Super Mario 64 – Complete Walkthrough (Step by Step Guide)

Check List Original release date: June 23, 1996 in Japan and September 29, 1996 in Brazil and the United States. Players: 1 player. Genre: Platform, action, adventure. Publisher: Nintendo. Developer: Nintendo. Supported languages: English. Platforms: Nintendo 64 (Original); Nintendo DS (remake version of the game, with few modifications); Wii U (Virtual Console); Switch (included in its original form in the “Super Mario 3D All-Stars” collection, released to celebrate Mario’s 35th birthday).

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Complete walkthrough with step-by-step guide for Super Mario 64:

Super Mario 64 was originally released on the same day as the launch of the Nintendo 64 console. It’s no surprise that the game is still very popular after all these years, because – truly – Super Mario 64 revolutionized the video game industry. This was the first title in the Super Mario series to feature three-dimensional graphics, and, until then, a three-dimensional open-world game with so much innovation and evolution had never been released: practically the entire game is made up of three-dimensional polygons, instead of two-dimensional sprites. (2D), which were widely used by other games at the time; gameplay and movement with wide freedom, in extensive and open worlds; the game’s setting, music and visuals fit together and complemented each other in a practically perfect way.

Well, let’s get straight to the point, with the complete walkthrough of the game:

COURSE 1 – Bob-Omb Battlefield

Tip – Hidden Life: The last tree on the right side of the place where the chained dog/piranha is trapped hides a life. To get it, just climb the tree.

Tip – Hidden Life: On the lawn, collect all the coins that are around the yellow flowers and a life will appear among the flowers.

First star:  Right at the beginning of the level, follow the road and go up the wooden ramp, be careful when passing the dog/piranha that is chained, so that it doesn’t hit you and go through the gap between the railing. You will be at the base of the mountain, go past the giant balls and go up. During the climb, you will see a brown hole (without grass) in the mountain wall, enter it and leave Mario facing right, he will teleport to another hole higher up the mountain, so you will cut the path, so as not to have to go all the way up. Arriving at the top, you will find the big bomb, the King of firecrackers; he is the boss you will defeat. Grab him from behind with the B button and with the B button again you will throw him. Do this three times, but be careful, don’t knock it off the mountain, the three throws should be right up there. This way you will earn the first star.
Second star: Right at the beginning of the level you will see the big turtle. Race her to the top of the mountain. Follow the same route you took in the first mission, including using teleportation, and win the race. This way you will earn the second star.
Third star: Talk to the red firecracker to unlock the cannons. Use the cannon to reach the floating “island”. Up there, jump on the yellow block.
Fourth star:  Collect the eight red coins that are scattered throughout the level (first right on top of the elevator after the first wooden ramp; second on the small stone mountain, next to the chained dog/piranha, third on top of the log that holds the chain of the dog/piranha, fourth and fifth on the grass, between four wooden trunks, sixth under the concrete walkway, which allows passage to the mountain, the seventh is right at the beginning of the mountain, on the grass slide and the eighth is on the floating island).
Fifth star: Use the cannon to get to the floating island and there, use the cannon on the island itself to collect the five coins that are in the center of each of the five coin rings.
Sixth star:  Go to the chained dog/piranha and give the log holding the chain three times. The log will sink into the grass and the grate behind it will open, releasing the star.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 2 – Whomp’s Fortress

First star: You must climb to the top of the level (go up the slope being careful not to fall, go through the ladder with the big block, go past the piranha plants that are sleeping being careful not to be bitten by them if they wake up; go through the rotating platform and you will find two living rectangular wall blocks, which will try to throw themselves at you, go past them and climb onto the moving platform until you reach the top). There you will find the boss wall block, which is much larger than the other two you have already surpassed. He will try to throw himself at you. When he’s getting ready to lunge at you, run to the side and he’ll fall to the ground. At that moment, get on top of his back and jump, doing a butt (jump and while you’re in the air, press the Z button) in the place indicated by the “X”. Do this three times to defeat him and receive the first star.
Second star: Go back to the top of the level, in the same place where the boss wall block was and now you will find a tower (go to the back of the tower, before you go up, and find a life there, punching the wall). Now climb the tower, using the steps, and at the top you will find the second star.
Third star: Go up to the floor that has a pool with very shallow water. Cross the water and talk to the red firecracker so he can unlock the cannon. Enter the cannon and aim at the pillar at the back of the platform that is below where the mast is. Go there and find the third star.
Fourth star: Collect the eight red coins that are scattered throughout the level.
Fifth star: Climb the tree at the beginning of the level to wake up the owl. Take a ride with her (jump on the owl and press and hold the B button) to the cage that is suspended in the sky. Once there, release the owl and collect the fifth star.
Sixth star: Go to the level cannon and aim at the corner of the wall, which is to the right of the rotating platform. Shoot yourself with the cannon and break the edges of the brown brick wall (break the right and left edges) to reveal the location of the sixth star.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 3 – Jolly Roger Bay

