The popularity of Super Mario 3D World is clearly still quite high, as Nintendo even released a remake of it for the Nintendo Switch earlier this year. It works so well because it takes Mario and his closest allies on an adventure that is unlike any other in this franchise's history. It is full of many entertaining levels, too, so there is so much gameplay to be had and certain levels that stand out the most.
This game understandably has a handful of stages that people may argue are too easy. Even with this being so, there are still many positive elements to them, such as how cool they look or that they are humorous. On the flip side, though, this game is absolutely not a walk in the park. It actually possesses some of the hardest levels in all of Mario games, especially when it comes to the later portions. This massive difference is actually what makes this game such a classic already. It finds the perfect balance in the process, and that is what gamers truly love.
Hardest: Boss Blitz
When playing Boss Blitz, Mario finds himself in a rather difficult situation. He faces off against five separate bosses, whilst being timed, which is challenging enough. Yet, it becomes even more difficult when Mario has to face Motley Bossblob when a sixth box appears after.
These foes all possess different obstacles for Mario to overcome, so this is no walk in the park. If this level was not timed, it would be far easier, but that is not the case. Thus, a player must become a master of the game to find success.
Too Easy: Super Bell Hill
Super Bell Hill is understandably easy, as it is the first level of the entire game. It is a fantastic introductory level, as it shows the player what to expect throughout the game. There are some Goombas to beat, but that is easy, too.
It is essentially impossible to fall off the stage, while simultaneously having simple stars to obtain. It certainly is a nice-looking level and one that fans of the game will forever appreciate, but it is still quite simple.
Hardest: Cosmic Cannon Cluster
As its name implies, Cosmic Cannon Cluster has a lot going on in it. Therefore, it is immensely challenging to beat, even for the most skilled of players. The slightest of mistakes will result in Mario falling off the map immediately.
An aspect of this level that makes it even more challenging is that the player has to jump on small cannonballs to climb up a wall. This is hard enough, but the last section of the level requires the gamer to hit a bunch of boxes while on moving platforms. Oh, and Dry Bones keeps spawning randomly, too.
Too Easy: Sprawling Savanna Rabbit Run
Sprawling Savanna Rabbit Run is the perfect level for those who love bunnies. It does not possess many enemies either, as the vast majority of the level allows the player to freely roam.
Each star in this level is also very easy to get, as they are not hidden with much difficulty. The hardest one is catching the giant bunny, but even that does not create much of a problem, as there are speed power-ups in the level to help.
Hardest: Red-Hot Run
Red-Hot Run automatically becomes challenging because of the fact that the player must complete it in 100 seconds. It makes sense though, as the level has boost platforms everywhere.
Yet, obtaining each green star with them becomes very difficult because of how quickly everything is moving. The level also becomes progressively harder, as once the player reaches the last part of it, a plethora of spiked barriers appear and are almost unavoidable.
Too Easy: Backstreet Bustle
Backstreet Bustle is another 100-second level, but it is extremely easy to complete. All the player has to do is ground pound the broken tile at the beginning of the level to get the first star and then use the double cherry power-up to move forward.
Every other star in this level is very easy to spot, and the foes are not hard to get by. It is simple to admire the unique elements to this level, but it is far too easy to cause any real trouble for the player.
Hardest: Super Galaxy
The Super Galaxy level pays homage to the remarkably popular video game, Super Mario Galaxy. However, this level is a major pain for every gamer because of how hard it is. It is another level that each character can fall off easily.
The rotating platforms in this level are virtually everywhere, which means the player needs to perfectly time their jumps. Also, when it comes to the final star, it is on a turning platform, which is just unfair.
Too Easy: Plessie's Plunging Falls
Plessie's Plunging Falls is a level that pays homage to the famous slide tasks in Super Mario 64. Mario and friends ride Plessie throughout this level and it is a fun journey. The enemies in this level are also very easy to avoid, as the player only has to jump over them.
From a stylistic standpoint, it is definitely breathtaking. This, in turn, makes it one of the most memorable, as evidenced by its significance in Bowser's Fury. However, it is a piece of cake to finish because it is very straightforward.
Hardest: Champion's Road
Champion's Road is by far the hardest level in the game. It is often the one that is prohibiting gamers from finishing this game entirely. For starters, this level does not even possess a checkpoint, so one mistake means that player must completely restart.
Alas, that is the thing to worry least about, though. It has difficult foes at every turn and timed platforms that are almost impossible to master. Yet, the final part of the level is just insanity, as the player needs to collect five key rings while on speed pads, but also avoid an abundance of attacks from Ring Burners.
Too Easy: Mount Must Dash
Mount Must Dash is a pretty cool level, as it does have some nice scenery along the way. However, this level is among the easiest in the game without question, as it is nearly impossible to die. There are a few piranha plants, but they are very avoidable.
Furthermore, it is another level that is very simple to find the green stars in, as all the player has to do is pay close attention and follow its path. It does pay homage to Mario Kart with its race-like theme, but it is far simpler than those games.