Unlocking the Ultimate Challenge: How to Reach the Darker Side in Super Mario Odyssey
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So, you’ve conquered Bowser, saved Princess Peach (again!), and explored the vibrant kingdoms of Super Mario Odyssey. You’re feeling pretty good about yourself, right? Think you’ve seen it all? Think again! The true test of a Mario master lies in the Darker Side, the game’s ultimate post-game challenge.
The straightforward answer: To unlock the Darker Side of the Moon, you need to collect a minimum of 500 Power Moons after completing the main story. Once you’ve hit that milestone, the Odyssey will be able to travel to this new location.
But reaching that milestone and conquering the Darker Side itself are two very different kettles of fish. Let’s dive deep into the details of unlocking and surviving this punishing, yet rewarding, final area.
The Road to 500 Power Moons
Beyond the Story: Power Moon Collection
The story alone won’t get you there. After the credits roll, the world opens up, revealing even more Power Moons hidden in every kingdom. It’s time to revisit familiar locales with a fresh eye. Look for:
- Hidden Areas: Now accessible after story completion, these often require new abilities or clever use of existing ones.
- New Challenges: Many kingdoms unlock new challenge rooms or scenarios that reward you with additional Moons.
- Side Quests: Talk to everyone! Many NPCs have new requests or challenges for you to complete.
- Moon Rocks: Each kingdom has a Moon Rock that, once activated, reveals a whole new set of Moons to collect.
- Regular Moons: Find the moons scattered across the kingdoms!
The Crazy Cap Store: A Helping Hand (for a Price)
Feeling impatient? Don’t forget the Crazy Cap store! After completing the main story, you can purchase Power Moons using coins. While this might feel like cheating, it’s a perfectly legitimate way to reach that crucial 500-Moon threshold. Just be prepared to shell out a lot of coins, as it’s an expensive endeavour. Remember, however, that purchased moons DO NOT count towards the actual number of unique moons you’ve discovered, which is tracked separately.
The Darker Side Awaits: What to Expect
Once you’ve hit 500 Power Moons, a new destination will appear on your world map: the Darker Side of the Moon. Prepare yourself, this isn’t your average Mario stroll.
The Long Journey’s Home: A Brutal Gauntlet
The Darker Side’s main challenge is the “Long Journey’s Home”, a single, incredibly difficult level that combines elements from across the entire game. Expect:
- Precise Platforming: Timing is everything. Prepare for tricky jumps, narrow pathways, and relentless obstacles.
- Enemy Gauntlets: Waves of enemies designed to test your combat skills and reflexes.
- Environmental Hazards: From lava pits to freezing winds, the environment itself is out to get you.
- Minimal Checkpoints: Be prepared to replay large sections of the level repeatedly. Patience is key!
- Heart Management: Hearts are scarce, and every hit counts. Mastering Mario’s moveset and avoiding damage is crucial.
The Reward: Satisfaction and Style
Conquering the Darker Side is a true badge of honor for any Mario Odyssey player. Beyond the immense sense of accomplishment, you’ll unlock:
- The Chef Outfit: A stylish new costume for Mario, proving you can handle the heat.
- A New Ending Scene: A slightly altered ending sequence, acknowledging your mastery of the game.
Tips for Tackling the Darker Side
- Master Mario’s Moveset: Become fluent in Mario’s full range of abilities, including cap throws, dives, and ground pounds. Practice makes perfect!
- Collect as Many Hearts as Possible: Every extra heart counts. Explore thoroughly and seek out hidden hearts throughout the level.
- Utilize Assist Mode (If Needed): There’s no shame in using Assist Mode if you’re struggling. It provides extra health and checkpoints, making the challenge more manageable.
- Learn Enemy Patterns: Memorize enemy attack patterns to anticipate and avoid damage.
- Take Breaks: If you’re getting frustrated, step away from the game for a while. Coming back with a fresh perspective can make all the difference.
- Watch Walkthroughs: Don’t be afraid to consult walkthroughs or gameplay videos for tips and strategies.
- Explore! There are secrets hidden around every corner in Super Mario Odyssey, so take your time and try to discover something new.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Power Moons are there in total in Super Mario Odyssey?
There are 880 unique Power Moons to find in the game. However, with purchasing moons from the shop, it is possible to get a total of 999 Power Moons.
2. Do purchased Power Moons count towards unlocking the Darker Side?
Yes! All Power Moons, whether found or purchased, contribute to the 500-Moon requirement for unlocking the Darker Side.
3. What is the hardest part of the Darker Side?
Many players find the final section, the “Long Journey’s Home,” to be the most challenging due to its length, difficulty, and limited checkpoints.
4. Can I skip the Darker Side?
There are glitches and exploits that allow players to skip the Darker Side, but these typically require advanced techniques and are not recommended for a first playthrough.
5. What happens when you collect all 999 Power Moons?
Collecting all 999 Power Moons unlocks a gold sail for the Odyssey, a more challenging version of the final Bowser battle, fireworks at Peach’s Castle, and a new postcard in the end credits.
6. Is the Darker Side the final area in the game?
Yes, the Darker Side is considered the final, most challenging area in Super Mario Odyssey.
7. Can you unlock Luigi in Super Mario Odyssey?
While you cannot play as Luigi in the main game, he does appear as an NPC, running the Balloon World minigame after you complete the main story and unlock the Mushroom Kingdom.
8. How do I activate Moon Rocks in each kingdom?
You must defeat the main boss in a kingdom to activate the Moon Rock, which then reveals a set of new Power Moons to collect.
9. Is it worth getting 500 Power Moons in Mario Odyssey?
Absolutely! The Darker Side offers a rewarding and challenging experience for dedicated players.
10. What’s the best way to farm coins for purchasing Power Moons?
Replaying the Koopa Freerunning challenges is a great way to earn coins quickly.
11. What if I’m really struggling with a particular section of the Darker Side?
Don’t hesitate to watch gameplay videos or read guides for specific sections. Many players have shared their strategies and tips online.
12. Does Assist Mode make the Darker Side too easy?
Assist Mode makes the Darker Side more manageable, but it’s still a significant challenge. It’s a great option for players who want to experience the level without getting completely frustrated.
13. Are there any hidden Power Moons within the Darker Side level itself?
Yes, there are a few hidden Power Moons within the “Long Journey’s Home” level, often requiring creative use of Mario’s abilities or interactions with the environment.
14. Can you replay the Darker Side after completing it?
Yes, you can replay the Darker Side as many times as you like.
15. What does the Games Learning Society have to do with Super Mario Odyssey?
While not directly related to a specific game, the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the educational potential of games and game-based learning. The problem-solving skills, perseverance, and spatial reasoning required to master Super Mario Odyssey, particularly the Darker Side, align with the principles advocated by the Games Learning Society.
So, there you have it! The path to the Darker Side is challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Gather your courage, hone your skills, and prepare for the ultimate Super Mario Odyssey adventure. Good luck, and happy moon hunting!