Reaching Lunar Zenith: What Happens When You Get 999 Moons in Mario Odyssey?

So, you’ve traversed the globe, captured countless creatures, and diligently hunted down Power Moons in Super Mario Odyssey. You’ve poured hours into this vibrant and charming adventure. But the question lingers: what happens when you finally reach the maximum number of 999 moons in Mario Odyssey? The answer is surprisingly straightforward, yet ultimately rewarding for the completionist:

When you collect your 999th moon, the number display on the Odyssey will simply stop increasing. There isn’t a grand, dramatic ending cutscene or a hidden world revealed. Instead, the game acknowledges your dedication with a few subtle, yet satisfying, changes:

• A Golden Flagpole: After defeating the main story and purchasing the moons at the shop with regional currency, you’ll notice that all the flagpoles in every kingdom turn gold. This visual change signifies your achievement and adds a touch of grandeur to each location.

• The Top Hat Decoration: Speak to the character next to the Odyssey in the Mushroom Kingdom. A unique top hat decoration will be added to the Odyssey ship, showcasing your lunar dedication.

• Pride and Accomplishment: Most importantly, reaching 999 moons provides a deep sense of accomplishment. Super Mario Odyssey is a game built upon exploration and discovery, and reaching this milestone demonstrates a mastery of its mechanics and secrets.

While there’s no radical alteration to the gameplay, these changes serve as a constant reminder of your dedication and skill. Super Mario Odyssey is more about the journey than the destination, and collecting all 999 moons is a testament to that philosophy. Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into this lunar obsession.

Frequently Asked Questions About Collecting 999 Moons

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about collecting all 999 Power Moons in Super Mario Odyssey, providing further insights into the process and its implications:

1. Do I need to collect all the Purple Coins in each kingdom to get 999 Moons?

No, collecting all the Purple Coins (Regional Coins) in each kingdom is not necessary to reach 999 Power Moons. Purple Coins are used to purchase souvenirs and outfits in each kingdom’s Crazy Cap store. However, these purchases often add a layer of fun and completion to your journey. You will however need to purchase all the available moons at the Crazy Cap stores.

2. What’s the fastest way to collect Power Moons?

There is no single “fastest” way, as it depends on your playstyle and skill level. Some efficient strategies include:

• Prioritize easier moons: Focus on moons that are readily accessible or require minimal effort.
• Use the Talkatoo bird: The Talkatoo birds in each kingdom can offer hints for finding nearby moons.
• Consult online guides: Don’t be afraid to use online guides and videos to locate hidden moons.
• Return to kingdoms after completing the story: Many moons become accessible or easier to obtain after defeating Bowser.

3. Are there any missable Power Moons?

No, there are no permanently missable Power Moons in Super Mario Odyssey. You can always return to any kingdom and collect any moons you may have missed, even after completing the main story.

4. Do I need to beat the game to get all 999 Moons?

Yes, you need to beat the main story to unlock the ability to purchase additional Power Moons from the Crazy Cap stores, which are essential for reaching 999. This is the “end-game” moon hunting phase.

5. Does getting 999 Moons unlock anything significant gameplay-wise?

As mentioned earlier, reaching 999 moons doesn’t unlock any major gameplay changes beyond the golden flagpoles and the hat decoration on the Odyssey. The primary reward is the satisfaction of achieving complete game mastery.

6. How many Power Moons are actually hidden throughout the world?

The number of “hidden” moons (those not purchased from the shop) varies slightly, but it’s typically around 500-600. The remaining moons are purchased to reach the 999 total.

7. What’s the point of collecting 999 Moons if it doesn’t unlock anything substantial?

The primary point is personal accomplishment and enjoyment. Super Mario Odyssey is a game designed to be explored and mastered. Collecting 999 moons demonstrates a dedication to completing every aspect of the game and experiencing everything it has to offer. Plus, showing off your golden flagpoles to friends is pretty cool.

8. Can I still play the game after getting 999 Moons?

Yes, you can absolutely continue playing the game after reaching 999 moons. You can revisit kingdoms, experiment with different captures, and simply enjoy the vibrant world of Super Mario Odyssey.

9. Are there any particularly difficult Power Moons to obtain?

Yes, some moons are notoriously challenging. Examples include certain Volbonan Chef segments, the Jump Rope Challenge in Metro Kingdom, and some of the darker side of the moon challenges. Patience and practice are key to conquering these obstacles.

10. Does getting 999 Moons affect my save file in any way?

Getting 999 moons will be reflected in your save file, showcasing your completion status. This allows you to proudly display your achievement to anyone who views your save file.

11. What’s the best strategy for finding Power Moons hidden in paintings?

Paintings transport you to specific locations in other kingdoms. The best strategy is to carefully examine the painting for clues about the destination and the method of obtaining the moon. Often, these require specific captures or movements.

12. Does the difficulty of the game increase after getting 999 Moons?

No, the base difficulty of the game remains the same. However, you might choose to create your own challenges, such as speedrunning or attempting to complete specific tasks with limited resources.

13. Can I track which Power Moons I’m missing?

The game provides limited tracking. You can see how many moons are remaining in each kingdom, but not specifically which ones you haven’t collected. This encourages exploration and discovery, or reliance on a helpful guide.

14. What resources are available to help me find all the Power Moons?

Numerous online resources can help you in your quest. Websites like IGN, GameFAQs, and YouTube offer comprehensive guides, maps, and videos showcasing the location of every Power Moon.

15. How does the game foster a sense of learning and skill development through Power Moon collection?

Super Mario Odyssey‘s Power Moon system exemplifies game-based learning. By exploring diverse environments and solving unique challenges, players develop problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and critical thinking. The game encourages experimentation with Mario’s capture abilities, fostering creativity and adaptability. As players master complex maneuvers and uncover hidden areas, they experience a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy, reinforcing their learning journey. Furthermore, resources like the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org explore the broader educational implications of games like Super Mario Odyssey. To learn more about how video games can enrich education, visit the Games Learning Society website.

In conclusion, while reaching 999 moons in Super Mario Odyssey doesn’t unlock earth-shattering changes, the golden flagpole, the hat decoration and the profound sense of accomplishment makes the journey worthwhile. It’s a testament to your dedication and mastery of this exceptional game. Happy moon hunting!