Do You Need All the Purple Coins in Mario Odyssey? A Collector’s Deep Dive
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The short answer is: no, you do not need all the purple coins (also known as regional coins or kingdom-specific coins) in Super Mario Odyssey to complete the main storyline or even achieve “100% completion” in the strictest sense. However, collecting these unique coins is a vital part of experiencing everything the game has to offer, unlocking exclusive costumes, souvenirs, and Power Moons that contribute significantly to the overall adventure.
Let’s delve deeper into why these seemingly optional collectibles are more important than you might think, and explore everything you need to know about snagging them all.
The Allure of Purple Coins: More Than Just Pretty Currency
Super Mario Odyssey brilliantly intertwines exploration, collection, and progression. While the main storyline is fueled by collecting Power Moons to power the Odyssey and chase Bowser, the purple coins serve as the primary currency within each kingdom. These coins aren’t just scattered randomly; they’re often tucked away in clever hiding spots, require specific moves or captures to reach, and encourage players to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny of each environment.
What Do Purple Coins Buy You?
The primary use for purple coins is purchasing unique items from the Crazy Cap shops located in each kingdom. These items can include:
- Kingdom-Specific Costumes: These outfits are often themed to the particular kingdom and can range from the simple (like a Tostarenan Poncho) to the elaborate (like a New Donker City Formal Suit). Some costumes are purely cosmetic, while others might be required to access certain areas or trigger specific events.
- Souvenirs: These are decorative items you can place on the Odyssey to personalize it. They add a touch of character and showcase your travels.
- Power Moons: While not always the case, some kingdoms offer Power Moons for purchase with purple coins. This can be a helpful way to snag a few extra moons if you’re struggling to find them through exploration or challenges.
Why Bother Collecting Them All?
While not mandatory, collecting purple coins provides several compelling reasons:
- Completionist’s Delight: For players aiming for true “100% completion,” which often involves collecting every Power Moon, unlocking every costume, and finding every secret, purple coins are essential.
- Enhanced Exploration: The pursuit of purple coins forces you to explore areas you might otherwise miss, uncovering hidden details and secrets within each kingdom.
- Unlocking All Costumes: Many players enjoy dressing up Mario in various outfits, and purple coins are the key to acquiring them all. This adds a layer of customization and replayability to the game.
- Power Moon Accumulation: While not every kingdom sells Power Moons, the ones that do can provide a significant boost to your moon count, making it easier to reach the next stage of the game or unlock post-game content.
The “Ending” vs. True Completion
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between finishing the main story and achieving true completion in Super Mario Odyssey. You can “beat” the game by defeating Bowser and rescuing Princess Peach without collecting a significant number of purple coins. However, the post-game content and challenges are greatly enhanced by having a large collection of Power Moons and costumes, many of which are purchased with purple coins. To continue learning about game design and player engagement, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Strategies for Effective Purple Coin Hunting
- Thorough Exploration: Take your time and explore every corner of each kingdom. Look behind buildings, under bridges, and up high in the sky. Use Cappy to scout ahead and reveal hidden areas.
- Utilize the Map: The map often provides hints about the location of purple coins. Look for question marks or areas that seem unexplored.
- Pay Attention to Hints: Talk to NPCs, as they often provide clues about the location of hidden coins.
- Complete Challenges: Some challenges, such as mini-games or puzzles, reward you with purple coins.
- Post-Game Advantage: Once you’ve completed the main story, you’ll unlock new abilities and mechanics that make it easier to find and collect purple coins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Purple Coins
1. How many purple coins are there in each kingdom?
The number of purple coins varies from kingdom to kingdom. Typically, there are between 50 and 100 purple coins per kingdom.
2. Do purple coins respawn?
No, once you collect a purple coin, it’s permanently removed from the world.
3. Is there a way to track which purple coins I’ve already collected?
Unfortunately, there is no in-game tracking system for individual purple coins. However, you can check your progress by visiting the Crazy Cap shop in each kingdom. If you’ve purchased all the available items, you’ve likely collected most, if not all, of the purple coins in that kingdom.
4. Are some purple coins missable?
No, none of the purple coins are missable. You can return to any kingdom at any time to continue your search.
5. What’s the best kingdom to start collecting purple coins in?
The Cap Kingdom is a good starting point as it’s relatively small and easy to navigate, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the collection mechanics.
6. Do purple coins transfer between kingdoms?
No, purple coins are kingdom-specific. The coins you collect in one kingdom can only be used in that kingdom’s Crazy Cap shop.
7. Can I use purple coins to buy Power Moons in every kingdom?
No, only certain kingdoms offer Power Moons for purchase with purple coins. Check the Crazy Cap shop in each kingdom to see what’s available.
8. Are any costumes required to progress through the main story?
No, no costumes are strictly required to beat the main story. However, some costumes can provide access to otherwise inaccessible areas or trigger specific events that make certain tasks easier.
9. What happens when I collect all the purple coins in a kingdom?
Collecting all the purple coins in a kingdom unlocks all the available items in the Crazy Cap shop for that kingdom.
10. Is there a reward for collecting all the purple coins in the entire game?
While there’s no specific in-game reward for collecting every single purple coin across all kingdoms, the satisfaction of completion and the ability to unlock all costumes and souvenirs is a reward in itself.
11. Are there any secret or hidden uses for purple coins?
Beyond purchasing items from the Crazy Cap shop, there are no known secret or hidden uses for purple coins.
12. Can I use Amiibo to help me find purple coins?
Amiibo can provide hints about the location of Power Moons, but they do not directly reveal the location of purple coins.
13. Are purple coins easier to find in 2-player mode?
While 2-player mode can make certain platforming challenges easier, it doesn’t inherently make purple coins easier to find. The exploration aspect remains largely the same.
14. Is it worth using a guide to find all the purple coins?
Whether or not to use a guide is a matter of personal preference. Some players enjoy the challenge of finding them independently, while others prefer to use a guide to expedite the process.
15. What’s the most challenging purple coin to find in the game?
The “most challenging” purple coin is subjective and depends on the player’s skill and exploration habits. However, coins that are hidden behind complex puzzles, require precise platforming, or are cleverly disguised are often cited as particularly difficult to find.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Hunt!
While not strictly necessary for completing the core storyline, collecting purple coins in Super Mario Odyssey is an integral part of the game’s overall experience. It encourages thorough exploration, rewards players with unique items, and adds a layer of depth to the already rich gameplay. So, embrace the hunt, explore every nook and cranny, and enjoy the satisfaction of uncovering all the hidden treasures that each kingdom has to offer!