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How to Achieve 100% Completion in Super Mario World

To truly 100% Super Mario World, you need to find all 96 exits within the game. This means not just completing every level, but uncovering all the secret exits that lead to alternative routes and hidden areas. Completing the main game takes about 5 hours, but achieving a full 100% completion typically requires around 9½ hours. This involves meticulous exploration, puzzle-solving, and mastering advanced movement techniques.

The Path to 96 Exits: A Detailed Guide

The quest for 96 exits is a journey of discovery, requiring you to deviate from the main path and delve into the hidden corners of Dinosaur Land. Here’s a breakdown of key areas and strategies:

World 1: Yoshi’s Island

Yoshi’s Island 1: The standard exit is straightforward.
Yoshi’s Island 2: Also a straightforward level, with a single exit.
Yoshi’s Island 3: Contains a single exit.
Yoshi’s Island 4: Leads to the first castle, containing one exit.
Yoshi’s House: Just a fun area to mess around with Yoshi.
Yellow Switch Palace: A simple switch palace to activate.

World 2: Donut Plains

Donut Plains 1: A single exit at the end.
Donut Plains 2: A single exit to beat.
Donut Plains 3: Requires you to activate the Blue Switch Palace.
Donut Plains 4: Easy to beat with a single exit.
Donut Secret 1: The secret exit is found by taking the key and keyhole at the end of the level, which unlocks the path to Donut Secret House.
Donut Secret House: The secret exit here leads to Donut Ghost House. There is also a regular exit to the right of the door that leads to Donut Secret 1.
Donut Ghost House: The secret exit requires you to find a hidden door. Head to the upper-left corner of the level, and you’ll see some blocks. After going through the door, you will exit at the bottom of the level, where there will be a locked door and a key to unlock it.
Donut Plains Castle: A single exit after beating Morton Koopa Jr.
Blue Switch Palace: Activate the blue switch to create the blue blocks.

World 3: Vanilla Dome

Vanilla Dome 1: Just a simple exit.
Vanilla Dome 2: A single exit level.
Vanilla Dome 3: Use the key and keyhole at the end to unlock the path to Vanilla Secret 1.
Vanilla Dome 4: A straightforward level.
Vanilla Secret 1: The secret exit is found by taking the key and keyhole near the end of the level to unlock Vanilla Secret 2.
Vanilla Secret 2: The secret exit is found by taking the key and keyhole in the sky to unlock Vanilla Fortress.
Vanilla Ghost House: The secret exit is hidden behind a false wall. Towards the end of the level, look for a place where the wall looks slightly different. Jump through to find the secret exit. This leads to a shortcut to the Twin Bridges Area.
Vanilla Fortress: A single exit after beating the fortress.

World 4: Twin Bridges Area

Twin Bridges 1: After completing the Vanilla Ghost House, take the path here. The exit is simple to find at the end.
Twin Bridges 2: Keep heading right to make it to the end.
Twin Bridges Ghost House: This exit leads to the second half of the World.
Cookie Mountain: A single exit stage.

World 5: Forest of Illusion

Forest of Illusion 1: To advance to the rest of the level, you must exit through the door that takes you to the beginning of the level, where the path to the right is open, leading to the completion of the level.
Forest of Illusion 2: A single exit at the end.
Forest of Illusion 3: Keep heading right to make it to the end.
Forest of Illusion 4: A single exit at the end of the stage.
Forest Ghost House: Finding the exit here can be tricky.
Forest Fortress: A single exit after defeating the boss.

World 6: Chocolate Island

Chocolate Island 1: Simple to make it through.
Chocolate Island 2: This level has mud pits everywhere, so watch out.
Chocolate Island 3: Watch out for enemies that try to charge you.
Chocolate Island 4: There are many enemies that try to block you.
Chocolate Secret: Complete this stage.
Chocolate Ghost House: This stage is very confusing. Take your time to make it to the end.
Chocolate Fortress: Watch out for the lava as you try to head to the exit.

World 7: Valley of Bowser

Valley of Bowser 1: A single exit to beat.
Valley of Bowser 2: A single exit to beat.
Valley of Bowser 3: A single exit to beat.
Valley of Bowser 4: A single exit to beat.
Valley Ghost House: An area filled with Boo’s and Ghouls.
Valley Fortress: A single exit after defeating the fortress.
Bowser’s Castle: The final castle of the game to face Bowser.

Special World: Star World

Star World 1: The secret exit is located near the middle of the level, where you need to fly upwards through a hidden gap in the ceiling. This leads to Star World 2.
Star World 2: The secret exit requires flying upwards through a hidden gap in the ceiling, similar to Star World 1. This leads to Star World 3.
Star World 3: The secret exit is again found by flying upwards. This leads to Star World 4.
Star World 4: The secret exit is found through the typical upward flying secret and leads to Star World 5.
Star World 5: The secret exit is found by heading up once again, leading to the Special World!

Special World: Special

Yellow Switch Palace: Activate the yellow switch palace to create the yellow blocks.
Red Switch Palace: Activate the red switch palace to create the red blocks.
Top Secret Area: The top secret area allows you to receive a number of lives, but has no exits to count.
Donut Secret Area: The level has the secret exit to unlock the gate.
Soda Lake: A challenging water level that requires a secret exit.
Butter Bridge 1: A challenging stage that requires skill.
Butter Bridge 2: Very similar to Butter Bridge 1, requires skillful jumps.
Cheese Bridge Area: A challenging stage that requires you to reach the end.
Gnarly: As the name implies, this level will challenge you.
Groovy: A stage that will require you to explore.
Funky: A stage that has you swimming through an abyss.
Mondo: An advanced stage that has you leaping around.
Outrageous: As the name implies, you will experience difficult maneuvers to exit here.

