World 1: Super Bell Hill
Welcome to World 1-1: Super Bell Hill, your first adventure in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury! This level serves as an excellent introduction to the game's core mechanics, especially the new Cat Suit. Focus on mastering movement, wall jumps, and the Cat Suit's unique abilities as you explore. This guide will help you find every collectible and conquer the course with ease.
Level Overview & Walkthrough
Super Bell Hill is a relatively straightforward level, but it introduces several key concepts. Keep an eye out for hidden blocks, breakable walls, and opportunities to use the Cat Suit for vertical exploration.
- Starting Area & Introduction to Cat Suit:
- As you begin, head straight. You'll quickly encounter a ? Block containing your first Super Bell. Grab it to transform into Cat Mario/Luigi/Peach/Toad!
- Practice your Cat Suit abilities: press 'Y' to scratch, hold 'Y' to pounce, and jump against walls to perform wall climbs.
- First Section - Goomba & Clear Pipe:
- Proceed past the first few Goombas. You can defeat them with a scratch attack or by jumping on their heads.
- You'll see a Clear Pipe ahead. Enter it to be transported to the next area.
- Second Section - Elevating Platforms & Piranha Plants:
- After exiting the Clear Pipe, you'll find a series of elevating platforms. Time your jumps to avoid falling.
- Watch out for the Piranha Plants. They can be defeated with a Cat Suit scratch or by jumping on them.
- Mid-Level Checkpoint:
- You'll reach a Checkpoint Flag shortly after the elevating platforms. Touch it to save your progress.
- Final Section - Slopes & Goal Pole:
- The last part of the level involves navigating some slopes and a few more enemies.
- Utilize the Cat Suit's pounce ability (hold 'Y' while running) to gain speed and jump further, especially useful for reaching the top of the Goal Pole.
Collectible Guide: Green Stars & Stamp
There are 3 Green Stars and 1 Stamp to find in Super Bell Hill. Collecting all of them is crucial for unlocking later levels and bonus content.
Green Star 1 Location
The first Green Star is found very early in the level, requiring a bit of vertical exploration with the Cat Suit.
- From the very start of the level, immediately grab the Super Bell from the first ? Block.
- Look to your left. You'll see a tall, climbable tree.
- As Cat Mario, run towards the tree and jump onto its trunk. Use your wall climb ability (hold 'B' while against the tree) to ascend to the very top.
- The Green Star #1 is waiting for you on the highest branch.
Green Star 2 Location
This Green Star is cleverly hidden and requires a specific action to reveal.
- Progress through the level until you pass the first Clear Pipe and are in the area with the elevating platforms.
- After the elevating platforms, you'll see a small section of ground with a single Goomba.
- Look closely at the ground in this area. There's a slightly discolored, square block on the ground, distinct from the surrounding terrain. It's usually a darker shade of brown or grey.
- Stand on this specific block and perform a Ground Pound (jump and press 'ZL' or 'ZR' in mid-air).
- The ground block will break, revealing a hidden pipe.
- Enter the pipe to be transported to a small, enclosed area.
- The Green Star #2 will be floating in the center of this secret room.
Green Star 3 Location
The final Green Star is behind a hidden wall, requiring keen observation.
- Continue past the Checkpoint Flag.
- You'll come to an area with a few more Goombas and a small, raised platform to your right.
- Instead of immediately heading down the slope, look at the wall directly behind this raised platform. There's a section of the wall that looks slightly different – often a darker texture or a subtle crack.
- Run into this section of the wall. It's a fake wall that will disappear, revealing a hidden alcove.
- Inside this secret alcove, you'll find Green Star #3.
Stamp Location
The Stamp requires the Cat Suit and good platforming skills to reach a high, otherwise inaccessible platform.
- Ensure you have the Cat Suit activated. If you've lost it, there are usually more Super Bells available in '?' Blocks throughout the level, or you can restart from the checkpoint.
- After collecting Green Star #3 and exiting the hidden alcove, proceed slightly further into the level.
- You'll see a series of small, square platforms leading up towards a higher ledge on the right side of the path.
- Use your Cat Suit's wall climb ability on the back wall of these platforms, or simply jump across them, to reach the very top ledge.
- On this high platform, you'll find the Stamp for World 1-1.
Strategy Tips & Common Pitfalls
- Master the Cat Suit: This level is designed to teach you the Cat Suit's versatility. Practice climbing walls, pouncing on enemies, and using the scratch attack. Don't forget you can climb almost any vertical surface for a short duration!
- Look for Discolorations: Many secrets in Super Mario 3D World are hinted at by subtle changes in the environment, like the discolored block for Green Star #2 or the slightly off-color wall for Green Star #3.
- Ground Pound Everything: When in doubt, try ground pounding suspicious-looking blocks or areas of the ground. It often reveals hidden items or paths.
- Utilize the Camera: Don't be afraid to rotate the camera (using the right stick) to get a better view of your surroundings. This can help reveal hidden paths or collectibles.
- Don't Rush the Goal Pole: Always ensure you've found all collectibles before hitting the Goal Pole. While you can replay levels, it's more efficient to get everything in one run. Aim for the very top of the Goal Pole for extra points and a 1-Up!
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be able to confidently navigate World 1-1: Super Bell Hill, collect all its secrets, and set yourself up for success in your Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury adventure!