Super Mario 3D World reminds us of classic Mario Games, including Super Mario Bros. 2 (with the option to play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach or Toad) and Super Mario Bros. 3 (the Tanooki Suit returns). In addition, this adventure contains plenty of unique elements, starting with the Super Bell that turns your character into a Cat; definitely cute.
With Bowser standing between you and victory once again, we tore into Nintendo’s quality adventure. Here, we’ll tell you how to find every Green Star, along with the collectible Stamps. On that note, get ready for World 7.
For in-depth strategies, pick up Prima’s official Super Mario 3D World Collector’s Edition Guide.
Stuck? Check out our Power-Ups and Items Guide.
For more level walkthroughs, visit Prima’s free Super Mario 3D World guide.
World 7- World Castle
So much fire! So much lava! So much…Bowser! Prepare for the final battle! Sort of. Maybe.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-1 – Fort Fire Bros.
They don’t call this Fort Fire Bros. for nothing. The fireball-throwing weirdos are all over the place.
Tip: Fire Bros. love tossing fireballs into pipes. Return the favor to counter their attacks.
How do I find the Green Stars in Fort Fire Bros.?
Green Star #1
Look for an H-shaped clear pipe. Watch out for the Fire Bro. He’ll try to prevent you from collecting the Star.
Green Star #2
Hit the Checkpoint Flag and look for a bonus room just beyond it. Once inside, manipulate the ball though the mini obstacle course by jumping to switch the red and blue panels.
Green Star #3
Run through the Green Star Ring and collect the eight Green Coins. Watch out for the Block-steppers! In fact, take them out with the available POW Blocks.
Where is the Stamp in Fort Fire Bros.?
Wait until you see rotating Fire Bars near some ? Blocks. See the ? Block near the Goomba tower? Ground pound it to produce a tower that takes you to the Stamp.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-2 – Switchblack Ruins
Hey! Who turned out the lights? This is one of the darkest levels in the game, and you’ll need to use whatever light you can find to make it to the end.
Tip: Fireballs not only destroy enemies, but also show you what lies ahead.
How do I find the Green Stars in Switchblack Ruins?
Green Star #1
Early on, light up four torches (and avoid the Spinies) to reveal the first Star.
Green Star #2
Near the Checkpoint Flag are some ? Blocks with a Switch Panel puzzle. Go right to discover a secret area and second Green Star.
Green Star #3
After solving the final Switch Panel puzzle, go into the next room and search for an invisible block that leads you to the final Star.
Tip: Finishing this course opens up the path to 7-4. On a small patch of land near 7-4 is a pipe leading to 7-C.
Where is the Stamp in World Castle-2 Switchblack Ruins ?
As you cross the big lava pit, jump off the moving platform as it reaches its final destination. The Stamp is nearby.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-3 – Red-Hot Run
This is by far one of the most difficult levels in Super Mario 3D World. You have 100 seconds to clear this Dash Panel-ridden course without the benefit of a Checkpoint Flag. Miss something? Guess what? Start over.
How do I find the Green Stars in Red-Hot Run?
Green Star #1
Early on, one of the paths splits into two. Head right for a Gold Ring (unrelated to the Star) and continue until the paths reconnect. When they split a second time, head right once more and watch out for two spiked rollers and a dangerous drop.
Tip: Look for a hidden box near the start of the course for a 1-Up.
Green Star #2
After exiting the three clear pipes, head towards the Green Star Ring and collect all the coins for the second Star.
Tip: Stay centered on the track to gather the Green Coins and avoid falling into the abyss.
Green Star #3
After nabbing the Stamp (see below), immediately turn right after landing the jump, then another sharp turn. This is going to be tough. You must now jump over gaps and avoid rotating spiked rollers. You got this, right?
Where is the Stamp in Red-Hot Run?
You’ll find it near the end while running on a path made of Donut Blocks. Jump across the gap to get the Stamp.
Tip: A Sprixie House appears after completing this course. Head inside for yet another Stamp.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-4 – Boiling Blue Bully Bell
You thought regular lava was bad. Now you have to deal with the dreaded blue lava! What’s the difference? Touching it is just as fatal.
