Editing Level

{{about|the general overview of levels|a directory of every level|[[:Category:Levels]] and its subcategories|the growth mechanic|[[Level up]]}}

{{redirect|Area|the Areas of Remix 10 in Super Mario Run|[[Super Mario Run#Remix 10|Super Mario Run § Remix 10]]}}

[[File:Levelsend.png|thumb|260px|Clockwise from top left: level endings of the ''[[Super Mario All-Stars + Super Mario World]]'' versions of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', ''[[Super Mario World]]'', and ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'']]

[[Genre#Platform games|Platform game]]s generally have multiple '''levels''' (also called '''courses''', '''stages''', and '''areas'''), which contain obstacles, [[list of enemies|enemies]], [[List of items|item]]s, and the like. [[Mario]], [[Luigi]], or another playable character (or characters) must pass through levels to access more of them and ultimately complete the game. However, some levels may be optional to complete, such as due to a secret method that allows them to be skipped (such as a [[Warp Zone]]) or the level itself being a secret.

 

In the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise, as well as the related ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'', ''[[Yoshi (franchise)|Yoshi]]'', and ''[[Wario (franchise)|Wario]]'' franchises, platform games often contain multiple different themes for their levels. Themes usually have different elements to challenge the player. Some levels are mixtures of themes, such as [[Perilous Pokey Cave]] in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' being a desert-themed underground level. The theme of the level often corresponds to the [[world]] it is placed in. Although most level themes usually take place in the daytime, they can occasionally occur later in the day, such as [[Night Falls on Really Rolling Hills]] in ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'', a grassland-themed level taking place at night, or [[Spiky Mount Beanpole]], also from ''Super Mario 3D World'', taking place at sunset. Nighttime-themed levels are also a mechanic in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]''.

===Grass/ground/plains theme===

This theme often features grass, hills, [[tree]]s, and slopes. It is usually the easiest kind of level theme, as it is normally the first level or world theme encountered in each game. It is common for this level theme to introduce common level features and mechanics, such as [[jump]]ing, breaking [[block]]s, and new power-ups. Common enemies here include [[Goomba]]s, [[Koopa Troopa]]s, [[Piranha Plant]]s, [[Hammer Bro]]s, [[Shy Guy]]s, [[Spiny|Spinies]], [[Rex]]es, and [[Chargin' Chuck]]s. [[Pit|Bottomless pit]]s are some of the more dangerous features in these levels. This level theme often has secret areas that lead to sky- or underground-themed locations. In 3D games, grassland levels offer more exploration and sometimes feature an easy boss battle. The music on this level theme, occasionally officially known as the "[[Ground Theme]]," usually serves as a main theme of the whole game.

===Underground/cave theme===

[[File:World1-2NSMB.png|150px|thumb|[[World 1-2 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 1-2]] from ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'']]

This theme takes place underground and is usually found during the first or second level in the game. Common archetypes for this level are Goombas, Koopa Troopas, Piranha Plants that come out of pipes, [[Buzzy Beetle]]s walking on the ceiling, [[Swoop]]s flying towards the player, and bottomless pits. Different kinds of underground levels include sewers/pipe mazes or mines, while other times, these levels might have [[water]] or [[poison (obstacle)|poison]] to get across. Some underground levels cross over with other themes like the ice, desert, or lava themes. Underground levels usually have an arrangement of the [[Underground Theme]] from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''

===Sky/cloud/athletic theme===

This theme usually takes place in the sky, typically with many clouds and pipes. Common enemies here include Spinies, Piranha Plants, [[Paragoomba]]s, [[Koopa Paratroopa]]s, [[Lakitu]]s, [[Biddybud]]s, [[Flame Chomp]]s, [[Fuzzy|Fuzzies]], [[Foo]]s, [[Ninji]]s, and/or other sky-based enemies. [[Mushroom Platform]]s are very common in these levels, as are auto-scroller segments. Sometimes, Mario has to ride a moving platform across the sky. This theme sometimes overlaps with the grass, snow, or desert themes. Occasionally, this theme instead takes place on top of trees or on a bridge, which was common in earlier titles. This theme usually has fast-paced music.

