits in the middle of the passage.
Map
A-Maze-Ing Emergency Exit
Look at the map in Star #4 to see where the door to the hallway is. Inside, grab onto the red grid and swing over the black hole. You need to double jump to reach the grid. It's helpful to use Left C to zoom out as much as possible, just to increase your view of what's ahead. Make your way hand-over-hand to the platform to the right. If you need a 1-Up, go over to the left platform first. Either way, the slightest mis-grab will land you in the black hole, so go slow and be careful.
Watch for Rolling Rocks
Make your way down the corridor where the large boulders are rolling. Above the door that leads to Dorrie’s lake are two alcoves in the wall. Wall-jump three times to get to the nooks, and the Star is located in the one on the right (when facing the door). Be sure to wall-jump in the narrow space right in front of the door, not in the corridor with the boulders!
100 Coins
To get 100 coins, it helps to get all of the blue coins in the hazy maze. Before you hit the blue switch, swivel your view so you can see down the corridor leading to the door to the fifth Star, as some of the blue coins will be stacked in front of that door.

Lethal Lava Land
This volcanic level is flooded with liquid rock. Any platform that seems safe usually isn’t for long. Look before you leap so you can see potential safe spots on the moving platforms.
Boil the Big Bully
The easiest way to get this Star is to grab the Wing Cap behind the starting point and flying to the back of the level on the left hand side. There is a platform where Big Bully, a giant bomb with horns, awaits. The best strategy is to stand on the edge of the platform facing the lava. Manipulate your view so you can see the Bully charging, and jump straight up right before he hits you. If you time it right you can land on his back and shove him into the lava, or he may run under you into the boiling pit.
Bully the Bullies
After you’ve defeated the Big Bully there are Little Bullies to deal with. There are little gangs of them all over the place, but there is a platform where a threesome of these baddies reside. Find this platform to the right of the Big Bully platform. After knocking the three mini-bullies into the lava, the Big Bully will challenge you to a rematch. Fight him once again to get the second Star.
Eight-coin Puzzle with Fifteen Pieces
There really isn’t any difficulty in this “puzzle” at all. Watch the puzzle pieces in the Bowser collage as they jiggle a bit before they move. Collect the eight red coins and get the Star that appears in the upper right-hand corner of the puzzle. If you do fall off the puzzle, steer your way back on and collect some coins to soothe your burn. It’s easy to get to the puzzle squares by grabbing the Wing Cap and flying. In fact, you can get most anywhere on this level using the Wing Cap.
Red-Hot Log Rolling
This Star can be tricky to get if you don’t use the Wing Cap. Taking the conventional route, make your way past the pair of bullies to the wire platform in the lava. Ride the platform to one end of the rolling log. Jump up on the log’s upper left side to start the log rolling to the left. It’s easier to walk when the log rolls this way, and the camera angle doesn’t really work in the opposite direction. Walk across the rolling log and jump to the platform where the Star is located. If by chance you fall off the log, try steering Mario over to the platform anyways. Sometimes you can make it to the Star while yelping in pain.
Hot Foot-it Into the Volcano
The volcano is very dangerous when erupting, so stand in one spot to avoid the falling lava and debris. When the eruption stops, hop into the cone and voila, you’re inside of a volcano! There are two stars inside, and the first will require poll jumping skills in 3D…ready? Follow the ledge that winds around the wall of the volcano up towards the top. Watch out for firejets, bullies, and moving platforms. In case you take damage from these obstacles, there is a spinning heart about half way up on a platform that blends into the red-yellow color of the rocks. You’ll reach a series of small platforms will poles. Climb the poles and jump from one to the other until you reach the Star. The best way is not to do a handstand on top of the poles because handstand jumps are higher and go farther (but if you do a handstand atop the third pole a 1-Up will appear). Make sure your back is facing the pole you want to go to, and make that leap of faith…several times.
Inside the Volcano Again
From the inside of the volcano jump onto the yellow and green- checkered platform. Ride the two platforms to the top of the volcano, avoiding all of the deadly obstacles that threaten your success. Use the C buttons to adjust your view so you can see what is happening. Time your jump from the first pole so you don’t get hit by the spinning fire bar. At the top of the second pole you’ll need to jump on some tiny platforms, so take it slow and be careful.
100 Coins
When you’re going for the fifth or sixth Star, a turtle shell will appear by the starting point. Hop on and ride it through the lava to collect all of the coins and 1-Ups in the level.