Tip: Beat this level to unlock 7-A and 7-B on the World Castle-4 map.
How do I find the Green Stars in Boiling Blue Bully Bell?
Green Star #1
Activate the Green Star Ring, then use the arrow platforms to gather the Green Coins.
Green Star #2
Similar to the Stamp, you’ll encounter a Mystery Box as you speed through the course. Head into it to enter a room with a Bully. Defeat him within 10 seconds to get the Star.
Green Star #3
Close to the rolling platforms near the end of the stage. Dodge the spikes!
Tip: In order to reach the end-level flagpole, you must defeat three Bullies to gain access to arrow platforms.
Where is the Stamp in Boiling Blue Bully Bell?
You’ll find the Stamp just off the main path that you created with arrow platforms.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-A – Brolder Blockade Is Back
Boss Brolder is back, and this time, he brought some new friends. Say hello to the Splorch, a troublesome magma ball impervious to your attacks. In fact, there are two ways to get rid of them: trick them into the lava, or get Boss Brolder to accidentally crush them. Providing you keep this in mind, approach this fight as you did earlier in Super Mario 3D World. Throw those smaller rocks into him while avoiding his spinning attack. Put him away and claim the Green Star.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-B – Prince Bully Blockade Is Back
Prince Bully is back, and this time he has three fireballs that home in on your location. Thing is, the fight is the same as before. Get him close to one of the pipes so he gets sucked inside. When he pops out, go on the attack. Three hits and you win the Green Star!
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-C – Fire Bros. Hideout #4
Get ready to square off against seven Fire Bros. Keep in mind they can hit each other, but the battle will be a lot easier if you have Fireballs at your disposal. A Green Star is your reward.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-5 – Trick Trap Tower
Head north, up two humongous towers filled with hidden goodies and dangerous obstacles.
Tip: Cat Mario is the way to go in World Castle-5.
How do I find the Green Stars in Trick Trap Tower?
Green Star #1
There’s a Cat Power-Up early in the level. Nearby is a lift that takes you to the next floor in the tower. Go left to discover a secret area containing the Star.
Green Star #2
Once you reach the top of the tower, take out the three Magikoopas to receive the second Star.
Green Star #3
When you reach the Checkpoint Flag, you’ll discover a locked Warp Box. You need to climb the second tower and go in search of Key Coins to open the box. The keys are easy enough to find. Between the third and the fourth are breakable blocks. Take care of the enemy in the way and break those blocks to uncover a hidden passageway that leads to the third Green Star.
Where is the Stamp in Trick Trap Tower?
Look for the Stamp on a cloud floating just above the first Green Star. You’ll need Cat Mario to get it.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle – Captain Toad Gets Thwomped
Poor Captain Toad! One wrong move and those Thwomps will crush him. That said, this step-by-step guide will lead him to safety, and the five Green Stars along the way.
-Immediately walk towards the first Thwomp and head into the alcove behind it for Green Star #1.
-To get Green Star #2, walk around the entire level avoiding Bill Blasters until you reach a passage to the right of where you originally started. Inside is a Thwomp that you’ll need to ride up to get the Star. Now use another Thwomp to reach the next part of the tower.
-Once you reach the top, run across the conveyor belt and avoid the two Bullet Bills to nab the third Star.
-With that out of the way, run along the conveyor belt and wait for the Thwomp carrying the fourth Green Star. Collect it!
-Now go through the tunnel towards the Thwomp that rises to the highest part of the course. Take it all the way to the top and wait for the Bullet Bill to fire. Follow the Bullet Bill projectile until you fall into a small gap next to the fifth Green Star.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-6 – Rammerhead Reef
Well this was unexpected. World Castle 6 provides a break from all that lava. There’s water, and a lot of it. Feel free to dive right in.
How do I find the Green Stars in Rammerhead Reef?
Green Star #1
Destroy a row of wooden crates on the ground for this Green Star.
Tip: Use alcoves along walls to escape the Rammerheads, at least temporarily.
Green Star #2
While navigating through a narrow passageway, look for Rammerheads dragging items behind them. One of these critters has Green Star #2.
