Course 6: Hazy Maze Cave

Course 6: Hazy Maze Cave

Welcome, intrepid adventurer, to the murky depths of Hazy Maze Cave! This course lives up to its name, presenting a labyrinthine challenge filled with toxic gas, hidden passages, and the occasional fiery foe. Patience and keen observation are your best allies here. Let's dive in!

Star 1: Swimming Beast in the Cavern

Your first objective is to locate the elusive Dorrie, the gentle sea monster. Follow these steps:

1. Upon entering the course, head straight and take the first left.
2. Continue down this path, navigating past the Goombas, until you reach a large cavern with a pool of water.
3. Dive into the water. You'll need to swim through an underwater tunnel. Keep an eye on your oxygen meter!
4. Emerge into a new, larger cavern. Here, you'll find Dorrie.
5. To earn the star, simply jump onto Dorrie's back. She'll begin to move, and the star will appear on her head. Grab it!

Star 2: Elevate for 8 Red Coins

This star requires careful platforming and a good memory for red coin locations. There are eight to collect:

• Red Coin 1 & 2: In the initial area, immediately to your left and right when you enter the cave, on ledges.
• Red Coin 3 & 4: After the first left turn, on ledges above the toxic gas. You'll need to wall jump or carefully navigate the platforms.
• Red Coin 5: In the room with the toxic gas, on a small platform near the entrance to the elevator shaft.
• Red Coin 6: Ride the elevator up. This coin is on a platform directly across from where the elevator stops.
• Red Coin 7 & 8: Continue along the upper path from the elevator. These two coins are on separate platforms overlooking the toxic gas below.

Once all eight red coins are collected, the Power Star will appear on the platform where you found the sixth red coin.

Star 3: Metal-Head Mario Can Move!

This star introduces you to the power of the Metal Cap. You'll need to activate the Green Switch Palace first (if you haven't already).

1. From the main entrance, take the first right turn.
2. Follow this path, past the toxic gas, until you reach a small room with a green "!" block.
3. Hit the green "!" block to transform into Metal Mario.
4. As Metal Mario, backtrack slightly to the main path. You'll notice a strong current in the water that normally pushes you away.
5. With the added weight of Metal Mario, you can now walk against the current and through the underwater tunnel.
6. On the other side, you'll find the Power Star waiting for you.

Pro Tip: The Metal Cap has a limited duration. Plan your route carefully to ensure you reach the star before it wears off!

Star 4: Navigating the Toxic Maze

This star is all about navigating the central toxic gas chamber. You'll need to be quick and precise.

1. From the main entrance, head straight and take the first left.
2. Instead of going into the water, continue along the path that leads to the large chamber filled with toxic gas.
3. You'll see several platforms suspended in the gas. Your goal is to reach the far side.
4. Carefully jump from platform to platform. The toxic gas will damage you if you fall in, so be mindful of your health.
5. On the far side of the chamber, you'll find a small alcove with the Power Star.

Strategy: Consider using a long jump for some of the wider gaps. Don't rush; take your time to line up each jump.

Star 5: A-Maze-ing Emergency Exit

This star requires you to find a hidden exit within the toxic maze.

1. Follow the same path as for "Navigating the Toxic Maze" (Star 4) to reach the large toxic gas chamber.
2. Instead of going directly to the Power Star alcove, look for a hidden passage on the right wall of the chamber, roughly halfway across.
3. This passage leads to a small room with a single platform and a pole.
4. Climb the pole to the very top.
5. At the top, you'll find a small ledge with the Power Star.

Star 6: Watch for Rolling Rocks

This star is located in a treacherous area with falling boulders. Agility is key!

1. From the main entrance, take the first right turn.
2. Continue along this path, past the green "!" block, until you reach a narrow corridor where boulders periodically roll down.
3. Carefully time your movements to avoid being crushed by the boulders. There are small alcoves you can duck into for safety.
4. Navigate to the end of this corridor.
5. At the very end, you'll find a small platform with the Power Star.

Caution: The boulders deal significant damage. Don't be afraid to wait for a clear opening.

Star 7: 100 Coin Star

Collecting 100 coins in Hazy Maze Cave can be a bit challenging due to the spread-out nature of the coins and the hazards. Here's a breakdown of where to find them:

• Initial Area: Around 20-25 coins from Goombas, scattered on ledges, and in the small alcoves near the entrance.
• Toxic Gas Chamber: Approximately 30-40 coins. Many are on the platforms themselves, and some are hidden in the corners or behind pillars. Defeating the enemies here also yields coins.
• Underwater Cavern: Around 15-20 coins in the first underwater section and the Dorrie cavern. Don't forget the coins around Dorrie herself.
• Rolling Rock Area: About 10-15 coins. Be careful collecting these as the boulders are a constant threat.
• Elevator Path: Around 10-15 coins on the platforms leading to and from the elevator, and on the upper ledges.
• Hidden Blocks: Keep an eye out for invisible coin blocks, especially in the toxic gas chamber and near the rolling rocks.
• Enemies: Defeating all enemies, including Goombas, Flame Chomps, and the occasional Big Goomba, will net you a good number of coins.

Strategy: Prioritize clearing out enemies first, then systematically sweep each area for static coins. The toxic gas chamber and the initial entrance area hold the most easily accessible coins. Consider using the Metal Cap to safely collect coins in the underwater sections if you're struggling with oxygen.