You’re staring at the purple sludge, the screen is scrolling faster than you’d like, and there’s a massive, angry caterpillar screaming through the marsh. This is Wiggler Stampede, otherwise known as World 5-7 in New Super Mario Bros. U (and the Deluxe version on Switch). If you’re here, you’re probably missing one of those three elusive shiny medals.
Honestly, this level is a bit of a nightmare. It’s one of the few stages where the "platform" is a living, breathing enemy that doesn't care if you fall into the poison. Most players struggle because they try to rush. They think speed is the answer. It isn't.
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Getting all the Wiggler Stampede star coins requires a mix of patience and literal leap-of-faith timing. You’ve got to treat the Big Wiggler like a bus that only makes three stops. If you miss your stop, you’re restarting the level.
The First Star Coin: Don't Jump Too Early
The first coin is basically a vibe check. You’ll see it floating right over a pool of poison near the start.
Most people panic. They see the Big Wiggler moving and they try to wall-jump or flutter-jump toward the coin immediately. Don't do that. You just need to stand on the Big Wiggler's back and wait for it to reach the far left of its patrol path.
When it hits that peak point, the coin is right there. A simple hop gets it. If you’re playing as Nabbit, this is trivial, but for Mario or Luigi, timing that bounce off the Wiggler's segment is key. If you fall in, well, the poison in Soda Jungle doesn't just hurt—it's an instant death.
The Second Star Coin: The Hidden Beanstalk
This is the one that ruins 100% runs. Seriously.
Right after you grab the first coin, you’ll see a platform with three Brick Blocks. Most players just smash them for coins or run past them because the screen is pushing them forward. That middle block is the secret.
How to reach the sky area:
- Wait for the Big Wiggler to pass underneath the blocks.
- Jump and hit the middle Brick Block.
- A Beanstalk (vine) will sprout.
- Climb it fast.
Once you’re in the sky, it’s a total change of pace. No poison, just clouds and more vines. You’ll see several blocks here; hit them to spawn more vines. The second star coin is floating at the very top. It’s "safe" up here, but don't dawdle—you still have a level to finish once you drop back down.
The Third Star Coin: The Leap of Faith
The final coin is located toward the end of the level, and it’s the most dangerous. You’ll be riding a Big Wiggler across a long stretch of poison.
The coin is floating between two solid platforms, but it’s positioned low—dangerously close to the liquid. As the Wiggler moves, it will actually dip down into the poison slightly. This is your window.
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If you have the Super Acorn (Flying Squirrel suit), this is easy. You can glide down, snag it, and boost back up. Without the suit? You have to wait for the Wiggler to be at its lowest point, jump off its back to grab the coin, and then land on the next solid platform.
It’s tight. If you jump too late, the Wiggler has already moved on, and you’re sinking.
Pro Tips for Soda Jungle 5-7
If you're still struggling, change your character. Toadette (or Peachette in the Deluxe version) makes the third coin significantly easier because of her double jump and float.
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Also, keep in mind that "Wiggler Stampede" is often confused with levels in Super Mario Bros. Wonder because of the new "stampede" mechanics in that game. But let’s be clear: in Wonder, you’re looking for Purple Flower Coins, not Gold Star Coins. If you're looking for the Bulrush Express or the Wiggler Race in Wonder, that's a different beast entirely.
In NSMBU, the "stampede" is really just the relentless movement of those giant caterpillars.
Actionable Steps for your 100% Run
- Grab a Super Acorn before entering the level. You can usually find one in the Acorn Plains world map. It makes the third coin 90% safer.
- Ignore the small coins. They are a distraction designed to make you miss your jump windows on the Big Wiggler.
- Watch the Wiggler's eyes. When it turns red and speeds up, its movement becomes erratic. Try to grab the coins while it's still "calm" (yellow) if possible.
- Check the Brick Blocks. Always hit the middle block in the section following the first coin; the vine is easy to miss if you’re sprinting.
Go back into Soda Jungle and grab those coins. Once you have all three, the path to Iggy’s Volcanic Castle becomes a whole lot more satisfying.