How to Make Traditional Levels - Super Mario Maker 2 Level Design

Super Mario Maker 2 Story mode gives a masterclass in Nintendo Level Design. How does Nintendo's level design hold up when limited to the same Mario Maker tools we have? Can we learn how to make traditional levels by analyzing Story Mode?
For more Super Mario Maker 2 Level Design tutorials, tips and tricks, guides and resources, check out this playlist.
• How to Upload MULTIPLA...
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I hope this video was informative. I enjoy breaking down the levels from Super Mario Maker 2 Story Mode and comparing them to levels from other Mario titles.
If you'd like to learn more about Mario Maker level design, make sure to subscribe. I upload a new video and go live every week.
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#SuperMarioMaker2
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[@TobiasBergdorf]

*Check out this playlist for more Super Mario Maker 2 Level Design!* kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2XOhH14YsZmf8k

[@huglife3155]

Did you like your own comment lmao

[@TobiasBergdorf]

I did now, thanks for reminding me.

[@huglife3155]

@@TobiasBergdorf Ill like your comment to so you have just as much as the top comment

[@larry6904]

Tobias Bergdorf I’m a bergdorf too

[@pandfcm]

2.0.0 wants to embarrass you

[@izasira]

“Without the safety net of having quicksand to fall into.” I agree. Quicksand is *very* safe. We still need that quote channel in discord btw.

[@Verticom10]

Oh shit box got me

[@honey-bun3976]

A Red Box it means that the quicksand gives you a chance the jump out and save yourself

[@DeathOnater7777]

Honey - Bun he knows

[@acinggames8422]

Honey - Bun no shit, it was a joke.

[@murrao5820]

"Restricted to only the same tools we can use in the editor" Carryable stone blocks, Toads, and the course clear conditions of handstanding on a number of trees, not touching Swinging Claws and not exiting the water: "allow us to introduce ourselves."

[@GobouLePoissonBoue]

Not exiting water can be done in the jungle theme with the "don't land after leaving ground" clear condition.

[@everald]

Lucas Games 2.0 it can also be done by a simple thwomp p-switch and munchers, if you want a checkpoint or another clear condition

[@Collifigg]

@@everald WHO ARE YOU TALKING TO NOBODY HERE IS NAMED LUCAS GAMES 2.0

[@everald]

@@Collifigg oh I don’t know, maybe they changed their name???

[@jamespennington6428]

@@GobouLePoissonBoue how can not leaving water be done? Also why are you mentioning touching the ground after leaving?

[@jberrethful]

I’d like to think they just handed some interns the game and said “make a level around [x]”

[@TobiasBergdorf]

I wouldn't doubt that _some_ of those levels were made by interns.

[@breadstick4375]

Agreed. Some are good while some are not

[@awesomhudsstudios6089]

Also, a true King Dedede Main says Dedede. Not DeDeDe. (Plz don't be offended)

[@KC_Garcia]

Ah, yes. My favorite Mario Asset: [x]

[@slug8039]

AwesomHuds Studios ???

[@sebs4622]

I've always looked at level design of the nsmb series. It's nice to see the story mode, as it gives me an idea of how the level editor can be used to make nsmb levels. My traditional levels have over all gotten alot better thanks to your channel.

[@TobiasBergdorf]

That's great to hear!

[@joshuaham1022]

Most of my traditional levels are based off of nsmb as well. I grew up with Wii and D's are quite fond of them.

[@sebs4622]

@@joshuaham1022 same here.

[@elbaby2365]

What’s your guys Level ID I want to play them?

[@fireballer4403]

this channel deserves millions of views

[@gangsterprangster1176]

I agree

[@firedakiddgaming4882]

I wouldn't be suprised if he does soon enough

[@kelceyclark9917]

"Only the tools used in the editor." me *coughs* Rock clear and Toad clear.

[@VideoGamer110]

I'll bet that they'll be introduced in a future update. The first game had free updates, and Nintendo already confirmed that they will be updating this game with online multiplayer with friends, so I think that will be part of an update that will add new things to the game.

[@dylanr4854]

Ice Flower and Super Acorn for next update??

