For the main adventure in Super Mario 3D World, choose a character whose ability suits the level, use Cat form to check walls and ledges for routes, and keep Double Cherry copies close together. In co-op, coordinate around the course rather than just chasing points. The Switch release, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, also includes a separate Bowser’s Fury adventure; its exploration advice is labeled below and does not apply to the main game.
Choose the character for the obstacle
There is no universally best character. Their different movement and attack abilities make certain sections easier, so consider switching characters between courses when the level allows it. Nintendo describes Mario as balanced, Luigi as a high jumper, Peach as able to float briefly, and Toad as a fast runner (Nintendo / Play Nintendo).
| Character | Useful advantage | When it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Mario | Balanced abilities | A dependable choice when a course mixes different kinds of challenges. |
| Luigi | Higher jumps | Reaching elevated platforms or allowing more room to correct a jump. |
| Peach | Briefly floats | Recovering some control over a jump across a gap. |
| Toad | Runs quickly | Covering ground fast, though speed can make careful platforming harder. |
| Rosalina | Spin attack; unlockable later | Adding an extra attack option once she becomes available. |
These are trade-offs, not guarantees: a character’s advantage can help with a particular obstacle, but timing and course layout still matter.
Use power-ups to find routes and manage tricky sections
Look for Cat-form routes
The Super Bell turns a character into Cat form, which can climb walls and claw enemies. If a ledge seems just out of reach or a path appears to stop, inspect nearby climbable surfaces before assuming the obvious route is the only one. Cat form’s wall access can reveal a way forward or a useful vantage point (Nintendo game page).
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- Join Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad on a quest to save the Sprixie Kingdom in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, pouncing onto Nintendo Switch! Bowser’s kidnapped the Sprixie Princess, and it’s up to our heroes to rescue her!
- Clamber over walls and cat-scratch your enemies using the Super Bell, clone yourself with the Double Cherry or pop the Cannon Box on your head and fire off projectiles at your foes. This enhanced version of Super Mario 3D World also comes with gameplay improvements, like increased running speed for all characters and the ability to climb higher while using the Super Bell. You can even play using gyro controls!
- As well as local co-op play with up to three friends, players can now enjoy online multiplayer mayhem!
Keep Double Cherry copies together
A Double Cherry creates copies of your character. They can spread out as you move, making it harder to keep them all on the route. Nintendo’s tip is to gather them against a wall or in a corner, then move through the next section with the group together (Nintendo / Play Nintendo).
Know what other power-ups change
Choose a power-up for the problem at hand rather than treating them as interchangeable. Tanooki form lets Mario attack with a tail and float down; Boomerang form attacks by throwing boomerangs. Other available items include the Fire Flower, Mega Mushroom, Propeller Box, and Cannon Box. The Wii U manual documents these core mechanics; its hardware-specific controls are not Switch setup instructions (Nintendo, Super Mario 3D World Electronic Manual).
Search carefully, and use checkpoints wisely
Take a deliberate pass through a course
Green Stars unlock courses, so look beyond the most direct route when exploring. Check ledges, climbable walls, and side paths as you move instead of rushing past a possible detour. The official sources support general exploration advice, but not a verified route-by-route list of secret exits; the exact hidden route depends on the course.
Expect a Green Star in each Mystery House room
Mystery House courses put a Green Star in every room and set a timer. Scan the room’s platforms and route before committing to a move, then keep the clock in mind as you collect the star (Nintendo manual).
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Captain Toad cannot jump, and his courses ask you to collect five Green Stars. Rotate the view and inspect the terrain before moving: a route that looks blocked from one angle may be clearer from another. Plan around ramps, platforms, and openings rather than expecting a jump to solve a gap (Nintendo manual).
