Super Mario World/Blocks

In Super Mario World, there are several types of blocks. Some blocks appeared in previous Super Mario games, but the most of them are new or are changed. For example, the brown brick blocks have disappeared and are replaced by a yellow block with two eyes. In Super Mario Bros, it is said that they are people of the Mushroom Kingdom that were turned into blocks by Bowser.

Rotating Block

Rotating Block

Rotating Blocks stand out as the predominant block type in Super Mario World. Resembling the Brick Blocks from earlier Mario games, they diverge in a crucial aspect—they don't shatter upon hitting their underside. Instead, these blocks initiate a brief spinning period when struck underneath, granting passage. To break a Rotating Block, execute a Spin jump upon landing on it.

Some seemingly ordinary Rotating Blocks conceal coins or items like Super Mushrooms or Fire Flowers. Occasionally, these blocks trigger a growing vine that Mario can climb. The items emerge upon jumping against the block's underside, often gaining momentum afterward. The item's trajectory depends on the side of the block struck—left hit causes rightward movement, while a right hit propels the item left.

A rare variation activates a trail of coins when triggered. The coin direction is controllable using the Neutral D-pad.

Enemies traversing a Rotating Block (or most other blocks) can be easily defeated by jumping into the block beneath them, provided the block is struck from below.

Used Block

Used Blocks are ? or ! Blocks after they've been hit. They have an angry expression. They can't be broken, although they can be turned into coins (and vice versa) for a short time. To do this, step on a nearby blue P-switch. For a short period, you'll hear a timer and all of the solid blocks will turn into coins, but all coins that were in the same room before you pressed the switch will now turn into solid blocks, creating walls but sometimes also new paths for you. You can also combine this technique with a block that produces a "wire" of coins. Just hit the block first, then step on the switch and guide the blocks into the direction that you want.

Roulette Block

Roulette Blocks are translucent blocks with an item inside. The item inside the block changes every second. Jumping on the block from below, or spinning your cape onto it, will cause the item to come out, but it will continue to change. You can also eat the item out of the block with Yoshi instead of hitting it.

? Block

? Blocks always contain items. It can be one or more coins, but it can also be any power-up, or a Green Yoshi (red, yellow, and blue ones are exclusive to the Star Worlds). To get as many coins as possible out of a ? block, stand under it and start jumping very fast. When the block has no more items in it, it will turn into a Used block. You can't break ? blocks by spin-jumping on them. They sometimes appear if you press a P-switch, creating new paths for you. At the start of some courses is a Starman, if you grab it and then run you'll sometimes find another ? block. Jumping against it while you're still invincible will sometimes pop a new Starman out of it. Grab it and run further, until you see another ? block, repeating the trick, and so on.

? Block(Red)

Red ? Block

A block that activates a floating spotlight found near the end of Bowser's Castle.

! Blocks

! Block

Dotted-line "blocks" scattered throughout the game initially serve no purpose. However, upon completing the corresponding color's Switch Palace, these "blocks" transform into solid ! Blocks. There are four colors in total.

• Striking the underside of a yellow ! Block yields a Super Mushroom.
• Hitting the underside of a green ! Block releases a Cape Feather.
• Blue or red ! Blocks, when hit underneath, have no content; they function as platforms or walls.

Activated ! Blocks can unveil secrets and bridge gaps, simplifying level completion.

The four Switch Palaces are located in different worlds:

• The Yellow Switch Palace is in Yoshi's Island.
• The Green Switch Palace is found in Donut Plains.
• The Red Switch Palace can be located in Vanilla Dome.
• The Blue Switch Palace is situated in the Forest of Illusion.

Grab Block

Grab Blocks look like blue turn blocks, but can't be turned. However, as their name implies, they can be picked up. When picked up, they begin to flash different colors, and will eventually disappear after a short time. Like any other object that can be picked up, they can be thrown as well. While you are under water, you can use them as a lifesaver float, so you can swim easier. Use caution pressing while standing on these blocks! In some levels, particularly Star World 3, picking up a block you're standing on can cause Mario/Luigi to fall through the bottom of the level and die!

Note Block

Note Blocks are somewhat similar to jump pads, but note blocks can appear also off the ground, unlike jump pads. If you jump on them, you'll jump back up a little bit. If you press and then hold the jump button while jumping on a note block, you'll jump very high. Sometimes a item will come out, but never coins.

Note blocks can appear as gold or white. The gold ones let you jump way higher than the white ones.

Triangle Block

Triangle Blocks allow Mario to run up adjacent walls. Simply run towards the block and Mario will continue up the wall. If you don't maintain your speed the effect will wear off and Mario will fall.

If you're riding Yoshi, Triangle Blocks act as if they're Jump Pads, causing you to bounce off and jump really high.

Bonus Block

Bonus Blocks reward you based on how many coins you collect in the level. You can get a single coin or a 1-Up. Collect 30 or more coins in one course to get a 1-Up when you hit it. They don't appear very often, but there's one in Yoshi's Island 3 at the end of the stage. After you've jumped against them, they'll just turn into solid blocks.

Power Block

Power Blocks appear in some castles and in some courses too. You can control the ceiling or something else, such as the path of a moving platform with it. When you enter a room in a castle with a power block, the ceiling will usually come down. Just keep your head cool and run toward a power block, then hit the underside of it. The text on it will change, and so does the color of it. When you've hit it the ceiling will go back, but when it has reached its highest point, it will come down again, so hurry up if you don't want to get squeezed.

Message Block

Message Blocks display hints and other messages when you hit the underside of them. The one in Yoshi's House is unique, because the text will be different depending on if you are riding Yoshi or not.

P-Switch Blocks

When pressed, Blue P-Switch Blocks cause a few things to occur for a limited amount of time:

• Turns Used Blocks into coins
• Turns coins into Used Blocks
• Allows Mario to access hidden doors
• Reveals hidden coins
• Reveals hidden ? Blocks

When pressed, Grey P-Switch Blocks turn most enemies into Silver Coins. Collecting eight of these coins awards Mario an extra life. Collecting one more gives Mario two extra lives. After nine coins, Mario will earn three extra lives for each additional coin. Also, Grey P-Switch Blocks can turn Munchers and Jelectros into regular coins.

Boo Buddies

Certain Boo Buddies will disguise as blocks when Mario or Luigi face them. If you look away, they will turn back into ghosts and follow the player. Once they're in an appropriate location, face the Boo Buddy again and use the block as a step to access previously unreachable locations.

Hidden Blocks

Hidden Blocks are blocks that are invisible. You can't see them, but if you hit a hidden block you'll stop moving. If you jump against the underside of it, something useful will always come out of the block. After being hit, hidden blocks turn into visible, solid blocks, which can sometimes allow you to reach places you couldn't otherwise.