Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy 2
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer	Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher	Nintendo
Platform(s)	Wii, Wii U
Release date	Wii (original release): Template:ReleaseWii (Nintendo Selects): Template:ReleaseWii U (digital download): Template:Release[?]
Language(s)	English (United States) French (France) French (Canada) German Spanish (Spain) Spanish (Latin America) Italian Japanese Traditional Chinese Korean
Genre	Platformer
Rating(s)	ESRB: - Everyone PEGI: - Three years and older CERO: - All ages ACB: - General USK: - Six years and older ClassInd: - General audience GRAC: - All ages
Mode(s)	Single player, two-player cooperative
Format	Wii: Optical disc Wii U: Digital download
Input	Wii: Wii Remote Wii Remote and Nunchuk Wii U: Wii U GamePad Wii Remote Wii Remote and Nunchuk

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a 3D action platform game released for the Wii on May 22, 2010. It is the sequel to the 2007 game Super Mario Galaxy, the thirteenth entry in the Super Mario series, the fourth 3D platformer, and the only 3D platformer in the Super Mario series to be released on the same console as its predecessor. The sequel retains many elements from its predecessor, such as the adventure being in outer space, the element of gravity, items such as the Bee Mushroom and Spring Mushroom, and recurring objects such as Launch Stars and Sling Stars. However, the game introduces new elements as well, such as the utilization of Yoshi, new power-ups like the Cloud Flower, and the use of a guide within the game for beginner players. All releases of the game except for the American version include a beginner's DVD to help players understand the controls and items if they have not played Super Mario Galaxy. In North America, help for beginners is found on the official website as well as on the Nintendo Channel.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is also the first Wii title to be digitally re-released on the Wii U's Nintendo eShop service.

Story

From the instruction booklet

Shining stardust falls on the Mushroom Kingdom once every hundred years. That time had come again...

Dear Mario,

Would you like to share some cake while we watch the shooting stars? Meet me at the castle!

Peach

Mario ran through the field with stars falling around him. Suddenly, he noticed a strange light in the grass. As he peered cautiously through the reeds, he saw a small, lost Luma. With the baby Luma tucked safely under his cap, Mario rushed on to the castle. But when he got there, something unexpected was waiting for him…

Super Bowser

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is "another story of stardust". The game begins at the time of the Star Festival, which only happens every 100 years. Princess Peach invites Mario to share some cake while watching the shooting stars. On his way to Peach's Castle, Mario finds a lost Baby Luma, who seems to like Mario and jumps into his hat, granting him spin power. Near the castle, Mario discovers it under attack by Bowser, now gigantic thanks to the Power Stars, who kidnaps Peach and takes her away to the center of the universe. In response, Lumas who crashed near the castle offer to aid Mario to chase Bowser by transforming into a Launch Star and launching Mario to space.

After collecting a Power Star, Mario arrives on a planet-like object, where he meets Lubba, who tells him that his crew and their spaceship were attacked by Bowser. Realizing both him and Mario need each others' help to collect the stolen Power Stars and rescue Peach, he uses the Power Star to fix his ship and transform it into Starship Mario, which is used to travel through space and find more Power Stars. During his travels, Mario has to deal with Bowser's forces, including Bowser Jr. and Super Bowser himself.

Baby Luma bidding farewell to Mario and Peach.

Finally, Mario and friends locate Bowser's Galaxy Generator, where Bowser is fought for the final time. After Bowser's defeat, his empire becomes undone, and Peach is saved. A comet which was caught by Bowser's fortress is also freed and is revealed to be the Comet Observatory. Rosalina then appears, happy to see that Baby Luma is safe. Baby Luma, overjoyed that he's reunited with his "mama", heads back to his home, and takes Mario's cap as a souvenir, much to Mario's surprise. After the Comet Observatory leaves, Mario and Peach return to their own home using the Starship Mario. Along the way, Bowser is shown in a tiny form near Peach's Castle.

Rosalina telling stories to the Lumas.

If the player collects the first 120 Power Stars and battles Bowser again in his fortress, an extra scene is shown after the credits, revealing Rosalina and her Lumas in the Comet Observatory's Library. She has finished reading a story to them (possibly the events of the game itself) and plans on telling the Lumas a new story about the Green Power Stars. A new feature is then unlocked in which all the galaxies are visited by green Prankster Comets. From there, the player must hunt down all the Green Stars. When they are all collected (adding up to 240 Power Stars), the Grandmaster Galaxy is opened in World S. It houses the last two Power Stars, and when the last one is reached, Rosalina congratulates the player and appears on Starship Mario.

