You've finally beat the main story of Super Mario Odyssey. You think you're done. Then you look at that checklist for the Cascade Kingdom and realize there’s a massive gap where Cascade Kingdom Moon 33 should be. Honestly, it’s frustrating. Most players spend hours running around the Stone Bridge or Triple Rock without realizing that this specific Power Moon isn't actually accessible when you first land the Odyssey near Fossil Falls.
It’s a classic Nintendo move. They dangle a completionist goal in front of you, but the actual solution is locked behind an endgame mechanic that most people forget about the second the credits roll.
Why You Can’t Find Cascade Kingdom Moon 33 Yet
The biggest mistake people make is looking for this moon during their first visit. You can’t get it then. Period. Like many of the "extra" moons in the game, Cascade Kingdom Moon 33 is tied to the Moon Rocks. Those are those giant, glowing grey cubes you’ve probably seen sitting around in every kingdom.
They just sit there. Doing nothing. Until you beat Bowser at the Wedding Hall on the Moon.
Once the main story is over, you have to go back to the Cascade Kingdom and find that giant grey rock. It’s located near the Odyssey, just a bit past the first checkpoint. Hit it with a Cappy throw, and it explodes. Suddenly, the map is flooded with new icons. This is the moment the "Moon Shard Hunt in the Sky" actually becomes available.
Breaking Down the Skyward Voyage
This isn't a moon you just pick up off the ground. It’s a mission. Specifically, it’s titled "Moon Shard Hunt in the Sky."
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To get started, you need to head over to the area near the Top of the Peak checkpoint. You remember that massive waterfall where you fought Madame Broode? Yeah, go back there. Look up. You’ll see a brand-new floating platform that wasn't there before. To get up there, you’re going to need to capture a specific enemy.
- Find a Cappy-able cloud or a moving platform.
- In this case, you're looking for the Buzzy Beetle-like moving platforms or the floating hats.
- The goal is to reach the high-altitude platforms hovering over the abyss.
Once you’re up there, the real game begins. You have to find five different shards scattered across these floating islands. If you fall, you’re dead. Well, you lose ten coins and restart at the checkpoint, which feels like death when you're on shard four of five.
The Exact Locations of the Shards
I've seen people wander around these platforms for twenty minutes because they missed one shard tucked under a ledge.
The first shard is basically a freebie. It’s sitting right on the main platform where you land after taking the spark pylon or the moving lift up. Just walk over it. Easy.
The second one requires a bit more "Mario" movement. You’ll see it floating over a gap between two moving stone blocks. Timing is everything here. If you jump too early, you're plummeting into the misty depths of the prehistoric valley. If you jump too late, the block crushes you against the wall. Just wait for the rhythm.
Shard three is the one that trips people up. It’s tucked behind a pillar on the far side of the floating structure. You can’t see it from the "entrance" of the area. You actually have to wrap around the back of the stone column, walking on a very narrow ledge. It’s classic level design—hiding things in plain sight by using the camera angle against you.
For the fourth shard, look for the trampolines or the "hat" platforms. You’ll need to perform a clean long jump or a Cappy-dive to reach the isolated pillar where it’s hovering. Most veterans of the game will tell you that a simple jump isn't enough; you really need to master the Y + ZR + Y combo (the dive-jump) to make the distance safely.
Finally, the fifth shard is at the highest point of this floating obstacle course. Once you grab it, the Cascade Kingdom Moon 33 will spawn right in the center of the arena.
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Technical Tips for the High-Altitude Hunt
Let's talk about the physics for a second. The Cascade Kingdom has a very "vertical" feel, and Moon 33 emphasizes that more than almost any other moon in the zone.
- Camera Control: Stop letting the auto-camera dictate your view. Use the right stick constantly. When you're looking for shard three, rotate the camera 180 degrees or you'll never see the alcove.
- Motion Controls: If you’re playing with Joy-Cons, a flick of the wrist can make Cappy home in on a shard that’s just slightly out of reach. It’s a lifesaver when you're standing on a platform that's about to disappear.
- Shadows: In Super Mario Odyssey, shadows are your best friend. If you aren't sure where you're going to land after a long jump, look at the ground. Mario’s shadow is a perfect circle that shows your vertical alignment.
Is It Worth the Hassle?
Honestly? Yes. If you're going for the 100% completion or trying to unlock the final rewards in the Mushroom Kingdom and the Darker Side of the Moon, you don't have a choice. You need these post-game moons.
There's also the satisfaction factor. The Cascade Kingdom is one of the most beautiful levels in the game—thanks to that "Dinosaur Tank" music and the scale of the waterfalls—and finishing the Moon Rock missions feels like a true goodbye to the area.
Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions
I’ve heard people claim that you need the Fly Guy (Pokio) or other captures from different kingdoms to get this. That’s total nonsense. Everything you need is right there in the Cascade Kingdom. You don't need to bring any "imported" abilities from the Metro Kingdom or the Seaside Kingdom.
Another weird rumor is that the moon only appears during certain "times of day." Mario Odyssey doesn't have a dynamic day/night cycle that affects item spawns. If you've broken the Moon Rock, the shards are there. If you don't see them, you probably haven't actually triggered the rock's explosion yet. Go back to the Odyssey and check that giant grey cube again.
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Moving Toward the 100% Mark
After you grab Cascade Kingdom Moon 33, don't just leave. There are several other "Moon Rock" moons in the immediate vicinity. Since you're already at the Top of the Peak, look around for the glowing spots in the ground or the birds flying with a golden glow.
The Cascade Kingdom is relatively small, so once you have the "Skyward" moons out of the way, the rest of the list clears up pretty quickly.
To wrap this up and get that moon in your collection, follow these steps:
- Clear the main story by defeating Bowser on the Moon.
- Return to the Cascade Kingdom and find the Moon Rock near the Odyssey.
- Smash the Rock with Cappy to release the hidden Power Moons.
- Warp to the Top of the Peak and look for the new floating platforms in the sky.
- Collect all five shards by navigating the moving blocks and checking behind pillars.
- Claim your prize from the center platform.
Once you’ve mastered the movement required for Moon 33, you’ll find that the "darker" challenges later in the game aren't nearly as intimidating. It’s all about the dive-jump and the camera work.