Unbelievable Mario Challenges: Hardest Bonus Levels Ranked!

As a devoted fan, I’d say that while the Super Mario Bros. series is renowned for its family-friendly vibe, it doesn’t always conjure up images of challenging, grueling adventures – especially in the more recent iterations. However, Nintendo has a knack for sneaking in some tricky levels even into their older and newer games starring our mustached hero.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be drawn to the thrill of those challenging post-game or extra stages that reward my perseverance and mastery of skills accumulated throughout my vibrant platforming adventure. While there are plenty to pick from, particularly in the classic Mario series, it’s those hardcore bonus levels that leave a lasting impression due to their unpredictable, merciless design.

8. The Lily Pad Ride (Secret Shine) (Super Mario Sunshine)

A Wild, Coin-Collecting Ride

Nintendo’s most playful Mario game is frequently one of the hidden challenges, as demonstrated by the bonus levels in Sunshine. The Lily Pad Ride requires frequent, precise use of the FLUDD water jetpack to collect all eight red coins scattered throughout this moving waterway. Just getting to this area, players must first guide a Yoshi to a Warp Pipe located in southeast Delfino Plaza and destroy an Orange Juice Generator.

Next is the actual trial, where precision timing and nimble navigation are crucial as players juggle the FLUDD and a finicky camera. Although it doesn’t have enemies or direct dangers in this level, The Lily Pad Ride relies on tense sections – with minimal margin for error – to create its challenge.

7. Tubular (Super Mario World)

Coins And Chaos

Although many fans adore it, some hardcore gamers argue that Super Mario World is less complex than its previous version due to its simplicity. However, this game does include some bonus stages (accessible through the Special Zone) which can be quite challenging even for experienced players who ride Yoshi. Each of these levels offers unique layouts and challenges, but the second stage, Tubular, is particularly noteworthy for its overwhelming chaos.

As a fan, I can tell you that Tubular tosses players into a challenging aerial journey, accompanied by pesky Chargin’ Chucks, flaming Piranhas, and other relentless adversaries who seem determined to cut Mario’s adventure short. Time is of the essence too, as we must navigate swiftly before our Power Balloons deflate. Despite its brevity, this run is crammed with hazards and tenacious enemies that make every second count!

6. Special World 8 Crown (Super Mario 3D Land)

Baddies, Bosses, And Blocks Abound

3D Mario games often have a blend of difficulty levels, but they typically offer challenging “endgame” content that tests the skills learned throughout the game and requires players to endure long runs. This is evident in the thrilling trials found in Super Mario 3D Land for the 3DS. The final stage, number 96, marks the culmination of a long adventure, and reaching it isn’t easy. To unlock this unique experience, gamers must earn five stars on their save file first.

Similar to several challenging stages in Mario’s games, this level is filled with enemies and hazards. Players must navigate a sequence of differently sized and shaped blocks while dodging Goombas and Hammer Bros. moving around. At certain points, players encounter checkpoints that feature tricky minibosses. Later on, the level introduces moveable and flip panels, Fire Bars, Burners with tougher foes like Chain Chomps. Finally, congratulatory blocks spell out their thanks as players approach the finish line in this vibrant, intense adventure.

5. Awesome (Super Mario World)

An Icy Trip

Despite its impressive nature, this Special Zone stage can prove quite challenging within the game. It keeps players constantly alert due to slippery, icy terrain, and it frequently hurls shells, airborne Troopas, and adversaries that seem strategically positioned for Mario to accidentally collide with them, making him either slide or jump into them.

As you progress, things get more exhilarating! There are scattered, shiny platforms teeming with leaping fish and fast-moving Bullet Bills that dominate a large part of the space. Here, you can find a Super Star which adds to the excitement level significantly, although without it, Mario might not stand a chance.

4. Champion’s Road (Super Mario 3D World)

An Aply-Named Platforming Trial

In an effort to match the challenge presented by its predecessor, the 3DS version, Super Mario 3D World offers a grueling trial of its own. This particular stage is only a short five minutes for those well-prepared, but the relentless enemy attacks and hazards, coupled with no checkpoints or helpful power-ups, make it feel significantly longer. The key to completing this stage lies in collecting every single Green Star, Stamp, and Golden Flag within the game.

In the game, players are immediately confronted with a variety of rapidly moving, vanishing platforms filled with enemies that shoot projectiles. The game is essentially one long obstacle course, featuring almost every type of challenge and adversary you can think of. This includes rows of spiked rollers, navigating large blocks filled with spikes while swimming, and numerous shockwaves from Ring Burners that require quick and precise maneuvering on the platforms.

3. Darker Side (Super Mario Odyssey)

A Side Of The Moon Worth Exploring

Discovering the colorful, expansive environments in ‘Super Mario Odyssey’ is enjoyable without too many demanding or misleading challenges. However, the excitement really ramps up when progressing through the latter Kingdoms, leading to an intense final challenge. Players need to invest a significant amount of time and expertise in platforming and exploration just to access this zone, as they must gather 500 Power Moons first before it becomes available.

Players must navigate, leap, sprint, battle, and skillfully move through an intense, erratic gauntlet of unique, unforeseeable obstacles that span several minutes. The course features factors such as low gravity, lava fields, and other dangerous terrains, making for a challenging, unforgettable experience that may require some patience to conquer. At the end, a solitary Power Moon is up for grabs, while Mario also earns the versatile Invisibility Cap upon successful completion.

2. World C-3 (Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels)

This One Should Have Probably Stayed Lost

In contrast to many other Mario games that have challenging individual stages, the less popular “Lost Levels” (known as “Super Mario Bros. 2” in Japan) presents a tough overall experience. However, among the most difficult levels within this more demanding version of “Super Mario Bros.” for NES/SNES, there’s a particularly challenging late-game stage.

The game’s design seems to purposefully lead players towards an unfortunate end due to its numerous hazards such as moving Fire Bars, annoying Lakitu, powerful springs, and unstable ground influenced by gusty winds, making it challenging even for individual play.

This design encourages extensive experimentation because Mario requires precise timing, speed, and accuracy just to make his landings, not even considering evading enemies and overcoming obstacles. It seems like an ingeniously devised level from Super Mario Maker 2 that was never officially made.

1. The Final-Final Test Badge Marathon (Super Mario Wonder)

A Maddening Platforming Marathon

This final stage, marked by two instances of the word “final,” serves as the climax for the thrilling, colorful journey in the game called “Super Mario Wonder“. As you might expect, this is the most challenging level among all the stages in the Special World, earning a five-star difficulty rating. However, it may very well warrant an additional star for its extreme level of difficulty.

In this version of the game, Mario must gather all the Wonder Seeds, ten Flower Coins, every Golden Flag, and utilize badges to conquer challenges. The game’s difficulty becomes apparent as Mario carefully navigates through a series of descending levels, skillfully dodging rotating enemies. Players journey across numerous diverse scrolling areas filled with hazards that can instantly eliminate Mario with a single misstep. With its fast-paced rhythm and demanding mastery of multiple mechanics simultaneously, players will require significant practice to excel in this ultimate stage.

2025-04-01 15:35