Gameplay elements

Mario on the deck of Starship Mario.

The gameplay is similar to Super Mario Galaxy, with a focus on platforming based on and around 3D planets of varying sizes and with many different types of surfaces. Power-ups, such as the Bee Mushroom, Boo Mushroom, Spring Mushroom, and Fire Flower make a return, along with new ones such as the Rock Mushroom and the Cloud Flower, as well as various enemies and Airships. Launch Stars reappear for interplanetary navigation, along with a Luma and Mario's spin action. Additionally, the concept of "dark matter" appears as the medium of which Cosmic Clones are composed, and as a portal through which Airships emerge. 2-D stages featured in Super Mario Galaxy are also included in Super Mario Galaxy 2, introducing many new features. The game has only three file slots to use, unlike the six files in the preceding game; also, files can no longer be copied.

Mario is controlled with the analog stick and can jump with the . The works just as the trigger did in Super Mario 64. The player uses it to make Mario crouch, do Somersaults, and do Long Jumps. The centers the camera behind Mario, while the can adjust the camera angle manually. By pressing the upper part of the , the player can enter a first-person perspective.

The game also uses the motion sensors in the Wii Remote. The pointer of the Remote appears as the Star Pointer on the screen. The Star Pointer is used to perform a variety of actions, such as using Pull Stars, manipulating Sling Pods, and collecting Star Bits. Shaking the Wii Remote or Nunchuk makes Mario perform a spin.

Luigi and Yoshi about to get a Blimp Fruit in Starshine Beach Galaxy.

One of the more notable additions in Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the inclusion of Yoshi. When Mario finds a Yoshi egg, he can crack it to release and use Yoshi. Yoshi changes colors when eating either a Dash Pepper, Blimp Fruit or Bulb Berry; a Dash Yoshi darts at rapid speeds, a Blimp Yoshi inflates and floats upwards, and a Bulb Yoshi lights up and shows hidden paths for a certain amount of time, respectively. When utilizing Yoshi, the player's Wii Remote cursor turns into a red sphere that detects targets for Yoshi's tongue. Using the cursor allows Yoshi to swallow enemies and swing from special flowers.

Elements from older games are also included in the new game. These elements include a remix of Super Mario Bros.'s overworld theme (which is originally heard in Toy Time Galaxy from the predecessor, Super Mario Galaxy), Supermassive Galaxy, a galaxy that is reminiscent of Giant Land from Super Mario Bros. 3, a remix of the second overworld theme from Super Mario World, the Checkpoint Flag from New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Throwback Galaxy, a galaxy based on Whomp's Fortress from Super Mario 64, and a remix of the main theme and slide theme from Super Mario 64.

Mario and Co-Star Luma on the underwater portion of Cosmic Cove Galaxy.

Mario near the Portal leading to World 4.

Like Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy 2 features a main hub. For traveling between different galaxies, Mario uses a planet shaped like his head, Starship Mario. Starship Mario can be explored, much like the Comet Observatory, although it is smaller. The game has a total of 242 stars to collect, twice the number of stars found in Super Mario Galaxy, including 120 Power Stars, 120 Green Power Stars and an extra 2 Power Stars in Grandmaster Galaxy.

Multiplayer from the original Super Mario Galaxy reappears, but in addition to being another star pointer, the second player is a Co-Star Luma. The second player can stun enemies and pick up Star Bits like in Super Mario Galaxy, but now they can pick up coins (including Purple Coins) and mushrooms, defeat enemies by spinning, stop the Star Ball (while player 1 is riding on it), activate checkpoints, and flip switches.

Mario in the Cosmic Guide mode of Flip-Swap Galaxy.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 features ways to help players during gameplay similar to the Super Guide mode seen in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In some levels, the player may watch the Tip Network, which is a short demonstration of Mario taking some actions to progress. Another way the game offers is the Cosmic Guide mode. If the player finds a very difficult obstacle on their way, an entity known as the Cosmic Spirit asks Mario if he needs some help. Activating this mode, Mario passes automatically through the level to find the Star. The player may stop this mode by pressing the , though once the player has chosen this mode, they finish a level by getting a Bronze Star instead of one gold. The player must play through the level without the Cosmic Guide to gain a gold Star.

