Course 8: Shifting Sand Land

Welcome to Shifting Sand Land, a treacherous desert course filled with quicksand, powerful enemies, and hidden secrets. This guide will help you navigate its sandy dunes and secure every Power Star.

General Tips for Shifting Sand Land

Watch Your Step: Quicksand is everywhere! Most quicksand patches will slowly pull you down, but some, particularly in the center of the course, are instant death. Always be mindful of the ground beneath you.
Stay Hydrated (Figuratively): The desert heat can be tough. Keep an eye out for any health-restoring items like coins or hearts.
use the Cannon: A cannon is available in this course. While not always necessary for every star, it can be a quick way to reach high platforms or escape dangerous situations.
Beware of Klepto: This giant condor loves to steal Mario's hat! If he snatches it, you'll need to chase him down to retrieve it.

Star 1: In the Talons of the Big Bird

Your first star in Shifting Sand Land involves a confrontation with the giant condor, Klepto, and a bit of platforming over quicksand.

From the start, head straight across the initial quicksand pit towards the large, square platform in the center of the course.
Continue past this platform, heading towards the area with the two large pillars. You'll notice a Power Star shimmering atop one of these pillars.
Klepto, the giant condor, will be circling this area. Wait for him to swoop down near the pillar with the star.
Strategy: You need to lure Klepto into picking up the Power Star. Stand near the base of the pillar and jump to get his attention. He will then attempt to grab Mario's hat. If Mario is hatless, he will grab the Power Star instead.
Once Klepto has the Power Star, he will fly around the course. Chase after him.
Retrieving the Star: Klepto will eventually fly over a solid platform, usually near the entrance to the pyramid or the area with the four pillars. When he swoops low, jump and punch or kick him. He will drop the Power Star.
Collect your first star!

Star 2: Shining Atop the Pyramid

This star requires you to reach the very top of the massive pyramid in the center of the course.

From the start, make your way to the large, square quicksand pit in the center of the course.
On the far side of this pit, you'll see the entrance to the pyramid. There are also four pillars surrounding the pyramid's base.
Climbing the Pyramid: You'll need to wall jump up the pyramid's exterior. The easiest way is to find the sections with slightly less steep angles or small ledges.
Alternatively, you can use the nearby cannon. To access the cannon, you'll need to ground pound the cannon switch located on a small platform near the quicksand pit, to the left of the pyramid entrance (when facing it).
Once the cannon is open, jump in and aim for the very top of the pyramid. A well-aimed shot will land you directly on the Power Star.
If you choose to wall jump, be careful of the quicksand at the base of the pyramid and the strong winds near the top.
Grab the Power Star from the pyramid's apex.

Star 3: Inside the Ancient Pyramid

This star takes you inside the pyramid, where you'll face various traps and enemies.

Enter the pyramid through the main entrance at its base.
Inside, you'll find a large, open chamber with a quicksand floor. Navigate across the moving platforms and solid ground to reach the far side.
Beware of the Eyerok: As you progress, you'll encounter two large, disembodied hands called Eyerok. These are mini-bosses.
Eyerok Strategy: Eyerok will slam its hands down. Wait for it to reveal its eye in the palm of its hand. Punch the eye when it's exposed. Repeat this process for both hands until they are defeated.
After defeating the Eyerok, a door will open. Proceed through it.
You'll enter a vertical shaft with rising quicksand. Wall jump your way up, being careful not to fall into the quicksand below.
At the top, you'll find the Power Star.

Star 4: Stand Tall on the Four Pillars

This star requires you to activate a secret platform by standing on four specific pillars.

