Welcome to the ultimate Super Mario Bros. Wonder walkthrough, your all-in-one resource for conquering every world, collecting all Wonder Seeds, and mastering the newest power-ups in Nintendo’s groundbreaking 2D platformer. Whether you’re a new player exploring the Flower Kingdom for the first time, or a veteran aiming for 100% completion, this detailed guide covers every secret, level strategy, and collectible location in the game.
1. Game Overview – What is Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a 2D side-scrolling platformer developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch, released in October 2023. The game reimagines the classic Mario formula with a surreal twist — the mysterious Wonder Flowers, which completely transform each level’s environment in wild and unpredictable ways.
When you collect a Wonder Flower, pipes come alive, enemies grow or shrink, and Mario may even transform into new forms, such as Elephant Mario, one of the most iconic additions in the Mario series.
2. Basic Controls and Gameplay Tips
Before diving into the walkthrough, make sure you’re comfortable with the core controls and new gameplay mechanics.
Basic Controls (Nintendo Switch):
- Left Stick / D-Pad: Move your character
- A / B: Jump
- Y / X: Dash / Run
- ZR / ZL: Use Power-up Ability (e.g., spray water as Elephant Mario)
- L / R: Change Badge or interact in menus
- + Button: Pause Menu / Map
Pro Tip:
Holding the Y button to run while timing jumps gives you maximum momentum, essential for reaching high ledges and secrets.
3. The Flower Kingdom and Its Worlds
The adventure takes place in the Flower Kingdom, a brand-new setting divided into seven unique worlds plus a final special world. Each world features multiple levels, hidden routes, and Wonder Seeds needed to progress.
| World | Theme | Boss | Highlights |
|---|
| World 1: Pipe-Rock Plateau | Grassy hills and caves | Bowser Jr. | Perfect for beginners |
| World 2: Fluff-Puff Peaks | Cloudy skies and wind physics | Kamek | Great aerial challenges |
| World 3: Shining Falls | Waterfalls & crystal caves | Wendy Koopa | Secret water paths |
| World 4: Sunbaked Desert | Sandstorms and quicksand | Roy Koopa | Heat-based puzzles |
| World 5: Fungi Mines | Underground mines | Morton Koopa | Conveyor belt mechanics |
| World 6: Petal Isles | Tropical paradise | Lemmy Koopa | Hidden Wonder Flowers |
| World 7: Bowser’s Castle | Final showdown | Bowser | Epic boss transformations |
| Special World | Post-game | — | Ultimate platforming challenge |
4. Power-Ups and Transformations
The new Wonder Power-ups completely redefine Mario’s gameplay. Here’s a full breakdown:
Elephant Mario
- Ability: Smash blocks, spray water, and carry large objects.
- Usefulness: Essential in desert and jungle levels for watering plants and finding secret paths.
- Tip: Elephant Mario can absorb water from fountains to reach high vines.
Bubble Mario
- Ability: Blow floating bubbles to trap enemies or use as temporary platforms.
- Usefulness: Perfect for aerial levels and speedruns.
- Tip: Chain bubble jumps to reach hidden flower coins.
Drill Mario
- Ability: Drill into ceilings or underground tunnels.
- Usefulness: Great for exploration — many hidden Wonder Seeds are found below ground.
- Tip: Watch for shimmering ground areas that hint at buried treasures.
Classic Power-Ups
- Fire Flower, Super Mushroom, Super Star, and Invincibility Badge still play key roles, but the Wonder Flowers are the true game-changers.
5. Wonder Seeds and Wonder Flowers Explained
Each stage contains one Wonder Flower and two Wonder Seeds.
- The Wonder Flower triggers a “Wonder Effect” (the world distorts or transforms).
- Completing the level after this event rewards you with a Wonder Seed.
- A second Wonder Seed is earned by clearing the level normally.
Wonder Effects Examples:
- Pipes slither like snakes.
- The background becomes a stampede of enemies.
- Mario may float in zero gravity.
- The world flips upside down!
Collecting Wonder Seeds unlocks new worlds and helps you progress toward Bowser’s Castle.
6. Hidden Flower Coins – How to Find All Three Per Level
Each level contains three large Flower Coins, essential for unlocking special stages and purchasing items from Poplin Shops.
Tips for Finding Flower Coins:
- Listen for Sparkle Sounds: Hidden coins emit a faint “twinkling” sound nearby.
- Look for Unusual Terrain: Slightly off-colored bricks often hide coin paths.
- Use Elephant Mario: Watering certain plants reveals coin trails or secret pipes.
- Activate Wonder Effects: Some coins only appear after triggering the Wonder Flower.
- Experiment with Badges: Some abilities (like floating jumps) can reach hard-to-access areas.
7. Step-by-Step Walkthrough (World 1 – Pipe-Rock Plateau)
Here’s a detailed walkthrough for the first world to help new players understand level flow and secrets.
Level 1: Welcome to the Flower Kingdom
- Objective: Reach the flagpole and collect both Wonder Seeds.
- Wonder Flower Location: After the first checkpoint, jump onto the floating pipe and enter the hidden cave to find it.