Unlike in Super Mario Galaxy, the player can now switch between playing as Mario or playing as Luigi in certain levels. If the player clears Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Luigi can be played as in any level. Like in most Super Mario games, Luigi can jump higher but has reduced traction.

Controls

Action(s)	Input(s)
Mario and Luigi controls
Move
Spin, engage object, throw object, skate	Shake /
Kick	Make contact with stunned enemy
Jump, speak, read, swim
Double jump	when making contact with the ground while moving (repeat twice)
Triple jump	when making contact with the ground while moving (repeat thrice)
Backwards somersault	+
Wall jump	against a wall
Side somersault	(in reverse direction) +
Long jump	+ while running
Spin jump	Shake / in midair
Ground pound	in midair
Homing ground pound	Shake / + in midair
Grab or release pole	alongside a pole
Climb or slide down pole	(While grabbing pole) up or down
Spin around pole	(While grabbing pole) left or right
Crouch, dive underwater
Crawl	+
Sweep kick	+ shake /
Move camera
Enter first-person view
Reset camera
Roll the Star Ball, soar with Fluzzard	Tilt
Move leaf raft	Adjust
Yoshi controls
Move
Head shake	Shake /
Kick	Make contact with stunned enemy
Jump, speak, read, swim
Double jump	when making contact with the ground while moving (repeat twice)
Side somersault	(in reverse direction) +
Flutter jump	Hold in midair
Eat, spit, grapple	+
Pull	Hold + pull back with → release
Crouch
Crawl	+
Dismount Yoshi	+
Power-up controls
Create platform in Cloud form	Shake /
Roll into a boulder in Rock form	Shake /
Adjust trajectory in Rock form
Toss fireball in Fire form	Shake /
Hover in Bee form	Hold
Float in Boo form
Phase through walls in Boo form	Shake /
Bounce in Spring form	when colliding with the ground
Get a speed boost in Yoshi's Dash form	on a surface
Slow Yoshi's ascent in his Blimp form	Hold
Star Pointer and Co-Star Luma controls
Collect a Star Bit	Move Template:Chart icon over a Star Bit
Shoot a Star Bit	Template:Chart icon +
Rapidly shoot Star Bits	Template:Chart icon + hold
Enter a Pull Star (P1 only)	Template:Chart icon + hold
Fire cannon (P1 only)	Template:Chart icon +
Star spin (Template:Chart icon only)	Shake
Stop an enemy (Template:Chart icon only)	Move Template:Chart icon over an enemy + hold
Defeat an enemy (Template:Chart icon only)	Shake while stopping an enemy
Collect item or activate object (Template:Chart icon only)	Template:Chart icon +
Make a sound on P1's Wii Remote (Template:Chart icon only)
Make a sound on P2's Wii Remote (Template:Chart icon only)	/ / /
Menu controls
Navigate menu	Template:Chart icon
Confirm command
Cancel command
Zoom out
Display HOME menu
Display pause menu	/

Locations

Setting

Prerelease screenshot of Mario long jumping across a flowery planet in Supermassive Galaxy.

Screenshot of Upside Dizzy, a galaxy staged on a two-dimensional plane.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is set in outer space. With the exception of the prologue that is staged in the Mushroom Kingdom, all levels – referred to as "galaxies" in this game – occur on distant, off-world lands. A galaxy is a cluster of planetary objects and other celestial bodies that can be traveled between. Most of these objects have their own gravitational pull. This prevents Mario from falling off their edge and mitigates the chances of the player getting lost. There are few walls or ceilings on the planets to obstruct Mario's path, and if he keeps moving forward in one direction, he returns to his starting position. Most planets are spherical or at least have rounded edges to complement this concept. Not all planets are structured like this: some are structured like traditional Super Mario courses and have their center of gravity below their mass.

Many galaxies take place on two-dimensional planes and Mario's movement options are restricted accordingly (i.e. when Mario is on a 2D side-scrolling plane, the player cannot tilt towards the z-axis to make him fall off the side). There are galaxies entirely on 2D planes, but also ones that feature both 2D and traditional 3D segments. They are usually restricted to specific planets and conveyed through environmental context. Many galaxies feature switches mounted into the landscape that change the entire level when interacted with. Some shift between the gravity being pulled from the floor and ceiling. Others slow down time, or shift placement when Mario spins.

