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3.17. Bowser in the Fire Sea [0317]
Super Mario 64

3.17. Bowser in the Fire Sea [0317]

Guide to Bowser in the Fire Sea in Super Mario 64. Learn how to navigate lava, defeat Bullies, and beat Bowser.

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Guide to Bowser in the Fire Sea in Super Mario 64. Learn how to navigate lava, defeat Bullies, and beat Bowser.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Start by stepping on the blue mesh platform to the right; it travels across lava.
  2. 2
    Jump onto the rectangular platform to let the blue mesh pass, grab the 1-Up Mushroom if quick, then jump back onto the blue mesh.
  3. 3
    Jump onto the first tilting platform to your left as it submerges in lava, then onto the next.
  4. 4
    Jump back onto the blue wire platform when it re-emerges and ride it further.
  5. 5
    Jump onto the stony platform when it approaches; it travels back upon contact.
  6. 6
    Cross the blue platforms that dip in and out of the lava, timing your jumps to avoid the lava. Stand on the peak of a platform section to avoid lava when it rises.
  7. 7
    Jump onto the next platform and defeat the Bully by luring it to the edge and punching it to receive a yellow coin.
  8. 8
    Advance across the black mesh to a platform with three Goombas; stomp or punch them for coins.
  9. 9
    Run through the Heart Container for health if needed.
  10. 10
    Grab the pole of the raising and lowering mesh platform and climb it. Let the platform rise with the lava.
  11. 11
    At the optimum height, jump onto the ledge behind you and hit the yellow '!' Block for three coins.
  12. 12
    Jump to the tilting platform on your left with a Red Coin, then to the next tilting platform.
  13. 13
    Grab the pole at the end and climb it to emerge inside a cage at the top, where a 1-Up Mushroom appears.
  14. 14
    Stand on the grey stone slab at the edge of the cage; it acts as an elevator.
  15. 15
    Step onto the black wire mesh flooring and use the moving brown platform underneath to cross the lava pit, avoiding the flamethrower.
  16. 16
    Quickly go up the slope and down the other side.
  17. 17
    Stand underneath the cage hanging above the lava, jump, and cling to it (holding A) to cross the lava pit. You can collect coins in the ring on the cage.
  18. 18
    Go up the slope and cross the two platforms moving side to side, running across when they join.
  19. 19
    Reach the next platform with two Bullies; either fight them or avoid them.
  20. 20
    Run up the wire-mesh slope to the left and bash the '!' Block for a 1-Up Mushroom.
  21. 21
    Continue up the wire slopes to the top and jump onto the large grey stone structure moving up and down when it comes to you.
  22. 22
    Run up the grey slope, avoiding the fireball shooter at the bend.
  23. 23
    At the top, you'll find a Bob-Omb and a yellow '!' Block with coins.
  24. 24
    Cross the lava pool using the blue platforms that dip in and out, avoiding flamethrowers and Amps.
  25. 25
    At the end of these platforms, jump to the next platform and go through the Heart Container to fully replenish your health.
  26. 26
    Jump onto the pole going up and down (carried by the lava platform). Stay on top to avoid lava when it descends.
  27. 27
    Position Mario with his back facing the gap in the wall and jump into it.
  28. 28
    Wall kick up the next area instead of taking the pole.
  29. 29
    At the top, hit the '!' Block for a 1-Up Mushroom.
  30. 30
    Jump onto the platform below and to your right.
  31. 31
    Run across the brown bridge leading to a green funnel (it falls as you step on it).
  32. 32
    Jump into the warp funnel to encounter Bowser.

Bowser Battle Strategy:

  1. When the battle starts, Bowser makes a huge leap, tipping the arena; run towards the upward-facing side to avoid sliding into the lava.
  2. Bowser teleports to different sides of the arena.
  3. Face away from Bowser and let him get close (but not too close). He will shoot fireballs in bursts of three.
  4. While he is firing, run around him as quickly as possible and grab his tail (press B near his tail). He cannot turn while firing.
  5. Move the analog stick in a 360-degree circular motion to swing Bowser.
  6. Press B again to throw him, aiming for the mines in the arena.
  7. Once Bowser hits a mine, he is defeated.
Tips
  • Be quick to grab the 1-Up Mushroom near the start.
  • Carefully time your jumps on the tilting and dipping platforms.
  • Use the Heart Containers to replenish health when needed.
  • The cage crossing section requires precise timing.
  • The final lava pool crossing is particularly dangerous with flamethrowers and Amps.
  • Wall kicking is the intended method to progress after the pole climb.
  • Bowser cannot turn when he is firing fireballs, making it the prime opportunity to grab his tail.

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