You’ve just landed the Odyssey in Fossil Falls. The music kicks in—that sweeping, orchestral theme that makes you feel like a prehistoric explorer—and your first instinct is probably to chase after that Multi Moon or harass the Big Momma dinosaur. But if you’re a completionist, your eyes are already darting toward those floating purple discs. There are 50 purple coins in Cascade Kingdom, and honestly, some of them are just plain mean.
They aren't just for show. You need them. Without those regional coins, you aren't getting that stylish caveman outfit or the T-Rex model for your ship.
Finding them all isn’t just about looking behind rocks; it’s about mastering Mario’s movement in a 3D space that hides things in plain sight. If you’re stuck at 47 out of 50, you’re likely missing the ones tucked under the bridge or the ones hanging off the edge of the world near the 2D mural. Let’s get into where these things actually are and why the developers at Nintendo love putting them in spots that make you question your depth perception.
Why Cascade Kingdom’s Purple Coins Are the Ultimate Scavenger Hunt
The Cascade Kingdom serves as the true "World 1" of Super Mario Odyssey. Because of that, the level design is vertical. It’s a giant spiral. Most players miss coins because they forget to look down. You spend so much time climbing toward the boss fight at the top of the plateau that you overlook the ledges right beneath your feet.
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Regional coins (officially called "Local Coins") are the lifeblood of the souvenir shop. In the Cascade Kingdom, they take the shape of small, gear-like wheels, fitting the whole "prehistoric meets industrial" vibe of the world. Unlike gold coins, these don’t respawn. Once you grab them, they're gone, replaced by a transparent ghost version.
The Ones Everyone Misses Near the Odyssey
Right when you start, there are three coins behind the Odyssey. That’s the easy part. But did you check the ledge? If you walk past the shop and look toward the waterfall, there are coins tucked into the cliffside that you literally cannot see unless you rotate the camera 180 degrees.
I've seen so many people run past the three coins sitting on the high pillar right near the first Chain Chomp. You can’t just jump to them. You have to capture the Chain Chomp, pull it back, and aim it to smash the stone blocks or use the momentum to reach higher ground. It’s a puzzle. A simple one, sure, but it sets the tone for the rest of the game.
Navigating the 2D Sections and Hidden Ledges
Nintendo loves the 8-bit throwback. In Cascade Kingdom, there’s a massive 2D mural on the side of the cliff. Most people breeze through this to get to the top, but there are four coins hidden in a small alcove within the mural. You have to jump at the right moment to hit a hidden block or find a path that isn't immediately obvious from the side-scroller perspective.
Then there’s the "Under the Bridge" trick.
Remember that big stone bridge leading toward the area with the several Chain Chomps? Walk to the edge. Look down. There are three coins floating in a line underneath the arches. You have to drop down, grab them, and then Cappy-dive back to safety—or just fall into the abyss and lose ten gold coins. Honestly, sometimes it’s worth the sacrifice just to check them off the list.
Dealing with the T-Rex
The T-Rex is the star of this kingdom. You capture it, you smash things, you feel powerful. But the T-Rex is also the key to several purple coins. There are glowing spots in the dirt and large rock formations that only the T-Rex can demolish. If you’re sitting at 40 coins and can’t find the last ten, go back to the dinosaur. Smash every pillar. Walk through the bushes near the T-Rex’s starting sleeping spot.
There are three coins hidden behind a breakable wall in the area where the T-Rex sleeps. If you don't use the dino to clear the path, you'll never even know they exist.
The Tricky High-Altitude Coins
Once you reach the top of the waterfall, where the boss fight took place, the world opens up. You might think you're done. You aren't.
Look at the floating islands. There are coins positioned on small, isolated platforms that require a long jump followed by a Cappy toss. If you aren't comfortable with the "Jump, Throw Cappy, Dive, Bounce" combo yet, Cascade Kingdom is where you’re going to learn it.
- Behind the Waterfall: There is a hidden cave. It’s classic Zelda/Mario logic. If there is a waterfall, there is something behind it. Go in there.
