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How to Reach the Moon’s Moon in Super Mario Odyssey: A Lunar Guide

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So, you’re aiming for the ultimate challenge in Super Mario Odyssey – nabbing that elusive Moon on the Moon? Here’s the direct answer: To get the Moon on the Moon, you need to complete the main story, collect at least 500 Power Moons, and then travel to the Moon Kingdom. Once there, the formerly inaccessible crater near the Odyssey will open, revealing a warp pipe leading to the Darker Side, the game’s most difficult area. Completing this area unlocks the “Moon on the Moon” Power Moon.

Delving Deeper: Unlocking the Darker Side

The journey to the Moon’s Moon isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. It requires patience, skill, and a good understanding of Super Mario Odyssey‘s core mechanics. Think of it as Mario’s version of climbing Everest, but with more Cappy throwing.

Step 1: Conquer the Main Story

This one is self-explanatory, but absolutely necessary. You need to defeat Bowser and save Princess Peach. This unlocks the “post-game” content, which is where the real fun (and challenge) begins. Don’t worry; you don’t need to collect every moon to beat Bowser – just a sufficient number to power the Odyssey to each kingdom.

Step 2: Moon Gathering – The 500 Moon Hurdle

Here’s the big one. You need to accumulate at least 500 Power Moons. This might sound daunting, but Super Mario Odyssey is incredibly generous with its collectibles. Explore each kingdom thoroughly, complete side quests, find hidden areas, and revisit areas to uncover even more moons. Remember, the “Moon List” in each kingdom is your best friend. Use it to track down missing moons. Talking to Hint Toad and using Uncle amiibo can also pinpoint the location of moons you’re missing.

Step 3: The Crater Opens – Accessing the Darker Side

Once you hit that magic number of 500, head back to the Moon Kingdom. You’ll notice a significant change. The large crater near the Odyssey, previously closed off, will now be open, revealing a warp pipe. This pipe is your gateway to the Darker Side. If the crater is still closed after obtaining 500 moons, try warping to another kingdom and returning, or restarting your game.

Step 4: Surviving the Darker Side – The Long Journey Home

The Darker Side is notorious for its difficulty. It’s a single, sprawling level filled with challenging platforming sections, tough enemies, and intricate puzzles. There are no checkpoints, meaning you must complete the entire area in one go. Be prepared for a tough challenge, and don’t be afraid to use Assist Mode if you’re struggling. Here are some tips:

Master Cappy’s moveset: You’ll need to use every trick in your arsenal, from captures to ground pounds to wall jumps.
Be patient: Don’t rush through the level. Take your time, observe the enemy patterns, and plan your moves carefully.
Learn from your mistakes: You will die. A lot. But each death is a learning opportunity. Figure out what went wrong and try again.
Collect the hidden moons along the way: There are additional moons hidden within the Darker Side, so keep your eyes peeled!

Step 5: Claiming the Moon on the Moon

After overcoming all the obstacles the Darker Side throws at you, you’ll finally reach the end and face the final challenge. Successfully completing the Darker Side will reward you with the “Moon on the Moon” Power Moon, a testament to your skill and dedication. Congratulations! You’ve conquered one of the hardest challenges in Super Mario Odyssey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Moon’s Moon

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate your quest:

Do I need to collect all the purple regional coins to get the Moon on the Moon? No, you don’t need to collect all the regional coins. While collecting them can unlock costumes and other goodies, they aren’t required for accessing the Darker Side or getting the Moon on the Moon.
Can I use amiibo to help me find moons more quickly? Yes! Scanning amiibo can provide hints to moon locations. Uncle amiibo, in particular, is very helpful.
Is Assist Mode cheating? No way! Assist Mode is there to help players of all skill levels enjoy the game. It provides extra health and directional guidance, which can be helpful for overcoming difficult sections. Use it if you need it!
What happens if I die on the Darker Side? You’ll be sent back to the beginning of the level. This is why it’s so important to be prepared and learn the level layout.
Are there any checkpoints on the Darker Side? No. This makes it significantly harder than other levels.
Do I need to beat Bowser again after collecting 500 moons? No, beating Bowser the first time is sufficient.
Where are some good places to farm for moons? Kingdoms like the Lake Kingdom, Luncheon Kingdom, and Mushroom Kingdom are known for having relatively easy-to-find moons. Explore thoroughly and revisit them often.
What’s the fastest way to get 500 moons? Focus on completing the main story moons first, then systematically go through each kingdom’s Moon List. Utilize hint art and Uncle amiibo.
Is there a reward for collecting all 999 moons? Yes! Collecting all 999 moons unlocks a special message from the developers on top of Peach’s Castle in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Can I access the Darker Side without beating the main story? No. Completing the main story is a prerequisite.
Does the Moon on the Moon count towards the total moon count? Yes, it counts as one of the 999 moons you can collect.
Are there any hidden moons within the Darker Side itself? Yes, there are several hidden moons scattered throughout the level. These require careful exploration and clever use of Cappy’s abilities.
What makes the Darker Side so difficult? The lack of checkpoints, challenging platforming, and constant threat of enemies combine to create a demanding experience.
Are there any costumes that make the Darker Side easier? While no costume makes it significantly easier, the Invisible Cap (unlocked by scanning a specific amiibo) can provide a slight advantage by making Mario harder to detect.
Besides getting the Moon on the Moon, what else is there to do in the post-game? The post-game unlocks tons of new moons, harder versions of bosses, new costumes, and other secrets. There’s plenty to keep you busy even after you get the Moon on the Moon!

Remember, conquering Super Mario Odyssey and the challenges it presents is all about exploration, experimentation, and perseverance. And if you are interested in the educational aspects of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society website for fascinating research and insights: Games Learning Society.