- Wonder Effect: The terrain becomes rubbery; pipes bounce you higher each jump.
- Flower Coins: Coin 1: Above the first floating platform—run and jump at full speed. Coin 2: Hidden in a secret pipe after the Wonder Effect. Coin 3: Behind a destructible brick wall near the exit (use Elephant Mario).
Level 2: Scram, Skedaddlers!
- Enemies: Skedaddlers throw acorns; time your jumps carefully.
- Power-up Tip: Bubble Mario makes this level easier—trap enemies mid-throw.
- Hidden Path: A vine near the midpoint flag leads to a mini challenge room with a Wonder Seed.
Level 3: Piranha Plants on Parade
- Unique Mechanic: Music-synced Piranha Plant dance routine.
- Wonder Flower: Activates a rhythm section — jump in beat to earn bonus coins.
- Badge Tip: Use the “Floating Jump” badge to maintain control during rhythm sections.
Boss Battle: Bowser Jr.
- Arena: Open field with moving platforms.
- Strategy: Wait for Bowser Jr. to jump high, then attack when he lands.
- Power-up Suggestion: Elephant Mario for area control.
- Reward: 2 Wonder Seeds + access to Fluff-Puff Peaks.
8. Badge System – Customize Your Playstyle
Badges are a new addition to Super Mario Bros. Wonder, offering unique abilities that modify gameplay.
Badge Categories:
- Action Badges: Provide active abilities (e.g., Parachute Cap, Floating High Jump).
- Boost Badges: Offer passive bonuses (e.g., faster running, extra coins).
- Expert Badges: Challenge-oriented; best for speedrunners.
Best Badges for Beginners:
- Parachute Cap Badge: Slows descent — ideal for new players.
- Coin Magnet Badge: Automatically attracts coins.
- Dolphin Kick Badge: Boosts underwater speed.
9. Multiplayer Mode – Cooperative and Chaotic Fun
Super Mario Bros. Wonder supports both local and online multiplayer for up to 4 players.
Multiplayer Tips:
- Character Selection: Choose characters wisely — Yoshi and Nabbit do not take damage, perfect for beginners.
- Stay Together: Moving too far apart causes lagging players to bubble up.
- Wonder Chaos: When a Wonder Flower triggers, coordination is key — communicate to collect items efficiently.
- Online Ghost Mode: You can see other players’ ghost runs for hints and alternate paths.
10. How to Unlock the Special World
To unlock the Special World, collect all Wonder Seeds from each world and complete the secret level “Final-Final Test: Badge Marathon.”
Special World Highlights:
- Extremely challenging platforming sequences.
- Requires mastery of badge combinations.
- Hidden alternate ending if all Flower Coins and Wonder Seeds are collected.
11. 100% Completion Checklist
To achieve 100% completion in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, ensure you have:
✅ All Wonder Seeds collected
✅ All Flower Coins obtained
✅ Every Badge unlocked
✅ All Poplin Shop items purchased
✅ All Worlds completed including Special World
✅ Alternate ending viewed
12. Advanced Tips & Secrets
- Elephant Water Tricks: Watering dry flowers may reveal hidden platforms.
- Wonder Flower Respawn: If you miss an effect, re-enter the level — they respawn.
- Checkpoint Revisit: If you collect all Flower Coins but miss the Wonder Flower, you can exit and keep progress.
- Speedrun Shortcut: In Fluff-Puff Peaks, jumping off the first floating cloud lets you skip half the level.
- Hidden References: Look for star-shaped stones — they mark secret areas.
13. Final Boss – Bowser’s Castle Showdown
Phase 1:
- Avoid Bowser’s fire blasts while activating Wonder Flowers to transform the arena.
- Use Drill Mario to burrow under his attacks.
Phase 2:
- Bowser merges with his castle — climb upward while dodging falling debris.
- Collect mini Wonder Flowers to weaken his shield.
- Finish with a final ground pound as Elephant Mario for maximum impact.
Reward:
- Completion credits + unlockable post-game badge “Wonder Master.”
14. Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Ignoring Badges — they’re essential for harder stages.
- ❌ Skipping Wonder Flowers — many lead to unique Wonder Seeds.
- ❌ Rushing — secrets reward exploration, not speed.
- ❌ Forgetting Yoshi — perfect for no-damage runs.
15. Why Super Mario Bros. Wonder Is the Best 2D Mario Game Yet
Super Mario Bros. Wonder blends nostalgic charm with inventive level design. The Wonder Effects constantly surprise players, making each stage feel unique. Combined with the new badge system, stunning visuals, and multiplayer depth, it’s a must-play for every Nintendo Switch owner.
Whether you’re aiming for casual fun or 100% completion, this Super Mario Bros. Wonder guide ensures you’ll uncover every secret the Flower Kingdom hides.
Final Thoughts
That’s the complete Super Mario Bros. Wonder walkthrough and strategy guide (2025 Edition). From mastering Elephant Mario to unlocking every Wonder Seed and Flower Coin, you now have everything you need to fully enjoy Nintendo’s masterpiece.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow players searching for Super Mario Bros. Wonder tips, hidden secrets, and advanced badge combinations — let’s keep the Flower Kingdom blooming!
