New Super Mario Bros. U has a way of making you feel like a platforming god one second and a total amateur the next. Usually, that shift happens right around World 2. Specifically, it happens in Stoneslide Tower.
If you're hunting for every single stoneslide tower star coins set, you already know the level isn't just about jumping. It’s about those giant, clunky screwtop platforms that you have to spin like a madman. Most people breeze through the level, beat Boom Boom, and then realize they missed two out of three coins.
It’s annoying. I’ve been there.
The thing about Stoneslide Tower is that it hides its treasures in plain sight, but locks them behind mechanics that require actual timing. You can't just run and gun. You have to manipulate the environment.
The First Coin: Don't Overthink the Start
Right at the beginning of the level, you’ll see the first screw. You might be tempted to just spin it and move on. Don't.
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When you rotate that first screwtop, it doesn't just move a platform; it reveals a ledge on the left. The first of the stoneslide tower star coins is sitting right there. The catch? If you wait too long or spin the platform too far, the coin becomes much harder to grab or disappears behind the geometry.
Basically, as soon as you see that gold glimmer on the left ledge, ditch the screw and hop over. It's a "gimme" coin, but only if you're paying attention within the first thirty seconds of the stage.
The Second Coin: The Wall Jump Test
After you move past the first section and start climbing, you’ll run into a room with Koopa Bones (Dry Bones) and more screws. This is where most players get lost because they're too focused on not getting hit by those wandering skeletons.
Here is the secret:
After you rotate the second screw—the one that slides the large stone block to the right—don't keep going up. Instead, sprint to the far left. Use that newly positioned block as a base and wall jump up the left shaft.
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Most people think the path only goes up the middle. It doesn't. That left-side shaft leads directly to the second star coin. It's tucked away in a little alcove that’s invisible if you're just staring at the exit pipe.
The Third Coin: The Grrrol Puzzle
Honestly, the third star coin is the real run-killer. It’s located in a hidden sub-area that requires you to be a bit of a "Mario detective."
- Find the Pipe: After the checkpoint flag, you’ll see a signpost pointing up. There’s a screw nearby that raises a platform next to some quicksand.
- The Reveal: Spin that screw until the platform rises, then quickly run underneath it. There is a hidden warp pipe along the left wall that you can only see once that block is out of the way.
- The Grrrol Game: Inside this pipe is a room with "Hard Blocks" (the grey ones you can't break) and Grrrols—those spiky, rolling stone enemies.
- The Strategy: You can't break the bricks yourself. You have to use the screw in this room to tilt the platform, guiding the rolling Grrrols so they smash into the bricks protecting the star coin.
It takes a second to get the rhythm right. If you move the platform too early, the Grrrol falls into the pit. If you move it too late, it just bounces off. You need to aim them like a slow-motion game of bowling. Once they clear the path, dodge the next Grrrol and snag your prize.
Expert Tips for a Clean Run
If you're struggling with the physics of the screws, there are a few ways to "cheat" the difficulty.
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Using the Flying Squirrel Suit (Super Acorn) makes the second coin significantly easier because you can just glide into the alcove rather than relying on a perfect wall jump. Similarly, if you're playing New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe on the Switch, using Nabbit makes the Grrrol room a joke since you won't take damage from the rolling spikes.
Also, keep in mind that the Wii U GamePad (on the original version) or Boost Mode platforms can be used to bypass the screw mechanics entirely if you have a second player helping you out. It’s a bit of a cheap tactic, but hey, a 100% save file is a 100% save file.
Why This Level Matters
Stoneslide Tower is a gatekeeper. It’s the game’s way of telling you that "World 1 was the tutorial, now we're playing for real." The star coins here aren't just collectibles; they teach you how to look for hidden pipes and how to use enemies to your advantage.
Once you have all three, you’re officially ready for the chaos of the later worlds.
Your Next Steps
- Check your totals: Open the world map and make sure the Stone-Eye Zone and Perilous Pokey Cave are also cleared out.
- Power up: If you lost your Squirrel Suit in the Grrrol room, head back to Acorn Plains-1 to grab a fresh one before hitting the boss.
- Master the Boss: Boom Boom is waiting at the top. Remember, he gains a "spin" move after the first hit, so don't get greedy with your jumps.