First star: Swim to the sunken ship (always pay attention to your oxygen) and make the eel come out of the ship’s hole, to do this, swim close to it and enter the hole. Inside the ship, you must open the chests in the following order: Chest 1, Chest 4, Chest 2, Chest 3. Afterwards, jump on the platforms, one by one, until you reach the top. Break the yellow box and you will find the first star.
Second star: Return to the ship and make the eel come out of the hole again. Take the second star from the eel’s tail.
Third star: Enter the deep cave near the ship. On land, go left and facing the chests, open the four in the following order: Chest 1, Chest 2, Chest 3 and Chest 4.
Fourth star: Collect the eight red coins that are scattered throughout the level.
Fifth star: Near the location of the red coins there is a red firecracker. Talk to him to unlock the cannon. Throw yourself onto the top of the large spike in the middle. Climb to the top of it and get the fifth star.
Sixth star: Hit the green box, which is close to the red firecracker. Mario will become metallic and heavy; Jump into the water and sink, you will be able to get the sixth star that is right in the middle of the current without difficulty.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 4 – Cool, Cool Mountain

First star: Enter the chimney and slide down the ice chute; Cut the path when you reach the first dirt curve and you will find lives, and at the end of the route, you will reach the first star.
Second star: At the beginning of the level, collect the lost baby penguin. On the ice ramp, which starts near the house, slide down the mountain (holding the baby penguin) and when you reach the end you will find the baby’s mother; return it to her and earn the second star.
Third star: Enter the chimney again and race with the mother penguin. To earn the third star you must beat it without cutting corners.
Fourth star: Collect the eight red coins that are scattered throughout the level.
Fifth star: At the beginning of the level, on the opposite side of the house, at the top of the mountain you will find a snowball; talk to her and you will run with her, pay attention, as you must not leave the road; When you reach a certain point during the race, you will find another ball. You must hide behind it so that the ball that was running with you joins this new ball, thus forming a snowman. If you do it right, the fifth star will appear.

Sixth star: Use the moving platform, which is located under the mountain, and find the red firecracker. Talk to her to unlock the cannons. Enter the cannon closest to the mother penguin and throw yourself into the tree. Follow the path to the right and up the mountain, using the “bouncing” wall and reaching the highest platform. There you will find the sixth star.

Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 5 – Big Boo’s Haunt

First star: Head to the castle and enter each of the doors on the ground floor. In the first room, which is on the left, after the ghosts pass through the wall, detonate them with the famous butt. Do this in the other rooms; in total you will encounter five ghosts. After that, go back to the main room of the castle and you will find the big ghost. Defeat him by hitting three times and you will receive the first star.

Second star: Enter the hut outside the castle. Use the platform to go down to the basement and enter the second door; After that, go forward until the door on the right. When you enter, the floor of the room will be spinning and some ghosts will appear through the walls; Detonate them and when the big ghost appears, detonate it, hitting it three times, and you will receive the second star.
Third star: Return to the castle and go up to the second floor. Enter the second door on the left. Hit the flying books in the following order: book 1, book 3, book 2. If done correctly, a secret passage will open; Inside you will find the third star.
Fourth star: Collect the eight red coins that are scattered throughout the level.
Fifth star: Return, once again, to the castle and go up to the second floor. Enter the last door on the right. Jump onto the smallest platform and use the wall to jump and reach the upper door, which is on the uppermost platform. Enter the double doors and you will reach the roof. There you will find a large ghost; defeat him by hitting three times, and the fifth star will appear. To get to it, go along the flat part of the roof and jump until you reach the top and you will finally be able to get the fifth star.
Sixth star: Return to the castle and go up to the second floor. Enter the last door on the right. After that, enter the door on the other side and knock on the blue box. While you are invincible, jump onto the smallest platform and use the wall to jump and reach the upper door, which is on the uppermost platform. Go through the board and run around the eye until it is extinguished. After you do this, the sixth star will appear.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 6 – Hazy Maze Cave

First star: Initially, you must enter the first door on your right and go down the pole. After that, enter the tunnel and use the platform to reach the door. Go right until you reach the rolling stones; Go through them and enter the door that will be on your right. Find the dinosaur and climb up to its head. On top of his head, give him a traditional butt and control him to the platform located in the middle of the lake to get the first star.

