The Catacombs Conundrum

A Mario Maker 2 level by Jerp - FV0-XPV-NQF

This is the sequel to my earlier level "The Dungeon Dilemma" and is also somewhat of a Metroidvania. There's numerous ways to complete this level, and lots of possibilities open up depending on your skill and especially how well you can use the various powerups and items found throughout the level.

Difficulty Breakdown

Precision Jumps
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Exploration
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Timer
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Puzzles
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

The Save-Lock Mechanism

A system to prevent key-locking

This mechanism allows the player to (repeatedly) save progress as needed, which may be helpful while looking for the more elusive Key Coins. However, one of the key coins cannot be acquired while checkpoints are accessible (this prevents key-locking).

You can activate the mechanism by using the Note Block to drop a Bob-omb and lower the Bill Launcher. Then, stand on the left side of the Bill Launcher so it can fire and activate the On/Off Switch.

While losing the ability to save may sound harsh, activating the mechanism (and thus toggling the Dotted Line Blocks) makes the majority of the level easier. If you think you're at a point where you can finish the level and have plenty of time left, it can be quicker to activate the mechanism so it's easier to get around.

(Speed runners may want to activate the mechanism as quickly as possible)

The second checkpoint allows repeat-saving

Tips & Tricks

Struggling with the level? Here's some info that might help:

Most of the powerups on the level are progressive, meaning that if you're Big Mario, there's many Capes & Fire flowers to find.
There's usually 2-3 different ways into any given area - check to see what items and powerups might help.
P Switches can be used to block enemies and create platforms throughout the level.
Certain enemies and items will respawn when crossing between the main and sub-levels.
This level contains a secret bonus room full of useful items.
Ice Blocks can be blown up with Bob-ombs as well as with Fire Mario.
Ducking with a Shelmet can make it very difficult for enemies to damage Mario.
Most rooms can be trivialized or completely skipped with good use of powerups and items.
Even while wearing a Spiny Shelmet, thrown shells and Cape Mario can still activate '?' Blocks.
Flying Buzzy Beetles can block the path of a falling Thwomp.
All areas and shortcuts can always be accessed - all requisite powerups and items have a location where they respawn.
There's a few hidden blocks with useful items in conspicuous places.

This looks suspiciously like a runway...

P Switch Blocks and Blue Dotted Line blocks could take out these Dry Bones

Could break through these blocks with the right item

Mario holding a Bob-omb near Hard Blocks

Perhaps a valuable shortcut?

Fire Mario holding a P Switch in front of a wide pit

P Switch could come in handy here

Getting a bit of extra height off of a Monty Mole

Mario looking up at a Red Dotted Line Block

Might be worth returning to the beginning

Check out my other Levels!

I tend to focus on making levels designed to appeal to people who've played Nintendo's official Mario games, and they don't require difficult tech such as Shell Jumps.

My maker code is 26P-2HB-FSF