How To Make GOOD Traditional Levels In Super Mario Maker 2 - Tips

One of the comments I get the most is, "how do I make better tradtional levels in super mario maker 2?" Since tradtional levels are my favorite type of levels in super mario maker 2 I decided to make a video on some tips and tricks on making better traditional levels in super mario maker 2, similar to levels in new super mario bros u deluxe.
My Discord: / discord
My twitter: / odyssey_central
My Maker ID: VPB-NM9-KLF

[@bluedino2289]

In my opinion, there is 1 exception to the puzzle level not being a traditional level rule, and that is a traditional ghost house level

[@greenbean882]

Very true

[@micahheyward5342]

Take Super Mario World and the NSMB series

[@regiboi7709]

Or maybe a pyramid!

[@riekenfamilyalbum5832]

TRUE

[@apexbrachydios5385]

For making traditional levels, I'd recommend watching Ceave's video "Deconstructing Mario: How New Super Mario Bros U. Handles Difficulty" It demonstrates multiple paths and difficulty progression. Anyways, great video!

[@Stephen-Fox]

Mark Brown has some good videos on how Mario games tick as well, both from the perspective of Mario Maker and generally. One thing with most attempts to analyse Mario I've seen is it's from the perspective of modern Mario games - New Super Mario Bros. and younger for 2d, Mario 1, 3 and even World often feel different to me.

[@Creeper43yt]

Useful. 👍🏼

[@dafieryredsword2396]

Why you guys advertising for other channels? Not gonna lie tho those are good vids too

[@someguy2798]

I love ceave gaming channel but I also love odyssey centrals

[@lightbluepillowextras8863]

Hoo-ray!

[@PalmTreeTV]

Step 1: Remake 1-1 Step 2: ??? Step 3: 100% profit 🌝

[@Odyssey_Central]

You know what annoys me about 1-1 remakes, not that they’re everywhere but that not a single one of them ever gets the sub area right

[@Kostaki01]

I actually think remaking 1-1 is good to remake, as when I remade 1-1, I got more familiar with Mario Maker 2’s level creator. After I remade 1-1, the quality of my levels greatly improved.

[@DrakeyC]

@@Odyssey_Central How so?

[@shelledguy5587]

@@Odyssey_Central What's worse is that I've actually played 1-1 remakes that don't even have the sub area at all

[@DrakeyC]

Worked for me. I made Level 1-1 IN SPAAAAACE, and it's got dozens of plays in just a week. (K28-KQR-GLF ;) )

[@ronaldmcdonald2344]

My man out here preventing Little Timmy levels 😂

[@Reneryx]

Little timmy be like: those noobs won’t pass my impossible level with a triple bowser stack WAIT HOW DID YOU FIND THAT DEV EXIT

[@Epsi_Cron]

GD Flash And now look at the Big Tom Level! (Complicated level)

[@giornogiovanna2008]

@@Epsi_Cron and the medium Bob level Traditional levels

[@theresaball8053]

Keep them away!

[@kelvinclement6267]

True

[@windowstudios45]

When I get this game, I want to make a level called “Oops, all Mortons!”. It's just the level and 7 Morton’s, in different areas.

[@grantfromramranch]

1-1 but every block is morton

[@fieryfist3150]

1-1 but it’s literally 1-1 (Shocker ik 😢)

[@774martinn]

1-1 but it's 0-0 😮😵

[@unusuarionormal211]

1-1 but isn't 1-1 😭

[@ShortArtGuy]

Oops, all Larrys

[@BlazingJ972]

"Maybe you could make your own Mario game with these tips." Nintendo: write that down *WRITE THAT DOWN*

[@ZacTheConqueror2]

this aged well

[@Og_BlueToadFan913]

The Person Nintendo is talking to: *NOTED*

[@B.L.U.S]

Ain't he like taking these tips based off Mario leves so Nintendo already knows all of them?

[@user-oz5xr4yz5t]

Tip 1: whenever you place a checkpoint, make sure to add some sort of power up for the player in case they die and respawn with no power up making it harder than intended Tip 2: when making a bonus room thats easy to get to, don’t put too many coins because that isn’t a reasonable reward. Bonus rooms that are easy to get to should have at least one ten coin and a few coins surrounding it. A bonus room that is mediocre to get to should have a thirty coin and some coins surrounding it. An area that’s hard to get to should have one to two fifty coins with a bunch of coins surrounding it.