[@WhimsicottFanatic]

@@dylanr4854 Speaking of the Super Acorn Why even was NSMBU the one to represent modern Mario >Propeller Mushroom instead of Super Acorn >Graphically similar to Wii >Literally only 1 song in Mario Maker 1 was from U, the rest were from Wii. This has been fixed in MM2 with the addition of the Snow, Sky, and Final Boss themes, but that's unfortunate because the Wii versions of these songs are infinitely superior, _especially_ the sky one Literally the theme could've just been NSMBWii and nobody would've cared that it wasn't U Plus Wii's red background in the menu would've been 200% better than U's yellow

[@dylanr4854]

COCONUT GUN yeah but I think it would be nice to call the whole style “nsmb” in a later update and add some power ups from the whole series But yeah wii music is better

[@GrizonII]

COCONUT GUN I’m pretty sure they just went with NSMBU because the first SMM was on the same console as it, and it was the most current one.

[@roryookane]

Summary/recap: Follow seven key principles to make a Nintendo-like traditional level. 1. Choose a central mechanic and supporting mechanics (6:07) 2. Safely introduce the concept at the beginning of the level (6:34) 3. Next, expand on that mechanic through challenges, including a twist at some point (7:06) 4. Finally, have a flagpole challenge that uses the core mechanic (7:24) 5, 6, 7: To break up the challenges, also include breathing room, moments of fun, and optional bonuses and secrets (7:32)

[@minecraftjonas]

Thanks i needed this

[@midasmagnezone4282]

Regarding "Nintendo being restricted to only tools users can use too", there are a couple story mode levels that do use elements not found in editing, like (spoilers ahead I guess) carrying the stone block and escorting the Toad to the end of the level. But other than those oddities the rest are by standards that anyone has access to. Great video! I've been analyzing levels from many games I play now thanks to your videos. It's like a blessing and a curse.

[@YoshiExploshi]

Most of the levels don't feature those so I think it's pretty save to say they just used the editor.

[@burgerkingfries4941]

There's also clear conditions that players can't use.

[@mungo8423]

this vid was super helpful! Idk if many other people do this, but I try to make my own Mario game in Mario maker, so this is helpful making these levels feel more at home!

[@clark5317]

MrBlueMango Did you see about the world map editor, by the way?

[@Ndude2004]

@@preparefordededestruction2661 cool dude I'm doing the same I'll check out your levels if you check out mine? I'll leave you my maker iD tomorrow saying it's late rn😂

[@mewtron5242]

Same I make my own Mario game to

[@Ndude2004]

@@mewtron5242 that's cool if any of you want to play my levels my ID is 2WPH41C9G

[@Anonymous-pq1tx]

@@clark5317 Did You Hear About World Maker

[@Vidgmchtr]

It's good that not everyone wants to make levels that just throw every enemy and trap imaginable at Mario. I did make *ONE* of those sorts of levels to get it out of my system and figure out some mechanics, but every other level I've uploaded has tried to be something easily found somewhere in the first three or four worlds of a standard 2D Mario.

[@plarpman]

And by unlocking the [REDACTED] power up and [REDACTED]

[@TobiasBergdorf]

That's actually how I wrote those in my script haha.

[@grackleking6413]

Everybody gangsta till the [REDACTED] starts [REDACTED]

[@sanstheskeleton6791]

You mean the hammer and the Superball powerups

[@xenomaster7263]

Here’s how to make a level. First, you [REDACTED]. Then, [DATA EXPUNGED]. Next, make sure to add a ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️. Lastly, make sure to add a fitting [EXPUNGED].

[@Kid_Cat64]

@@sanstheskeleton6791 shame

[@Lyroy_TheToad]

I really want new thing for making this level more fun! This video can teach people how to make good levels and new things will make the levels better.

[@KnightToRemember]

2:25 when you realize that The setup and introduction can be cheesed by a Wall jump and a ground pound

[@polymerwario]

It takes the same amount of time to jump off of a vine

[@enderallygolem]

I mean if you are good enough to cheese it I doubt you wouldn't know how to climb vines

[@polymerwario]

@@enderallygolem Yeah it isn't even cheese because it's intended that you get up there

[@ebgurif]

That’s what i call anti cheese it’s cheese but it’s just harder

[@forsterization]

Claudio, They patched that in SMM2.

[@goodgoomba]

7:57 Oh, you don’t have to _emulate_ pokeys anymore!

