[[Image:SMB3-8-Aircraft.png|thumb|right|Click on the image for the unedited NES map]]
*This level belongs to the hardest levels in the game - the level scrolls by very fast requiring almost instant jumps and then there's the Rocky Wrenches which annoy you. You may want to use a P-Wing for this level.
If you've been saving your P-Wings for a rainy day, consider the airship stage a downpour. These mini-airships are the fighter planes of the Koopa's Air Force. They move faster than the Koopaling's Airships, so the screen scrolls at top speed.
*The basic idea is to jump from aircraft to aircraft. But as already mentioned, they fly very fast, so you have to be very quick. Also, try to avoid the wrenches thrown by the Rocky Wrenches scattered about.
{{-}}
*The pipe at the end leads to Boom-Boom yet again. Defeat him like you did last time to end this level.
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 AF a.png}}
* '''1''': A Raccoon or Tanooki Suit can give you the edge you'll need to pass the challenging Airship stage.
==8-1==
* '''2''': As you're jumping between platforms at point 2, land directly on Rocky Wrenches to cast them off the side of the ship, as this will keep stray wrenches from hitting you at an awkward time. Never land on a Rocky Wrench when he's just about to throw a wrench of he'll tag you with it.
{{Scrolling map|SMB3-8-1.png{{!}}1408px}}
* '''3''': It's best to stand on the rocket when you're jumping from ship to ship. Leap high, then use your tail to float across the wide gap. If you don't have a Raccoon Suit, it's a difficult jump.
*If you're Raccoon or Tanooki Mario, fly straight up at the beginning of this level to discover a P-Switch in the sky. Step on it and then drop down to find a horde of coins that have now appeared.
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 AF b.png}}
*Afterwards, fly forward and land on the tall pipe. Go down to arrive in the bonus area (see below).
[[Image:SMB3 W8 Stage End.png|right]]
*On foot, it's a bit harder. You need to jump across all the pipes while avoiding the Piranha Plants. (Just behind the first one there's a Fire Flower if you want it). Between the first two towers of Bullet Bill shooters, there's a starman which helps a lot in this level.
* '''4''': Avoid Rocket Engines and flying wrenches as you hop from the final platforms. You'll need the Raccoon Suit to glide the long distances between platforms. If you're having trouble and have several P-Wings stored in your inventory, use one to pass this stage easily.
*Behind them, watch the Bullet Bill shooter on the ground. The block directly above it contains a 1-up mushroom. Behind it, you need to duck to both avoid a Bullet Bill and to get through the hole - and then there's a Boo Diddley which you need to avoid as well. At least you can grab a raccoon leaf from the brick block just behind.
* '''B''': As you'd expect for an airship captain, BOOM-BOOM will sprout wings after you stomp on him the first time.
*You'll need to stomp off the red Para-Troopa to get past the Bullet Bill shooters. After that, use the note block to get on top of the pipe, but be sure to not fall down. Get to the other pipe, then jump to the exit area to grab the goal card.
{{-}}
==World 8-1==
===Bonus area===
[[Image:SMB3-8-1.png|thumb|right|Click on the image for the unedited NES map]]
{{Scrolling map|SMB3-8-1-bonus.png{{!}}128px}}
You'll be as green as the scenery when you see how many cannons are aimed at you. After all that military hardware Bowser threw at you, you'll be glad to see a normal world. But this stage is extremely tough to complete unless you're Raccoon Mario!
*Jump at the giant ? block to get three 1-up mushrooms. Afterwards, slide down the level and enter the pipe at the bottom to arrive just past the Boo Diddley.
{{-}}
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 S1 a.png}}
==8-2==
[[Image:SMB3 W8 S1 c.png|right]]
{{Scrolling map|SMB3-8-2.png{{!}}1920px}}
* '''1''': Raccoon Mario can easily fly at the start. Go straight up to Switch Block at the beginning of the stage to cash in on a cache of glittering silver coins.