The theme of space is more subdued in Super Mario Galaxy 2 than it is in its predecessor. While there are galaxies that feature skyboxes with nebulas and stars, the most recurring backdrop is a blue sky with fluffy clouds. However, the game does convey the outer space setting in ways distinct from the first Super Mario Galaxy. As Starship Mario, the game's hub, travels through space, it passes asteroid belts, falling stars, and black holes. Lumas, star children introduced in its predecessor, appear in nearly all galaxies and on the hub. The game's thematic core is surreal and whimsical. Rather than resemble a spacecraft, the hub is a grassy planetoid shaped like Mario's head and has a wooden bow like a seafaring vessel. Gulls fly alongside the ship, as if it were on the open ocean. The whole game is framed from the perspective of an unseen narrator reading a storybook to the player, and many locations have Carrollian elements. A pair of robots have tea together in a garden on Starship Mario. Several galaxies resemble topiaries and dollhouses. Some planets look like wooden blocks, candies, clouds, and musical instruments.

According to producer Shigeru Miyamoto, the integration of 2D levels derived from a desire to make Super Mario Galaxy 2 more accessible and less daunting to players inexperienced with 3D platformers. Integration of elaborate switch elements bore from the desire to differentiate Super Mario Galaxy 2 from its predecessor similarly to how The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (2000) was differentiated from zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998). Many elements not present in the first Super Mario Galaxy informed the setting of the courses that feature them. For example, the first galaxy to feature the Spin Drill item, Spin-Dig Galaxy, visually alludes to construction sites and has enemies that tunnel through soil.

Galaxies

Main article: Galaxy

Artwork of World 1 (top) and World 5 (bottom). The former offers more unilateral progression, with the completion of a mission in one galaxy only granting the player access to one or two new galaxies. In World 5, completing Space Storm Galaxy immediately grants one access to four new galaxies that they can play in any order they choose.

In Super Mario Galaxy 2, levels are accessed linearly within worlds. This is a departure from the proceeding 3D Super Mario games and is comparable to the 2D ones. The player accesses worlds from the Starship Mario, a small planetoid that serves as the game's hub. When Mario steps on a panel on the starship's bow, the perspective rapidly pans out to a view of the current world. Starship Mario – itself shaped like the protagonist's head – is a stand-in for Mario himself that can be moved between galaxies like a cursor. Galaxies are unlocked unilaterally – collecting a Power Star within one opens up paths to the nearest galaxies. Except for World S, the final galaxy of each world is a boss galaxy that features a fight against Bowser Jr. or Bowser. Defeating them unlocks the following world. The earliest worlds have the simplest, most straightforward paths between galaxies, but the paths become more divergent with each world, enabling the player to visit galaxies in whatever order they want (see right).

Unlike proceeding games that feature worlds – like Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) and New Super Mario Bros. (2006) – the galaxies within the worlds of Super Mario Galaxy 2 are not thematically unified. For example, World 3 contains galaxies themed around forests, snow, and haunted houses. While not all galaxies need to be completed, no numbered worlds can be skipped over to reach the end credits.

Each galaxy contains objectives called missions. Completing a mission has Mario obtaining one of the galaxy's Power Stars. One mission correlates with one Power Star. The structure of missions is closely derived from the first Super Mario Galaxy (2007). However, there are fewer dedicated missions in individual galaxies, with none having more than three. By contrast, the most robust galaxies in Super Mario Galaxy have as many as six missions. Some missions have one or more hidden Green Stars that begin to appear once the player has collected 120 normal Power Stars. Like regular Power Stars, collecting one is considered as the end of the mission. Grandmaster Galaxy is the only course in the game to lack any Green Stars. Combined, there are 242 collectible Stars in the game, the same number in its predecessor.

Some galaxies can only be unlocked by feeding Hungry Lumas a requested number of Star Bits. They appear on the world map and transport to the Starship Mario when touched. There is one in every world. Hungry Lumas appear within galaxies too, but these individuals eat coins instead of Star Bits. Feeding one the requested amount causes it to transform into a planet that contains a Secret Star. Secret Star missions are otherwise unlocked by completing certain criteria. Doing so causes non-playable characters to write letters to Mario requesting his help or to challenge him in specific galaxies he has already visited at least once. The most recurring writer is The Chimp, a monkey from Fluffy Bluff Galaxy who considers Mario to be his rival.