[@landlighterfirestar5550]

I’m just about finished with my own Pokey level! *Snow Pokey Tower* I’ll put the code here tomorrow when I clear check it!

[@atroxxious]

Legend says they are still clear checking the level

[@CadenMHolmes]

@@atroxxiousto this day

[@thecoolbroscoolman4672]

@@landlighterfirestar5550Let’s pay our respects, wish you luck

[@TeaCupsTeaPots]

@@landlighterfirestar5550 it's been a while, are you struggling a tad with that clear check?

[@personguy6904]

new video excitement haha so many good youtubers i watch posted today

[@Healing_Cookies]

I am gonna use the vine level as a inspiration! :D

[@TobiasBergdorf]

Awesome!

[@calebwolbach325]

Me too

[@clark5317]

You're very quickly becoming one of my favorite Mario Maker 2 creators.

[@cubeco]

You have come a far way in the 4 or so months I've been watching you! It's great to see how far you are improving your channel, videos, and Mario maker courses ofc. Great stuff dude!!

[@dreddbolt]

Been feeling the traditional itch lately... I decided to try building a master sword power-up level drawing elements from classic SMB3 forts (castles) and Ghosts 'n' Goblins/Cursed Castilla EX... as well as another level where I challenge myself to completely avoid using the master sword power-up while building a (mostly) traditional SMB castle, and by attempting to mix traditional elements with a sort of Donkey Kong Country influence... all the while trying to find my 'voice,' or so to speak.

[@HanabiiYT]

Was that a pun? *Find my voice* *So to Speak* If not intentional, sorry, my inner Jokester came out lmao-

[@thomaswalega5142]

I think story mode gives a great introduction to players so they have a basic mechanic and a thought of the possibilities in this game

[@jberrethful]

Dinosaur Ragtime s t o p

[@ItsDevinJ]

Super Mario Bros. 1 Challenges: Jumping Jumping Jumping Ah fuck a Lakitu Jumping

[@PhanTum926]

What about Hammer Bros.

[@ItsDevinJ]

PokéMaster ah fuck hammer bros

[@KnightToRemember]

I cheesed a level of The story mode: in The secrets of The dry Bones Shell, there is a part with a Boo that has a muncher above it for make it unkillable but you can Kill The Boo anyways. awesome cheese

[@MrAndyjobo]

Your videos are so inspiring and make level-creation seem so much simpler and broken down.

[@boneless_cucumber7773]

Great video! I really enjoy making some classic levels but sometimes it can be hard. Also congrats for achieving 10 000 subscribers!! You really deserve them! :D

[@jamesmanning5159]

this should be mandatory viewing before making levels

[@Wykesidefruitmachine]

I reckon just loads of Bowsers with chain chomps and bullet bills at the very beginning will do the trick. Maybe loads of bouncy blocks and extra lives everywhere.

[@Wykesidefruitmachine]

And some Lakitus, so you can just fly over the level to beat it, should you choose.

[@landlighterfirestar5550]

Got the game for Christmas and I’m super excited since I’ve had plenty of experience with LEGO of building things

[@GSMILLAA]

Almost to 11k nice job 👍

[@TobiasBergdorf]

Thanks! It's pretty crazy, not gonna lie.

[@dreddbolt]

Definitely feeling good to come back to, because it hasn't been easy to get my head back in the game since the pandemic and lack of small desirable updates.

[@Alice-FE]

So basically... -Introduction -Challenge -Checkpoint -Twist -Climax

[@NaffyZacky]

Don't forgot to place some breathing room too

[@HarvoSpoon]

you don't need a checkpoint, it's there just in case

[@liamarnold8918]

Ok

[@immortalsun]

Excellent video! You perfectly summed up how Nintendo designs good Mario levels. Your channel is incredibly underrated!

[@vriska222]

I can't believe you showed my level, i feel so honored

[@vriska222]

@Mahdi RANA KR8-KFQ-N1H

[@vriska222]

@Mahdi RANA ofc, i cant record my switch but its the one at 7:33 . I find it kind of interesting with the comentary, because when I made the level, I played throught it rather slowly in comparison .

[@gyroge9]

Although Ceave Gaming posted a similar video back then, you did clear Ceave´s points in a more summarized way. Good Job!!!

