Star 4: Red Coins on the Floating Isle

Star 4: Red Coins on the Floating Isle (Whomp's Fortress)

Welcome, intrepid star-seeker! This guide will lead you through the perilous skies and sturdy stone structures of Whomp's Fortress to claim your fourth Power Star. This star, titled "Red Coins on the Floating Isle," challenges your platforming precision and keen observation skills to gather all eight elusive Red Coins scattered throughout the level. Once collected, the Power Star will materialize, ready for the taking.

Whomp's Fortress is a mid-game level, introducing more complex platforming challenges and environmental hazards. While this particular star doesn't require direct combat with the Whomp King, you'll need to navigate areas patrolled by enemies and utilize the level's unique mechanics, such as the cannon, to reach certain coins.

Preparation & Recommended Strategy

• Character: Mario is the only playable character in Super Mario 64, so no choices here!
• Abilities: Ensure you're comfortable with Mario's triple jump, long jump, and wall jump. These will be invaluable for reaching higher platforms and recovering from missteps.
• Health: While not a combat-heavy star, maintaining a healthy life bar is always wise. Collect any nearby coins for health regeneration if needed.
• Mindset: Take your time. Rushing through Whomp's Fortress can lead to frustrating falls. Observe enemy patterns and platform movements before making your move.

Red Coin Locations & Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Follow these detailed instructions to locate and collect all eight Red Coins. The Power Star will appear near the cannon once all coins are secured.

1. Coin 1: On the First Rotating Platform

   From the start of the level, proceed forward across the initial wooden bridge. You'll soon encounter a large, square rotating platform. The first Red Coin is prominently displayed on this platform. Wait for it to rotate into an accessible position and carefully run onto it to grab the coin.

2. Coin 2: On the Second Rotating Platform

   Continue past the first rotating platform. A short distance ahead, you'll find a second, identical rotating platform. This Red Coin is also clearly visible on its surface. Exercise the same caution as with the first, timing your approach to avoid falling off.

3. Coin 3: On the Narrow Path Leading to the Whomp King

   After navigating the rotating platforms, you'll come to a long, narrow stone path that ascends towards the Whomp King's arena. This path is often patrolled by a Thwomp. The Red Coin is located roughly halfway up this path. Be mindful of the Thwomp's smashing pattern; either run past it quickly or wait for it to rise before proceeding.

4. Coin 4: On a Small Ledge Near the Piranha Plant

   From the narrow path leading to the Whomp King, look to your right (if facing up the path). You'll spot a small, isolated ledge with a Piranha Plant. The Red Coin is on this ledge. You can either carefully long jump to this ledge from the main path or approach it from the area near the Whomp King's platform. Be wary of the Piranha Plant's bites; a quick ground pound or jump attack can temporarily stun it if necessary.

5. Coin 5: On the Floating Isle (Requires Cannon)

   This coin is a bit more involved. First, you need to activate the cannon. To do this, find the pink Bob-omb Buddy near the start of the level, usually located on a small platform to the right of the initial wooden bridge. Talk to him, and he will open the cannon. Once the cannon is open, return to it. Aim carefully towards the large, isolated floating island high above the fortress. Launch Mario to land on this island. The Red Coin is waiting for you there.

   

6. Coin 6: On the Top of the Fortress, Near the Small Tower

   From the area around the Whomp King's platform, look for a series of rising and falling platforms that lead to the very top of the fortress. Navigate these platforms carefully. Once you reach the highest solid ground, you'll see a small, cylindrical tower. The Red Coin is located near the base of this tower. Watch out for any patrolling enemies like the Thwomps or Whomps that might be in the vicinity.

7. Coin 7: On a Small Platform Near the Start

   This coin is often overlooked. From the very beginning of the level, instead of crossing the wooden bridge, look to your immediate left. There's a small, elevated platform accessible with a simple jump. The Red Coin resides on this platform. It's easy to miss if you rush straight into the level.

8. Coin 8: On a Block Near the Start

   Similar to Coin 7, this coin is close to the starting point. From the beginning, look to your immediate right. You'll see a stack of brown blocks. The final Red Coin is resting on top of one of these blocks. A simple jump or wall jump off the nearby wall will allow you to reach it.

Common Pitfalls & Tips

• Falling Off: Whomp's Fortress has many open edges. Always be mindful of your footing, especially on rotating platforms and narrow paths.
• Thwomp Timing: The Thwomps can be intimidating. Observe their patterns; they usually rise slowly and fall quickly. Time your movements to pass them safely.
• Piranha Plants: These enemies can be annoying. If you need to linger near one, a quick jump-attack or ground pound will temporarily incapacitate it.
• Cannon Aim: Landing on the floating isle (Coin 5) requires precise cannon aim. Don't be afraid to adjust your trajectory multiple times until you get it right. There's no penalty for missing a shot other than having to re-enter the cannon.
• Collecting Order: While the order above is a suggestion, you can collect the coins in any sequence. However, tackling the ground-level coins first before ascending or using the cannon can make the process smoother.

Once all eight Red Coins have been collected, the Power Star will magically appear near the cannon you used to reach the floating isle. Simply make your way back to that location and claim your hard-earned reward!