Episode 1: The Secret of the Sand Castle

Episode 1: The Secret of the Sand Castle

Your first major objective in Delfino Plaza is Episode 1: "The Secret of the Sand Castle." This episode serves as an introduction to the game's core mechanics and the threat of Shadow Mario. You'll start near the central fountain and need to make your way to the large sand castle located on the beach. The primary goal is to clear the goop that has engulfed the castle and defeat the enemies within. You'll primarily use the Squirt Nozzle of FLUDD to wash away the muck. As you progress, you'll encounter various enemies, including Goombas and the pesky Nokis. Remember to use your basic jump and dive maneuvers to navigate the sandy terrain and avoid obstacles. Shadow Mario will make his appearance, taunting you and making the goop spread. Your strategy against him involves chasing him down and spraying him with water until he disperses. He's quite fast, so anticipate his movements. Once you've cleared the main goop from the castle, you'll need to find the Shine Sprite hidden within. This often involves a bit of exploration and sometimes a puzzle, such as activating a switch or defeating a mini-boss. Keep an eye out for any red coins that might be scattered around the area, as they contribute to your overall Shine Sprite count.