Unlocking Perfection: A Comprehensive Guide to 100% Completing Super Mario 3D World

So, you want to truly conquer Super Mario 3D World? You’re not content with simply rescuing the Sprixie Princesses and facing down Bowser; you crave that sweet, sweet 100% completion. Well, buckle up, because it’s a journey! Here’s the definitive guide, breaking down every step you need to take to achieve gaming nirvana in this vibrant and charming platformer.

To achieve 100% completion in Super Mario 3D World, you must accomplish the following:

1. Beat every level: This includes every level from World 1 all the way to World Crown.
2. Collect every Green Star: Each level (excluding Captain Toad levels, if you choose) holds three Green Stars, cleverly hidden or requiring some skillful platforming to obtain. You’ll need a total of 342 Green Stars to unlock World Crown.
3. Collect every Stamp: Each level has one Stamp, which is often even more cleverly hidden than the Green Stars. You’ll need all 76 stamps to unlock World Crown.
4. Touch the top of the Goal Pole in every level: Get that golden flagpole for every level!
5. Beat every level with every character: This is the most time-consuming task. You must complete every level with Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and Rosalina. This unlocks the final five stamps, one for each character.
6. Complete Bowser’s Fury content: For the Nintendo Switch version, achieving 100% also requires completing all aspects of the Bowser’s Fury expansion, which is a standalone open-world adventure where you collect all 100 Cat Shines.

Once you’ve completed all of the above, you will have 5 stars on your save file, indicating you’ve truly mastered Super Mario 3D World.

Digging Deeper: The Road to 100%

Gathering Green Stars and Stamps

Finding Green Stars and Stamps requires patience, exploration, and sometimes a little bit of clever thinking. Remember to explore every nook and cranny of each level. Look behind walls, in hidden pipes, and above seemingly unreachable platforms.

• Utilize each character’s strengths: Peach’s float and Rosalina’s spin can reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Sometimes the solution is less about skillful jumping and more about using a power-up in a creative way.
• Check online guides if you’re stuck: There’s no shame in consulting a guide if you’ve spent ages searching for that last Green Star.

Conquering with Every Character

This is where your dedication is truly tested. Playing through every level with each character is a significant time investment.

• Embrace the variety: Each character controls differently, offering a unique playstyle. Use these differences to your advantage.
• Plan your route: Familiarize yourself with the level layout to optimize your runs with each character.
• Take breaks: Burnout is real! Don’t force yourself to play for hours on end.

The Final Frontier: World Crown and Beyond

Unlocking World Crown is a testament to your dedication. These levels are challenging, demanding precise platforming and a thorough understanding of the game’s mechanics.

• Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged by initial failures. Learn from your mistakes and try again.
• Master your power-ups: Know when to use each power-up to maximize its effectiveness.
• Enjoy the challenge: These levels are designed to test your skills, so embrace the difficulty and celebrate your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions that players often ask when striving for 100% completion in Super Mario 3D World:

1. How long does it take to 100% Super Mario 3D World?

Typically, achieving 100% completion can take around 37 hours or more, depending on your skill level and familiarity with the game.

2. Do I need to beat Captain Toad levels with every character?

No, Captain Toad levels are exempt from the requirement to beat every level with every character. You can skip these.

3. What happens if I run out of lives?

If you run out of lives mid-level, you’ll be kicked back to the map and lose any Green Stars and Stamps collected during that attempt. That makes extra lives useful!

4. Is Champion’s Road as hard as everyone says?

Yes, Champion’s Road is notoriously difficult, featuring no checkpoints and requiring near-perfect execution. It is arguably the hardest level in the game.

5. Which character is best for beginners?

Mario is generally considered the best character for beginners, due to his balanced stats and easy-to-learn moveset.

6. Which character is the slowest?

Rosalina is the slowest character and can take some time to get used to.

7. Can I skip levels in Super Mario 3D World?

While there are secret exits in some Mario games, Super Mario 3D World does not feature level skipping. Every level must be completed.

8. What’s the hardest 3D Mario game to 100% overall?

While Super Mario 3D World requires considerable time and dedication, Super Mario Sunshine is generally considered the most difficult 3D Mario game to 100% due to its challenging blue coin collection and unforgiving level design.

9. How many lives can I have?

The maximum number of lives you can have is 1110. After that, you can’t collect any more. It’s marked by crowns showing up where the numbers are!

10. What are the five stars on my save file for?

The five stars represent different achievements:

• One star: Beat the main game (Bowser).
• Second star: Beat all levels as both Mario and Luigi.
• Third star: Get the golden flagpole on all levels.
• Fourth star: Collect all Star Coins.
• Fifth star: Beat every level with every character.

11. What happens after I get all 100 Cat Shines in Bowser’s Fury?

Once you collect all 100 Cat Shines in Bowser’s Fury, you will have completed the adventure and seen its true ending.

12. Where can I find help for specific levels?

Many online resources, including walkthroughs and video guides, can help with specific levels. Do a simple internet search and you’ll find all kinds of helpful content.

13. Why is Peach able to float?

Peach’s ability to float is a nod to Super Mario Bros. 2, where she had the same power. It’s part of her design!

14. Are there any missable items?

No, there are no missable items. You can always replay levels to collect any Green Stars or Stamps you may have missed.

15. Can playing video games have positive effects on learning?

Absolutely! Video games can help develop skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. For further insights into the educational potential of games, check out the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

Achieving 100% completion in Super Mario 3D World is a challenging but rewarding experience. It requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to explore every corner of this fantastic game. By following this guide and embracing the journey, you’ll unlock the true potential of Super Mario 3D World and earn the ultimate badge of honor: those five shining stars on your save file. Now, go forth and conquer!