*Deliberately sink down the first quicksand pit you see to get to a secret area. Both pipes you see here take you to the bonus area (see below).
* '''2''': Knock the power-up out of the '''?''' Block and be careful when you try to collect it. ''Note: In the GBA version, a Note Block has been added to the right of the platform. Use the Jump Block to bounce up, but don't leap into a set of fireballs from the Venus Fire Trap.''
*Jump over the first three Piranha Plants in the quicksand pit, then jump down the hill, being careful to not run into the Piranha Plants. After that, the Angry Sun from level 2-Quicksand will reappear to annoy you. You'll need to cross the first pit using the note blocks. You can also use the P-Switch hidden in a block on the hill if you want to make it slightly easier.
* '''3''': Use the flat stretch at the start to build your P-Meter and fly to the top of the sky pipe to the right. Inside (shown right), there's a '''?''' Block loaded with three 1-Ups. If you like, you can charge up your P-Meter, exit the room, and fly to the end of the stage.
*When you're climbing the second hill, you can try to jump over the Piranha Plants, but it is not exactly trivial to do. On the other side, you can simply slide down the hill.
* '''4''': The Starman inside the '''?''' Block at point 4 will allow you to power through Bullet Bills without a worry. Don't get knocked out by a Bullet Bill in the process, or it won't be worth it.
*The end is very hard. You only have two note blocks and the Angry Sun is still there. If you miss, you die. You need lots of patience to make it through this section. After this, just collect the goal card to end the level.
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 S1 b.png}}
* '''5''': Jump at point 5 to find an Invisible Block. Use the newly discovered block as a safe haven and escape route out of the cannon trap Bowser so skillfully constructed.
===Bonus area===
* '''6''': Get a running start and hop onto the Jump Block to propel yourself across the wide gap. If you're wearing the Raccoon Suit, use the tail to control your descent. You don't want to land on a Piranha Plant! If you're not Raccoon Mario, it might not be a bad idea to stomp the Koopa and carry his shell to use it as a shield against the plant.
{{Scrolling map|SMB3-8-2-bonus.png{{!}}384px}}
==World 8-2==
*If you went down the left pipe you'll be in the left half. It doesn't really have anything other than a single raccoon leaf, so collect it and then get out.
[[Image:SMB3-8-2.png|thumb|right|Click on the image for the unedited NES map]]
*If you chose the right pipe though, you'll be in an area with some coins. You can try to get some of these, but you'll need to fly if you want to get them all.
The Angry Sun is angry—angry enough to attack Mario in the dead of night! This world, like all of Bowser's underworld, is tough. But, there is a secret passage (to beat all secret passages) that will take you through to almost the end of the stage.
*No matter which side you are on, when you exit through the pipe you'll end up in the middle of the second hill. The Angry Sun will also be absent, making this level much easier.
* '''1''': Relax and allow yourself to sink into the quicksand. In a secret chamber below, you'll find two useful warp pipes.
*This level is another contender for "hardest level in the game". Essentially, there are two sides - a blue side and a gray side. You start at the blue side, and going through any door gets you to the corresponding area in the gray side, and vice versa.
* '''2''': Take the left pipe to fall to the bottom of a room (shown left) that contains a power-up. If you're Super Mario, you can grab a Super Leaf. Exit through a pipe at the top of the room to warp to the fresh air above.
*The brick block above the second door contains a Fire Flower. You'll need to be big Mario to break some brick blocks at the end to get into the door, which leads into the gray half. Be warned, you end up on a conveyor belt and are pushed into the lava right away.
* '''3''': If you're already Raccoon Mario, take the right pipe instead. You'll plummet through a cloud of coins (shown right). Enter the pipe at the bottom of the room to skip to near the end of the stage.
*Go to the right across all the conveyor belts and past a Thwomp until you reach a door on solid blocks, enter it to be back in the blue side. Step on the P-Switch just standing out in the open and quickly run to the right through the coins and past a Thwomp, and enter the door at the very end (it is only there as long as the P-Switch is active) to reappear in the gray half.
