Super Mario 3D Land Star Medals and course gates
Track the three medal slots and plan returns for locked courses.
Edition covered
Original Nintendo 3DS release. Super Mario 3D World characters, Green Stars and Cat Suits are outside this game.
Collect medals while learning the route
Most standard courses place three Star Medals along optional paths. A medal that appears early may require approaching it from a later platform.
| Place | What to inspect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard course | Three medal slots | Target the missing pickup. |
| World-map gate | Displayed required total | Collect enough before returning. |
| Mystery Box | Timed challenge objective | Finish the short task. |
| Special World course | New medal layout | Relearn the route rather than copying the original. |
Read the gate before replaying
The world map shows the medal total required for a locked course. Compare that number with your total, then target stages with missing slots.
| Clue | Response | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Medal above the route | Look for a higher starting platform | Jump height may be enough. |
| Medal beyond a gap | Check safe landing and float | Avoid a one-way fall. |
| Empty slot after a clear | Replay for that position | Keeps the search focused. |
| Locked later stage | Compare total and requirement | Select the shortest useful cleanup. |
Use Mystery Boxes as another source
Mystery Box challenges offer additional medal opportunities. Their short objectives differ from searching a full platforming stage.
Bring the appropriate form
A high medal may become easier with a Tanooki float or a better jump setup. Avoid assuming every visible medal requires a new power-up; inspect the route first.
Mystery Box challenges offer additional medal opportunities. Their short objectives differ from searching a full platforming stage.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Super Mario Wiki: Super Mario 3D Land | www.mariowiki.com |