[@Bup64]

a 1-up or a useful power up can be in bonus rooms too. (But not a power up which can abuse the challenge of the level)

[@LordRotule]

There shouldn’t be rules to follow. Do what seems right to you. That’s what is cool with Mario games’ bonus rooms, througout the series, there is tons and tons of uniques ways to recieve rewards. That’s what I do in my game. I try to vary the content the most I can instead of just placing coins and big coins.

[@LordRotule]

Also, putting a power up right next to a checkpoint is a choice to make, not a tip.

[@user-oz5xr4yz5t]

+Bup 64 That’s also very true!

[@user-oz5xr4yz5t]

+LordRotule Using what you think is best is great! The tips were just for suggesting though.

[@Arrowstotle]

Great tips! I love how you had multiple practical examples to show. Thanks for making this video, I know how much time and effort it takes!

[@CoolModderJaydonX]

Hey, dude.

[@angelawojdylo2326]

Hello arrow

[@christianholland8599]

cool

[@SuperMarioCREW5256]

Hi arrow

[@aabrakadabraa_]

wowzers its the guy that did things

[@W7F0N6]

Great tips! There's not enough Mario Makers making traditional levels. Most of what I see are random gimmicks and ridiculous challenges, so it's nice to see someone going back to basics.

[@chamtheman551]

9:18 Dry Bones for Smash! Edit: I also would like to say thank you so much for this amazing and informational video. One thing that I try to do to my levels before uploading (to check if they're good) is to beat it first without the run button, and second while speed-running so it can be a level for all levels of gamers (It was actually a surprisingly simple tip from Ceave Gaming) 🙂

[@ammondmilk5567]

You know whats not surprisingly simple, though? Getting ten thousand maker points on MM2. My friends think MM2 is boring because they cant get Maker Points, so they give up too easily and never want to play it again. I, on the other hand, love this game and I think they are crazy. Cham, if you have MM2, please play my levels. If you are interested in checking it out, here is the code: Y21-LLX-D7G.

[@chamtheman551]

@@ammondmilk5567 sounds epic! Try out mine as well. It's not a lot but there are soon more to come: KK7-D68-YFF

[@redwoodxdd]

You saw it to? Nice. dry-bones for smash!

[@jamesss8656]

AMMondMilk bruh 10k is ez

[@tammieclifford5135]

I see you are also a man of culture.Good.

[@morganisapro5]

I have something to add to the pallet tip: Powerups - For example, if it's a castle level, probably use things like fire flowers. For snowy levels, there's not really any special powerups. For air levels, use propeller mushroom and so on. If your gimmick needs a certain powerup, change the theme for it. With ground levels, any powerups work well

[@anthonybenci9035]

Ice flower isn’t in the game. Wish it was though…

[@isaiahg.409]

4:10 in addition to Odyssey said, you should actually make almost half the level breathing room. If you’ve played the new games, in the late game levels, about half the level is just breathing room.

[@isaiahg.409]

@LemmySMM2 I’ll put it this way: the way Nintendo does it is one way to make an effective traditional level, not the only way.

[@tobiasb9396]

2:21 i recommend having floating objects 1 block higher.

[@Andres33AU]

Very well put, and glad to hear you love Traditional stages! I was starting to think everyone just wanted Kaizo levels, haha. Very well said on studying the original levels. For mine, it wasn't enough to go on by memory, I looked up Super Mario Bros and Super Mario World levels on KZbin so I could pause the video and study the design, and refresh my memory on why those levels worked, and how it handled the challenges. Thanks for the video, you get a sub from me!

[@bagel_dev]

I'm trying to make a kaizo level using traditional level design, but I understand the abundance of kaizo levels.

[@wolfegaming36]

This is such good advice! I just got this game yesterday and I'm having fun doing some community levels and learning the controls. I want to get decent at the game before making my own levels, to make sure they're not too easy using skills that I haven't learned yet. I'm adding this video to a playlist to watch later when I start making levels to share, so I can remember all the good tips!