* '''4''': Hop over the Venus Fire Traps that have made a home of the desert quicksand. The fireballs they shoot can blast you out of the sky, so watch yourself.
*Once back in the gray half, run all the way to the end. At the bottom, you'll see a Thwomp. Wait until it has moved to the left, then drop down and jump over it as it moves towards you. Go to the left and jump at both brick blocks - one of them has a P-Switch, the other one breaks allowing you to go up. Step on the switch and run all the way to the end to see a new door that has appeared, immediately enter it.
|}
*You're now in Boom-Boom's chamber. Once the P-Switch expires, duck and the conveyor belt will automatically take you past the spikes and to Boom-Boom. This time, the conveyor belt makes the fight a bit harder than usual. As always, stomp on him three times, feed him five fireballs or lob a single hammer at him to defeat him.
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 S2 b.png}}
* '''5''': As you make your way down the slope, pound the Switch Block. As soon as you've hit it, sprint to the bottom of the hill. Instead of using the Jump Blocks, hop on the newly formed blocks above them. It will make evading The Angry Sun a bit easier. The block will probably turn back into coins before you can make it all the way across. Use the Jump Blocks to finish crossing.
==Tanks 2==
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 S2 c.png}}
{{Scrolling map|SMB3-8-Tanks2.png{{!}}1152px}}
* '''6''': When you come out of this pipe from the secret rooms, you'll be surrounded by Piranha Plant fire. If you jump up as they fire, they'll aim high and you can run by when they retreat.
*As Raccoon or Tanooki Mario, you can actually fly on top of the air support in this level. You just need to watch out for cannonballs that shoot upward, and since you can't see yourself, they aren't easy to avoid.
* '''7''': Use the Jump Blocks to cross the gap separating you from the end of the stage. In an emergency, land on the Koopa Paratroopa if you can't quite make it to the Jump Block. Don't forget about the Angry Sun—it will continue to pursue you with a vengeance.
*Despite the bombardment from above, this should not be too hard if you've already survived the first Tanks level. Just watch out for the groups of cannonball shooters on the ground and you'll do fine.
*Enter the pipe at the end to get to Boom-Boom, for the last time in this game! Defeat him like you did last time to end the level.
==World 8 Fortress==
The finest traps, the most brutal enemies and a masterful maze guard a dreary fortress. If you thought the other Fortresses were tough, wait until you get a load of this one. The pinnacle of Koopa's crafty engineering, this Fortress will boggle your mind with its two side4s and multiple traps. Explore thoroughly…
=== Front side ===
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 F1 a1.png}}
* '''1''': Enter the first door to reach a room containing a power-up. Hit the '''?''' Block from the bottom right to make the power-up slide to the left (and away from the lava). If it's a Super Leaf, it will float down slowly.
* '''2''': If you're desperate for 1-Ups, here's a crafty one to find. Jump to the right of the door to find an Invisible Block. Use it to reach the Switch Block, stomp it, then enter the door under the "H". There will be a secret foor on the platform to the right of the conveyor. Go through the white door to reach the room with a 1-Up.
* '''3''': This Thwomp will trap you in this area by the door, blocking your access to the '''?''' Block above. Trigger the Thwomp Trap to move it left, then go under the doorway and hit the block containing a 1-Up from the bottom right. It'll slide to the left, so grab it when it's safe to do so.
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 F1 b1.png}}
* '''4''': Hit the Switch Block, then run left to the white doorway and enter it before it disappears. Then go down and left through the door. You'll see three blocks to the left; bump the last of the blocks from the bottom left to pick up a 1-Up.
* '''5''': Activate this Switch Block and a door will appear on the conveyor belt. It leads to a room with a '''?''' Block that contains a Fire Flower. If you'd rather have a Super Leaf, go through the lower door and head left.
