Vanish Cap Under the Moat

Master the Vanish Cap Under the Moat secret star in Super Mario 64! This guide details collecting all 8 Red Coins and hitting the Blue Switch to unlock the star.

Alright, let's tackle the Vanish Cap Under the Moat star in Super Mario 64! This one's pretty straightforward, honestly. You start with the Vanish Cap already on, but don't sweat it – its powers aren't needed until the very end. You can even let the timer run out if you're feeling cheeky, though we've got a star to grab!

You'll begin on a big slope with little platforms dotted around. Keep your eyes peeled as you slide down, because four of the eight Red Coins are scattered on these ledges. The first two are on the initial platforms, and the last two are closer to the bottom. Just be careful not to slide off the edge!

Once you reach the bottom, you'll notice some black orbs spitting fire. These are Keronpa Balls, and they'll be popping up throughout the level. Just keep moving past them and round the corner. Soon, you'll come across some platforms that move up and down. They're usually safe, but they do rotate at the top, so be ready to jump off before they do!

After that first set of moving platforms, you'll hit a seesaw. There are two more Red Coins here, one floating above each end of the seesaw. Keep going, and you'll encounter three more sets of moving platforms. When you're jumping from the second to the third set, there's another Red Coin waiting in the air. Right after this last set of platforms, you'll find the Blue Switch for the Vanish Cap, and that's where the final Red Coin is located.

Hit that Blue Switch to unlock the Vanish Cap power-up throughout the game. Then, hop into the nearby block to put on a Vanish Cap. Now you can finally use its ability to pass through certain walls and grates. Head through the appropriate one, and you'll find the Power Star you've been working towards!