Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64

Course 13: Tick Tock Clock

Master Super Mario 64's Tick Tock Clock. Learn how the clock hands affect platform movement and conquer the intricate challenges to claim all Power Stars.

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Course 13: Tick Tock Clock

Tick Tock Clock is a unique course where the movement of the clock's mechanisms is directly tied to how you enter the painting. The hands of the clock in Peach's Castle determine the speed of the gears and platforms within the course. This guide will help you master its intricate challenges.

Entering Tick Tock Clock

To access Tick Tock Clock, head to the top floor of Peach's Castle. The entrance is a large grandfather clock painting. The key to controlling the course's difficulty lies in the time displayed on the clock face when you jump into the painting:

  • Clock Hands at 12 (vertical) or 6 (vertical): All mechanisms inside the clock will be completely stopped. This is generally the easiest way to navigate, as platforms and gears remain static.
  • Clock Hands at 3 (horizontal) or 9 (horizontal): The mechanisms will move at a slow pace, offering a moderate challenge.
  • Clock Hands at any other position (moving): The mechanisms will move at their normal, fast speed, presenting the greatest challenge.

For your first few attempts, especially when learning the layout, it's highly recommended to enter when the clock hands are at 12 or 6 to stop the mechanisms.

Star 1: The Pit and the Pendulums

This star requires precise platforming through a series of moving gears and swinging pendulums. Entering with the clock stopped makes this significantly easier.

  1. Upon entering, proceed forward onto the first set of moving platforms. If the clock is stopped, these will be stationary.
  2. Navigate across the initial gears and rotating platforms. Be mindful of the gaps.
  3. You'll encounter a section with large, swinging pendulums. If the clock is stopped, these will be frozen in place, allowing you to walk straight past them. If they are moving, time your jumps carefully to avoid being knocked off.
  4. After the pendulums, you'll reach a series of conveyor belts and small, rotating platforms.
  5. The star is located at the very top of this section, often requiring a wall jump or careful ascent on the final platforms.

Star 2: Stomp on the Thwomp

This star involves reaching a high platform by using a large Thwomp enemy.

  1. Start by making your way through the initial sections of the course, similar to "The Pit and the Pendulums."
  2. Continue past the pendulum section and look for a path leading upwards, often involving vertical moving platforms.
  3. You'll eventually come to a large Thwomp that moves up and down.
  4. Wait for the Thwomp to descend, then quickly jump on top of it.
  5. As the Thwomp rises, it will lift you to a higher platform. From here, jump off to reach the Star.

Red Coins Location Guide

Collecting all 8 Red Coins in Tick Tock Clock can be tricky due to the moving mechanisms. Stopping the clock is highly recommended for this objective.

  • Red Coin 1: On the first set of rotating gears near the start.
  • Red Coin 2: On a small, isolated platform shortly after the first coin, often requiring a precise jump.
  • Red Coin 3: Located above one of the swinging pendulums. If the clock is stopped, you can easily walk onto the pendulum to grab it.
  • Red Coin 4: On a narrow, moving platform immediately after the pendulum section.
  • Red Coin 5: On a conveyor belt leading upwards, often guarded by a Bob-omb.
  • Red Coin 6: On a small, circular platform that rotates.
  • Red Coin 7: Near the Thwomp that leads to Star 2, often on a platform adjacent to its path.
  • Red Coin 8: High up on a vertical shaft, accessible by carefully jumping between ledges or using a wall jump.

Once all 8 Red Coins are collected, the Power Star will appear near the entrance of the course, usually on a platform above the starting area.

General Tips for Tick Tock Clock

  • Control the Clock: Seriously, use the clock hands to your advantage! Stopping the clock makes many stars significantly easier.
  • Wall Jumps: Many vertical sections and hidden areas require precise wall jumps. Practice your technique.
  • Long Jumps: Essential for clearing larger gaps between platforms, especially when mechanisms are moving.
  • Patience: This course demands patience, especially when the clock is moving. Don't rush your movements.
  • Health Management: There are few easy ways to recover health. Avoid unnecessary damage from enemies like Bob-ombs or falling into the void.