[@SeanGaunery]

It's always interesting to see how clever Nintendo's levels are made if you take a closer look. Great video :)

[@Omar-cw5gg]

The Secret of the Dry Bones Shell also has a secret at the blue pipe at the very beginning of the level.

[@kn6361]

This is a great video. I wish more people would practice these fundamentals. I'll definitely be passing this along!

[@ItsAnGoose]

LOVE your channel, really informative vids and excellent presentation- Thanks! 😊

[@bquad2]

You should do a combo video with Ceave Gaming. Both your channels talk about level design and super mario maker/smm2.

[@ChristopherMoom]

Nintendo's Story Mode levels are pretty good, like that one level with the spiky Cloud maze that lasts 10 seconds. Or the level where all you do is kill one Piranha Creeper.

[@liamarnold8918]

Your In every vid lol

[@ms046]

These videos seriously have helped me with my level designing and how I can improve. Thank you!

[@alexamerling79]

Very informative. This video should be required viewing before playing this game.

[@Nobody_Shroom]

I honestly forgot that pokeys were added in an update, so I was super confused as to why you used spinies😂

[@xomvoid_akaluchiru_987]

Ooooo early? Cool looking forward to the next live stream!

[@nintenstation1905]

Subbed since 2k donates at 3k still loving the content at 11k keep it up

[@TobiasBergdorf]

Thanks so much *dank* !

[@sosasees]

I have a theory why Nintendo didn't make the most crazy levels for Story Mode: They wanted you to feel like you could build levels just as good, so they were careful that there's nothing you couldn't top.

[@ryancarriere9547]

This is a really high quality video, you deserve more subs.

[@WonkyWater-YT]

This is an amazing video if you want to make short, easy, traditional levels. However a more complicated plan would have to be made for longer levels. For example here is a quick one I just thought up of after watching this video and another by Ceave Gaming: intro, some danger, challenging, checkpoint + easy, challenging, boss/hardest, satisfaction.

[@caio7248]

Hey! Nice to see more vids from you

[@TobiasBergdorf]

I upload a new video every Sunday!

[@caio7248]

Nice! Good to know that.

[@Dezo365]

0:40 and unlocking the Hammer power up and the super ball power up

[@rosebulbasaur]

This really makes me want to get Mario Maker 2!!

[@PinkPuffyPastry]

This is a gift from heaven thank yu

[@jerboas]

I'm gonna use this ty

[@abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz5526]

This is a very nice video. While I think that Story Mode has a lot of iffy levels amidst its better ones, you explained the deal with level design really well. I'd recommend checking out a mod of the original New Super Mario Bros. DS called "Newer DS", I've always felt that the level design there surpasses Nintendo's and is an interesting look at level design on its own (as it follows all of these principles).

[@tmprit]

8:12 Luigi: It’s over, Mario! I have the high ground! Mario: You underestimate my new power ups

[@immortalsun]

The ******** and ******** power-ups are my favourite power-ups. _😏_

[@Platinum_XYZ]

How come whenever the direct footage is shown, it's only in 30fps? It seems quite random and is kind of annoying when watching since the rest of the video is 60fps.

[@Platinum_XYZ]

Wait why is this one of the top comments?

[@heroboy8846]

Another secret, if you groundpound at 3:23 you can go down where someone in the bottom throws coins

[@awesomhudsstudios6089]

That "Lanky Toadette" in the top corner of my IPad is really menacing.

[@Michel-vd6sw]

I thought this woudnt learn me alot since i build pretty good levels but helped alot!

[@KONSQUEEZE]

This helped me make my first level

[@loganjohnson4730]

Everybody who owns mario maker needs to know this

[@smbxxer]

You made an awesome level!

[@JesusDawg]

This is a lot like writing a book you need to add certain elements to keep the reader interested

[@sirtechy5803]

Wow That seemed like a real Nintendo stage!