Second star: Collect the eight red coins that are inside the fountain.
Third star: Go back to that same place where you found the dinosaur and look for the green block, hit the block and you will become metallic. Step on the “!” to open the gate and there at the end of the room you will see the third star; make long jumps to catch it.
Fourth star: At the beginning of the level, go down the pole and enter the door that will be on your left and you will reach a place with yellow gas and follow it to the switch. In the room with big spikes and bats, look for the block to turn metallic. Find the hole in the floor and, close to it, take a big jump to reach the platform and enter the door to get the fourth star.
Fifth star: Go back to the place with the yellow gas and go to the switch. Find the groundhog and you’ll see a door up there; take your jumps and get into it. Use the platform to get on top of the rocks, jump on the red railings to get the fifth star.
Sixth star: Go to the ramp where the rocks roll and go past them, without entering the door. Stay close to the arrow on the wall and double jump, using the wall, to bounce and kick the wall. Take the path to the right to find the sixth star.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 7 – Lethal Lava Land

First star: After the drawbridge, go right. When you reach the rotating flamethrowers, go right until you reach the large square-shaped island. When you encounter the monster bomb boss, push it into the lava to earn the first star.
Second star: Go to the large square island and jump on the platform until you reach the area with the firecrackers; push them into the lava and then do the same with the big bomb to get the second star.
Third star: Collect the eight red coins that are in the puzzle. Be careful not to fall into the lava when the puzzle pieces move. The star will appear in the upper right corner.
Fourth star: Use teleportation and activate the red box to fly. Go along the left side of the wall. Fly to the bottom left corner and you will see a rolling log, and you will find the fourth star.
Fifth star: Enter the volcano and follow to the lava waterfall; Climb the poles to get to the top and get the fifth star.
Sixth star: Enter the volcano and climb the checkered platform. While you’re climbing, jump to the other platform and jump onto the pole, climb to the top of it. Go to the platform with the flamethrower and jump to the other pole and you will get the sixth star.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 8 – Shifting Sand Land

First star: Talk to the red firecracker to unlock the cannon. Hit the red box and enter the cannon. Throw yourself at the bird that is located on top of one of the pillars and get the first star.

Second star: Hit the red box and enter the cannon. Throw yourself just above the top of the pyramid and fly around it to get the second star.
Third star: Enter the pyramid and go right until you reach the top to get the third star.
Fourth star: Hit the red box and enter the cannon. Throw yourself towards the four pillars. Climb each one and when you climb the last one, the top of the pyramid will explode. Enter the hole that appeared at the top of the pyramid and use the platform to reach the center of the pyramid, enter the hole that will be in front of you and you will find the boss; dodge his hands and hit his eyes to defeat him and earn the fourth star.
Fifth star: Collect the eight red coins that are scattered throughout the level.
Sixth star: Inside the pyramid, collect the five different yellow coins to get the sixth star. The first coin you will find on the sandy path; to get the second one, you must run against the current; The last three coins you will find at the top of the pyramid, on top of the platforms.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 9 – Dire, Dire Docks

First star: Use the underwater tunnel to swim to the other side of the level. Get out of the water and climb onto the “!” to activate the ladder-shaped platforms to climb to the top of the submarine and collect the first star.
Second star: At the beginning of the level, dive into the water and swim to the bottom to open the chests in the following order: chest 1 which is close to the red mollusk; the chest that is near the tunnel; the chest that is alone in the current; and finally the chest that is near the drain. You will find the second star inside the last chest.
Third star: Collect the eight red coins that are scattered on the other side of the level.
Fourth star: Go to the other side of the level and swim through the five circles of water and the star will appear. Get out of the water and click on the green block to turn metallic; After that, go into the water again to get the fourth star.
Fifth star: Right at the beginning of the level you will find a stingray. Follow her and go through the five circles of water that she will release. The fifth star will appear when you pass the fifth circle.
Sixth star: Go to the other side of the level and get out of the water to hit the blue block and become invincible. Go back into the water and get the sixth star on the red grate.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 10 – Snowman’s Land

First star: Go to the island and head towards the mountains. After that, jump onto the platform that has a grate and go to the side of the mountain. To get to the top of the mountain, use the penguin as if it were a shield and it will block the wind, which the snowman is releasing to knock you down; head to the top of the mountain and get the first star.
Second star: Find the frozen bomb, which is more or less in the center of the level, and push it off the platform to get the third star.