[@NoKuraiShin]

Did you ever get good at the game 😆

[@pudddingfishh2953]

dry bones for smash. I like how this guy thinks.

[@CoolModderJaydonX]

Odyssey: Dry Bones for Smash." *Smashes Dry Bones" Me: Hey, you asked for it.

[@darthtroller]

Imagine if he's assisted by Bony Beetle and can use Dry Piranha Plant or Fish Bone in some attacks in a similar fashion to how Rosalina uses Luma

[@BastianTheGreatestCreatorEver]

Traditional levels are my favorite, too!

[@rachelskaggs4316]

Same

[@SheiladeCarvalho]

Same to

[@quagsire2007]

K A I Z O

[@thunderbolt64_]

Yay!

[@PtitSnoreau]

Wish it have only traditionnal level

[@bruhhhsmm2615]

Now take everything in this video and then add sniper thwomps, kaizo blocks, and laughter SFX. Perfect traditional level then.

[@fluffernal]

Wow! Thanks!

[@jessew1359]

Amazing Advice!!

[@bruhhhsmm2615]

@homzz Super Expert endless

[@CoolModderJaydonX]

SMM2: (Bzzzt)

[@storytime9616]

No god please no.

[@DrakeyC]

I built several traditional levels, but they hardly get played :( All streamers tend to play are kaizo and troll levels. I agree entirely with putting secrets in to encourage exploration. Another key thing is to make sure any challenge required to complete the level cannot become uncompleteable. If bypassing a corridor with a Pirahna Plant blocking it requires a Fire Flower, make sure the player can find a Fire Flower earlier, and if they lose it, put in some nearby Koopas to throw shells at the Pirahna. It's time to make the player have to take a more challenging route or they miss out on a bonus if they fail, but if the level becomes impossible to complete at that point and they must die or restart, that's very annoying to the player and usually not something traditional Mario levels do. PS - Really cool design gimmick with the rainbows coming out of the pipes, looks really sweet.

[@PackerFanGamer]

Not all streamers ofcourse. The Mario Maker subreddit has a great level exchange that has gotten me a good number of plays.

[@DrakeyC]

@@PackerFanGamer Yeah, but that also requires playing other levels to be fair, and I prefer making to playing.

[@fluffgalaxy4884]

3:29 *Stick with a few items Me: laughs in Gizmo Grotto ( a level with all gizmos

[@ElemonAdventures]

These tips are very useful. Some of them I haven’t thought about before. This will definitely help. Thank you again! Keep it up! :)

[@elbaby2365]

Traditional levels are my favorite too

[@elbaby2365]

I build a full game with traditional levels!

[@skelulti9645]

Building them is in my opinion realy fun

[@bareesproductions8132]

@@elbaby2365 What's your ID? I wanna play.

[@elbaby2365]

Hold on

[@elbaby2365]

LKP-XB6-D1G

[@sarge8761]

I've been thinking of doing a traditional airship level, similar to one of the actual Super Mario Bros. 3 levels. There's bullet bills, cannonballs, burners, and rocky wrenches that you have to avoid, and then at the end is a boss battle. I have an entire notepad where I've taken notes on the actual designs of the Super Mario Bros. 3 Airship Levels. I've also been thinking of doing a level where there's a bunch of "Tanks" more or less. There will be tank-shaped objects with conveyors on the bottom, along with being an autoscrolling level, just like the actual tank levels in Super Mario Bros. 3. I hope it turns out okay!

[@iaminsideyourwalls8776]

1:18 and Try to make the Level theme fit with the gimmick For example: spiky stuff can go in castles or hunted mansions (but NOT GROUND) Mounty moles can be in underground courses But stuff Like seesaws are versatile, they fit in most themes

[@toonvank6165]

Great tips, thanks! Only got Mario Maker 2 last weekend, and though enjoying it I did feel a bit overwhelmed with all the possibilities. Also, 6 year old me would’ve gone completely bonkers if we had this on SNES back in the day haha

[@nomeca961]

When you upload. I stop what I’m doing and watch.