=== Back side ===
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 F1 a2.png}}
* '''6''': Fall down the pit below the door. If you fall through this door as Small Mario, you may think there's no way you can get to that lone '''?''' Block. However, you can jump to reveal a series of Invisible Blocks that will fill the area beneath the door. Run across the gaps to the right if you're small Mario and make it past the Thwomp. If you're Super Mario, just bust your way through the blocks to the left. Then make your way to the door above.
* '''7''': Use the maze of doors to your advantage! When you enter a door, all of the blocks will reset. Collect the power-up at point 7, then enter the door below it and come right back to find the power-up replenished. Just don't go for it unless the Thwomp is resetting. You'll be powered up in no time.
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 F1 b2.png}}
* '''8''': Any attempt to jump through the gap at point 8 will reveal an Invisible Block. Carefully jump and hit only the block on the right side of the gap. After the 1-Up appears and falls down the gap, grab it, then jump to hit the remaining two Invisible Blocks.
* '''9''': With all these secret doors, you might have guessed that the exit is also hidden. Move right on the conveyor belt. Your proximity should spring the Thwomp Trap, so wait for it to get out of the way, then fall to the floor. Jump over the trap, move left, and hit the block to reveal a Switch Block. Get back up, hit the Switch Block, skip the door on the conveyor belt, and enter the white door to the right—It leads to BOOM-BOOM's hidden chambers.
=== Boss room ===
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 F1 c.png}}
* '''B''': Once you enter this area, squat under the spikes to reach the boss. Expect a tough battle with BOOM-BOOM on a moving conveyor belt. Don't let yourself get pushed into him.
<gallery>
Image:SMB3-8-Fortress_1.png|Click on the image for the first part of the unedited NES map
Image:SMB3-8-Fortress_2.png|Click on the image for the second part of the unedited NES map
</gallery>
==World 8 Super Tank==
[[Image:SMB3-8-Tanks2.png|thumb|right|Click on the image for the unedited NES map]]
A titanic, rolling juggernaut of a tank is all that remains of Bowser's once-great army. This train of cannons and Bob-ombs manned by six of Bowser's crack Rocky Wrenches is the only thing preventing Mario from entering the Castle of Koopa. The Princess is waiting for you!!!
{{-}}
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 T2 a.png}}
* '''1''': Don't panic—things will begin flying fast and furious right here, at the front of the super tank. Keep cool and hold down {{nes|B}} as you jump.
* '''2''': It's raining wrenches. A row of Rocky Wrench crewmen wait to throw their tools at you at various heights. Do anything you can to avoid the storm of steel they fling. Avoid jumping if possible; you might lose control.
{{Scrolling map|SMB3 W8 T2 b.png}}
[[Image:SMB3 W8 Stage End.png|right]]
* '''3''': Although it's not totally safe (no place on the tank is), your best bet is to stay on the right side of the screen. Don't go to the very edge though.
* '''4''': You're almost there! Take it slow now. Don't do anything rash. Just let these cannons fire and then get on their barrels. Next stop: BOOM-BOOM and then the Castle of Koopa!
* '''B''': The tail end of the Super Tank is the setting for the final showdown with Bowser's henchman, BOOM-BOOM.
{{Footer Nav|game=Super Mario Bros. 3|prevpage=World 8|nextpage=World 8 Part 3}}
{{Footer Nav|game=Super Mario Bros. 3|prevpage=World 8|nextpage=World 8 Part 3}}
If you've been saving your P-Wings for a rainy day, consider the airship stage a downpour. These mini-airships are the fighter planes of the Koopa's Air Force. They move faster than the Koopaling's Airships, so the screen scrolls at top speed.
1: A Raccoon or Tanooki Suit can give you the edge you'll need to pass the challenging Airship stage.
2: As you're jumping between platforms at point 2, land directly on Rocky Wrenches to cast them off the side of the ship, as this will keep stray wrenches from hitting you at an awkward time. Never land on a Rocky Wrench when he's just about to throw a wrench of he'll tag you with it.