Third star: At the beginning of the level, go left and head towards the frozen star and when you reach the maze, go through it until you reach the top to get the second star.
Fourth star: Talk to the red firecracker to unlock the cannon and jump, going over the mountain, to land next to two yellow boxes and red coins. Hit the yellow block and get the fourth star.
Fifth star: Climb onto the platform, jumping on enemies with propellers on their heads to reach it (or simply use the cannon to reach the platform). Hit the yellow block and get the turtle shell; use it to get the 8 red coins. You’ll find the first four going to the left of the place where you got the shell; another near the flowers; two more red stars in the hot water and the last one you will find at the beginning of the level, near the flower.
Sixth star: You must enter the igloo (to get there, you can climb the side of the mountain and when you pass the penguin, you fall towards it, or, you can also use the turtle shell to climb the snowy slope that has several currencies). Inside the igloo, talk to the firecracker and hit the blue block in the right corner. Head towards the igloo entrance and you will find the sixth star in the ice, get past the ice (you have the power!), and get it.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 11 – Wet-Dry World

First star: Activate the device to increase the water level and hit the yellow block that is located near the cannon. If you are unable to raise the water level, head to the purple block located at the beginning of the level and use the platforms. Follow the arrows to finally reach the yellow block.
Second star: Climb to the top of the level (if you enter the level by jumping very high on the board, you will already start at a high point). You will see the fire-breathing ball and dodge to the left, reach the block and get the star.
Third star: You must find the five secrets. Three secrets are yellow blocks (one on top of a platform, one on top of the railing, one on top of the box) and the other two secrets are huge boxes with red edges. You must push the boxes and the third star will appear at the beginning of the level.
Fourth star: Lower the level’s water level to the maximum. Break the block in the cage passage and climb to the top of the cage and drop down the platform. Enter the cage and climb the platform to get the fourth star.
Fifth star: Talk to the red firecracker. Enter the cannon and throw yourself into the cage that has cover on top, located in the corner of the level. You will arrive at the village and now collect the eight red coins scattered around. You will get one by swimming, to get the others, lower the water level and you will need to bounce on the walls to reach the higher ones, which are inside the boxes.
Sixth star: Go to the cannon again and return to the village. Hit the blue block and go to the cage in the corner and go through it. Inside the cage, use the walls to bounce and reach the sixth star.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 12 – Tall, Tall Mountain

First Star: The first star is at the top of the mountain.
Second star: Climb to the top of the mountain. Grab the monkey and then let go. Follow the monkey until he releases the second star from inside the cage.
Third star: Collect the eight red coins. You will find four coins on the platforms in the mole area, the other four coins you will find on the first four red mushrooms.

Fourth star: Climb the mountain and at a certain point, you will find a secret passage, near where you will see a cloud. The secret passage is a false wall, which is located in a small entrance. Enter it and go down the slide. When you reach the end you will find the fourth star.
Fifth star: Head to the top of the mountain, step on the “!” purple and a block will appear in front of the star, in the waterfall. Go to the location of the fifth star and get it, using the block to gain access.
Sixth star: Go over the wooden bridge and you will see a hole (near the monkey), find the red firecracker there. Talk to her to unlock the cannon. Find the cannon and throw yourself at the big mushroom to get the sixth star, which is up there.

Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 13 – Tiny-Huge Island

Note: This phase has two input frames. A small one, which takes you to a small island, which is on the left; and a large one, located on the right, which takes you to the big island.

