Secret Stars Walkthrough
In addition to the main courses, Super Mario 64 features several hidden Power Stars scattered throughout the castle and special levels.
This guide shows you how to find all Secret Stars, including cap stages, Bowser levels, and hidden challenges.
Star 1: Tower of the Wing Cap
Requires at least 10 Stars
Look into the light in the castle lobby to enter this level. Follow the trail of coins in the air and collect all eight Red Coins while flying.
The coins are arranged in rings along a spiral path downward.
After collecting them, land on the central tower and activate the Red Switch.
This unlocks Wing Cap blocks throughout the game.
Star 2: Vanish Cap Under the Moat
Basement access required
Drain the castle moat by ground-pounding both pillars. Enter the revealed door and follow the tunnel to reach the level.
Collect all eight Red Coins along the path, including those on moving platforms and the seesaw.
The final coin is located near the Blue Switch.
Star 3: Cavern of the Metal Cap
Basement access required
Enter Hazy Maze Cave and reach the underground lake. Ride Dorrie (the sea creature) to access the hidden door.
Inside the level, collect the Red Coins on land and underwater using the Metal Cap.
Activate the Green Switch to unlock Metal Cap blocks.
Star 4–5: MIPS the Rabbit
Requires 30 and 50 Stars
Catch the rabbit (MIPS) in the basement once you reach 30 Stars to receive a Power Star.
After collecting 50 Stars, MIPS appears again and gives another Star.
Star 6–8: Toad Stars
Three Toads inside the castle will reward you with Power Stars:
- Basement (near Hazy Maze Cave entrance)
- Second floor (near the staircase)
- Third floor (near Tick Tock Clock)
Star 9–10: The Princess’s Secret Slide
Enter the room with Princess Peach paintings and jump into the right one.
Complete the slide to earn a Star. Finish it in under 21 seconds to receive a second Star.
Star 11: The Secret Aquarium
Enter the Jolly Roger Bay room and jump into the hidden hole in the wall.
Collect all eight Red Coins: four are located in the center, and four are near the corners of the aquarium floor.
Star 12: Wing Mario Over the Rainbow
Access this level from the top floor. Use the Wing Cap to fly between clouds and cannons.
Collect all eight Red Coins across floating platforms and clouds. Use cannons and precise flying to reach distant areas.
Star 13: Bowser in the Dark World (Red Coins)
Requires 8 Stars
Collect all eight Red Coins while navigating the level before facing Bowser.
Afterward, defeat Bowser to obtain the Basement Key.
Star 14: Bowser in the Fire Sea (Red Coins)
Requires 30 Stars
Navigate across lava platforms and moving structures while collecting all eight Red Coins.
Use poles and lifts to reach higher areas.
Star 15: Bowser in the Sky (Red Coins)
Requires 70 Stars
Collect all eight Red Coins across rotating platforms, poles, and narrow paths in the final Bowser stage.
The Star appears near the end of the level once all coins are collected.
Super Mario 64 guides
