Super Mario 3D World Switch: Crown Guide
What's up, gamers! Today, we're diving deep into the absolutely fantastic world of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury on the Nintendo Switch, and more specifically, we're on a quest for those elusive World Crowns! You know, those shiny, golden bad boys that scream "I've conquered this level and I'm pretty darn good at Mario." If you're anything like me, you've probably blasted through the main game, maybe even snagged a few flags, but those crowns? They can be a real head-scratcher. Don't sweat it, though, because in this guide, we're going to break down exactly how to get your grubby little mitts on every single World Crown in the game. We'll cover the strategies, the tricky spots, and maybe even a few secret tips to make your crown-hunting adventure a breeze. So grab your power-ups, get ready to jump, and let's go find those crowns!
The All-Important World Crowns: Why Bother?
Alright guys, let's talk about why we're even stressing about these World Crowns in Super Mario 3D World on the Switch. Sure, they look cool, and they definitely add a satisfying little chime when you snag them, but there's more to it than just bragging rights (though, let's be real, those are pretty sweet too). Collecting all the World Crowns is one of the major goals for completionists, those of you who want to see everything the game has to offer. It's a sign that you've truly mastered the levels, figuring out all the nooks and crannies, and nabbing those often-hidden collectibles. Plus, and this is the biggie for many of us, achieving 100% completion, which includes nabbing all the crowns, often unlocks some awesome bonus content. We're talking about secret levels, maybe even some special characters or game modes that are just itching to be discovered. Think of the World Crowns as the ultimate validation of your Mario skills. They show that you haven't just beaten the game; you've beaten the game in the most thorough way possible. So, if you're aiming for that coveted 100% status, or you just love the thrill of a good challenge, these crowns are your ultimate objective. They push you to explore every path, try every power-up, and think outside the box. It’s not just about reaching the flagpole; it’s about doing it with style and precision, finding every last secret the developers hid away.
How to Find the World Crowns: The Basics
So, you're ready to start your crown hunt, but how do you actually find these tricky little things? The secret to finding World Crowns in Super Mario 3D World on the Switch lies in understanding that they aren't just lying around waiting to be picked up. Nope, they are hidden collectibles, often requiring a bit of extra exploration and sometimes a specific power-up or skill. The most common way to snag a World Crown is by finding a hidden Toad House or a special bonus area within a level. These aren't usually on the main path, so you'll need to keep your eyes peeled for suspicious-looking blocks, hidden pipes, or areas that seem a bit out of reach. Sometimes, the game will give you a subtle hint, like a trail of coins leading you off the beaten path, or a specific enemy placement that suggests something is hidden. Other times, it's pure exploration and a bit of luck. Remember those green stars? The crowns work in a similar fashion, requiring you to deviate from the shortest route to the flagpole. Don't be afraid to experiment! Try jumping in suspicious areas, hitting every block you see, and using your power-ups in creative ways. The Cat Suit, for instance, is invaluable for reaching high places, and the Tanooki Suit's tail spin can help you glide further. Some crowns are tied to specific challenges within a level, like completing a section without taking damage, or finding a secret exit. You might need to replay levels multiple times, trying different approaches each time. It’s all part of the fun, guys! The more you play, the more you’ll start to recognize patterns and hidden possibilities. Don't get discouraged if you miss a crown on your first try; it's all part of the learning process. Think of each level as a puzzle, and the crown is the final piece you need to fit into place. The joy of discovery is a huge part of the Super Mario experience, and these crowns are the ultimate reward for that curiosity and persistence. So, keep exploring, keep experimenting, and you'll be stacking up those crowns in no time!
Navigating the Worlds: Crown Strategies for Each Section
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty, because the strategies for snagging World Crowns in Super Mario 3D World on the Switch can vary quite a bit depending on which world you're in. Each world has its own unique flavor and challenges, so we'll break down some general approaches and highlight key areas where crowns tend to hide. Remember, these are just starting points, and sometimes the most satisfying crowns are the ones you discover yourself through sheer determination and a little bit of Mario magic!
World 1: The Sprixie Meadows - Easy Does It
World 1 is all about easing you into the game, and the crowns here are generally pretty straightforward. You'll typically find them in accessible bonus areas or by completing a minor challenge. For example, in levels like "Conkdor Canyon," you might need to defeat a certain number of enemies or find a hidden pipe that leads to a small platform with the crown. Pay attention to the environment; sometimes a series of coins will lead you towards a secret. Don't rush through these early levels. Take your time, explore the edges of the map, and jump into any suspicious-looking pipes or blocks. The Cat Suit is your best friend here for climbing those slightly out-of-reach ledges that often hide the crowns. It's about building good habits early on, like always checking behind waterfalls or looking for breakable walls. These early crowns are designed to teach you the fundamental principles of hidden collectibles in the game, so absorb those lessons and apply them as you progress. You'll find that many of the later, more complex levels borrow these basic mechanics but amplify them.
