Unearthing Acorn Plains’ Hidden Gems: A Deep Dive into New Super Mario Bros. U Secrets
Think you’ve beaten Acorn Plains in New Super Mario Bros. U? You stomped Goombas and dodged Koopa Troopas. Did you rescue the Balloon Baby Yoshi? But wait, are you really finished with World 1? Under those green fields, there is a treasure trove of secrets. Hidden exits and challenges exist that most players miss. Let’s uncover the layers of Acorn Plains. Become a true Mario master with this treasure map of hints.
Blooper’s Secret Lair: The Underwater Escape Route
Something feels missing in Acorn Plains, right? You’re lucky. Acorn Plains hides a secret underwater level: Blooper’s Secret Lair. This isn’t just a dip in the water; it’s a full underwater course filled with Bloopers. These creatures love to bother you. Think of it as a detour on your journey to Bowser.
Accessing the Lair: Your Guide to the Secret Exit
To enter Blooper’s Secret Lair, navigate to Acorn Plains-2 Tilted Tunnel. This level offers some coins, but what you want are secrets! To unlock the underwater world, find the Secret Exit in Tilted Tunnel. Follow these steps:
- First, play Acorn Plains-2 Tilted Tunnel as usual. Collect coins and avoid falling – typical Mario stuff.
- Keep an eye out for opportunities to jump upwards. Vertical exploration is essential here.
- You’ll find a blue rock crystal that launches you up when you jump on it.
- Instead of using the first crystal to reach the normal exit, look for a second, higher blue rock crystal.
- Jump on that second crystal; it will launch you over another ceiling. Yes, another ceiling.
- If done correctly, you’ll skip the normal exit and enter a new area. Congrats, you’re on the secret path!
- Continue on, and you’ll see a new secret exit pipe. This pipe leads to an underwater adventure.
- Taking this hidden exit opens a new path on your world map, leading to Acorn Plains-A Blooper’s Secret Lair. Get ready to dive!
See? Not too complicated, right? It takes exploration and focus. Secrets can be hidden in plain sight.
Diving into the Details: What to Expect in Blooper’s Secret Lair
Blooper’s Secret Lair brings plenty of Bloopers. Expect these ink-squirting sea creatures everywhere. This level is entirely an underwater course. Movement is slower, and physics change. If underwater levels are not your favorite, consider bringing a snorkel. For instructions, check the IGN guide to Acorn Plains-A Blooper’s Secret Lair.
Star Coin Plunder: Snatching the Loot in the Lair
No secret level is complete without Star Coins. Blooper’s Secret Lair has three shiny Star Coins to find. Here’s where to locate them:
- Star Coin #1: Swim through the level. The first Star Coin lies between two green pipes. You must swim up into this gap to grab it. It’s not well-hidden but requires a slight detour.
- Star Coin #2: Change directions to find the second coin. This one is under a red pipe. Dive down, and you’ll discover your prize.
- Star Coin #3: For the last Star Coin, follow a path of regular coins. This coin trail leads you to a pipe. Take it to uncover where the third Star Coin is hiding. Following coins can be a great strategy here.
Collecting all three Star Coins in Blooper’s Secret Lair makes for a satisfying side quest in Acorn Plains. Plus, these coins unlock useful content later in the game.
Superstar Road (World 9): The Ultimate Challenge Awaits
You cleared Acorn Plains? Don’t get too comfortable. Beyond these regular worlds lies Superstar Road (World 9), the real test of skill in New Super Mario Bros. U. This challenge won’t be easy; you have to earn your ticket there.
Unlocking the Gateway to Glory: Your Superstar Road Pass
So, how to unlock this legendary World 9? It’s more than just finishing the game. Here are the criteria:
- Beat the Game: First, complete the main story by defeating Bowser and saving Peach.
- Collect Every Star Coin in Acorn Plains: You must be thorough. Find and collect all Star Coins in every level of Acorn Plains.