[@Llamology]

Meme Master *Stops dying

[@nomeca961]

Kevin The Cube ok I’ll stop dying

[@nomeca961]

Ediberto Flores ok I’ll stop breathing

[@bigmooseplays]

Same

[@abbywiley6467]

The first time I watched one of your videos, I thought, "And how many maker points do YOU have" *Checks oddysey's profile* Oh. Oh... Oh

[@alysdexia]

can't even spell him

[@boshi4044]

Today: Smash bros 21st anniversary Odyssey central: makes a Mario maker video

[@billbobs678]

Logic Ps:give this more likes

[@grantfromramranch]

bill bobs no

[@MailMainbutnot]

21th lol

[@CoolModderJaydonX]

21th? Seriously? It's 21st. Like, did you not put effort into that?

[@pocky_y]

@@billbobs678 no

[@thatdudethatcommentsstuff]

Trying to make a whole 8 worlds on a REALLY well crafted scratch fangame. This helped me out a lot, for example, i made the first underground level around buzzy beetles falling onto you from the top.

[@will_the_man5838]

this channel is soooo underrated

[@greenblocker7316]

Not any more

[@slug8039]

8:50 **laughs in ghost house**

[@sowceitup5547]

it would be cool if they had a shop in the game where you could buy stuff like mii costumes, sounds, reskins of items with the coins you get in the levels. there would have to be a way to prevent people just making tons of levels where it spews coins at you

[@philmp6]

Videos like these are really helpful. Working on a World course with 8 world's is a tough but fun challenge, and these help during creators block. Keep up the good work.

[@SteveEricJordan]

i love how smart you are about level and game design! i wish more people would build levels like you.

[@theunknownpixels6484]

This video was great! I’m working on a full 40 level traditional super world and these tips helped a bunch!

[@Sekai17]

This really inspires me! thank you a lot! I made a level called Pokeys in the Sand. it is not online so I don't have a code. I'm gonna make levels in my entire course bot that are traditional. Edit: came back 8 months later to say I can post my traditional levels online now :)

[@xmace6206]

Code for pokeys in the sand?

[@LuigiMasterGaming]

As someone who loves making traditional levels, this video is an excellent guide. Definitely subbing!

[@DestDM]

Your tips and tricks really help me with my levels

[@tabletgenesis3439]

An level about Thwomps would be underground. It would start with a room with a single Thwomp, easy to avoid. Then, in an second room, there would be 3 or 4 Thwomps moving up and down, each with the same timing. The other part would have sideways Thwomps, in which Mario would be going down. Then, there could be either a door or a key. If there was a key, the player would have to go back and open a Key Door that was already there before. If there was a door, Mario would instantly go to the third room. In the third room, there could be a checkpoint and then something quite different but still related to Thwomps. For example, riding a Dry Bones shell in lava or water, with little platforms with Thwomps. Or a part with multiple Thwomps where some item or ability would make Mario able to pass. Then, there could be the goal, or maybe a 3rd phase with more fun!

[@ScorpionMan968]

2:57 voice cut “or adding *voice cut* in enemies”

[@pepearown4968]

In terms of power ups, you should try to have 4 of them in a level with checkpoints. 2 power ups can be before the checkpoint, while 2 can be after the checkpoint. As for Yoshis, you should probably make them rarer than power ups, only putting them in your levels every so often. Try only putting 1 egg before and after the checkpoint. Also, pinks coins are better substitutes for star coins than 10 coins. While they aren’t 2x2, there’s a meter at the top showing how many you have. Also, they give you keys once you collect them all, so you can build a reward room for collecting all of them.

[@enderman7097]

this was very helpful, as at the moment im making my own super world, that could fit in with a mario game, if only some of the aspects of the newer mario games were there, such as moving mushroom platforms, giant mushroom platforms, and the tilting mushroom platforms, can't forget the shrinking and growing mushroom platforms, they cut alot of mushroom platforms from mario maker...

[@zacharymiddleton9530]

Hi odyssey! I recently found your channel and I'm definitely considering subscribing, your level tips are pretty helpful

[@Sam-ze8uo]

Awesome video! The tips are super helpful, I’ll definitely be considering them more in the future. Nice :)

[@ironkeepgaming1936]

Thanks for making the video, I needed help with this topic for my levels

[@GTSHProductions]

I’m currently building a world that’s based on traditional levels, so this helps a ton! Thank you so much! I’ve been meaning to subscribe for a while so now I have to!