World 2: The Pachoochi Plains - Stepping Up the Challenge
As you move into World 2, things start to get a little more challenging. The levels are a bit longer, and the crowns might require a bit more platforming skill or a keen eye for hidden paths. In levels like "Big-Big Bouncing Plains," you might need to use a bounce pad in a specific way or find a secret exit that deviates from the normal course. Some crowns are hidden behind breakable walls or require you to collect a certain number of specific items within a designated area. Keep an eye out for areas that seem visually distinct or have unusual enemy placements. These are often clues. Also, start paying closer attention to the mini-games or bonus rounds that pop up; sometimes a crown is the reward for acing one of these. Remember that the game often rewards players who engage with its mechanics fully. If a level introduces a new item or enemy, consider how that could be used to access a hidden area. The challenge is designed to make you think, so embrace it! You’ll often find that a second or third playthrough, focusing solely on finding the hidden item, can reveal paths you completely missed the first time around.
World 3: The Goomba Woods - Forest Secrets
World 3, the Goomba Woods, often involves more intricate level design with lots of verticality and branching paths. Finding World Crowns in Super Mario 3D World on the Switch here can mean navigating complex mazes or using power-ups to reach seemingly impossible heights. Levels like "Shifting House" introduce unique mechanics that can hide crowns in clever ways. You might need to trigger certain events or manipulate the environment to reveal the path. Pay attention to the level's theme; forest worlds often hide secrets behind trees, in dense foliage, or require you to use moving platforms creatively. Some crowns are awarded for completing a level under a certain time limit, but these are less common for the main World Crowns. Focus on exploration and looking for alternate routes. If a level has multiple exits, investigate them all! The game designers love to place these rewards off the main path, rewarding those who deviate from the obvious route. Don't be afraid to use the spin attack to extend your jumps or the Cat Suit to climb up unexpected walls. The woods are full of secrets, and the crowns are often nestled deep within them, waiting for the persistent explorer.
World 4: The Koopa Sea - Underwater Puzzles
World 4 brings us to the water, and let's be honest, some of us love it, and some of us… well, not so much. But don't let the water levels deter you from your World Crown quest! These crowns often involve navigating tricky underwater currents, finding hidden switches that open pathways, or completing specific objectives within a time limit. Levels like "Churning Seas" can be disorienting, so always try to orient yourself and remember landmarks. Some crowns are hidden in completely submerged areas that require careful exploration. The Frog Suit, if available, is a game-changer for underwater navigation and can help you reach areas that are otherwise inaccessible. Look for glowing elements or unusual patterns in the water, as these can sometimes indicate a hidden passage or item. If a level has air pockets, utilize them to catch your breath and survey your surroundings. The underwater sections are designed to test your patience and observation skills, so take your time, explore every nook and cranny, and don't be afraid to resurface and re-evaluate if you get lost. Remember that even in water, hidden blocks and secret pipes can exist, so keep that jump button ready!
World 5: The Boo Woods - Spooky Secrets
Welcome to World 5, the Boo Woods! This world is all about darkness, illusions, and those pesky Boos. Finding World Crowns in Super Mario 3D World on the Switch in these spooky locales often involves dealing with invisible platforms, hidden passages that appear and disappear, or solving simple environmental puzzles. Levels like "Night of the Hammer Bro" can be particularly challenging. Pay close attention to sound cues and subtle visual distortions, as these can often hint at hidden elements. The Cat Suit's ability to climb walls can be crucial for reaching high platforms that might only be visible for a short time. Some crowns are found in areas that require you to lure enemies into hitting specific blocks or switches. If you see a glowing Boo, follow it – it might lead you to a secret! Don't be afraid to use the light blocks or other items that temporarily illuminate the area. These levels are designed to play with your perception, so trust your instincts and be ready to react quickly when opportunities arise. The darkness hides many secrets, but with a bit of courage and a lot of observation, you'll uncover those elusive crowns.
World 6: The Mountaintop - High-Altitude Challenges
World 6 takes us to the sky-high Mountaintop, where wind, tricky platforms, and long drops are the norm. World Crowns here often require precise platforming, mastering the wind mechanics, and finding paths that aren't immediately obvious. Levels like "Fluffy Bluff Hill" will test your jumping accuracy. You might need to use specific power-ups like the Tanooki Suit to glide across vast chasms or the Cat Suit to scale sheer cliff faces. Look for updrafts and strong winds; sometimes they can carry you to hidden areas or secret platforms. Some crowns are hidden behind breakable blocks that can only be reached with a well-timed jump or a powerful spin attack. Be mindful of enemy placement, as they can often knock you off these precarious platforms. The higher you go, the more you need to rely on your mastery of movement. Don't get discouraged by falling; each attempt is a learning experience. Try to visualize the path ahead and anticipate the challenges. These mountain levels are often the toughest in terms of pure platforming skill, so prepare to hone your reflexes and patience. Remember, the view from the top, and the crown that comes with it, is worth the climb!