Once you meet these requirements, Superstar Road unlocks. The game acknowledges your efforts. To access it, use a pipe to travel to World 9 once it’s available on the map. Prepare for levels that are harder than anything you’ve faced yet.
Star Coin Strategies in Acorn Plains: General Tips and Specific Spots
Star Coins are essential in New Super Mario Bros. U. They unlock paths and bonus content. Acorn Plains serves as an excellent starting point for your Star Coin collection. Here’s a general overview and some specific locations for getting those shiny discs.
General Star Coin Wisdom: A Coin for Your Thoughts
Throughout Acorn Plains and beyond, keep these key details about Star Coins in mind:
- Three per Level: Each standard level has exactly three Star Coins. Aim to collect all three in every level.
- Variety of Hiding Spots: Star Coins may not always be easy to find. They can be right on your path or hidden cleverly among scenery. Expect a mix of challenges.
- Exploration is Key: Avoid rushing through levels. Take your time and explore alternate paths. Coins often hide just off the beaten track.
Spine-Tingling Spine Coaster Star Coins: A Rollercoaster of Riches
Let’s talk about a specific level: Spine-Tingling Spine Coaster. This level features a…
tracks have unique Star Coin challenges. You can find the elusive coins on the coaster as follows:
- Star Coin #1: Early in the level, after collecting the first Super Acorn (the power-up for gliding), stay alert. The first Star Coin will appear soon after. It’s not hidden but requires attentiveness to grab it during your ride.
- Star Coin #2: This one needs some bravery. The second Star Coin sits below the Spine Coaster tracks. You must jump off the tracks at the correct time and glide down to get it. It’s risky, but no risk, no reward. Time your jump and glide carefully to land safely.
- Star Coin #3: As you reach the end of the level, things change. The Spine Coaster tracks will alternate paths. Watch the track switching closely, and you’ll find the third Star Coin during this section. Navigate the tracks smartly to collect it.
The Last Coin in Acorn Plains (Tip): Yoshi to the Rescue
Need a tip for those last Star Coins in Acorn Plains levels? Here’s a useful trick, especially for high areas:
- Yoshi’s Jump Advantage: Remember Yoshi? His flutter jump helps a lot. If you ride Yoshi to a high platform with Monty Moles (the ground-digging critters), pay attention.
- The Red Pipe Secret: Near these platforms, search for a hidden downward path. Look for a gap between two tall platforms. Don’t assume it’s a pit.
- Jump into the Gap: Take a leap of faith (or a Yoshi flutter jump) into that gap. You may land on a red pipe that was hidden from above.
- Hidden Area and Star Coin: This pipe usually leads to a secret area. Often, a Star Coin is waiting for you there.
- Yoshi’s Jump for the Coin: In this secret area, the Star Coin may be hard to reach. Yoshi’s flutter jump can help you get that extra height to claim your Star Coin.
This red pipe trick shows how Mario levels reward exploration. When uncertain, jump into suspicious gaps, especially if you have Yoshi.
Acorn Plains Level Count: More Than Meets the Eye
Acorn Plains may seem simple, but it has much content. Let’s break it down:
- 8 Regular Levels: Acorn Plains contains 8 standard levels, each with a different theme. These are solid Mario stages.
- 1 Secret Level: Acorn Plains hides 1 secret level called Blooper’s Secret Lair. Finding it adds a fun detour.
- 2 Boss Fights: In Acorn Plains, you encounter 2 boss fights. There’s the Mid-Castle boss and the end-of-world Castle boss. Brush up on your skills.
- 1 Enemy Encounter: Besides regular levels, Acorn Plains features 1 Enemy Encounter level. These are shorter and focus on defeating a specific enemy.
- 2 Mushroom Houses: Acorn Plains offers 2 Mushroom Houses. You find 1 Green Mushroom House (for extra lives) and 1 Red Mushroom House (for power-ups).
- 1 Balloon Baby Yoshi: Don’t forget the cute Balloon Baby Yoshi. Rescuing him is a side objective, boosting completion goals.