Mastering Secret Exits

Hidden Keyholes: Many secret exits are behind locked doors, requiring you to find a hidden key within the level.
Hidden Doors: Look for subtle differences in the level’s design, such as a slight color variation in a wall, which could indicate a secret door.
Flying Secrets: In levels where you can fly, explore above the normal path. Many hidden exits are located high up in the level.

Advanced Techniques

Cape Feather Mastery: The Cape Feather power-up is essential for many secret exits, allowing you to fly and reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Practice your flying skills to maintain altitude and navigate tight spaces.
Yoshi’s Abilities: Utilize Yoshi’s abilities, such as his flutter jump and ability to eat enemies, to overcome obstacles and discover hidden passages.
Wall Jumping: Master the wall jump technique to reach higher platforms and find secret areas.
P-Switch Exploitation: The P-Switch can reveal hidden blocks and change the level layout, leading to secret exits.

Planning Your Route

Start with a Guide: Use a comprehensive guide or walkthrough to identify the locations of all the secret exits.
Strategic Level Order: Plan your route to minimize backtracking. Some secret exits unlock shortcuts that make it easier to access other areas.
Patience and Persistence: Finding all 96 exits requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you miss an exit the first time; keep exploring and experimenting.

Super Mario World is a masterpiece of game design, and achieving 100% completion is a rewarding experience that tests your skills and knowledge of the game. Armed with this guide and a healthy dose of determination, you’ll be well on your way to conquering Dinosaur Land. Remember to embrace the joy of discovery and savor every moment of this classic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly does it mean to 100% Super Mario World?

100% completion in Super Mario World means finding and using all 96 exits in the game. This includes the standard exits at the end of each level and all the secret exits that lead to new areas or warp you across the map.

2. How long does it typically take to 100% Super Mario World?

While a casual playthrough focusing on the main path might take around 5 hours, achieving 100% completion generally takes about 9½ hours. This is due to the time required to explore thoroughly, solve puzzles, and master the skills needed to reach the hidden exits.

3. Which levels have secret exits in Super Mario World?

Many levels have secret exits, but some of the most notable include Donut Secret 1, Donut Secret House, Donut Ghost House, Vanilla Secret 1, Vanilla Secret 2, Vanilla Ghost House, and all five levels of Star World. These exits are crucial for unlocking new paths and accessing the Special World.

4. What’s the easiest way to find secret exits?

Using a detailed guide or walkthrough is the easiest way to find secret exits. These resources provide specific instructions and visual aids to help you locate hidden doors, keys, and other clues that lead to the exits. Watching gameplay videos can also be very helpful.

5. Do I need to use warp zones to 100% Super Mario World?

Yes, using warp zones is essential for 100% completion. These warp zones are accessed through secret exits and allow you to bypass certain areas, leading you to levels and exits you would otherwise miss.

6. What’s the significance of the Star World in achieving 100% completion?

The Star World is crucial because each of its five levels contains a secret exit that leads to the next level in the Star World. Completing all five levels and finding their respective exits unlocks the Special World, which is necessary for achieving 100% completion.

7. What is the Special World, and why is it important?

The Special World is a set of eight challenging levels that are unlocked by finding all the secret exits in the Star World. These levels are known for their difficulty and unique designs. Completing all the Special World levels and finding their exits is mandatory for a 100% completion.

8. Are there any specific power-ups that are essential for finding secret exits?

The Cape Feather is arguably the most essential power-up for finding secret exits. Its ability to fly allows you to reach hidden areas and access exits that would otherwise be impossible to reach. Yoshi’s abilities, such as his flutter jump and eating enemies, are also very useful.

9. What are some common techniques for uncovering hidden doors?

Common techniques for uncovering hidden doors include looking for subtle variations in wall textures or colors, using the P-Switch to reveal hidden blocks, and experimenting with jumping and flying in areas where you suspect a secret may be hidden.

10. Is it possible to 100% Super Mario World without using a guide?

While it is technically possible to 100% Super Mario World without a guide, it would require an exceptional amount of time, patience, and meticulous exploration. Most players find that using a guide significantly streamlines the process and makes it more enjoyable.

11. What happens after you find all 96 exits in Super Mario World?

After finding all 96 exits, you’ve officially achieved 100% completion in Super Mario World. There isn’t a special in-game reward, but you gain a sense of accomplishment and mastery over one of the greatest video games of all time.

12. Can the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) classic also 100% complete this task?

Yes, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) classic also allows you to 100% Super Mario World.

13. How does this game promote learning?

Video games like Super Mario World, help promote skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and strategic planning, which are essential for learning (Games Learning Society).

14. How do the secret stages work?

The secret stages in Super Mario World can be unlocked through secret exits.

15. What is the hardest section to beat in Super Mario World?

Many players consider the Special World to be the hardest section in Super Mario World due to its challenging level design and difficult maneuvers. The levels Gnarly, Groovy, Funky, Mondo, and especially Outrageous are infamous for their difficulty.

How to 100% Mario World?