Mario Maker levels are custom-designed stages created by players within Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker franchise. These games allow users to step into the role of a game designer, using a vast toolkit of enemies, blocks, and power-ups to build unique experiences. Whether you are looking to play challenging new stages or want to share your own creations with the world, understanding how to navigate these levels is essential for any fan.
The community has produced millions of courses ranging from traditional platforming adventures to complex puzzles and high-speed races. This guide will help you find the best levels to play and provide actionable steps for those interested in building their own courses in Super Mario Maker 2 on the Nintendo Switch.
How to Find Mario Maker Levels
The primary way to find and play levels is through the “Course World” menu in Super Mario Maker 2. This online hub categorizes levels so players can find exactly what they are looking for based on difficulty or style. You will need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to access these features.
Within Course World, you have several options for discovery:
- Courses: This section allows you to browse levels based on “Hot,” “Popular,” or “New” rankings. This is the best way to see what the community is currently enjoying.
- Detailed Search: This feature lets you filter levels by game style (such as Super Mario World or 3D World), theme (underground, desert, etc.), and difficulty level.
- Leaderboards: You can find top-rated makers here. Following a highly-ranked maker is a great way to ensure a steady stream of high-quality levels in your feed.
Using Course IDs
Every level uploaded to the Nintendo servers is assigned a unique 9-character alphanumeric code known as a Course ID. If you see a level on social media or a video sharing site, you can enter this code directly into the search bar in Course World to find that specific stage.
To use a Course ID, go to the “Courses” menu and select the “ID” button. Type in the code exactly as it appears. This is the most reliable way to play specific levels recommended by friends or online communities.
Common Types of Mario Maker Levels
The Mario Maker community has developed several distinct genres of levels over the years. Knowing these terms will help you use the search filters more effectively.
Traditional Levels aim to mimic the design of official Nintendo games. They usually have a fair difficulty curve and focus on standard platforming. These are ideal for players who want a classic Mario experience.
Puzzle-Solving Levels require players to think critically rather than just move quickly. You might need to manipulate enemies, use specific power-ups in order, or find hidden paths to reach the goal.
Speedrun Levels are designed to be played as fast as possible. They often feature a very short time limit and clear indicators (like coins or arrows) telling the player exactly when to jump or run.
Kaizo Levels are extremely difficult stages intended for highly skilled players. They require precise movements and often use advanced techniques not found in standard Mario games. Beginners should generally avoid these until they are comfortable with the game’s mechanics.
Auto-Mario Levels are “don’t touch the controller” stages. The maker uses complex physics and conveyor belts to move Mario through the level automatically. These are visually impressive but require no player input to complete.
How to Create and Upload Your Own Level
Building your own Mario Maker level is a rewarding process that allows for total creative freedom. To start, select “Course Maker” from the main menu. You can toggle between different game styles and themes at any time during the build process.
Follow these steps to successfully share your level with the community:
- Build your stage: Use the grid to place blocks, enemies, and items. Ensure there is a clear path from the start to the goal.
- Playtest constantly: While building, press the “Play” button frequently to test small sections. This helps you identify jumps that are too difficult or areas where a player might get stuck.
- Perform a Clear Check: Before Nintendo allows you to upload a level, you must complete it yourself from start to finish. This proves that the level is actually beatable. If you have checkpoints, you must be able to beat the level from every checkpoint as well.
- Upload: Once the Clear Check is finished, you can name your level, add a description, and select two tags (such as “Standard” or “Short and Sweet”) to help others find it.
Tips for Better Level Design
Creating a level that other players enjoy requires more than just placing enemies randomly. Good design focuses on the player’s experience. A common mistake is making a level “too hard” by hiding traps that the player cannot see coming. This is often referred to as “unfair” design.
To improve your levels, try to follow these principles:
- Give the player a safe space: Introduce new mechanics in an area where the player cannot die. This allows them to learn how a specific contraption works before they have to use it over a pit.
- Use indicators: Use coins, arrows, or tracks to guide the player toward the correct path. This prevents confusion and makes the level feel more polished.
- Stick to a theme: A level usually feels more cohesive if it focuses on one or two main ideas rather than trying to use every enemy in the game.
- Check for “softlocks”: A softlock is a situation where a player is trapped and cannot die or finish the level. Always ensure there is a way out of every area or a way for the player to restart.
Finding Levels Outside the Game
While the in-game search tools are helpful, many players use external websites to find the highest-quality Mario Maker levels. These sites often feature better sorting options and community reviews.
Popular external resources include:
Reddit: The “MarioMaker” subreddit is a very active community where creators share their newest Course IDs and host level-sharing competitions. It is a great place to get feedback on your own designs.
MakerCentral: This is a fan-made database that tracks level statistics and allows for more granular searching than the official game. It is particularly useful for finding levels that fit a specific niche.
Discord Servers: Many Mario Maker streamers and creators have dedicated Discord servers where players share levels and discuss design tips. Joining these communities can help you find a group of players who enjoy the same styles of levels as you do.
The Status of Super Mario Maker 1 Levels
It is important to note that the original Super Mario Maker on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS has undergone significant changes. As of April 2024, Nintendo has discontinued online services for these consoles. While you can still play levels that were already downloaded to your system, you can no longer upload new levels or download new ones from the server.
For the full experience of searching, playing, and sharing levels, players should use Super Mario Maker 2 on the Nintendo Switch. This version contains all the features of the original plus many new themes, items, and a much larger active player base.
Whether you are a casual player looking for a few minutes of fun or an aspiring game designer, Mario Maker levels offer a nearly infinite amount of content. By using the search tools effectively and following basic design principles, you can make the most of this creative platform.
For more guides on gaming and digital hobbies, explore our other articles on platforming games and online community safety.