Mastering Super Mario Maker: Secrets To Growing Giant Mushrooms

how to get a big mushroom in super mario maker

In *Super Mario Maker*, obtaining a big mushroom, also known as a Super Mushroom, is essential for transforming Mario into his larger, more powerful form, granting him the ability to break bricks and withstand an extra hit. Players can acquire this power-up by placing a Super Mushroom item directly onto the course during the editing phase or by using a Mystery Mushroom, which randomly spawns power-ups. Additionally, clever level designers often hide Super Mushrooms in blocks, pipes, or other interactive elements to encourage exploration and reward players for uncovering secrets. Understanding how to strategically place and utilize this power-up not only enhances gameplay but also adds depth and creativity to custom levels.

Characteristics Values
Game Mode Super Mario Maker (Wii U/3DS/Super Mario Maker 2)
Item Name Big Mushroom (also known as Mega Mushroom)
Effect Transforms Mario into a giant, allowing him to destroy blocks and enemies
Availability Available in specific themes and levels
Themes Where Available Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. U
Obtaining Method Placed by the level creator in the course
Behavior Mario grows significantly in size, becomes invincible to most hazards
Duration Effect lasts until Mario takes damage or completes the level
Compatibility Works with most Mario forms (e.g., Small Mario, Super Mario)
Level Design Requirement Must be placed in a level by the creator, not obtainable in default levels
Multiplayer Can be used in multiplayer levels (Super Mario Maker 2)
Unlock Requirements No specific unlock required; available from the start in level editor
Visual Appearance Large, glowing mushroom with a distinct color (usually red or gold)
Sound Effect Unique power-up sound when collected
Interaction with Other Power-Ups Overrides most power-ups; cannot be combined with others
Level Completion Impact Does not affect level completion time or score directly
Special Notes Can be used to access hidden areas or solve puzzles in custom levels

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Use Mystery Mushrooms - Place them in levels to grow into giant size when collected

In *Super Mario Maker* and its sequel *Super Mario Maker 2*, the Mystery Mushroom is a unique power-up that allows Mario to grow to giant size when collected. To achieve this effect, you must strategically place Mystery Mushrooms in your levels. These power-ups are themed after various characters, but their primary function is to transform Mario into a massive version of himself, granting him increased strength and size. This transformation is not only visually impressive but also offers gameplay advantages, such as breaking through certain blocks and defeating enemies more easily.

To use Mystery Mushrooms effectively, start by accessing the editing tools in *Super Mario Maker*. In the power-up menu, locate the Mystery Mushroom icon, which typically resembles a question mark with a character silhouette. Place these Mystery Mushrooms in areas where you want players to experience the giant transformation. For example, position them near challenging obstacles or enemy clusters to provide players with a temporary boost in power. Ensure the placement is obvious enough for players to find but not so exposed that it loses its element of surprise.

When a player collects a Mystery Mushroom, Mario will instantly grow to a giant size, often accompanied by a distinctive sound effect and animation. This transformation lasts for a limited time, so encourage players to use it strategically. For instance, design sections of your level where the giant size is necessary to progress, such as breaking through large walls or reaching higher platforms. This not only makes the power-up feel rewarding but also integrates it seamlessly into the level design.

Another tip is to combine Mystery Mushrooms with other mechanics to create unique challenges or surprises. For example, place them on moving platforms or in hidden areas to add an extra layer of discovery. You can also experiment with placing multiple Mystery Mushrooms in succession to extend the giant transformation's duration, though this requires careful balancing to avoid making the level too easy. Remember, the goal is to enhance the player's experience while maintaining a fair and engaging challenge.

Finally, test your level thoroughly to ensure the Mystery Mushroom functions as intended. Play through the level yourself or share it with others to gather feedback. Adjust the placement or timing of the Mystery Mushroom if it feels too difficult or underwhelming. By mastering the use of Mystery Mushrooms, you can create memorable moments in your *Super Mario Maker* levels that showcase creativity and innovation, all while giving players the thrill of becoming a giant Mario.

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Super Mushrooms in 10-Man - Stack them in Challenge Mode for temporary giant size

In Super Mario Maker, obtaining a temporary giant size for your character in the 10-Man Challenge Mode can be an exciting and strategic move. The key to achieving this lies in stacking Super Mushrooms, a technique that requires precision and quick thinking. Here's a step-by-step guide to mastering this unique power-up combination.

Understanding the 10-Man Challenge: This mode is a thrilling twist on the classic Mario gameplay, where you control a team of ten Marios, and the goal is to reach the end of the level with as many survivors as possible. It's a test of skill and resource management, making the strategic use of power-ups crucial. When you collect a Super Mushroom in this mode, it not only makes your current Mario bigger but also affects the next Mario in line when you lose a life. This mechanic is the foundation for stacking power-ups.

Stacking Super Mushrooms: To achieve the temporary giant size, you'll need to collect multiple Super Mushrooms in quick succession. Here's the process: When you grab the first Super Mushroom, your Mario grows to a larger size, becoming more powerful and able to break certain blocks. Now, the trick is to quickly lose a life and then immediately grab another Super Mushroom with the next Mario. This stacks the power-up, making the new Mario even bigger. Repeat this process, and with each additional Super Mushroom, your character will grow larger, eventually reaching a giant size.