Shifting Sand Land
Here in the desert Mario is faced by klepto birds, quick sand, and ancient curses. There are two types of quick sand; you can avoid the suction of the quicksand in circular pools by jumping around, but there is no escape from the sand around the level parameter and the pyramid base.
In the Talons of the Big Bird
Soaring over the searing sand, Klepto the Conro holds the course’s first Star is his claws. Carefully navigate though the sandy level, being watchful of the Tox Boxes in the maze. Jump into the oasis if you sustain any damage. Note that you can run up the side of the tall pillars: speed to the top of the first pillar and jump on or into Klepto to make him give up the shiny piece.
Shining Atop the Pyramid
There are three ways to get this Star: you can climb up the windy paths that lead to the top of the pyramid, but watch out for fiery traps and a pesky fly-guy who tries to burn you along the way. You could use the Wing Cap to fly to the Star, using C^ to see your shadow, then pressing Z to make a precise landing. Or you could ride the turtle shell through the sands and up the side of the pyramid, jumping if you start to slow down.
Inside the Ancient Pyramid
Inside the pyramid lie three of the level’s Stars. The first is located at the top of interior. The path is very straightforward, but what would be an ancient pyramid without a handful of traps? You can safely touch the big mummy blocks (the ones that resemble Thwomp) and getting on top of them is helpful at times. Spindle, the large rolling mummy block, will roll right over you, but luckily there is a small alcove in the wall where you can take cover.
Stand Tall on the Four Pillars
First you need to stand atop the four pillars in the desert. Run to the top of three of them, but you need to fly to at least one. Make sure that once on top of the pillar you stand still for a second. If you just run across the top it won’t count. After posing on all four the top of the pyramid will open. Jump down the now-open entry and climb into the big red-brick block inside the pyramid. Jump around on some of the rocks and you’ll awaken Eyerok, the ancient guardian of the pyramid who was enjoying his beauty rest. Fighting him is easy, just hit or dive into his eyes, but avoid his powerful attacks. Two smacks of the fist and you’re gone.
Free Flying for Eight Red Coins : Requirement: Wing Cap
The easiest way to get the four coins in the sky is to launch out of the cannon in the Tox Box Maze. Aim a ways above the palm tree and you’ll be set for a circular course through the four coins. Remember that when you fly out of a canon you go faster, so don’t over-steer. The other four are on the ground: one in the corner of the level behind the starting point, on in the Tox Box Maze, one by the oasis, and the last under the gray platform with the two boxes above it.
Pyramid Puzzle
Inside the pyramid are five gold coins that will make red numbers when you collect them (ironically they make the numbers 1-5… but don’t need to be collected in any certain order). The first three are located on the platforms that float next to the tall cascade of sand that falls from the ceiling. To get to these platforms climb onto the third platform that leads the Star #3. There is a gap in the railing around this platform, walk off and you’ll drop into the right place. Make a slight jump to the other side of the sand cascade to get to the next coin. The third is below on the other side of the cascade. From there, jump to the sand stream and ride it to get the last two coins and the Power Star.
100 Coins
Collect as many coins as you can outside the pyramid (use the turtle shell to get around easily) then head inside for the rest. A blue coin switch is just to the left of the pyramid entrance, and the coins appear in the sand on the opposite side of the fence. As always, it’s good to collect all of the red coins a second time, as they are worth two regular coins.