Locate the four tall pillars surrounding the base of the pyramid.
You need to stand on the very top of each of these four pillars.
Reaching the Pillars:
- For the two pillars closest to the pyramid entrance, you can often triple jump or wall jump from the pyramid's base.
- For the other two, you might need to use the cannon (if unlocked) or carefully wall jump from nearby ledges.
- Alternatively, lure Klepto to the top of a pillar. If he's carrying your hat, he will drop it on the pillar, allowing you to jump on his back to reach the top.
Once you've stood on all four pillars, a small platform will rise from the quicksand in the center of the four pillars.
Jump onto this newly risen platform to collect the Power Star.

Star 5: Freezing the Pyramid's Power

This star involves a bit of exploration and a special cap.

Enter the pyramid. Navigate through the initial quicksand chamber and past where you fought the Eyerok.
Continue deeper into the pyramid until you reach a room with a large, spinning block in the center. This is the "power" of the pyramid.
Finding the Vanish Cap: To stop the spinning block, you'll need the Vanish Cap. The Vanish Cap block is located outside the pyramid.
Exit the pyramid and head to the far-right side of the course (when facing the pyramid entrance from the start). Look for a small oasis-like area with a few palm trees.
Ground pound the blue "!" block to reveal the Vanish Cap.
Quickly grab the Vanish Cap and re-enter the pyramid.
With the Vanish Cap active, you can pass through the spinning block. Jump through it to find the Power Star on the other side.

Star 6: Pyramid Puzzle

This star is a bit of a puzzle involving switches and timing inside the pyramid.

Enter the pyramid and proceed to the quicksand chamber.
Look for a series of small, red "!" switches embedded in the walls and floor of this chamber.
Activating the Switches: You need to ground pound all five red "!" switches within a short time limit.
The switches are located:
- One on the initial platform you land on.
- Two on the moving platforms in the quicksand.
- Two on the solid ground at the far end of the chamber.
Strategy: Plan your route carefully. A good strategy is to hit the switches on the moving platforms first, then quickly move to the solid ground, and finally hit the initial switch on your way back.
Once all five switches are activated, a Power Star will appear in the center of the quicksand chamber.
Carefully jump onto the star to collect it.

Star 7: 100 Coin Star

Collect 100 coins within Shifting Sand Land to earn this star.

Coin Locations:
- Yellow Coins: Scattered throughout the course, especially on platforms, near quicksand, and inside the pyramid.
- Red Coins: There are 8 Red Coins in this course, each worth 2 coins. See the "Red Coins" section below for their locations.
- Blue Coins: Activated by hitting blue "!" blocks. There is one near the entrance to the pyramid.
- Enemies: Defeating enemies like Pokeys, Bob-ombs, and Klepto (if he's carrying your hat) will yield coins.
- Hidden Blocks: Look for invisible blocks that can be revealed by jumping.
Recommended Strategy:
1. Collect all 8 Red Coins (16 coins).
2. Enter the pyramid and clear out all the coins from the quicksand chamber and the Eyerok room.
3. Defeat any Pokeys you encounter outside for additional coins.
4. Use the cannon to reach high platforms or areas you might have missed.
5. If you're still short, explore every nook and cranny, including the small oasis area and behind the pillars.
The Power Star will appear once you collect your 100th coin.

Red Coins

There are 8 Red Coins hidden throughout Shifting Sand Land. Collecting all of them will reveal a Power Star.

On the first quicksand pit: Near the start, on a small solid platform.
On the second quicksand pit: On a small solid platform in the middle of the larger quicksand area.
Near the pyramid entrance (left): On a small platform to the left of the pyramid entrance (when facing it).
Near the pyramid entrance (right): On a small platform to the right of the pyramid entrance.
On a pillar: One Red Coin is on top of one of the four pillars surrounding the pyramid. You'll need to jump or use the cannon to reach it.
On another pillar: Another Red Coin is on top of a different pillar.
Inside the pyramid (quicksand chamber): On a moving platform in the quicksand chamber.
Inside the pyramid (quicksand chamber): On another moving platform in the quicksand chamber.

Once all 8 Red Coins are collected, a Power Star will appear near the entrance to the pyramid.