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Bowser in the Dark World
Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Bowser in the Dark World

Follow this guide to navigate Bowser in the Dark World in Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Learn how to collect all 8 Red Coins and defeat Bowser for the first time.

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Follow this guide to navigate Bowser in the Dark World in Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Learn how to collect all 8 Red Coins and defeat Bowser for the first time.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Start the stage and move forward. You'll see a flame-spitting device and a purple button.
  2. 2
    Step on the purple switch to make blocks appear. Grab Red Coin #1 next to the switch.
  3. 3
    Go back to the beginning of the level to grab Red Coin #2. Hurry before the blocks disappear.
  4. 4
    Continue past the flames to platforms on a track.
  5. 5
    Past these, you'll find another flame device and a ferris-wheel-like platform.
  6. 6
    Continue past Goombas to a yellow box containing a 1-Up.
  7. 7
    Past the bridge, you'll encounter Amps. Red Coin #3 is near the second crystal, guarded by an Amp.
  8. 8
    Wait for a moving platform to reach your range, jump on it, and then onto a static platform.
  9. 9
    On the other side, grab Red Coin #4 next to the static platform.
  10. 10
    Optionally, Long Jump to the large platform with an Amp to grab Red Coin #5, then Long Jump back to the main path.
  11. 11
    Head to two sets of platforms on tracks. Grab Red Coin #6 in the corner of the first set.
  12. 12
    Proceed to the final section with two seesaws and platforms above.
  13. 13
    Jump on the first seesaw, then go to the ledge between platforms. Wall jump to the top of these platforms to find Red Coin #7.
  14. 14
    Find Red Coin #8 on the lower ledge of one of the platforms.
  15. 15
    Go to the end of the stage. If on the lower level, jump up platforms.
  16. 16
    Press the purple button to create stairs on the slope ahead.
  17. 17
    At the top, collect the star from the Red Coins behind the pipe.
  18. 18
    Jump into the pipe to confront Bowser.

BOSS - Bowser

Stats / Weaknesses:

  • Bowser can be grabbed by his tail and spun.
  • He is vulnerable after breathing fire.
  • The arena contains bombs that can be used to damage Bowser.

Phases:

  1. Bowser's attacks: Jumping attack (stuns if hit on the ground), Fire breath (leaves lingering flames).
  2. Grab Bowser's tail, spin him, and throw him into a bomb.
  3. Repeat until Bowser is defeated.

Strategy:

  • Wait for Bowser to breathe fire, then quickly get behind him and grab his tail.
  • Spin Bowser and throw him towards one of the bombs on the edge of the arena.
  • Getting Bowser close to a bomb before throwing is ideal.
  • After defeating Bowser, he will yield a key.
  • A key that opens the door to the castle's basement.

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