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Back Door
Super Mario World

Back Door

Learn the quickest route to Bowser in Super Mario World via the Back Door, including a mid-level checkpoint and Bowser's attack waves.

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Learn the quickest route to Bowser in Super Mario World via the Back Door, including a mid-level checkpoint and Bowser's attack waves.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    From the start, go right and hit the red ? block to activate the light above.
  2. 2
    Head up the steps.
  3. 3
    Jump on the black enemy at the top.
  4. 4
    Run and jump over the lava pit at the bottom after the enemy.
  5. 5
    Jump on the next black enemy.
  6. 6
    Jump on the Mecha-Koopa on the higher ledge and use it to defeat the next two enemies.
  7. 7
    Continue right past a few more enemies until you reach the red boss door.

Final Boss: Bowser

Bowser's attacks revolve around throwing Mecha-Koopas. You must throw flattened Mecha-Koopas upwards at Bowser to damage him. He moves, so multiple throws may be needed per wave. After each wave, Bowser disappears and fire rains down; stand between falling flames or avoid them. The Princess will then appear from the clown-mobile and throw down a mushroom (you can hold one in your item stock) before the next wave begins.

Wave 1: Bowser swings side to side and throws down two Mecha-Koopas. Jump on one, flatten it, and throw it upwards at Bowser. Repeat for the second Mecha-Koopa.

Wave 2: Bowser hovers above Mario, turns upside down, and drops a large ball. Stand still while he hovers, then run to dodge the ball when he starts turning. Jump over the ball as it approaches. After several balls, he throws two Mecha-Koopas; flatten and throw one upwards at Bowser, then repeat for the second.

Wave 3: Bowser bounces along the ground towards Mario and throws out Mecha-Koopas. Dodge his bouncing by running under him when he goes upwards. To throw Mecha-Koopas, jump and grab them away from Bowser and throw when he approaches. If Bowser bounces on a crushed Mecha-Koopa, it disappears but another will be thrown soon.

After defeating Bowser's last wave, you have won. Watch the ending sequence.

Star World Access:

The Star World is a secret area with five extra levels that allows quick travel between areas via Star Roads and unlocks another secret area. To access each level, you must exit via its secret exit:

  • Star World 1 - Donut Secret House (Secret Exit)
  • Star World 2 - Vanilla Secret 1 (Secret Exit)
  • Star World 3 - Soda Lake
  • Star World 4 - Forest Fortress
  • Star World 5 - Valley of Bowser 4 (Secret Exit)

To progress to the next Star World level, use the secret exit. To complete all 96 levels, you must finish each level by both its normal and secret exits.

Tips
  • The Back Door provides a checkpoint before the Bowser fight, making it the easiest way to face the final boss.
  • When fighting Bowser, try to flatten Mecha-Koopas on the side to avoid his swooping attacks.
  • If you have a mushroom in your item stock, you can use it after Bowser's fire rain attack.
  • When Bowser drops balls in Wave 2, stand still initially, then run to dodge and jump over the ball.
  • In Wave 3, be quick when jumping and throwing Mecha-Koopas to avoid Bowser's bouncing.
  • Completing levels via secret exits is crucial for accessing Star World and collecting all 96 levels.

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