Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve made it all the way to Superstar Road-4, you probably think you’re a Mario master. You’ve conquered the Frosted Glacier, dodged countless icicles, and now you’re staring down Hammerswing Caverns.
It’s a level that feels like a cruel joke from the Nintendo devs. Hammers swinging everywhere, floors that barely exist, and those three elusive Hammerswing Caverns star coins that seem designed specifically to ruin your 100% completion run.
Honestly? This level is one of the biggest difficulty spikes in New Super Mario Bros. U (and the Deluxe version on Switch). It’s not just about jumping; it’s about momentum, timing, and having the right power-up at the exact right moment. If you're going in empty-handed, you're basically asking for a Game Over screen.
The First Coin: Looking Up Is the Key
Most players miss the first star coin because they’re too busy trying not to get smashed by the giant hammers. You’re moving through the early part of the cave, navigating the double swinging platforms, and your brain is telling you to look forward.
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Don't do that.
Right after that first set of double swinging hammers, look at the ceiling. There’s a section of ice that looks slightly... off. It’s a bit transparent. This is a classic Mario trope, but in the heat of a Superstar Road level, it’s easy to overlook.
You need to wall jump between the hammer blocks when they align to form a bridge. If you time it perfectly, you’ll pop up into a hidden alcove. No special suit required for this one, just some decent reflexes. But wait—if you have a Super Acorn, it becomes trivial. You can just glide up there and snag it.
Why People Fail Here
- They rush past the swinging blocks.
- They don't realize the "bridge" formation is the signal to jump.
- Panic. Pure, unadulterated panic.
That Second Star Coin Is a Total Trap
If the first coin was about observation, the second one is about preparation. This is where Hammerswing Caverns stops being "tough" and starts being "mean."
You’ll eventually see a single pipe sitting near the bottom of the screen, surrounded by a pit that looks very much like certain death. This is the entrance to the second coin's room. You absolutely need a Flying Squirrel suit (Super Acorn) here. I’ve seen people try to triple-jump or use a well-timed wall kick to reach it, but it’s high-risk for low reward. Just bring the suit. Once you’re in the pipe, you’ll find a room with a P-Switch.
Here’s the trick: hit the P-Switch, but don't just run. You have to wait for the hammer to swing to the left side. Use that hammer as a platform to boost yourself up to the coin before the P-Switch timer runs out and the blocks turn back. If you’re too slow, the coin stays out of reach, and you have to exit/re-enter the level to try again. It's tedious. It's annoying. It's Superstar Road.
The Final Dash: Star Coin Number Three
By the time you reach the end of the level, you’re probably stressed. The third of the Hammerswing Caverns star coins is visible, which almost makes it worse. It’s right near the exit pipe, mocking you.
It looks like it's floating in mid-air above a massive drop. There are two ways to handle this:
- The Pro Way: Use the final swinging hammer. As it reaches the furthest point of its arc toward the right, you need to perform a precise wall jump off the block itself. It’s a tight window.
- The "I Just Want to Finish This" Way: Use the Flying Squirrel suit you (hopefully) still have from the second coin. Just glide. Seriously, the glide mechanic in NSMBU is basically a cheat code for these vertical star coins.
If you’re playing as Nabbit, this is all much easier since you don't take damage from enemies, but the pits in Hammerswing Caverns don't care who you are. A pit is a pit.
Hidden Secrets Most Players Ignore
Hammerswing Caverns isn't just about the coins; it’s about the 1-Up Mushroom hidden at the very start. Before you even enter the main warp pipe to the underground section, check the area to the left. There’s a hidden ? Block there.
Also, if you’re struggling with the platforming, remember that the Huge Icicles are actually your friends. They fall at predictable intervals. You can use them as temporary platforms if you’re fast enough, though it’s definitely "advanced" tech.
How to Guarantee a 100% Clear
To actually get that 5-star profile on your save file, you can't just find these coins; you have to finish the level. If you grab all three and then fall into a pit, they don't count.
Pro Tip: If you're really struggling, go back to World 1-1 and farm a few Super Acorns. Stashing one in your inventory as a backup is the best way to handle Superstar Road. Having that extra hit point and the ability to glide makes the difference between a 20-minute frustration session and a 2-minute victory lap.
Practical Next Steps for Your Run
- Check your inventory: Ensure you have at least two Super Acorns before entering Superstar Road-4.
- Watch the background: The transparent ice in the first section is the only clue you get for the first coin.
- Don't rush the P-Switch: In the second coin room, the hammer’s position matters more than the timer. Wait for the swing.
- Finish the level: Remember, the coins only "save" once you hit the flagpole.
Once you’ve cleared Hammerswing Caverns, you’ll unlock the path to Superstar Road-5: Spinning Platforms of Doom. If you thought the hammers were bad, just wait until you see what the "Doom" part of that level title actually means.