Super Mario 3D World is one of the Wii U’s finest game, filled with challenging levels, memorable characters and tricky boss fights. It’ll take hours to track down all those Green Stars and Stamps, but don’t worry. We’ll help you out with this free guide. This time, we’ll tell you how to dominate World 3.
For in-depth strategies and tricks, 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 3
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3-1: Snowball Park
Make sure you get a grip in this icy stage, and beware of spiky snowmen. Make sure you jump on their heads, or hit them with Tanooki Suit Mario’s Tail Attack.
Tip: When the course begins, immediately head to the right and look for a Propeller Box behind the second set of trees. This lets Mario fly upward.
How do I find the Green Stars in Snowball Park?
Green Star #1
After grabbing that Propeller Box, your first instinct will be to fly. Don’t! You can’t reach the top of that mountain anyway. Instead, head to the right and you’ll discover Green Star #1 nestled within a tiny cave.
Tip: After defeating a snowman, you can pick up the leftover snowballs and use them as projectiles.
Green Star #2
After making your way across the biggest sheet of ice in the course, roughly halfway through the stage, you’ll see a rabbit on the left. You need to catch it to receive the second Green Star. We suggest hitting the bunny with a snowball to stun it. Otherwise, you’ll keep running in circles.
Tip:See those ice skating Goombas? Jump on one of their heads and you’ll be able to hop into the ice skate. It’s much easier to move around, and it’s the best way to collect all the red coins after jumping through the big red ring midway through the course.
Green Star #3
You’ll find the final Green Star near the end of the level, high above some trees sitting in a little cave. Having the Propeller Box makes this a whole lot easier, but Tanooki Suit Mario’s Floating ability is just as good.
Where is the Stamp in Snowball Park?
After collecting Green Star #2, head to the right and you’ll see the Stamp sitting on a very narrow piece of ice.
Tip: Crouch by pressing and holding the ZL button, then tilt the left analog stick to move Mario without the threat of sliding along the ice.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3-2: Chain-Link Charge
Better get moving. This board moves from left to right, forcing you to make quick-second decisions or risk suffering deadly consequences.
Tip: It’s easier to climb chain-links as Cat Mario. There’s a Super Bell hiding in the first two question mark blocks you see.
How do I find the Green Stars in Chain-Link Charge?
Green Star #1
This Green Star sits at the top of two gold rings. Quickly climb the moving chain-link to the right to snag it.
Tip: Jump into a chain-link and Cat Mario automatically latches onto it. Don’t stand still for too long. Otherwise, he’ll lose his grip and fall.
Green Star #2
Roughly halfway through the course, you’ll see a ! box that will transport Mario to the next area of the stage. Don’t go into it yet! Continue heading right to find Green Star #2. Hope you’re patient. This one’s tough to grab.
Green Star #3
You need Cat Mario to get the third Green Star. After traveling through a big horizontal pipe (the same one near the Stamp), hit the wheel with the cat paw symbol to raise wooden blocks, making it easier to collect the Green Star.
Where is the Stamp in Chain-Link Charge?
Right next to the first vertical pipe you come across, floating on top of two gold rings. Ideally, you want to be Cat Mario, since you’ll be able to climb up the chain-link fence to get the Stamp.
Tip: After finishing World 3-2, look for a circus tent to the right. Go inside to collect another Stamp.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3-3: Shifty Boo Mansion
Ah yes, the first haunted house in Super Mario 3D World. If you play these types of games, then you already know Boo, the ghost that disappears whenever you look in its direction. Always keep this in mind, and you’ll beat this stage in short order.
Tip: Hit Boos with fireballs to make them temporarily vanish.
How do I find the Green Stars in Shifty Boo Mansion?
Green Star #1
Jump into the first Boo painting you come across, Super Mario 64 style. You’ll only have 10 seconds to collect the Green Star while inside this topsy turvy room. Just remember to jump over the ghosts!
Tip: When you encounter the first giant Boo, head up the stairs and you’ll see a 1-Up reflected in the mirror. Head back down to collect it.
Green Star #2
You’ll find this Green Star in the room with the huge bookcase, right before the Checkpoint Flag. Use the moving platforms on the right and head over to the leftmost area of the bookcase. Shelves will move, revealing the Star you seek.
Green Star #3
Towards the end of the course, you’ll come to a door with a couch on the right. Hitch a ride on it to get the final Green Star.