Dire, Dire Docks
Bowser has a submarine and it’s docked in one of the underground chambers in the basement. It takes 30 Stars to unlock the door, which leads Mario into a underwater world of manta, sharks, and other dangers.
Board Bower’s Sub
To get to the Sub, Mario will need to swim through a long underwater passage. Be mindful of your air supply. When you get into the room with the giant underwater vessel, climb onto the platform that rings the chamber and hit the purple switch. This will form a temporary gangplank aboard the ship. The Star is located on the top of the Sub on the other side of the conning tower, practically in plain sight.
Chests in the Current
To get this Star you’ll need to open four chests in order while avoiding the suction of the whirlpool. The first chest is the one near the purple clam. The second, if you are facing AWAY from the whirlpool, is to the right. The third is on the far side of the second chest, farthest from the whirlpool than any other. The fourth chest is the one closest to the suction. You cannot tread water during this, as you’ll get pulled into the current, so you must constantly be swimming.
Pole-Jumping for Red Coins: Requirement: Beat Bowser in the Fire Sea
After beating Bowser in the Fire Sea, the submarine will be gone. In its place you’ll find a series of moving poles and eight red coins. Stomp the purple switch to make a bridge to the initial starting point. From there you can reach two different poles. The key to success on the poles is to swith your view so you can best see when they are perfectly aligned. Use the left and right C Buttons to swivel your view. You want to be able to see when one of the poles moves in front of the other, because at that point they will be lined up. It’s too difficult to judge when the poles are lined up if you are looking at them when they are side-by-side.
Through the Jet Stream : Requirement: Wing Cap
To make the Star appear in the Jet Stream, you need to swim through five of the rings that float off of the whirlpool. The easiest way is just to tread water above the Jet Stream and let the rings come to you. If you can’t get into the right spot, try adjusting the camera angle. After five rings, the Star will appear at the base of the Jet Stream. Grab the Metal Cap from the block along the edge of the cavern and dive down to the bottom for some sunken treasure.
The Manta Ray’s Reward
Find the Manta Ray that is swimming carefree around the whirlpool. If you look closely you’ll notice that he leaves rings in his trail. Swim through five in close succession and the fourth Star will appear atop the whirlpool. Don’t be so concerned with the Manta Ray that you accidentally swim into the whirlpool!
Collect the Caps: Requirement: Vanish Cap
Grab the Vanish Cap on the ledge at the edge of the room with the Sub. Swim down to the bottom of the cavern and through the cage that holds the fifth star. If you’re not very good at navigating while swimming, you can get both the Vanish and Metal Caps at the same time, which will allow you to walk along the watery floor to the cage with the Star inside.
100 Coins
To get 100 coins you’ll need to get all of the red and blue coins. The blue coin switch is on a platform hovering over the submarine pen. Don’t miss all the coins around the whirlpool, the sea bottom under the sub, and on the ledge in the submarine pen cavern.

Bowser in the Fire Sea
Bowser’s back (he never learns, does he…) and this time he’s chosen to heat things up a bit. No mind the pun, you’ve got lava out there! You’ll have to adjust the camera angle frequently to avoid the constant annoyance of not being able to see where you’re going. There are two spinning hearts, one at the end and one at the beginning, so use them if you need to.
The Red Coins
The eight coins spread throughout this level are easy enough to find, it’s the Star that’s tough to get. Near the end is a series of towers. You need to wall kick to the middle one, then crawl across a thin ledge a ways to get to the tallest one, where the Star resides. Go slow, you may even want to crawl. If you fall off to the right it’s all over.
Beating Bowser
The first time you fought this conceited old fool it was a cinch, he even told you how to do it! Now he’s making it a bit tougher. The only times his tail is vulnerable to grab is right after he stomps, and while he’s charging. If he starts running towards you, backflip over him and grab on to his Achilles Heel (his tail, for you uneducated folk) and swing him into the exploding bombs on the side.

Secret Stars and Caps
The Basement is filled with secrets: both the Metal Cap and Vanish Cap are hidden within this lair, along with a couple secret Stars.
The Metal Cap
In Hazy Maze Cave go to the lake that Dorrie swims around. Towards the back against the wall you’ll find the entrance to the Cavern of the Metal Cap. A level within a level? Why not? Down the long hallway, then go upstream to the left. At the top of the waterway you’ll find the switch. You know what to do: stomp it!
Metal Cap Coins
Back in the Cavern of the Metal Cap, behind the platform where the large green switch can be found, there are eight red coins hidden under the water. Swim around carefully as not to be taken by the water current, and get the eight coins to collect a secret Star.
A Gift from Toad
Near the entrance to the Metal Pool that is the warp to Hazy Maze Cave, you will find one of Princess Peach’s loyal mushroom retainers. You may have to look around for him a bit, but when you find him he’ll give you a Star.
The Vanish Cap
To the right of the door that goes into the Hazy Maze Cave room, there is a door. Through the door you’ll find a hole in the ground with water beneath; jump in and swim to the left until you reach the surface on the other side. There you’ll find two large pillars in the water, smash them both. Now go outside of the castle and into the now-empty moat. To the far left of the castle is a hole, jump in. To get the Vanish Cap just slide down the inclined plane, run past the electric shockers, do a bit of platform jumping, and you’re set.
Star Under the Moat
In the Vanish Cap Cavern, collect the eight red stars to get a secret Star. The first four are on the inclined plane, two at the top on the left and center, two on the bottom row of platforms in the center and right. The other four and are in the final stretch before the switch. These are tough the grab because of the conveyors, but all it takes it practice and perhaps some luck.
Mips the Rabbit.
A yellow rabbit named MIPS inhabits the damp corridors of the castle basement. If you can catch him, he’ll give you a Star. Chase him around a bit and you’ll find that it’s not an easy task. There are rumors that you can sneak up on him, but the most common way is to dive at him when he’s in a corner. You can catch MIPS twice, once before you have 50 Stars, and once after you have 50 Stars. Two easy Stars, eh?

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