Timing and Precision: The challenge lies in the timing and precision required. You must lose a life at the right moment, ensuring that the next Mario in line can immediately grab the upcoming Super Mushroom. This technique demands practice and a good understanding of the level layout. It's a high-risk, high-reward strategy, as you're sacrificing lives for the potential benefit of a temporary giant Mario, which can be a game-changer in certain situations.

Strategic Advantages: The giant size offers several advantages. Your character becomes more powerful, capable of destroying blocks and enemies with ease. This can open up new paths and secrets within the level. Additionally, the increased size can make it easier to navigate certain obstacles, providing a unique perspective on level design. However, keep in mind that this effect is temporary, and you'll need to act quickly to utilize the benefits before the power-up wears off.

Practice and Experimentation: Mastering the art of stacking Super Mushrooms in 10-Man Challenge Mode takes practice. Experiment with different level designs and power-up placements to perfect your timing. Remember, this technique is not only about achieving a cool visual effect but also about gaining a strategic edge in the game. With dedication, you'll be able to consistently pull off this impressive feat, surprising both yourself and your fellow players.

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P-Switch Glitch - Combine P-Switches and Super Mushrooms for oversized effects

In Super Mario Maker, the P-Switch Glitch is a clever technique that allows players to create oversized Super Mushrooms by combining P-Switches and Super Mushrooms in specific ways. This glitch leverages the game’s mechanics to produce a unique effect where Mario grows significantly larger than normal, adding a creative twist to level design. To execute this glitch, you’ll need to understand the interaction between P-Switches, coins, and power-ups, as well as precise timing and placement.

The first step is to place a P-Switch in your level. When activated, a P-Switch turns certain blocks into coins for a limited time. The key here is to place a Super Mushroom on top of a coin block that will transform when the P-Switch is pressed. Ensure the Super Mushroom is positioned directly on the coin block, as this is crucial for the glitch to work. Once the P-Switch is activated, the coin block will turn into coins, but the Super Mushroom will remain floating in mid-air, creating an opportunity for the glitch.

Next, you’ll need to time Mario’s interaction with the floating Super Mushroom precisely. As the P-Switch effect is still active, quickly move Mario to collect the Super Mushroom. If done correctly, Mario will grow to an oversized state, much larger than the standard Super Mushroom effect. This happens because the game momentarily treats the Super Mushroom as part of the coin transformation, amplifying its effect. The timing is critical, as the P-Switch’s effect wears off after a few seconds, so practice is essential to master this technique.

To further enhance the glitch, you can experiment with stacking multiple P-Switches or placing additional Super Mushrooms in sequence. By activating multiple P-Switches simultaneously, you can extend the duration of the coin transformation effect, allowing for more opportunities to collect oversized mushrooms. However, this requires careful planning and precise placement of elements in the level editor. Combining this glitch with other mechanics, such as moving platforms or enemies, can also create dynamic and challenging gameplay scenarios.

Finally, it’s important to note that this glitch works best in specific game styles, particularly Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3, where the P-Switch mechanics are most consistent. Other styles may have variations in how P-Switches and power-ups interact, so experimentation is key. By mastering the P-Switch Glitch, you can create unique and surprising moments in your Super Mario Maker levels, offering players an unexpected twist on classic Mario gameplay.

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Giant Enemies Trick - Use giant enemies to scale Mario’s size proportionally in levels

In *Super Mario Maker*, the Giant Enemies Trick is a clever way to scale Mario's size proportionally in levels by leveraging the game's mechanics. While there isn’t a direct "big mushroom" item in the original *Super Mario Maker*, you can achieve a similar effect by making Mario appear larger relative to his surroundings. This trick involves using giant enemies, which are significantly larger versions of standard foes like Goombas, Koopa Troopas, or Piranha Plants. By placing these oversized enemies in your level, Mario will seem smaller in comparison, creating the illusion of a "big mushroom" effect. To execute this, enter the editing mode and select the enemy you wish to enlarge. Hold down the button to place the enemy, and then press the transform button (usually Y or Triangle) to increase its size. This will create a giant version of the enemy, which you can then strategically place in your level.

The key to the Giant Enemies Trick is careful placement and level design. Position giant enemies in areas where Mario must interact with them, such as narrow platforms or tight spaces. This forces players to navigate around these oversized obstacles, making Mario feel smaller by comparison. For example, place a giant Goomba on a narrow bridge, requiring Mario to jump over or dodge it. Alternatively, use giant Piranha Plants in underground or castle themes to create a sense of scale. Combine these enemies with smaller elements like coins or blocks to enhance the proportional difference. Experiment with different enemy types and sizes to find the best visual effect for your level. Remember, the goal is to make Mario appear smaller, so focus on creating environments where the giant enemies dominate the space.