Where is the Stamp in Shifty Boo Mansion?
Before heading through the first purple door, you’ll see a couch. Hop onto it and the couch floats upwards, revealing the Stamp.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3-4: Pretty Plaza Panic
You better get moving. You only have 100 seconds to complete Pretty Plaza Panic! What is this, New Super Luigi U?
How do I find the Green Stars in Pretty Plaza Panic?
Green Star #1
It’s right near the beginning of the course! Run towards the screen to find the first Green Star sitting on a semi-invisible cloud.
Green Star #2
Look for the green rabbit and chase after it for Green Star #2.
Tip: Collect tiny clocks to add more time.
Green Star #3
Jump into the smiley face cloud to reach an obstacle course. Hit the item box to collect a Super Star, then use Mario’s newfound invisibility to charge through enemies and grab the Green Star at the end.
Tip: You can hit the last ? block an infinite number of times. Go nuts, but keep an eye on the timer.
Where is the Stamp in Pretty Plaza Panic?
While navigating your way across the second group of spinning platforms, head left until you find a switch with a crown symbol. Here’s the catch: only Princess Peach can activate the switch and collect the Stamp.
Tip: Use Princess Peach’s hovering ability to easily float across gaps.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3-A: Magikoopa Blockade
How do I find the Green Star in World 3-A: Magikooka Blockade
There’s only one Green Star in this course, and it’s easy to collect. Wait for the three Magikoopa’s to fire projectiles towards Mario and jump on their heads. Each time you do this, the remaining enemies will disappear and then reappear someplace else. Beat them all to claim the Star.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3: Captain Toad Makes a Splash
Enter the green pipe nearby to reach this course, then get ready to grab five Green Stars.
Once again, you must tilt the Wii U GamePad to maneuver Toad through this 3D course. Remember, Toad cannot jump.
First, slide into the water and collect the Green Star on the right, next to the horizontal pipe. Now walk around that pipe and enter the cave on the far right. Go inside to find a collectible mushroom. Take a ride in the big pipe and you’ll find the next Green Star in a tiny cave near the exit.
Next, head back down through the pipe. Time to go through it again, but this time press Up on the left analog stick or D-pad to travel upwards, just before that first entrance. Walk out the other side and follow the wooden pathway all the way around. Drop down onto the grass and collect the gold coins and third Green Star. Take the pipe to the very top of the course. Tilt so that you’re looking down, and safely drop to the platform to grab the fourth Green Star.
Follow the same route for the third and fourth Green Stars so that you are once again on top of the course. See the opening and P switch? Drop down to activate it, thereby raising the water level. Take the wooden path around the other side of the board, then travel up the ramp to snag the fifth Green Star and complete the course.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3-5: Pipeline Lagoon
Get your feet wet in this challenging underwater course.
Tip:Use horizontal pipes to avoid enemies.
How do I find the Green Stars in World 3-5 Pipeline Lagoon?
Green Star #1
While underwater, you’ll come to a portion of the course where the water rises and falls. Take it up to find the first Green Star.
Tip: A Fire Flower is the best item to have in Pipeline Lagoon. Those pesky fish are no match for Mario and his fireballs.
Green Star #2
After collecting the Stamp and getting the Cannonball Box, head down and to the left to see a cracked wall. Blowing it up reveals a green pipe. Take it to find the second Green Star, a whole bunch of gold coins and a + Clock for 100 additional seconds.
Tip: With the Cannonball Box item, press and hold the Y button to charge your attack.
Green Star #3
After collecting the second Green Star, head down to find three groups of spiky fish. Destroy them all with cannonballs, then head into the area where the third group used to be and swim up to find a hidden pipe. Take it up, then travel right to find the remaining Green Star.
Where is the Stamp in World 3-5 Pipeline Lagoon?
After reaching the Checkpoint Flag, head right. Swim for a little while until you notice the water rise on the top right. Swim upwards to find the Stamp on the left.
Tip: You’ll also discover a Cannon Box in an item box on the right. It’s very important you hang onto that.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3-6: Mount Must Dash
This course bears a welcome resemblance to the original Super Mario Kart on the SNES. Nintendo hits us right in the nostalgia.
Tip: Immediately head left and climb the tree to discover a Super Bell.
How do I find the Green Stars in Mount Must Dash?
Green Star #1
The road eventually forks, high and low. Take the lower path and you’ll find the first Green Star. Just be careful of the unstable platforms.