Overall, Acorn Plains is more than a tutorial world. It has plenty of gameplay with secrets to discover. You can also check out the IGN guide to World 1 Acorn Plains in New Super Luigi U for further details, although some aspects might vary by game.
Beyond Acorn Plains: A Glimpse at Other Secrets
The secret-finding fun goes past Acorn Plains. New Super Mario Bros. U has hidden elements in its many worlds. Here’s a look at some other hidden treasures:
The Elusive Purple Mushroom House
Recall the Green and Red Mushroom Houses? There’s also a Purple Mushroom House, which is more exclusive. To access this rare find, you must:
- Complete the Game: Yes, beat Bowser again. The Purple Mushroom House is a post-game reward.
- Secret Island Access: After you finish the game, a secret island appears on the world map.
- Pipe to Purple Goodness: On this island, find a pipe. Entering it leads you to the Purple Mushroom House.
The Purple Mushroom House offers rare items, compared to the Red Mushroom House. It’s a reward for your dedication to saving the Mushroom Kingdom.
Secret Exits Galore: Branching Paths in Other Worlds
Just like Acorn Plains, many other worlds in New Super Mario Bros. U hide secret exits to unlock new paths. Here are a few examples:
- Peach’s Castle (World 8): In the final world, secrets await. The Meteor Moat, the first level of Peach’s Castle, has a secret exit. This leads to Firefall Cliffs, a fiery detour.
- Sparkling Waters (World 2): This water-themed world is rich with secrets. It has a secret level, a Sunken Ship, and standard Tower and Castle levels. Sparkling Waters is overflowing with hidden content.
- Donut Plains (World 3): In Donut Plains-1, find a secret exit by using the Green Switch Palace. Use green blocks and locate the Key, then find the Keyhole. This takes you to Donut Secret 1, the first secret area.
- Soda Jungle (World 4): In Soda Jungle-5, search for a slanted pipe. Walk under the platform to discover a hidden area. This leads to a pipe with a Secret Exit that opens a path to Soda Jungle-6 Seesaw Bridge.
- Rock Candy Mines (World 6): This maze-like world has many secret exits. Rock Candy Mines offers alternate paths and shortcuts through the game.
These are just a few of many examples; stay vigilant and adventurous in every world to uncover more secret exits and hidden levels.
Nabbit Sightings: Catch the Bandit
Be on the lookout for Nabbit, the purple rabbit thief stealing from Toad Houses. He appears in seven levels, including Acorn Plains. Nabbit is fast, making capture tricky. Use a Super Acorn to glide and track him down. Catching Nabbit isn’t just for bragging rights; it usually grants a valuable power-up.
Superstar Road Secrets: Worlds Within Worlds
We mentioned unlocking Superstar Road, but there’s more. Gather all Star Coins in any regular world (like Acorn Plains or Sparkling Waters) to unlock special Superstar Road level.
Collecting all Star Coins in Acorn Plains unlocks a special Superstar Road level. This level features elements from Acorn Plains.
Superstar Road has nine levels. Eight are unlocked by gathering all Star Coins from the main worlds. The ninth level requires finishing the previous eight and collecting three Star Coins from each. It presents a real challenge for collectors.
100% Completion: The Ultimate Mario Badge of Honor
Completionists aim for 100% in New Super Mario Bros. U. Here’s what to do:
- Beat All 80 Levels: Clear all 80 standard levels. No omissions.
- Find All 17 Secret Passages: Use all hidden exits in the game. Exploration reveals these routes.
- Collect and Spend All 240 Star Coins: Gather 240 Star Coins in the game. Spend them to unlock content or access areas.
- Complete the Main Game: Finish the story, defeat Bowser, and save Princess Peach. This lays the foundation for completion.
Reaching 100% is tough. It needs dedication, exploration, and mastery of Mario’s skills. The pride and bragging rights make it worthwhile for fans. Explore Acorn Plains, uncover secrets, collect Star Coins, and become a master. Your gaming pride awaits!
