Mario’s always been known for his power-ups, and in Super Mario 64 they took the form of caps. Putting on a new hat will allow Mario to fly through the sky, turn invisible, or become metallic depending which one you find. They won’t be available immediately though, and need to be found and unlocked in secret courses within Peach’s Castle. Read on to learn where to find the Vanish Cap in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars version of Mario 64!
How to unlock the Metal Cap
The Wing Cap might be the game’s marquee power-up, but the Metal Cap has managed to make its mark a different way. By putting this on, Mario will become Metal Mario, who’s been a standalone character in Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. games. In Mario 64 though, it’ll make Mario invulnerable. That means no damage, no drowning, and no choking on toxic fumes. You’ll also be very heavy,which affects your jumps and makes you sink in water. Metal Mario lasts for 20 seconds.
Just like other power-ups in Super Mario 64, to unlock the Metal Cap you’ll have to complete a secret stage. You can find Cavern of the Metal Cap in the course Hazy Maze Cave, which can be visited once you’ve cleared Bowser in the Dark World as well. By traveling to the underwater cavern in the course where Dorrie (the large, blue, aquatic dinosaur) swims, you can get on their head and steer to a pair of double doors. Pass through and jump through the liquid metal wall to reach a hidden area.
Once there, you’ll be Metal Mario and will have to navigate in such a way that the river’s strong current won’t sweep you away. There’s a Power Star to collect here by gathering eight Red Coins as well, but by hitting the Green ! Switch you’ll make the Metal Cap available. This will activate Green ! Blocks and be your final power-up (following the Wing Cap and Vanish Cap) in Super Mario 64!
Courses where the Metal Cap can be found:
- Whomp’s Fortress
- Jolly Roger Bay
- Hazy Maze Cave
- Dire, Dire Docks
- Wet-Dry World
More Super Mario 3D All-Stars guides
Looking for more help with any of the games in Super Mario 3D All-Stars? Check out our other guides!
Super Mario 64 Guides
Super Mario Sunshine Guides
Super Mario Galaxy Guides
Written by Ricky Berg
When he isn’t writing for Nintendo Wire, Ricky’s anticipating the next Kirby, Fire Emblem, or if the stars ever align, Mother 3 to be released. Till then he’ll have the warm comfort of Super Smash Bros. to keep him going.