3: It's best to stand on the rocket when you're jumping from ship to ship. Leap high, then use your tail to float across the wide gap. If you don't have a Raccoon Suit, it's a difficult jump.
4: Avoid Rocket Engines and flying wrenches as you hop from the final platforms. You'll need the Raccoon Suit to glide the long distances between platforms. If you're having trouble and have several P-Wings stored in your inventory, use one to pass this stage easily.
B: As you'd expect for an airship captain, BOOM-BOOM will sprout wings after you stomp on him the first time.
World 8-1
Click on the image for the unedited NES map
You'll be as green as the scenery when you see how many cannons are aimed at you. After all that military hardware Bowser threw at you, you'll be glad to see a normal world. But this stage is extremely tough to complete unless you're Raccoon Mario!
1: Raccoon Mario can easily fly at the start. Go straight up to Switch Block at the beginning of the stage to cash in on a cache of glittering silver coins.
2: Knock the power-up out of the ? Block and be careful when you try to collect it. Note: In the GBA version, a Note Block has been added to the right of the platform. Use the Jump Block to bounce up, but don't leap into a set of fireballs from the Venus Fire Trap.
3: Use the flat stretch at the start to build your P-Meter and fly to the top of the sky pipe to the right. Inside (shown right), there's a ? Block loaded with three 1-Ups. If you like, you can charge up your P-Meter, exit the room, and fly to the end of the stage.
4: The Starman inside the ? Block at point 4 will allow you to power through Bullet Bills without a worry. Don't get knocked out by a Bullet Bill in the process, or it won't be worth it.
5: Jump at point 5 to find an Invisible Block. Use the newly discovered block as a safe haven and escape route out of the cannon trap Bowser so skillfully constructed.
6: Get a running start and hop onto the Jump Block to propel yourself across the wide gap. If you're wearing the Raccoon Suit, use the tail to control your descent. You don't want to land on a Piranha Plant! If you're not Raccoon Mario, it might not be a bad idea to stomp the Koopa and carry his shell to use it as a shield against the plant.
World 8-2
Click on the image for the unedited NES map
The Angry Sun is angry—angry enough to attack Mario in the dead of night! This world, like all of Bowser's underworld, is tough. But, there is a secret passage (to beat all secret passages) that will take you through to almost the end of the stage.
1: Relax and allow yourself to sink into the quicksand. In a secret chamber below, you'll find two useful warp pipes.
2: Take the left pipe to fall to the bottom of a room (shown left) that contains a power-up. If you're Super Mario, you can grab a Super Leaf. Exit through a pipe at the top of the room to warp to the fresh air above.
3: If you're already Raccoon Mario, take the right pipe instead. You'll plummet through a cloud of coins (shown right). Enter the pipe at the bottom of the room to skip to near the end of the stage.
4: Hop over the Venus Fire Traps that have made a home of the desert quicksand. The fireballs they shoot can blast you out of the sky, so watch yourself.
5: As you make your way down the slope, pound the Switch Block. As soon as you've hit it, sprint to the bottom of the hill. Instead of using the Jump Blocks, hop on the newly formed blocks above them. It will make evading The Angry Sun a bit easier. The block will probably turn back into coins before you can make it all the way across. Use the Jump Blocks to finish crossing.
6: When you come out of this pipe from the secret rooms, you'll be surrounded by Piranha Plant fire. If you jump up as they fire, they'll aim high and you can run by when they retreat.
7: Use the Jump Blocks to cross the gap separating you from the end of the stage. In an emergency, land on the Koopa Paratroopa if you can't quite make it to the Jump Block. Don't forget about the Angry Sun—it will continue to pursue you with a vengeance.
