Super Mario Odyssey: Unlocking the Darker Side at 500 Moons
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So, you’ve been gallivanting across the globe, tossing Cappy, and soaking up the pure joy of Super Mario Odyssey. You’ve diligently collected Power Moons, those shiny collectibles that fuel the Odyssey and unlock new kingdoms. But you’re wondering, “What happens when I hit that magical number: 500 Power Moons?”
The answer is simple, yet profound: at 500 Power Moons, you unlock access to the Darker Side of the Moon, the final hidden area in the game and arguably the most challenging experience Super Mario Odyssey has to offer. It’s not technically a new kingdom in the same vein as the others, but it is a brand new location on the Moon, accessible via the Odyssey. Think of it as the ultimate test of your platforming prowess. It features one of the most intense, demanding and lengthy platforming sequences in the game … with no checkpoints.
Exploring the Darker Side
The Darker Side isn’t a leisurely stroll through a flower-filled field. It’s a gauntlet, a relentless series of challenges that will test your mastery of Mario’s moveset and your ability to adapt to ever-changing environments. Expect to face incredibly difficult platforming sections, cunning enemy placements, and mind-bending puzzles. Be prepared to die. A lot. But the reward for conquering this daunting task is immense satisfaction and bragging rights as one of the most skilled Mario players.
The journey to the Darker Side, and the challenge within, offers a unique blend of difficulty and reward. The sense of accomplishment upon completing its grueling platforming sequence is unparalleled in the game. It demands patience, precision, and a willingness to learn from every failure. It’s a true testament to the game’s depth and replayability. It’s content like this that proves the value of GamesLearningSociety.org and the insightful research conducted into the educational potential of games.
Beyond the Darker Side: The Road to 999
Unlocking the Darker Side is a significant milestone, but it’s far from the end of your Super Mario Odyssey journey. There are still hundreds of Power Moons to find, challenges to overcome, and secrets to uncover. Collecting all 880 unique Power Moons is a goal in itself, unlocking additional rewards. You’ll unlock a Gold Sail for the Odyssey as one of the rewards for getting all the unique moons. You can also fight a more challenging version of the final Bowser battle.
Reaching the maximum of 999 Power Moons unlocks even more goodies, further enhancing your post-game experience. With 999 moons, you can make a special trip to Peach’s Castle, which will be adorned with a top hat. Making it to the top and spinning Cappy will reward players with a small cutscene.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly is the Darker Side of the Moon?
The Darker Side is a challenging post-game area in Super Mario Odyssey that’s unlocked after collecting 500 Power Moons. It features a single, incredibly difficult platforming course with no checkpoints.
How hard is the Darker Side, really?
It’s widely considered the hardest challenge in the game. Prepare for precise jumps, tight timings, and a healthy dose of frustration. Persistence is key!
What happens if I die on the Darker Side?
You have to start the entire course over from the very beginning. This is what makes it so challenging and rewarding.
What is the reward for completing the Darker Side?
Besides the immense satisfaction and bragging rights, you receive a Power Moon and unlock a portrait in Peach’s Castle.
How many total Power Moons are in Super Mario Odyssey?
There are 880 unique Power Moons to find in the game. You can then purchase additional moons to reach a maximum of 999.
Do I have to collect all 999 Power Moons?
No, you don’t have to. However, collecting all 999 moons, including the unique ones, unlocks special rewards and completes the game to 100%.
What’s the difference between unique Power Moons and purchased Power Moons?
Unique Power Moons are found throughout the kingdoms by completing challenges, solving puzzles, or exploring hidden areas. Purchased Power Moons can be bought at Crazy Cap stores for coins.
Does buying Power Moons count towards unlocking the Darker Side?
Yes, both unique and purchased Power Moons count towards the 500-moon requirement to unlock the Darker Side.
What are the rewards for collecting all the unique Power Moons (880)?
The reward for getting all the unique moons is a Gold Sail for the Odyssey. The main game to beat Bowser wasn’t very hard.
What are the rewards for getting 999 Power Moons?
With 999 moons, you can make a special trip to Peach’s Castle, which will be adorned with a top hat.
What is the hardest Power Moon to get in Super Mario Odyssey?
Many players consider the “Jump-Rope Genius”, “Vanishing Road Rush/Vanishing Road Challenge”, and “Long Journey’s End” Power Moons to be among the most difficult.
How many coins do I need to collect everything in Super Mario Odyssey?
If you plan on collecting every single thing in Super Mario Odyssey, you’re going to need 37,189 coins if you don’t use amiibo to get any outfits.
What does it mean to “100%” complete Super Mario Odyssey?
To get the full 100% ending with the new Bowser portrait, the golden Odyssey balloon, the fireworks, and the hat on top of the castle, you have to get every costume (which means every purple coin) and 999 moons.
Are there any secret endings in Super Mario Odyssey?
There are no drastically different endings, but collecting all 880 unique Power Moons unlocks a harder version of the final Bowser battle and a new postcard in the end credits.
Where can I find more information about learning through games?
You can find excellent resources and research at the Games Learning Society website. They focus on the intersection of games, learning, and education.
Super Mario Odyssey is a game brimming with secrets, challenges, and rewards. Unlocking the Darker Side at 500 Power Moons is just one step on a long and rewarding journey to experience everything this incredible game has to offer. So keep exploring, keep collecting, and keep having fun!