Yarn balls are Yoshi's primary offensive and utility tool. You can carry up to 6 yarn balls at a time, displayed in the bottom left of the screen. Here's how to get and use them:
- Getting Yarn Balls: Swallow enemies with your tongue (B button) and then press Down on the D-Pad or Left Stick to turn them into a yarn ball. You can also find yarn ball dispensers throughout levels, which provide an infinite supply.
- Throwing Yarn Balls: Press the Y button to throw a yarn ball. You can aim with the Left Stick/D-Pad before releasing. Hold L or R for precise aiming.
- Uses:
- Defeating Enemies: Hit enemies with yarn balls to defeat them.
- Creating Platforms: Throw yarn balls at designated outlines in the environment to create temporary or permanent platforms, bridges, or walls.
- Unraveling: Hit loose threads or patterned walls with yarn balls to unravel them, revealing hidden paths or collectibles.
- Activating Switches: Some switches or targets can only be activated by a yarn ball.
- Revealing Secrets: Throw yarn balls at suspicious empty spaces to hit invisible clouds, which often contain collectibles or power-ups.
Mastering yarn ball mechanics is fundamental to progressing through Yoshi's Woolly World. Always try to keep a full stock!