Lake Lamode is weird. Honestly, after the high-octane sprawl of the Sand Kingdom, landing in the Lake Kingdom Super Mario Odyssey feels like a complete change of pace, and not everyone loves that. It’s quiet. It’s small. Compared to the massive, multi-layered verticality of the Wooded Kingdom, Lake Lamode can feel like a pit stop. But if you’re rushing through it just to grab the Broodals' Moon and leave, you're basically missing the most atmospheric, tightly designed "breather" level Nintendo has ever crafted.
Most players treat it as a secondary objective. They dive in, possess a Cheep Cheep, and get out. Yet, there’s a specific kind of magic in the way the Lake Kingdom handles its underwater mechanics. Usually, water levels in Mario games are a chore. Everyone remembers the trauma of the Water Temple or the sluggishness of Jolly Roger Bay. Here, it’s different. The movement feels fluid, the music—composed by Naoto Kubo—is a literal masterpiece of harp and synth, and the fashion-forward lore of the Lochladies adds a layer of charm that the more "epic" kingdoms lack.
What Most People Get Wrong About Lake Lamode
The biggest misconception is that the Lake Kingdom is "empty" because it has a lower Moon count than the Metro Kingdom. That’s a total surface-level take. In reality, the density of secrets per square foot in Lake Lamode is actually higher than in many of the larger maps. You’ve got these hidden alcoves tucked behind zippers—thanks to the capture mechanic—that reward you for actually paying attention to the environment rather than just following the compass.
I’ve seen people complain that the boss fight here is too easy. Rango, the tall Broodal with the spinning hats, isn't exactly a Dark Souls boss. We get it. But the Lake Kingdom isn't about combat difficulty; it’s about mastery of movement. If you aren't using the Cappy-vault into a dive to skip half the underwater tunnels, you aren't playing it to its full potential. The kingdom serves as a training ground for the more complex swimming puzzles you’ll face later in the Seaside Kingdom.
The Design Language of the Lochladies
Nintendo went with a "Couture" theme for the Lake Kingdom, which is such a bizarre but brilliant choice. The Lochladies are essentially the high-fashion designers of the Mario universe. They knit the finest dresses, including the one Bowser steals for Peach. This gives the kingdom a sophisticated, almost ethereal vibe. The architecture reflects this—it's all white stone, Greek-inspired pillars, and soft pink hues. It feels like a spa.
Hidden Mechanics You Probably Missed
The "Zipper" mechanic is exclusive to this area (and some sub-areas), and it’s criminally underused elsewhere. Capturing a zipper and dragging it across the floor to reveal a hidden room is incredibly satisfying. It’s a tactile interaction that makes the world feel like it's made of fabric, tying back into that "dressmaker" theme.
Then there’s the underwater breathing. While most Mario games give you a limited air supply, capturing a Cheep Cheep in the Lake Kingdom lets you explore indefinitely. It changes the genre of the game from a platformer to an underwater exploration sim. You can actually take the time to look at the flora and the way the light refracts through the surface. It’s one of the few times a Mario game encourages you to just... chill.
Finding the Hardest Moons in the Lake Kingdom
If you're going for that 100% completion mark, the Lake Kingdom has a few Moons that will absolutely test your patience. We aren't just talking about the ones sitting in plain sight.
- The Note-Collecting Sprint: There’s a specific sequence near the entrance where you have to grab a series of notes in the water. It sounds easy. It’s not. If your turn radius is off by a pixel, you’re restarting.
- The Flower Road: This sub-area requires you to use Cappy to hit "sprout" buttons that create a temporary path. It’s a frantic, high-stress platforming gauntlet that contrasts sharply with the calm of the main lake.
- The Secret Path to Lake Lamode: You can't even get this Moon from within the kingdom. You have to find a painting in another world—usually the Wooded or Metro Kingdom depending on your play order—to warp to a high ledge that’s otherwise inaccessible.
A lot of players also forget about the "Outfit" Moons. You need to buy the Lochlady dress and veil from the Crazy Cap shop. Walking around as Mario in a wedding dress might be a meme, but it’s actually the only way to access the Inner Room where a specific Moon is hidden. It’s that kind of Nintendo quirkiness that makes the Lake Kingdom Super Mario Odyssey experience so memorable.
The Technical Brilliance of the Water Effects
Back in 2017, the water tech in Odyssey was a benchmark for the Switch. Even years later, the transition between being submerged and breaking the surface is seamless. Notice how the music shifts? When you're underwater, the soundtrack becomes muffled and bass-heavy, mirroring how sound actually travels through liquid. When you jump out, the crispness of the flute and strings returns instantly. It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of polish that defines "human" game design versus something procedurally generated.
The ripple effects when Mario performs a spin-jump in the water aren't just for show. They interact with the physics of nearby objects. If you're trying to speedrun this section, you can actually use the momentum from certain captures to "clip" slightly faster through the water tension. It’s a deep system hidden under a very pretty, very pink surface.
Is Lake Lamode Too Small?
Size is subjective. If you want a world you can get lost in for five hours, Lake Lamode isn't it. But if you value a "curated" experience, it's perfect. The layout is a giant circle, basically. You start at the Odyssey, move through the underwater plaza, climb the stairs to the top of the lake, and then drop back down. It’s a loop. This circular design means you’re never more than thirty seconds away from a point of interest.
Think about the "Hint Toad" or the "Uncle amiibo." In larger kingdoms, finding them can be a hassle. Here, everything is central. It makes the Lake Kingdom the best place to farm coins or test out new movement tech.
Why You Should Revisit After the Main Story
Once you break the Moon Rock in the post-game, the Lake Kingdom gets a second life. The new Moons are placed in much more challenging spots. Some require you to use the "Cappy Roll" across the surface of the water, a move that requires precise timing. There’s also the recurring appearance of Princess Peach. Seeing her exploring the kingdom on her own adds to the sense that this is a living, breathing world, not just a level for you to beat.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Run
To truly master the Lake Kingdom, stop playing it like a traditional platformer. Here is how to actually optimize your time in Lake Lamode:
- Prioritize the Cheep Cheep: Don't try to swim as Mario. The oxygen mechanic is a handicap you don't need. Grab a fish immediately.
- Check the Pillars: Many Moons are hidden at the very top of the underwater pillars. Use the Cheep Cheep’s vertical dash to reach them quickly.
- The Zipper Shortcut: There is a large zipper on the floor near the plaza. Opening it creates a massive air hole that lets you drop straight down into the deep sections, saving you a good 20 seconds of swimming.
- Talk to the NPCs: The Lochladies provide some of the best world-building dialogue in the game. They’ll give you hints about Bowser’s "wedding planning" that make the story feel more cohesive.
- Master the Dive-Jump: If you’re on the surface, use the long jump followed by a dive to skip across the water. It’s faster than swimming and keeps your momentum high for when you hit the land sections.
Lake Lamode might be the "quiet" kingdom, but it’s far from boring. It’s a masterclass in atmosphere and compact level design. Next time you're flying the Odyssey, don't just skip past it. Dive in, stay a while, and actually look at the zippers. You’ll find there’s a lot more under the surface than you realized.