World 7: The Coliseum - Final Gauntlet
World 7, the Coliseum, is essentially the final gauntlet before the true endgame. The levels here are generally quite challenging, and the World Crowns often combine elements from previous worlds, requiring a blend of skills. You might encounter puzzles, tricky platforming sections, and challenging enemy encounters all in one level. Levels like "Champion's Road" (which is actually in the post-game, but representative of this difficulty tier) are notorious for their difficulty. Focus on mastering the core mechanics and using your power-ups strategically. Sometimes a crown is hidden in a secret area that requires defeating a mini-boss or navigating a particularly difficult sequence. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to use assist features if available, or try practicing individual sections. These levels are designed to push your limits, so celebrate the small victories and keep practicing. Persistence is key! You’ll often find that by breaking down the level into smaller segments and conquering each one, you build the confidence and skill needed to tackle the whole thing, crown included. It’s a true test of everything you’ve learned.
World 8: Bowser's Lava Lake - Fiery Finale
World 8, Bowser's Lava Lake, is the fiery climax before the post-game content. The World Crowns here are often guarded by lava, Thwomps, and other hazardous elements, requiring precise timing and skillful navigation. Levels like "Bowser's Bob-omb Brigade" demand careful planning. You'll often find crowns in areas that require you to use moving platforms over lava pits or hit switches to temporarily create safe pathways. Be patient and observe enemy patterns; lava levels are notorious for requiring perfect timing. The Cat Suit is once again incredibly useful for climbing and reaching high ledges, often positioned just out of reach over dangerous pits. Some crowns might be hidden behind destructible barriers that require a specific power-up or a well-placed attack. Don't be afraid to utilize the one-ups you've accumulated; these levels can be punishing, and sometimes you just need a few tries to nail the sequence. Remember to keep an eye on the timer as well, as some bonus areas might have time restrictions. These final worlds are a true test of your endurance and skill, so keep your cool, focus on the objective, and those fiery crowns will be yours!
The Post-Game: Champion's Road and Beyond!
Okay guys, you've conquered the main worlds, collected all your shiny World Crowns, and now you're thinking, "Is that it?" Oh, hell no! Nintendo loves to give us a little extra something for our troubles, and in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury on the Switch, that means the post-game content, which includes the legendary Champion's Road. This is where the real crown hunt begins for the true masochists… I mean, enthusiasts. Champion's Road is notoriously difficult, a culmination of all the challenges you've faced, and yes, there's a special crown waiting at the end of it. Finding this World Crown requires near-perfect execution of all the game's mechanics. You'll be tested on your jumping, your timing, your power-up usage, and your ability to stay calm under pressure. There are no easy shortcuts here, just pure, unadulterated Mario skill. Beyond Champion's Road, there are also hidden crowns in some of the special worlds unlocked after beating the game, like the Mystery House and Shadow Maker levels, each offering unique challenges. These aren't tied to the main world progression but are essential for that glorious 100% completion. So, even after you think you're done, there's always more to discover and conquer. The post-game is where you truly prove your mastery, and these extra crowns are the ultimate trophies for your dedication. Keep pushing, keep practicing, and those final crowns will eventually fall into place. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and the reward is absolute bragging rights!
Final Tips for Crown Collectors
Alright, you're armed with knowledge, ready to tackle those World Crowns in Super Mario 3D World on the Switch. Before you dive back in, here are a few final tips to keep in your arsenal. First, always explore. I cannot stress this enough. Don't just run straight for the flagpole. Check every corner, every hidden alcove, and every suspicious-looking block. Use your camera to look around corners and up/down. Second, master your power-ups. The Cat Suit, Tanooki Suit, and even the Boomerang Flower can open up new paths and help you reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Experiment with them! Third, don't be afraid to replay levels. Sometimes you need a fresh perspective or a second attempt to spot that hidden path or execute a tricky maneuver. Fourth, watch online guides if you're truly stuck. While discovering things yourself is rewarding, sometimes a little nudge is all you need to get past a frustrating section. Fifth, save your power-ups. If you find a power-up near the beginning of a level that you think might be useful later for a secret, try to conserve it. Finally, take breaks! Getting frustrated won't help. Step away, clear your head, and come back with fresh eyes. Happy crown hunting, guys! You've got this!