Mario vs. Donkey Kong – How to Get the Plus/Expert Levels, True Final Boss, and All Stars

Mario vs. Donkey Kong, the new expanded remake of the GBA retro puzzle-platformer, is out now on the Nintendo Switch and the game has plenty of post-game content to unlock and play through. While you can see the credits after playing through the game’s 8 worlds once, there are also a full slate of “Plus” levels, particularly tough “Extra” levels, and even a secret extra boss fight to tackle. Here’s a full rundown of how to access all of Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s endgame goodies…

Related Story Another Code: Recollection – How to Solve the Kaleidoscope Puzzle and Open the Gravestone

Plus Levels

Your first time through Mario vs. Donkey Kong there are 8 levels per world, and once you play through all of them and beat Donkey Kong, a full slate of “Plus” levels are unlocked. There are seven Plus levels for each world, and these are completely new challenges with different rules (instead of just reaching the Mini Mario you have to lead them back to the door). Much like your first time through, you have to play all these Plus levels through in order.

Extra Levels

In addition to the Plus levels, there are 16 super-daunting Extra levels. These must be unlocked by collecting stars – you get a star by either finishing a level while collecting its three presents, saving all the Mini Marios, or beating Donkey Kong with a full six Mini Marios and not taking any hits. In order to unlock all 16 Extra stages you’re going to need 128 stars.

True Final Boss

After you complete the 8 worlds the first time, you’ll face a special standalone Donkey Kong boss fight, but it turns out that’s not your last throwdown with him. There’s actually a second final-final battle against Donkey Kong in a giant mech – yes, really (I won’t spoil what he looks like). To unlock this you need to play through and complete all the Plus levels.

How Many Stars are There?

Well, okay, let's do the math – 8 levels per world first time through, 7 levels per world the second time, plus the 16 Extra stages, and the final