To further enhance the illusion, incorporate verticality into your level design. Build tall structures or stacked platforms where giant enemies can reside at higher elevations. This not only emphasizes their size but also makes Mario seem tinier as he navigates below them. For instance, create a towering castle section with giant Koopas patrolling the upper levels while Mario moves through the lower areas. Use pipes, ladders, or elevators to connect different heights, ensuring players experience the scale contrast throughout the level. Additionally, consider adding background elements like large trees, mountains, or buildings to reinforce the sense of proportion. These visual cues work together with the giant enemies to create a cohesive and immersive experience.

Another effective technique is to use forced perspective to amplify the size difference. Design sections where Mario must pass through small corridors or tunnels immediately before encountering giant enemies in open areas. This sudden shift in scale will make the enemies appear even more massive, and Mario will feel proportionally smaller. For example, create a tight underground passage that opens into a cavern with a giant Bowser Jr. waiting at the end. The contrast between the confined space and the open area will heighten the effect. Similarly, use camera manipulation (if available in your version of *Super Mario Maker*) to zoom in or out at specific moments, further emphasizing the size disparity.

Finally, test and refine your level to ensure the Giant Enemies Trick works as intended. Play through the level yourself to gauge how the scale feels and make adjustments as needed. Pay attention to pacing and difficulty, ensuring the giant enemies enhance the experience without overwhelming players. Share your level with others to gather feedback and see how they perceive the size differences. With creativity and attention to detail, the Giant Enemies Trick can provide a unique and engaging way to simulate the "big mushroom" effect in *Super Mario Maker*, offering players a fresh perspective on level design and gameplay.

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Event Courses - Play official event courses featuring giant mushrooms for inspiration

In *Super Mario Maker* and its sequel, *Super Mario Maker 2*, Event Courses are a fantastic resource for players looking to learn how to incorporate unique elements like giant mushrooms into their levels. These official courses, designed by Nintendo, often feature creative uses of game mechanics and items, including the elusive giant mushroom. By playing through these Event Courses, you can gain inspiration and understand the mechanics behind obtaining and using giant mushrooms effectively. Start by accessing the Event Courses section in the game’s menu, where you’ll find a variety of levels specifically designed to showcase unique gameplay elements.

One of the key benefits of playing Event Courses is observing how giant mushrooms are implemented in different themes and level styles. For example, some courses might place giant mushrooms in hidden blocks, requiring precise timing or exploration to uncover them. Others may use them as rewards for completing challenging segments, such as defeating a mini-boss or navigating a tricky platforming section. Pay close attention to the level design and the conditions under which the giant mushroom appears, as this will give you ideas for your own creations. Take note of the enemies, obstacles, and power-ups surrounding the giant mushroom, as these elements often play a role in its acquisition.

Another aspect to focus on is how the giant mushroom affects gameplay once obtained. In Event Courses, you’ll see how the giant mushroom transforms Mario into a massive version of himself, allowing him to destroy blocks, enemies, and obstacles with ease. Observe how the course design changes after Mario grows, such as introducing larger pathways or areas that can only be accessed in giant form. This will help you understand how to structure your own levels to maximize the impact of the giant mushroom. Additionally, some Event Courses may include time limits or specific challenges that require the use of the giant mushroom, providing further inspiration for creative level design.

To get the most out of Event Courses, experiment with different themes and difficulty levels. Courses themed around *Super Mario Bros.*, *Super Mario 3D World*, or *New Super Mario Bros. U* may handle giant mushrooms differently, offering diverse ideas for implementation. For instance, a *Super Mario 3D World*-themed course might use the giant mushroom to interact with unique elements like clear pipes or cat-themed mechanics. By exploring a variety of Event Courses, you’ll gather a wide range of techniques and ideas for incorporating giant mushrooms into your levels.

Finally, don’t hesitate to replay Event Courses multiple times to fully grasp their design nuances. Each playthrough can reveal new details, such as hidden secrets or alternative ways to obtain the giant mushroom. You can also use the game’s editing tools to analyze the course layout and mechanics more closely. By studying these official levels, you’ll not only learn how to get a giant mushroom in *Super Mario Maker* but also how to use it creatively to enhance your own designs. Event Courses are a treasure trove of inspiration, and mastering their techniques will elevate your level-building skills.

Frequently asked questions

In Super Mario Maker, you can obtain a big mushroom (also known as a Super Mushroom) by placing a regular mushroom power-up in the level editor and then using the "Mystery Mushroom" or "Super Mushroom" option to enlarge it.

Yes, you can place a big mushroom in any theme or level by using the Super Mushroom power-up in the editor. Ensure the theme supports power-ups, and place it where you want it to appear in the level.

There is no strict limit to the number of big mushrooms you can place, but the game may restrict the total number of power-ups or objects in a level to prevent overcrowding or performance issues.

No, in Super Mario Maker, once a player uses a big mushroom, they remain in the enlarged state until they complete the level, lose a life, or are hit by an enemy (which turns them back into small Mario).

When enlarged by a big mushroom, players can break certain blocks and withstand one hit from an enemy without losing a life. However, they cannot fit through small spaces or enter certain pipes.

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