Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker ‘Up ‘n’ Down Desert’ (Episode 3-8) guide

“Up ‘n’ Down Desert” is the eighth level of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker’s third episode. Every level has three Super Gems and one Power Star. Each also has a Bonus Challenge to complete.

It’s possible to complete this level’s Bonus Challenge while collecting the Super Gems in “Up ‘n’ Down Desert.” Below, you’ll find a guide to help you collect everything. You can follow along step-by-step from the beginning, or our helpful section titles and images will let you jump straight to any area you’re struggling with.

Super Gem 1

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1. When the level starts, head to the left across the front and hit one of the P-switches.
2. The stone pillars will drop down. Pull the Piranha Sprout so you don’t have to worry about it, then collect Super Gem 1.

Super Gem 2

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1. Head back to the right across the front of the level, then turn and head up the ramp. Stop just before the gap with the Piranha Sprout.
2. Pull the Sprout, then cross through the gap. Run up the ramp on the other side of the wall, then loop around and hit the P-switch on top of the wall.
3. Continue along to pick up Super Gem 2.

Bonus Challenge

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The Bonus Challenge for this level is to only use eight P-switches. You’ve used two already. You’ll have to use the remaining six to get to Super Gem 3, but there’s a trick. Follow the steps below to see how it’s done.

1. Step off of the wall where you picked up Super Gem 2 and onto the P-switch below.
2. Head over to the Z-shaped blocks in the back corner.
3. Hit the P-switch in the corner to lift the blocks, then pluck the Sprout there so you don’t have to worry about it.
4. Head all the way back across the Z-shaped blocks and hit the P-switch closest to the fence on the wall.
5. Continue forward and hit the other P-switch on top of the wall.
6. Run across the blocks and hit the first P-switch to (finally) be able to get past.
7. Around the corner do not hit the next P-switch you come to. Instead, loop around it and come at the ramp from the side — you’ll be able to step onto the ramp without hitting the switch.

Super Gem 3

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1. Continue along the fence and hit the next P-switch you come to. This will lift a Piranha Sprout to your level.
2. Go around the corner and pluck the Sprout.
3. Head back to the fence and toss the Sprout to collect Super Gem 3.

Power Star

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1. Continue around the corner and pick up the Power Star.

Pixel Toad

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When the level opens, spin the camera so you’re looking at the right side. Watch the P-switch closest to the edge for Pixel Toad to run by.