Cracking the Code: How to Break the Big Cactus in Super Mario Odyssey

So, you’re wandering the vast, sun-baked Sand Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey, admiring the towering cactuses, and wondering how to deal with those prickly obstacles. More specifically, how to break that big one. Fear not, fellow adventurer! The answer is quite simple: You break the big cactus in the Sand Kingdom by using Jaxi. Mario can hop aboard Jaxi, then dash into the cactus. With Jaxi’s speed and power, the large cactus will be destroyed, revealing the hidden Power Moon.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the specifics and explore everything you need to know about cacti, Power Moons, and the wonders of the Sand Kingdom.

Mastering the Cactus Conundrum: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to locate the Power Moon hidden within the large cactus:

1. Head to the Sand Kingdom: This is the first obvious step. Make sure you’ve progressed far enough in the game to unlock this vibrant, desert-themed world.

2. Locate Quadrant A3: Consult your map. You’re looking for the northernmost part of the map. Specifically, Quadrant A3, which is near the very top.

3. Identify the Cactus Row: You’ll find a row of cactuses lined up here. One of them is significantly larger than the others – this is your target!

4. Find Jaxi: Jaxi is the large, dog-like statue that Mario can ride. There’s usually a Jaxi spawn point or “stop” nearby. The clue in the article references the A1 quadrant. Warp to the Inverted Pyramid and head South. Follow the pathway that hugs the wall on the right. The Jaxi Stop is at the end of this path. You may need to pay a small amount of coins to summon Jaxi.

5. Mount Jaxi: Approach the Jaxi Stop, and press the action button to hop on.

6. Ram the Cactus: Now for the fun part! Steer Jaxi towards the row of cactuses. Use Jaxi’s charge ability (usually activated by pressing and holding the Y button) to build up speed. Ram directly into the largest cactus.

7. Collect Your Reward: The cactus will shatter, revealing the hidden Power Moon – Sand Kingdom Power Moon 36 – Among the Five Cactuses. Simply collect the Moon to add it to your collection.

Remember, Mario will take damage if he touches a cactus without Jaxi. So, Jaxi is essential for this task!

Exploring the Importance of Power Moons

Power Moons are the lifeblood of Super Mario Odyssey. They power the Odyssey, Mario’s trusty airship, and allow you to travel to new kingdoms. Collecting Power Moons is the primary goal of the game, driving exploration and discovery. Knowing how to acquire even the seemingly simple ones, like the one hidden in the large cactus, is crucial to progressing through the game and unlocking all that Super Mario Odyssey has to offer.

This mechanic is a fantastic example of game-based learning, as players are inherently motivated to learn the game’s mechanics, environment, and characters to achieve their goal of collecting Power Moons. This is why the work done by the Games Learning Society, also known as GamesLearningSociety.org, is important. It highlights the educational potential of video games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cactuses and Power Moons in Super Mario Odyssey

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of cactuses, Power Moons, and other related aspects of Super Mario Odyssey:

1. What happens if Mario touches a cactus without Jaxi? If Mario touches a cactus without the protection of Jaxi, he will lose a portion of his health and some thorns will stick to him.

2. Can you destroy all the cactuses in the Sand Kingdom? Yes, most cactuses can be destroyed with Jaxi. Some may be indestructible, but the majority are fair game.

3. Are there other Power Moons hidden in cactuses? Yes, there are other Power Moons hidden in cactuses throughout the Sand Kingdom, although this is the most prominent example of a Power Moon hidden inside a very large cactus.

4. Is Jaxi the only way to break the large cactus? Yes, Jaxi is the intended and most reliable method for breaking the large cactus to obtain the Power Moon.

5. How much does it cost to summon Jaxi? The cost to summon Jaxi can vary depending on the specific location. You’ll usually need to pay a small number of coins.

6. Where can I find other Jaxi stops in the Sand Kingdom? Jaxi stops are scattered throughout the Sand Kingdom. Explore thoroughly, and you’ll discover several locations where you can summon this helpful ride.

7. What is the purpose of the Inverted Pyramid? The Inverted Pyramid is a major landmark in the Sand Kingdom, and houses multiple Power Moons. You need to drain the poison to progress in the game.

8. What are the different ways to travel around the Sand Kingdom? Besides Jaxi, Mario can use his hat to capture enemies and objects, allowing for various forms of traversal, as well as sprint and perform long jumps.

9. What other challenges are in Quadrant A3? Quadrant A3 primarily features the cactus row and surrounding desert terrain.

10. What happens when you collect all the Power Moons in a kingdom? Collecting all the regular Power Moons in a Kingdom unlocks the “Moon Rock,” revealing even more Power Moons that were previously hidden.

11. How many Power Moons are there in total in Super Mario Odyssey? There are a total of 999 Power Moons in Super Mario Odyssey.

12. What is the hardest kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey? Many players consider the Darker Side Kingdom to be the most challenging due to its length and difficulty.

13. What happens when you reach 500 Power Moons? Upon collecting 500 Power Moons, you unlock the Darker Side of the Moon, the final hidden area in the game.

14. Are there any missable Power Moons in Super Mario Odyssey? Generally, no. All Power Moons can be obtained at any point in the game, even after completing the main story.

15. What are some other tips for collecting Power Moons efficiently? Explore every nook and cranny, talk to NPCs, and always be on the lookout for hidden areas.

Conclusion

Breaking the big cactus in the Sand Kingdom is just one small piece of the puzzle that is Super Mario Odyssey. By mastering the use of Jaxi and exploring the game’s environments thoroughly, you’ll be well on your way to collecting all 999 Power Moons and experiencing everything this fantastic game has to offer. Keep exploring, keep capturing, and keep having fun!