Bowser in the Dark World is the first Bowser level in Super Mario 64. It is a challenging, puzzle-like world with many traps and enemies that are nearly guaranteed to surprise the player. The trapdoor entrance is behind the star door in the main floor. Eight Power Stars (twelve in the DS remake) are needed to open this door.
Red Coins are difficult to obtain in this level due to the fact that there are many gaps in the course, but simply getting to the end of the course is particularly easy. In Super Mario 64 DS, a Switch Star was added to the level.
While fighting Bowser, the idea is to grab him by his tail and twirl him into a mine (which can be located around the arena). Upon doing so, he will admit defeat and disappear, leaving Mario with the key to the castle's basement. In the DS remake, other characters can challenge Bowser. Yoshi can also challenge Bowser, during the battle when Bowser breathes fire a Cap will appear allowing Yoshi to transform into that character to take on Bowser.
Red Coin Locations[]
- At the beginning of the level to the left, hit the ! Switch up ahead and venture back to the beginning and cross the bricks that appeared to get the Red Coin.
- In front of the ! Switch and the flamethrower, quickly grab the Red Coin. Yoshi can obtain this Red Coin much easier by using his tongue.
- Near the third crystal by the circling Amps.
- Above the sliding stone platform on the other side.
- On the moving platforms just after the fourth Red Coin.
- On a platform (accessible by walking a small purple plank) near several Coins, an Amp, and a ! Block.
- Near the balancing platforms on the third ledge, grab the Red Coin and hop onto the main platform.
- On the stone platforms above the balance beams.
Star Switch[]
In the DS remake atop the stairs near the entrance to Bowser, the Star Switch is located here. Hit the switch and race back to the stone platforms above the balance beams. The Star appears on the furthest platform. It is much easier to get this Star as Yoshi due to his flutter jumps.
Enemies Encountered[]
- Flamethrower
- Goomba
- Amp
- Bowser (BOSS)
Trivia[]
- In the DS remake, Mario needs four more stars to open the door.
- The first part is also much easier in the DS version as Mario will always gain the power to hover in the ! blocks which will lets him skip the first few obstacles.
- Bowser only needs to be thrown by only one of the mines. Later, in Bowser in the Fire Sea, he will need to get hit by only one and in Bowser in the Sky, he has to get hit three times.