World 8 Fortress
The finest traps, the most brutal enemies and a masterful maze guard a dreary fortress. If you thought the other Fortresses were tough, wait until you get a load of this one. The pinnacle of Koopa's crafty engineering, this Fortress will boggle your mind with its two side4s and multiple traps. Explore thoroughly…
Front side
1: Enter the first door to reach a room containing a power-up. Hit the ? Block from the bottom right to make the power-up slide to the left (and away from the lava). If it's a Super Leaf, it will float down slowly.
2: If you're desperate for 1-Ups, here's a crafty one to find. Jump to the right of the door to find an Invisible Block. Use it to reach the Switch Block, stomp it, then enter the door under the "H". There will be a secret foor on the platform to the right of the conveyor. Go through the white door to reach the room with a 1-Up.
3: This Thwomp will trap you in this area by the door, blocking your access to the ? Block above. Trigger the Thwomp Trap to move it left, then go under the doorway and hit the block containing a 1-Up from the bottom right. It'll slide to the left, so grab it when it's safe to do so.
4: Hit the Switch Block, then run left to the white doorway and enter it before it disappears. Then go down and left through the door. You'll see three blocks to the left; bump the last of the blocks from the bottom left to pick up a 1-Up.
5: Activate this Switch Block and a door will appear on the conveyor belt. It leads to a room with a ? Block that contains a Fire Flower. If you'd rather have a Super Leaf, go through the lower door and head left.
Back side
6: Fall down the pit below the door. If you fall through this door as Small Mario, you may think there's no way you can get to that lone ? Block. However, you can jump to reveal a series of Invisible Blocks that will fill the area beneath the door. Run across the gaps to the right if you're small Mario and make it past the Thwomp. If you're Super Mario, just bust your way through the blocks to the left. Then make your way to the door above.
7: Use the maze of doors to your advantage! When you enter a door, all of the blocks will reset. Collect the power-up at point 7, then enter the door below it and come right back to find the power-up replenished. Just don't go for it unless the Thwomp is resetting. You'll be powered up in no time.
8: Any attempt to jump through the gap at point 8 will reveal an Invisible Block. Carefully jump and hit only the block on the right side of the gap. After the 1-Up appears and falls down the gap, grab it, then jump to hit the remaining two Invisible Blocks.
9: With all these secret doors, you might have guessed that the exit is also hidden. Move right on the conveyor belt. Your proximity should spring the Thwomp Trap, so wait for it to get out of the way, then fall to the floor. Jump over the trap, move left, and hit the block to reveal a Switch Block. Get back up, hit the Switch Block, skip the door on the conveyor belt, and enter the white door to the right—It leads to BOOM-BOOM's hidden chambers.
Boss room
B: Once you enter this area, squat under the spikes to reach the boss. Expect a tough battle with BOOM-BOOM on a moving conveyor belt. Don't let yourself get pushed into him.
Click on the image for the first part of the unedited NES map
Click on the image for the second part of the unedited NES map
World 8 Super Tank
Click on the image for the unedited NES map
A titanic, rolling juggernaut of a tank is all that remains of Bowser's once-great army. This train of cannons and Bob-ombs manned by six of Bowser's crack Rocky Wrenches is the only thing preventing Mario from entering the Castle of Koopa. The Princess is waiting for you!!!
1: Don't panic—things will begin flying fast and furious right here, at the front of the super tank. Keep cool and hold down as you jump.
2: It's raining wrenches. A row of Rocky Wrench crewmen wait to throw their tools at you at various heights. Do anything you can to avoid the storm of steel they fling. Avoid jumping if possible; you might lose control.
3: Although it's not totally safe (no place on the tank is), your best bet is to stay on the right side of the screen. Don't go to the very edge though.
4: You're almost there! Take it slow now. Don't do anything rash. Just let these cannons fire and then get on their barrels. Next stop: BOOM-BOOM and then the Castle of Koopa!
B: The tail end of the Super Tank is the setting for the final showdown with Bowser's henchman, BOOM-BOOM.
as you jump.