Rank #2
![Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51H9V-i43FL._SL160_.jpg)
- Enjoy two Mario adventures solo or with friends*
- In Super Mario 3D World, choose a character—each with distinct playstyles—as you dash and climb through dozens of colorful courses, collecting Green Stars and power-ups along the way
- Cooperate (and compete) with friends locally* or online** to reach each stage’s goal. A crown is awarded to the highest-scoring player, making for a friendly frenzy
- In addition to added multiplayer options, the Nintendo Switch version of the Super Mario 3D World game has been improved with faster character speeds and more
- Explore a seamless feline world in Lake Lapcat, complete objectives to collect Cat Shines, and defeat a giant Bowser in the new Bowser’s Fury adventure
Use checkpoints as retry points
A checkpoint flag gives you a retry point after losing a life, but leaving the course removes that checkpoint. If you are close to solving a difficult stretch, continuing from the checkpoint avoids restarting the whole course; exiting means you should expect to lose that progress (Nintendo manual).
Make co-op work for the whole group
The main Super Mario 3D World adventure supports up to four players. Players can earn points through coins, Green Stars, power-ups, and defeating enemies. The player in the lead wears a crown, but another player can take it with a Ground Pound or by hitting the crown wearer with an enemy. Treat the crown as a playful score indicator, not a reason to make every jump a race (Nintendo / Play Nintendo).
- Agree who will lead through narrow or unfamiliar sections, and let others follow rather than crowding the same jump.
- Give the group time to collect a Green Star or power-up before pushing ahead.
- In Double Cherry sections, watch where copies are drifting; a wall or corner can help regroup them.
- If the group is competing for the crown, expect it to change hands after a Ground Pound or enemy hit.
Setup requirements vary by mode, including local play on one system, local wireless, and online play. Nintendo’s current support page lists the player limits and mode-specific requirements; online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Check the instructions for your chosen mode for the number of systems and game copies needed (Nintendo Support: multiplayer setup).
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Bowser’s Fury-only exploration tips
These pointers are for the separate Bowser’s Fury adventure on Switch, not the main Super Mario 3D World courses.
Use lighthouses to scout
Climb to a lighthouse lookout and rotate the camera with the right stick to survey the surrounding area. Nintendo notes that lighthouses also clear splotchy goop when lit (Nintendo / Play Nintendo).
Rank #3
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- Each character has unique abilities and play styles. For example, Princess Peach glides over gaps, while Luigi has his trademark extra-high jump.
- The new cat transformation allows players to run on all fours, pounce on enemies, attack in midair, or use their claws to scamper up walls and goal poles.
- Explore colorful 3D environments filled with obstacles and contraptions like transparent pipes and vertical conveyor belts, which add new puzzle elements.
- Use the Wii U GamePad Controller's touch screen to search for hidden blocks and freeze enemies in place.
Let Fury Bowser break stubborn blocks
If a block is obstructing a route, consider whether Fury Bowser’s attacks can smash it. His attacks can open up blocks that are otherwise stubborn to deal with, so pay attention to how the environment changes during his appearances (Nintendo / Play Nintendo).
Use Snapshot Mode in either adventure
Snapshot Mode is available in both the main game and Bowser’s Fury. On supported controllers, press down on the directional pad to open it. Stamps can be used in Snapshot Mode; the Wii U manual’s references to Miiverse describe the original Wii U use and should not be read as current Switch instructions (Nintendo / Play Nintendo; Nintendo manual).
When repeated attempts are not working
After repeated failures, a golden block eventually appears and grants White Tanooki form, an assist that can make a difficult course more manageable. It is optional; you can use it to get through a sticking point or keep trying without it (Nintendo / Play Nintendo).
Version and multiplayer details for Switch players
Nintendo Support lists version 1.2.2 as available on September 30, 2025, and says players need matching game versions for multiplayer. Its update notes also list version 1.2.0 changes for Switch 2, including visual and frame-rate optimizations and HDR support for Bowser’s Fury; HDR requires a compatible display in TV mode. These update details are platform-specific and may change, so consult Nintendo’s current update history when checking your installed version or troubleshooting play (Nintendo Support).
For multiplayer, Nintendo lists support for up to four players in Super Mario 3D World and two in Bowser’s Fury, where the second player controls Bowser Jr. The exact system, game-copy, and accessory requirements depend on the mode. See Nintendo Support’s setup instructions for current details before organizing local wireless, online, or Switch 2 GameShare play (Nintendo Support: multiplayer setup).
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