World 8 is the final world of New Super Mario Bros. Mario and Luigi travel to this world after defeating Monty Tank or Lakithunder, or using the cannon in World 5. This world is divided into two parts: a "dark forest" area, and a "lava" area; both having their separate towers and castles. The two bosses of this world are Dry Bowser; and a resurrected Bowser fighting along with Bowser Jr.
The first half of the world has a "spooky" theme; featuring Splunkins, Scuttlebugs and Crowbers, and featuring the same music as the Ghost House levels. Notably, this is the only world to have Boos in a non-Ghost House level. The second half introduces rising lava and unique enemies such as Sledge Bros., Fire Bros., Kab-ombs, and Volcanic debris.
Unlike all the other worlds, this world does not feature secret exits or unlockable courses. One of each type of Toad House can be found in the forest area, but none can be found in the lava area.
A racecourse called Grumble Volcano which has a similar theme to this world is featured in Mario Kart Wii, and returns in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Level information
| Level | Preview | Description |
|---|---|---|
| World 8-1 | 
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An overworld level featuring Crowbers and Bullet Bills. Read more... |
| World 8-2 | 
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An underwater level featuring controllable water and Skeeters. Read more... |
World 8- Tower
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A tower level featuring moving walls and spikes. Read more... |
| World 8-3 | 
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Another underwater level featuring Unagi and a Mega Unagi. Read more... |
| World 8-4 | 
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An overworld level featuring moving platforms and numerous amounts of Scuttlebugs. Read more... |
World 8- Castle
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A castle level featuring controllable lifts. Read more... |
| World 8-5 | 
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A short level which takes place inside a volcano. Read more... |
| World 8-6 | 
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A wrap-around level taking place inside a volcano, featuring rising lava. Read more... |
| World 8-7 | 
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An overworld level with multiple varieties of Hammer Bros. Read more... |
| World 8-8 | 
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The last normal level of the game; an overworld level featuring Volcanic debris and Kab-ombs. Read more... |
| World 8- Tower 2
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The last tower level of the game; a tower featuring Snake Blocks and Fire Bars. Read more... |
World 8- Bowser's Castle
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The final level of the game; a large castle level featuring switches that can invert rooms. Read more... |
Enemies introduced
Trivia
- When Mario enters the second part of World 8, additional drums and a double-reeded flute are added while roaming in the map.
- This is one of the two lava-themed worlds in the New Super Mario Bros. series to feature Toad Houses, the other is World 6 from New Super Mario Bros. 2.