[@desmondruhling]

This helps so much! Thank you. I will definitely be using these tips in my levels.

[@Stephen-Fox]

Optional challenges can be used in the rest areas, as well. I think traditional is my most common level type as well, but the palette and building around a specific gimmick is something I try and do on all my levels aside for red coin levels (where it applies to the individual rooms within them instead). Alternate paths, weirdly, is something I haven't tended to use outside of optional challenges, despite knowing it's a frequent part of actual Mario games.

[@lukel.6582]

Most useful one I've seen. Most videos about making traditional levels just echo the same thing really and I'm glad I found this.

[@lunimate819]

Great video i wanted to make traditional levels and now i know how and well! Thx

[@ironkeepgaming1936]

This video helped me a lot, I love traditional levels, thank you for your help and wisdom

[@ashtonwilaby]

I changed my comment so you won't know how I got so many likes

[@Odyssey_Central]

Yes, while some levels don’t actually have progressive power ups most of the time it’s best to have them

[@iamerror6546]

Odyssey Central i didnt know about that until this video lol

[@anobody3828]

I was just messing around in mm1 and found out about it and OH MY GOD it makes traditional levels so much better

[@zememerr2329]

A Nobody It was added in 1.1, so it was a kind of tacked on feature only available by dragging a mushroom onto a stage two power-up

[@notcockycody1342]

Like a powerup in the beginning and an power up at the middle check point?

[@therainbowknight]

10:06 You just predicted the future.

[@vrek_]

thank you for uploading this! it will be extremely helpful for my super world!

[@bagel_dev]

Thank you! I've been trying to make a Kaizo level that is structured like a traditional level.

[@DillyzThe1]

0:49 lol image if everyone who ever watched a video subbed you would probably have 150k by now

[@toritori64_]

DillyzThe1 2 million actually (check his About page)

[@arvidnordstrom5808]

Toy TV 42, You do know that all of those views are not from different people right?

[@toritori64_]

SapphiresHD wait what? They aren't?

[@toritori64_]

SapphiresHD Because if that's the case then my channel is wayyyy less popular than I thought

[@DillyzThe1]

@@toritori64_ you dont know how views work, do you? otherwise people would have like 2 views per video if it was new people counted

[@shrume4909]

great video! and good advice too. the only thing I would suggest differently / what I'm worried about is the fact that now a lot of people will make levels just like yours, as people who watch this video will probably do everything in this video exactly. and also, for shortcuts in levels, I often just put a 1 up by the pipe/door or 10-50 coin.

[@judo6506]

This was SO helpful! Since the new update started, I was really excited to make basically my own mario game with the Super World feature. The only problem was, I suck at making levels. I'm much better at playing than making levels. So I looked up a bunch of videos. But yours are the ones that I think give much better advice. Thank you so much! P.S. When I'm done with all my super worlds I'll do an edit and I'll put the codes to them!

[@JonathanTash]

What an excellent video! I plan to make a guide to making puzzle levels, and I found your tutorial very inspirational.

[@anthonylayton724]

About to purchase Super Mario Maker 2 since I just got a Switch Lite recently. I used to be one of those guys who would play Maker with my buddy and we would basically be trying to out-"Kaizo" each other. But now that I have a 4 year old who is getting into gaming and will be playing this with me, I'm definitely looking into doing more traditional/accessible and fun levels as opposed to just let me throw all the bells and whistles out there. Thank you for this video! Got some level ideas in mind already!

[@superlog8625]

This actually helps a ton. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@gummygecko23]

This video was very helpful! 👍

[@Twilord_]

I am actually saving this because it's got great advice for platformer level design in general.

[@Bup64]

I'm making a series of 36 levels in SMM2 based on traditional mario levels so this is really helpful for me.

[@viewer81627]

Thanks for the great Super Mario Maker tips! They'll help me to create my next greatest Mario level.

[@peepusonionmeepus]

took notes on this, its really helpful, thanks!

[@megamanallstarshow2407]

Thank You for helping me. I love making traditional levels!

