It really annoys me when I’m just taking a stroll, minding my own business, when I’m hurt by a rift in time and space. It’s like — have they ever heard of a little consideration for those around them?! In any case, that’s what you have to look forward to in Beware of the Rifts, a secret level in Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
To be honest, if you can find a way to ignore the rifts — which will hurt you if you touch them — this isn’t the most difficult stage in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. But, attaining the Wonder Seed might prove to be a challenge if you’re not prepared. So, it’s our goal with this guide to help you be aware of what you’re getting yourself into with Beware the Rifts. Let’s not waste any more time and get started!
Beware of the Rifts — First 10-Flower Coin
To grab this first 10-Flower Coin, proceed through the level while avoiding the rifts until you reach a rectangular platform with a rift patrolling around it. There should be two “?” blocks you can hit, and as soon as you do, the 10-Flower Coin will manifest in the air above the next platform. Nab it and move on.
Beware of the Rifts — Second 10-Flower Coin
Immediately after passing the checkpoint flag, you’ll be in a position to reach this second coin. Hit the “?” block ahead of you to manifest a POW Block and use it on the area ahead of you — with the red Koopa Troopa — to trigger a series of red pipes.
There will now be two red Koopa Troopas ahead of you, and you need to make sure you keep one of their shells. This is because you’ll need to throw the shell upward and hit the “?” block on the ceiling to trigger a climbable vine that’ll lead you to the area where this second coin is hidden. In this area, hit the two blocks to unleash a barrage of coins of various denominations, including the second 10-Flower Coin.
Beware of the Rifts — Third 10-Flower Coin
In the area just past the second 10-Flower Coin, you’ll see a normal block and a “?” block paired up with a red Koopa Troopa patrolling the corresponding platform. Get rid of the Troopa (no need to keep its shell) and be ready to act fast. Hit the “?” block once, and then immediately hit the other block five times to materialize some red pipes. If you don’t do it fast enough, the 10-Flower Coin will drop into the abyss ahead of you, but if done correctly, the coin will fall on one of the red pipes. Grab it and move on!
Beware of the Rifts — Wonder Seed & Wonder Flower
I won’t lie, attaining the Wonder Seed for this stage can be a bit troublesome, but it’s not impossible. To get the Wonder Flower, simply hit the “?” block near the end of this area. It’s the only “?” block in sight, so it’s hard to miss. Hitting this block will materialize the Wonder Flower, and grabbing it will manifest an evil clone of your character that’ll remind some players of the Color-Switch Dungeon in World 4.
To secure the Wonder Seed, you’ll need to dodge this dark doppelganger while looking for five golden flower coins. If you need to get the clone off your back, you can hit the various giant POW blocks around the area and it’ll be paralyzed for a few seconds.
Here’s where you can find the golden flower coins:
- To the far left of the gigantic POW block, on the second level near a Rift Koopa Troopa.
- From the first coin, head back to the right and you should see this coin between the second and third levels.
- From there, head back left and use the wooden platforms to climb to the top level. This coin will be out of reach unless you use one of the POW blocks to knock it upwards. It’s unclear to me which POW block will do this, so it’s best to hit all of them as you find them. It’ll also freeze the clone, so the more times you hit them the better in my opinion.
- Head right and cross the gap with two yellow droppable platforms on either side. This coin will be floating above the furthest yellow platform.
- Lastly, you’ll need to drop down to the third layer and head right until you find another gigantic POW block. Hit it, and vines will manifest, allowing you to climb them and acquire the fifth coin.
As soon as you’ve grabbed the fifth golden flower coin, the Wonder Seed will materialize and you’ll be able to grab it and head out the red warp pipe to the exit.
Beware of the Rifts — How to Fully Complete the Flag
If you thought getting the Wonder Flower and Wonder Seed were challenging enough, the stage isn’t over just yet! To reach the top of the flagpole and earn the “wonderful” rating, you’ll have to jump and hit the invisible block located at the corner of the level wall. This will make a series of red pipes rise, allowing for you to reach the top of the flagpole. It’s a tricky end to a tricky level, and makes perfect sense.