{{see also|Category:Towers|Category:Fortresses|Category:Castles}}

This theme takes place in one of many [[tower]]s, [[fortress]]es, or [[castle]]s that the [[Bowser's Minions|Koopa Troop]] built or conquered. They are typically encountered at the midpoint or end of a world, with [[Bowser's Castle]] normally being the last challenge in the game the player must face. Towers are always vertical-scrolling, while castles and fortresses are usually horizontal-scrolling. Enemies such as [[Whomp]]s, [[Thwomp]]s, [[Thwimp]]s, [[Magikoopa]]s, [[Dry Bones]], [[Bone Goomba]]s, [[Bony Beetle]]s, [[Amp]]s, [[Sumo Bro]]s, [[Grrrol]]s, and [[Lava Bubble]]s are very common here. Castles are usually lava-themed and have lava for the player to avoid, but other types of castles such as water castles or ice castles can also be found in some titles. Other obstacles found in these levels are also typically varied, featuring [[Snake Block]]s, [[Spike Ball]]s, [[Spinner]]s, [[Skewer]]s, [[Grinder]]s, [[Fire Bar]]s, fire- or laser-shooting [[Bowser Statue]]s, [[Pendulum Platform]]s, or moving ledges. Bosses, including [[Bowser Jr.]], the [[Koopalings]], and [[Boom Boom]], are normally fought at the ends of these levels. Castles and fortresses are typically the hardest genre of levels in the game, aside from post-game content. In the final castle, [[Bowser]] himself is often fought.

===Desert/pyramid/sand theme===

This theme takes place in a desert and often features [[quicksand]] that slows down and sucks in the player, palm trees to jump on, pyramid ruins, and bazaars. The [[Angry Sun]], [[tornado]]s, [[Pokey]]s, [[Fire Snake]]s, [[Spike]]s, [[Sand Geyser]]s, and Lakitus with [[Spiny|Spinies]] are common obstacles faced in these levels. Bottomless pits and blocks are also fairly common here. 3D games typically feature pyramid temples for the player to explore.

===Underwater/ocean theme===

This level theme takes place underwater, featuring many underwater enemies, such as [[Cheep Cheep]]s, [[Blooper]]s, [[Torpedo Ted]]s, [[Jelectro]]s, [[Urchin]]s, [[Mine]]s, [[Maw-Ray]]s, [[Sushi]], and other enemies depending on the game. The player is often given a limited air gauge in 3D games. This theme sometimes overlaps with the underground theme. Strong [[current]]s and auto-scrolling in the 2D games are common and make navigating these levels difficult.

===Beach/island/coastal theme===

This level theme takes place on beaches, islands, or other types of coastlines, with water often submerging the bottom of the level and palm trees on the islands on top of the water. Unlike underwater levels, beach levels offer the option to travel above or below water. Sometimes, Cheep Cheeps and/or [[Porcupuffer]]s jump in and out of the water to attack the player, whilst Urchins, [[Huckit Crab]]s, [[Skeeter]]s, and [[Water Geyser]]s are also common. Beach levels are often found near underwater levels, and so the level themes often overlap.

===Haunted/ghost/spooky theme===

[[File:SMG2 Haunty Halls Sneaking Down the Creepy Corridor.png|thumb|150px|[[Haunty Halls Galaxy]] from ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'']]

This level theme features ghosts as its main enemies, such as [[Boo]]s, [[Peepa]]s, [[Eerie]]s, and [[Broozer]]s. Bat, pumpkin, and rat enemies such as Swoops, [[Splunkin]]s, and [[Scaredy Rat]]s are also fairly common. This level type usually takes place in a [[Ghost House]], often rife with ghosts and full of unusual objects such as fake doors and/or possessed objects, such as floating couches. However, this theme can also take place in a haunted forest with dead trees and [[Crowber]]s to dodge or even on haunted shipwrecks with intertwined water mechanics. These levels often feature maze-like navigation and secret exits.

This level theme takes place in a jungle with [[Poison (obstacle)|poisonous swamps]], [[swinging vine]]s, and exotic enemies such as [[Wiggler]]s, [[Scuttlebug]]s, and [[Bramball]]s. Forests and jungles may require the player to get across a swamp, such as riding [[Dorrie]]. Forest levels in 3D games often feature treetops that challenge the characters' jumping skills. In the ''[[Donkey Kong Country (series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' series, jungle levels typically serve as the beginner stages, similar to grassland levels in the ''Super Mario'' series.

===Snow/ice/winter theme===

[[File:SMO Snow Moon 14.png|thumb|150px|The [[Snow Kingdom]] from ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'']]

This level theme features slippery ice that hinders the player's movement, as well as snow-themed enemies such as [[Cooligan]]s, [[Snow Spike]]s, [[Snow Pokey]]s, and [[Mr. Blizzard]]s. Another common feature of these levels is [[icicle]]s that fall from the ceiling, stopping the player from crossing safely. In 3D games, skating across ice is an option. Sometimes ice levels overlap with other course themes, including the underground theme in [[Donut Secret 2]] from ''[[Super Mario World]]'', the jungle theme in [[World 9-7 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)|World 9-7]] from ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', or even the volcano theme in [[Freezeflame Galaxy]] and [[Shiverburn Galaxy]] in the ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' games.