First star: Enter the frame on your left to go to the small island. Enter the first pipe to get to the big side and you will find the giant piranha plants. Kill them to get the first star.
Second star: Go to the top of the mountain, on the big island and hit the yellow block to get the second star.
Third star: On the big island, race the turtle and win, to receive the third star.
Fourth star: Enter the small island and go through the five secrets. At this stage, the secrets are little holes that are spread across the island. You will find one at the top, where there is a small pool; another on the way up, close to the big pipe; another near the brown wall, next to the water; another on the edge of land with green grass that stands a little raised; and the last one next to the thin board.
Fifth star: Get the eight red coins on the big island. The coins are in the cave.
Sixth star: Go to the small island and climb to the top of the mountain. In that little pool at the top, give it a kick to make the water level go down. After that, go to the big island and go to the same place you were on the small island (the top of the mountain) and you will find a passage. Enter it and you will find the Wiggler caterpillar (you may remember it from Super Mario World on the Super Nintendo). After finishing her off by jumping on her head, you will earn the sixth star.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 14 – Tick Tock Clock

Note: You will not enter this phase through a board, but through the clock. The level will appear in different ways depending on the location of the clock hand when you enter it. If you enter the level while the pointer is on twelve, the level will be stopped; if you enter while the pointer is at three, the phase will be slow; while it is on six, the phase will be reversed; and if you enter while you are on nine, the phase will be fast.

First star: Enter the level while the hand is showing twelve, with the clock stopped. Go to the top of the level and get the first star in the cage.
Second star: It’s easier to get the second star with the clock stopped, but it’s also possible in other ways. Go past the place where you got the first star and head to the pendulums. The star is there.
Third star: Enter the level with the clock moving (if it’s fast, it’s easier). Go to the clock hand and stand on top of it, until the pointer directs you to the location of the third star.
Fourth star: Enter the level with the clock moving. Go to the top and climb on the pointer. You will have to jump on top of the Thowmp (which is that blue block with a face, which goes up and down with force) and, on top of it, you will be able to get the fourth star.
Fifth star: You must go towards the place where you got the fourth star, and instead of going up through the cubes, go towards the platforms, and you will get the fifth star in the other cage. To reach, do a backflip.

Sixth star: Collect the eight red coins that are on those platforms close to where the level starts.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

COURSE 15 – Rainbow Ride

First star: Get on the flying carpet and when other carpets appear and you have to choose another one to follow, choose the one on the left and follow until you find the ship. You will find the first star at the bow (front) of the ship.
Second star: Get on the flying carpet (in the same way as on the first star) and now, when it’s time to choose the other carpet, take the one on the right and go (on the carpet) to the castle. After entering the castle, be careful with the fire and continue, still on the carpet, to the top and you will find the second star.
Third star: Collect the eight red coins on the platforms that form the vertical maze.
Fourth star: Get on the flying carpet and when you get off it, go left until you reach the moving platform and you will find the fourth star.
Fifth star: Follow the same route as the fourth star, but instead of going left, go straight ahead and find the pyramid-shaped platforms. Activate the “!” and the pyramids will be inverted. Climb up quickly until you reach the fifth star.
Sixth star: Talk to the red firecracker (which is close to where you got the red coins) to unlock the cannon and go to it, which is at the back of the ship. Enter the cannon and launch yourself into the middle of the circular rainbow and you will reach the platform. Hit the yellow block and get the sixth star.
Seventh star: To get the seventh star, collect 100 yellow coins in the level.

STARS YOU COLLECT FOR THE CASTLE

:: Jump and enter the princess’ stained glass window. You will slide down a toboggan. If you make it to the end, you will earn a star. If you complete the slide in less than 21 seconds, you will receive another star.

:: In Bowser’s first phase, collect the eight coins to get another star.

:: In Bowser’s second phase, collect the eight red coins to earn another star.

:: On the castle carpet, when the sun is shining there, look down and then up to enter a level and collect the eight red coins to receive another star.

:: Near the sixth level, find Toad and talk to him to earn a star.

:: In the basement of the castle you will find a rabbit. If you have more than 15 stars, when talking to him, you will gain one more star. When you have more than 50 stars, go back and talk to him to get another one.

:: On the top floor of the castle, near the level that enters through the clock, you will find Toad behind the stairs. Talk to him and get two more stars.

BOWSER IN THE SKY

In this last phase, you must find the eight red coins to earn another star.

In the confrontation with Bowser, when he comes towards you, jump to his back and grab him by the tail and throw him at the bombs. Do this three times and you will win and save the princess. Now just enjoy the ending.

If you collect the 120 stars available in the game, you will find a cannon outside the princess’s castle. Enter it and aim up the castle to find Yoshi and he will give you 99 lives and an extra jump.