New Super Mario Bros 2 Star Coins, Moon Coins and world routes
Distinguish optional worlds, hidden exits and special collectibles.
Edition covered
Original Nintendo 3DS base game. Historical Coin Rush DLC is identified separately and is not assumed to be newly purchasable.
Track special coins separately
Standard courses contain Star Coins, while the postgame Star World uses Moon Coins. The ordinary coin total does not tell you which of these are missing.
| Group | Contents | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Main sequence | Worlds 1–6 | Primary rescue adventure. |
| Mushroom World | Optional world | Additional courses and routes. |
| Flower World | Optional world | Additional courses and routes. |
| World Star | After defeating World 6 Bowser | The first courses require the 90-Star-Coin gate; collect Moon Coins inside. |
Use the map to plan optional routes
Mushroom and Flower are optional worlds connected through hidden progression routes. A normal clear may leave their entrance path undiscovered.
| Object or result | Meaning | Track it with |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary coin | Adds to coin accumulation | Coin counter. |
| Star Coin | Special course collectible | Course coin slots. |
| Moon Coin | Star World collectible | Star World course record. |
| Secret exit | Opens an alternate path | World map connections. |
Open World Star’s first courses
Defeat Bowser in World 6 to reach World Star. Its first courses sit behind a 90-Star-Coin gate. The courses inside contain Moon Coins, which are separate from the earlier worlds’ Star Coins.
Return with a known objective
Choose a missing collectible or exit before entering a cleared stage. This keeps a collection run separate from an ordinary-coin farming run.
Some map access uses Star Coins. Confirm the game’s prompt before spending or assuming that a coin gate behaves like World 9 in the Wii game.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Super Mario Wiki: New Super Mario Bros. 2 | www.mariowiki.com |
| Super Mario Wiki: World Star | www.mariowiki.com |