- The Top Peak: Above the area where you fight Madame Broode, there’s a high ridge. You need to use the power lines or some creative wall-jumping to get up there. There are three coins sitting right on the edge.
I remember spending twenty minutes looking for the last two coins, only to realize they were hovering over the void near the Great Falls. You have to use Cappy to collect them because Mario can’t actually stand where they are. It’s a subtle lesson in using your hat as a tool, not just a weapon.
Mastery of the Capture Mechanics
The "Local Coins" in Cascade Kingdom are strategically placed to teach you how to use captures. For example, the Burrit (the little hat-wearing birds elsewhere, but here we deal with Chain Chomps) mechanics are vital. You aren't just breaking walls; you're aiming.
One set of coins is located on a high ledge that seems unreachable. You have to capture a Chain Chomp, line up the shot perfectly, and launch yourself (or the Chomp) into the crates blocking the path. If you’re struggling with the physics, try standing further back. The arc of the Chain Chomp is predictable once you get the hang of the "pull and release" tension.
The Reward: What to Buy First
Once you’ve hit that 50/50 mark, head to the Crazy Cap shop. The priority should always be the Caveman Outfit. Why? Because some Power Moons in other kingdoms are locked behind "dress code" requirements. You’ll need that prehistoric look later.
Also, buy the stickers and the pillow for the Odyssey. It makes the ship feel less like a vehicle and more like a home. Plus, seeing the Cascade Kingdom sticker on the side of your ship as you fly to the Sand Kingdom is a great "I did that" feeling.
Common Mistakes and Map Blindness
People often get "map blindness" in Fossil Falls. The level is circular, and because the environment looks similar—lots of brown rock and green grass—it’s easy to think you’ve checked an area when you haven’t.
Check the "Top of the Big Stump." There are coins there.
Check the area where the Odyssey first lands after you've completed the main objective. Sometimes, new paths open up or your perspective shifts. If you’re really stuck, use the binoculars (the Talkatoo won't help with purple coins, only Moons). Zoom in on the far-off cliffs. Those little purple glints are easier to spot from a distance than when you’re standing right on top of them.
Final Technical Tips for the Perfectionist
If you're playing on the Switch OLED, the purple pops way more than on the standard screen, making these much easier to find in handheld mode. If you’re playing docked, turn your brightness up. The shadows in the "Deep Chasm" area can swallow those purple gears whole.
Also, don't forget the Cappy spin move. If you're near a group of coins but don't want to risk falling off a narrow ledge, just perform a spin throw. Cappy will circle Mario and collect everything in a three-foot radius. It’s safer and faster.
Check These Spots Specifically
If you are missing the final few, run through this mental checklist:
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- Under the stone bridge near the start.
- Behind the waterfall (deep inside the hidden alcove).
- The very edge of the 2D mural section.
- Hidden behind the breakable rocks near the sleeping T-Rex.
- On the high pillars that require a Chain Chomp to break the crates.
- Hovering over the abyss near the Top of the Peak (requires a Cappy toss).
Getting all 50 coins in Cascade Kingdom is your first real test in Super Mario Odyssey. It’s not just about speed; it’s about curiosity. The game rewards you for wondering "I wonder if I can go back there?" The answer is almost always yes, and there's usually a purple coin waiting for you.
Once you’ve cleared the shop in Fossil Falls, you’re ready for the Sand Kingdom, where the count jumps to 100 and the hiding spots get even more devious. For now, enjoy your new caveman suit and the fact that you’ve conquered the first of many scavenger hunts.
To make sure you've actually finished, open your map and check the bottom right corner. If it says 50/50, you're golden. If it says 47/50, go back to the bridge. It’s always the bridge.
Next Steps for Completionists
- Verify your count: Press the "-" button and look at the regional coin total for Cascade Kingdom.
- Check the Crazy Cap Shop: If items are still greyed out, you've missed coins.
- Master the Cappy Jump: Practice the "Throw-Dive-Bounce" move on the flat area near the Odyssey; you'll need it for the coins hovering over the Great Falls.
- Clear the Rocks: Use the T-Rex to systematically destroy every large gray boulder in the first clearing to ensure no coins are hidden inside.