World 2

World 2-1

You can find a beanstalk leading to Coin Heaven in this stage. Just hit the Block shown in our screenshot, climb the beanstalk, and a wealth of coins will be within your grasp.

While riding on the platform, make sure to let go of any coins that you miss while jumping. Jumping back for a missed coin almost certainly guarantees that you miss even more coins up ahead.

You encounter a new type of obstacle here: the spring. We say obstacle, but it’s really a traversal tool that helps Mario reach new heights. The reason we’ve even referred to them as obstacles is because managing them can be extremely dangerous, especially when next to a pit. You must use precise timing while on a spring if you want to actually launch into the air. It’s incredibly easy to jump on a spring thinking you’re about to rocket into space, but instead short hop directly into an enemy or a pit. Make sure to give a spring a few practice bounces before using it to launch over an obstacle. You need to get your timing right before the main event!

World 2-2

World 2-2 is your first swimming stage in Super Mario Bros. and you’ll immediately notice how differently Mario controls under water versus on dry land. Press jump to swim upward, or don’t press it to slowly sink to the bottom of the screen. There are a ton of new underwater hazards to contend with in stages like these, so get good and comfortable with swimming before you progress through the level.

One of the new underwater enemies you meet is a tricky squid named “Blooper.” Bloopers always fight to be on the same level as Mario, so they sink when Mario is below them and quickly swim upward when Mario is above them. When they travel in groups, they can be a particular pain to get around. You must constantly predict where they are going to move to get around them.

Underwater pits are just as deadly as pits on dry land, with one little caveat: they drag Mario down as he swims over them. That means you must prepare to swim aggressively whenever over a pit to keep Mario from being pulled to Davy Jones’ Locker. Calculate the risk before trying to nab those all-too-tempting golden coins hovering above each pit.

World 2-4

Watch for the Podoboos when you jump onto these Blocks above the pit. The “?” Block contains a Power-Up, but it can be tricky to get. Jump from the far-right Block in the center Block set to reach it safely.

Here are a few points to help you successfully negotiate the lifts. Before you jump, get to the edge. If you’re not right at the edge, you’ll bump your head on the roof and fall into the bottomless pit. You also have to be quick to avoid the Fire Bars.