[@TazukeiOtakai]

Thx so much for even thinking of doing this I’m making a super world and I want it to be super professional with all traditional lvls. I haven’t watched it yet but I know it’s amazing!

[@WallJumpGames]

Overall, pretty good video, but I do have a few qualms with it: 1. He doesn't mention complimentary gimmicks, a.k.a say you are using moving platforms, then after the checkpoint, you introduce on off switches which you can use to switch the path. 2. He doesn't mention balancing challenge with catharsis, by which I mean, at some point in your level, during a rest area, have a koopa you can use to kill some munchers just ahead of it, or having a secret coin room which is filled to the brim with coins,. 3. In most cases you should make it so that any player can get a powerup, so you can effectively design your level with it in mind.

[@OrangeKite3434]

Odyssey central: make a gimmick for your level Little Timmy level creators: BOOM BOOM

[@peri5787]

Alternative Title: Odyssey Central Giving Away Secret Places In His Levels

[@jamemeus]

So Helpful! Especially With The New World Maker

[@patricks_music]

Great video. Thanks for the ideas!

[@alexkartoons3659]

Odyssey: Posts a video on how to make a good smm2 level Me who hasn't touched Mario Maker in 5 months: Hmmm yes

[@quinnr6451]

This is super helpful thank you!!

[@zacthedededefan2249]

I know I’m late for this one, but I really enjoyed this video, and it taught me a lot! I just finished a level the other day based off of the info that I learned from this. Granted, it is pretty easy, but I just focused more on making sure the level was good quality rather than making it difficult, and I plan on using the level in an 8 World game that I want to make and upload.

[@silvr8458]

Dude I love your videos and I’m shocked that you don’t have more subscribers

[@QwertyQwerty-sp8jr]

Great video! Helpful.🙂

[@budsfortnite2825]

Thanks for the types that made my levels great

[@lackofoxygen4723]

Thanks, this will help a bunch with my super world.

[@Melloaf]

I am making a super world that is supposed to be like a actual Mario game, and this video had pretty great tips on things that will help me! Thanks m8 ;)

[@loganallen5788]

Love your ideas!

[@ValyxNEO]

This Helped!!! I Am Trying To Make A Super World And This Is Very Usefull!

[@itsyaboimike9010]

Ay man this vid rlly helped with my super world. Been workin real hard on it since i saw this vid. Just sayin thanks man

[@W.2026]

Average Super Mario Maker 2 players: Man I wish I could read *makes another refreshing level*

[@W.2026]

Great video by the way have a like

[@glocnceington]

Good Video Thank you for making this 😁

[@hamishdrayton8858]

Tanks man . I was copying your levels so tanks for the levels you make

[@GDub5]

Thanks, that helped a lot!

[@eduardosinisterra2255]

It was a very helpful video I'm actually working on a Mario game in Mario Maker 2 I already have a trailer for it.

[@jaxthenerd4091]

SO HELPFUL THANK YOU

[@fluffernal]

I might use these ideas for my New Super Mario Bros X seiries.

[@KorokEgg]

thank you for the tips i will make one now:3

[@ec1ipze918]

This is the video I was looking for

[@pancakethewaffle3054]

Thanks for making this video! Now I'm a expert in traditional levels!!

[@Chris13586]

You you really helped me out thanks a lot : D

[@cletusdayeetusmr.deletus7873]

I’m watching this video before I start to make my own super world. Thank you for the help!

[@KevinGarcia-Karatzu]

Making a Traditional New Super Mario Super World. This tips are actually helpful.

[@Creeper43yt]

It's thanks to you that now I know how to make good traditional levels. Keep up the work! ;) P.S You actually said that you have to introduce a gimmick for the level. So this means I can introduce like other gimmicks while playing the level?

[@milkshakedraws6944]

Planning to get Mario Maker 2 this Christmas, whether as a present or purchasing it myself with Christmas money from relatives. I REALLY want to make a good super world. As frustrating as some of the limitations on the World Maker are, mainly the level count and general small world size lacking extreme customization, I’m super hyper to give it a go and hopefully make some exciting levels.

[@izikeye4089]

This also helped me make my non-traditional levels!