Green Star #3
Near the end, you’ll see a clear pipe with spiked balls inside. Destroy them with Fireballs providing you have a Fire Flower. You can also get a Super Star close by and bust them up that way. Now you can get Green Star #3.
Where is the Stamp in Rammerhead Reef?
The Stamp is just before the goal post, in a room filled with those dangerous Rammerheads. Swim as quickly as possible to avoid enemies from below, and slip into this Star’s alcove to collect it.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-7 – Simmering Lava Lake
The Lava Lake in this course is more than a pretty aesthetic. It rises and falls. When the ground starts to glow, move to higher ground. Also be on the lookout for geysers of lava.
Tip: It’s a good idea to take the Cat Suit into this level. You can even pick up a Boomerang Suit early on. Keep both handy and switch between the two when necessary. The boomerang lets you get rid of pesky enemies, while the Cat Suit helps you climb faster and avoid the Lava Lake.
How do I find the Green Stars in Simmering Lava Lake?
Green Star #1
Seems easy enough to get, but hold it! Splorches appear on the platform next to this Star. You have two options. You can destroy these bad guys with the boomerang and capture the Star, or use the boomerang to get the Star yourself.
Tip:Peach is the ideal character to use in this level, thanks to her hovering ability.
Green Star #2
Activate the Green Star Ring and then use the boomerang (we hope you have it) to collect the coins.
Green Star #3
After getting the Stamp, look for a platform connected by walkways and lava geysers shooting into the air. Wait for the lava lake to recede and follow a side path to claim the third Green Star.
Tip: To reach the flagpole, you must trick the Charvaarghs leaping from the lava. Princess Peach is not fast enough to run full steam ahead.
Where is the Stamp in Simmering Lava Lake?
You’ll see the Stamp underneath a grate. Wait for the lava to subside and quickly go after the Stamp.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World Castle-Castle: Bowser’s Lava Lake Keep
After spending an untold number of hours stomping enemies, hoarding gold coins and finding all those Green Stars, this is it, the final confrontation with Bowser, right? Right? Uh, let’s begin!
Tip: We suggest going with the Cat and Boomerang Power-Ups for this level. The Cat helps you climb, while the Boomerang takes out pesky bad guys. Knowing when to switch between the two is key.
How do I find the Green Stars in Bowser’s Lava Lake Keep?
Green Star #1
Tough. Challenging. Anxiety-ridden. These words perfectly describe the effort needed to grab the first Star. You need to jump into the wall, just above the Star, then let yourself slide down to get it. As soon as you do, wall jump back to the original platform you came from. Hit the lava once and you lose a life.
Green Star #2
This is why we told you to have the Cat Power-Up handy. There’s a fence/bridge that lowers into place once you hit a P Switch. Climb this before it lowers to get the Star.
Green Star #3
After dashing through a Fire Bro, bomb cannons and a Ka-thunk, you’ll see the final Green Star. Can’t reach it, right? Not true. The easiest way is to grab it with the Boomerang. If you don’t have one, cross the narrow bridge into the next section and hit the ? Block to get one.
Where is the Stamp in Bowser’s Lava Lake Keep?
There’s a P Switch nearby, and you should leave it alone. The Stamp sits behind a breakable brick wall you can blow up with Kick Bombs. Use a wall jump to reach the newly discovered alcove until the Stamp is within reach.
How do I beat Bowser in Bowser’s Lava Lake Keep?
Yes, the final battle! This is the end of the game, right?
Bowser rolls up in a sweet purple ride. In a sense, this battle is very similar to the one in World 1, with you chase after Mario’s arch nemesis while the big lug throws Kick Bombs onto the makeshift road. Except this time, there are more pitfalls, along with spike traps and lava geysers.
While the basic goal of nailing Bowser with three direct hits remains the same, you’ll quickly discover this fight is a huge pain. Some of the Kick Bombs explode sooner than others, and there are traps all over the place. Don’t let the battle drag on for too long. Otherwise, you’ll get transported to an even trickier section of the track with lava geysers.
Be patient. You’ll eventually put Bowser in his place. Besides, now you’re done. You successfully completed Super Mario 3D World. Now you can…you can…wait a minute! There’s a whole lot more!