===Mountain/cliffside/rock theme===

Mountain, cliffside, and rock-themed levels typically feature Rexes, Ninjis, Fuzzies, [[Monty Mole]]s, [[Stone Spike]]s, [[Dino Rhino]]s, [[Bill Blaster]]s/[[Bullet Bill]]s, [[Chain Chomp]]s, and [[Waddlewing]]s and sometimes have underground segments. Sometimes, it is required to climb on thin ledges on cliffsides to avoid falling to the player's death. Other common obstacles include bottomless pits, [[Bill Blaster]]s, and [[Fire Bar]]s. In 3D games, mountainous levels require exploration to reach the very top of the level. This theme sometimes overlaps with the sky theme.

===Volcano/lava/fire theme===

[[File:NSMB2 World 6-1 Volcanic Debris.png|thumb|150px|[[World 6-1 (New Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 6-1]] from ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'']]

Volcanic and lava-filled levels are typically later levels faced in the games. They feature lava and debris falling from the sky (usually being shot from background volcanoes), and they often swarm with some of Bowser's stronger minions. Lava creatures and enemies such as [[Blargg]]s, [[Bully|Bullies]], Crowbers, and Lava Bubbles are very common here. As lava levels are faced later in the series, they are generally among the hardest levels in the game. The underground theme is a common overlap here, with these types of levels usually portrayed as taking place inside volcanoes themselves. Bowser's castles usually take place here and are also full of lava.

===Space/cosmic/galaxy theme===

Space levels are rarer levels within the ''Super Mario'' franchise, as they rarely appear outside the ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' games. Space levels often feature low [[gravity]] that affects jumping and planets that pull the player in. Space levels have some of the most diverse enemy types in the games and are often combined with different level themes, such as the sky theme.

===Airship/military/tank theme===

[[File:SMAS SMB3 World 3-A Screenshot.png|thumb|150px|[[World 3-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-Airship]] from ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'']]

These levels usually take place on a flying [[airship]], usually built to accommodate some of Bowser's armies. Common obstacles and enemies here include [[Bob-omb]]s, [[Rocky Wrench]]es, [[Cannon]]s, [[Bill Blaster]]s/[[Bullet Bill]]s, [[Burner]]s, and [[Mechakoopa]]s. Bosses and allies of Bowser, including Bowser Jr., the Koopalings, and Boom Boom, are fought at the ends of these levels. Airships usually start at the bow and end at the stern and are usually auto-scrollers with many obstacles, and they are an alternative to castles and towers. Sometimes, the level is based on a different kind of military-based automobile, such as [[tank]]s, battleships, and/or military trains.

===Factory/mechanical/metallic theme===

[[File:High-Voltage Gauntlet.jpg|left|150px|thumb|[[High-Voltage Gauntlet]] from ''[[Super Mario Bros. Wonder]]'']]

These levels take place in a metal fortress or factory-like area, often featuring [[Warp Pipe]]s, [[Conveyor Belt]]s, electrical hazards, and robotic/metal enemies such as [[Goombeetle]]s, [[Topmen]], [[Bob-omb]]s, and [[Mechakoopa]]s. Factory levels are rare in the mainline ''Super Mario'' games, though they often appear in the ''[[Donkey Kong Country (series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' series.

===Food/sweets/candy theme===

These levels are composed primarily of giant-sized food, which acts as platforms for Mario to climb on or obstacles that get in Mario's way. Candy and sweets are the most common type of food, as seen in levels such as [[Sweet Sweet Galaxy]] from ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', [[Sweet Mystery Galaxy]] from ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'', [[Cakewalk Flip]] from ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'', and [[Maw-Maw Mouthful]] from ''[[Super Mario Bros. Wonder]]'',<ref>Eurogamer (August 31, 2023). [https://youtu.be/EwvBYQ7j5BE We Played Super Mario Bros. Wonder - NEW GAMEPLAY AND IMPRESSIONS! Super Mario Bros Wonder Switch]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 5, 2023.</ref> though some levels use other types of food. For instance, the [[Luncheon Kingdom]] from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' is stew-themed, while the [[Golden Temple]] from ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'' is fruit-themed.

[[File:MastBlast.png|left|thumb|150px|[[Mast Blast]] from ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'']]

These levels take place on a pirate ship or boardwalk with an armada of warships in the background. These usually overlap with common water themes due to their location. Pirates and aquatic enemies are most common here, with [[cannonball]]s and [[bomb]]s being common obstacles. Climbing on masts and ropes are usually the way across these levels. These levels often appear in the ''[[Donkey Kong Country (series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' and ''[[Wario Land (series)|Wario Land]]'' series.