[@evagarcia865]

Don’t forget: If your level has a gimmick, make a gimmick-related way of reaching the flagpole. (For example, if your level is themed around springs, add a spring at the end to make people reach the top of the pole)

[@Geordje]

Who the tf dislikes this its great! Oh yeah sega

[@ebgurif]

This is like a traditional level breakdown

[@YoshiExploshi]

Pretty Helpful Video

[@callie_yt]

your pokey level can use pokeys now

[@thischanneldiedlol2234]

- NicDood - already done! :)

[@randomperson5579]

I will say from experience, in peoples early days, of MM , I do definitely see people (including myself), start off with making meh levels, but as time goes on they get better, I'd say the best way to learn at the fundamental level, is understand different mechanics, experiment with them, mix in something new, and definitely play other people's levels and worlds. Story mode is a good start, but definitely play levels of all difficulty. most people will have a goto style, mine is usually SMW and NSMBU, but if there's a fun power-up I wanna use like the superball flower then I'll choose SMB1, I'll choose SMB3 if I want people to be able to pick stuff up, but not be able to spin jump. the only styles/powerups I don't really like using are 3D world, as it has a much different assortments of useable items, And I like using spin jumps and conveyors, and 1x1 sized on/off blocks. my least favourite powerup is the Master Sword, mostly because I can't think of something I want to do for it.

[@rainydeestar4806]

Literally a video i requested, and it didn't showed up in my recommandations

[@vinegart3211]

This really help

[@TheRemaindersYT]

I love this video!!

[@emyhR]

Any Mario Maker 2 videos where it’s a step by step of a at least a basic level? Like from start to finish

[@TobiasBergdorf]

I am currently making a video like that called "Level Creation Commentary - From Idea to Upload," however in the mean time I do have another tutorial like this one for more basic tips that could come in handy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nQkIeFe55mgbc

[@каркар-у5ц]

1:27 I'm not sure (because i don't have Super Mario Maker 2), but I think you can get to the pipe without vines, using wall jump and then ground pound.

[@HanabiiYT]

I’m working on a NSMB U themed esque like super world, as I grew up with NSMB DS - NSMB U.

[@SuperMarioAutist]

5:05 there’s actually a secret room with three 1UP mushrooms inside that pipe.

[@gferrol118]

2 of my levels follow this. One of them is my most played level, with 285 plays, and the other one is one of my least played levels with only 50 plays :P

[@calebwolbach325]

You keep making it easier to make lebels for my grandma. Thanks again!

[@idksalvador65]

I love ya vids man

[@momoohil9361]

Good one 😎

[@candorthecandyman9021]

you look like some sort of wizard or bard

[@TobiasBergdorf]

This is the best comment I've ever gotten thanks.

[@officertom6751]

Now we can put actual Pokeys in a level! ^^

[@ade1174]

My own takeaways from story mode is that Nintendo incorporates light puzzle elements and autoscroll into its own levels much more than randoms do online. There were definitely a few good ones like the chain chomp don't jump, the first upside down level, the vine one you mention, the seesaw vertical climb, and some others. Nintendo definitely does a good job of teaching the main mechanic early and expanding on it before gracefully bowing out as you mention.

[@FappleJackity]

Macho madness in the bg at the start totally distracted me

[@Sketchchess07]

When I saw the level, I thought, “that’s ridiculous, we already have pokeys” and then I remembered that they weren’t base game content

[@classicspeeder]

I always wanted to make a traditional level but I never had Mario Maker even though I had both consoles

[@Thegrimbly2000]

and then there were pokeys. you DID replace the spinys later on, right?

[@thischanneldiedlol2234]

George Abel yeah

[@FooFooANIMATIONS]

A good way to check your level difficulty is if it can be beaten without running

[@mundodacrianca2147]

1:34 *Tricky walljump enters the chat*

[@zazaaji9833]

Your word choice, the way you present your idea/concept, and the way you demonstrate stuff reminds me so much of how Brian Griffin talks and acts in the more recent seasons of Family Guy. That can be a compliment or an insult, depending on your views. I won't say my view, I'm just stating the fact.

[@portablerefrigerator4902]

Me: watching incessantly while waiting to get Mario maker 2

[@pocketnaut]

You look like a classy version of Wulff Den

[@kaizo_kaim960]

Nice

[@menemy4700]

Hey Bergdof! If I make a world of traditional levels (combined by the world editor you recommended), I hope it'll be posted in your video XD

[@Tekkwin]

8:11 stop please

[@Reyn_the_Insane]

Traditional levels are what I make best. I try too hard to make original gimmicky levels and I shoot myself in the foot by doing so.

[@pebblewr]

This feels like a college class named how to work at Nintendo. Btw it is a joke and I love your videos

[@QuetschKuh]

Ceave already did the same but still good :D