Green Star #2
After hitting the Checkpoint Flag, move right a bit until you discover a purple ! box. Go inside and it will transport you to a secret area. The goal? Catch the rabbit and you’ll score the second Green Star.
Green Star #3
Now that you have the Stamp (see below), run towards the orange box but don’t go inside, otherwise you’ll blow your chance to grab the final Green Star.
Here’s the deal: you need Peach to get this one. Build up crazy speed, slide down the ramp (doesn’t matter if you slide through the enemies) and send Peach flying via the spring pad. Use her hovering ability and the Star is yours.
Tip: If you miss this jump, kill Peach to restart at the Checkpoint Flag to get another crack at it.
Where is the Stamp in Mount Must Dash?
After collecting Green Star #2, take the speed pads to build momentum. You’ll reach a jump pad that propels you to a couple of bouncy pads. You’ll grab this Stamp after flying off the second pad.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3-7: Switchboard Falls
Tip: After riding the first big switch, head left and climb. On the fifth platform is a 1-Up sitting inside of an invisible item block, dead center.
How do I find the Green Stars in Switchboard Falls?
Green Star #1
Take the second switch down a large ramp. You’ll quickly see a platform with time clocks and a green pipe. Jump onto it (it’s OK, you don’t need the ramp) and enter the pipe. You’ll pop out the other side and fall onto unstable platforms. Let them fall and follow the trail of gold coins to the first Green Star.
Tip: All the way at the bottom, underneath the water, is an invisible block. Blow into the Wii U GamePad microphone to see its location.
Green Star #2
After the Checkpoint Flag, take the next group of switches and make note of the waterfall on the other side. You’ll see gold coins behind it. Jump through the waterfall, head right and drop down. When you land on the switch, hit left and crouch. The switch will take you to Green Star #2
Tip:Peach’s hovering ability makes her a prime pick for obtaining 100 percent completion on Switchboard Falls.
Green Star #3
You’ll locate the last Green Star on the final set of switches. Instead of going all the way to the bottom set of rails, take the medium set to the right.
Where is the Stamp in Switchboard Falls?
When you reach the final group of switches, just before the flagpole, take the one all the way on the bottom and head left and then right to locate the Stamp.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3: The Bullet Bill Express
We hope you’re OK with Bullet Bills, because those guys are all over the place in this level. Don’t worry, they have explosive personalities.
How do I find the Green Stars in The Bullet Bill Express?
Green Star #1
Definitely one of the easiest Green Stars to track down. You’ll see it at the rear of the train.
Green Star #2
Sitting on a stack of Goombas. You should have no trouble getting this Green Star. Just keep an eye on the Bullet Bills flying in from the background.
Green Star #3
Take the first green pipe that you see to get transported to the train in the background. See the box on the right? Break it to reveal a Toad, who will give you the final Green Star.
Tip: Those humongous Bullet Bills are a pain, yes? If you possess a Mushroom or higher Power-Up, crouch and they’ll float above your head. Already small? Simply walk underneath them.
Where is the Stamp in The Bullet Bill Express?
Wait until you reach the Fire Bros. There’s one on top, and one on the bottom. The one on the bottom guards the Stamp.
How do I beat the boss in The Bullet Bill Express?
This ninja-star throwing boss not only disappears and reappears, but also splits into multiple copies of herself. That said, three hits to the head will take care of her, and we strongly suggest attacking before she has a chance to throw stars. Otherwise, the battle will take considerably longer.
Super Mario 3D World: How to Beat World 3-B: A Banquet with Hisstocrat
What, you thought World 3 was over? Nope. Nintendo throws you a curveball with the surprise of World 3-B. It’s time for another boss fight!
How do I beat the boss in A Banquet with Hisstocrat?
It takes three attacks to the head to defeat this oversized snake. Dodge his rock attacks by watching the shadows along the ground. Afterwards, snakes with dinner plates on their heads will burst from the ground. The idea here is to climb onto the tallest snake and then jump on top of Hisstocrat. Thing is, those snakes eventually escape belowground and reappear someplace else. You’ll also have to worry about those aforementioned rocks in between. On top of that, not all snakes have dinner plates on their heads. The ones that don’t bite, so avoid them at all costs.
Tip: Once you recognize the patterns, this predictable fight is easy to win. The key to success is patience. Wait for the perfect time to strike.
World 3 is finally over! Congratulations!