After Mario has completed "Bowser's Big Lava Power Party" and collects three Power Stars from World 3, his brother Luigi begins to appear in some galaxies and offer to collect the Power Star for him. Selecting "yes" allows the player to control Luigi for the mission until it is completed or exited. Completing the mission as Luigi unlocks a staff ghost for the galaxy. When followed, it leads the player towards hidden items or Secret Stars. Once "Bowser's Fortified Fortress" is completed, Luigi becomes permanently accessible via a room on Starship Mario's stern and can be played as in any level.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the first 3D Super Mario game to include a dedicated secret world accessible only after completing the main story, similar to the Special Zone of Super Mario World (1990) or World 9 of New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009). Called World S, this world contains several galaxies based around planets from the first Super Mario Galaxy that have been modified in ways that make them more challenging.

There are 49 galaxies in the game, 50 if Starship Mario is included. The chart below lists the galaxies in the order that they appear on the Star List. The galaxies are separated and color-coded according to the world they occur in. Each galaxy is given a brief description, an in-game screenshot, and a list of its missions. The descriptions come from the official Prima Games guide for Super Mario Galaxy 2. There is a legend at the bottom of the chart that details what the symbols used in it represent.

Galaxies
World 1: The Great Space Journey Begins
01. Sky Station Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×9 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Peewee Piranha's Temper Tantrum ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Storming the Sky Fleet ()
	Template:Chart icon Peewee Piranha's Speed Run
Sky Station Galaxy is composed of several small planetoids and a massive battle station. Most planets are host to some nasty little characters. It's also a great place to get used to using Launch Stars and learning how gravity holds you to planetoids in some situations but not in others. Unlock criterion: complete the prologue
02. Yoshi Star Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×8 Template:Chart icon×2 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Saddle Up with Yoshi ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Spiny Control
	Template:Chart icon Spiny Rainbow Romp
The Yoshi Star Galaxy is where Mario first meets Yoshi on his travels across the cosmos. With this faithful buddy at Mario's side, Bowser doesn't stand a chance. Yoshi loves to nosh on fruit, baddies, and power-ups, so indulge Yoshi's rumbly tummy and reap the benefits. Unlock criterion: complete "Peewee Piranha's Temper Tantrum"
03. Spin-Dig Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Digga-Leg's Planet ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Silver Stars Down Deep ()
	Template:Chart icon Digga-Leg's Daredevil Run
Spin-Dig Galaxy is the first place Mario discovers the Spin Drill, which lets him burrow through soft soil and discover buried treasure. The Spin Drill is also good for defeating tough-skinned enemies, which abound in this galaxy. Unlock criteria: collect 3 Power Stars and complete "Saddle Up with Yoshi"
04. Fluffy Bluff Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×4	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Search for the Toad Brigade Captain ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon The Chimp's Stomp Challenge
	Template:Chart icon Every Planet Has Its Price
The Fluffy Bluff Galaxy introduces the Cloud Flower, which turns you into Cloud Mario. Now you can spin to create cloud platforms and reach great heights! But be careful. The higher you go, the farther you can fall… Unlock criterion: complete "Digga-Leg's Planet"
05. Flip-Swap Galaxy (Template:Chart icon) Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Think Before You Shake ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Purple Coin Flip 'n' Sprint
After you feed the Hungry Luma 300 Star Bits on the World Map, it flies off and transforms into the Flip-Swap Galaxy. Here, each spin flips platforms back and forth, eliminating old paths while creating new ones. You will be kept on your toes. Unlock criteria: collect 3 Power Stars, complete "Saddle Up with Yoshi", and feed the Hungry Luma 300 Star Bits
06. Rightside Down Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Breaking the Laws of Gravity ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon The Great Crate Incinerator
Rightside Down Galaxy introduces flipping gravity fields. One second your feet are on the ground, the next you're pulled to the ceiling. Watch the arrows in the background to see the current direction of the gravity and see if you cannot use the sudden switches to your advantage. Unlock criterion: complete "Digga-Leg's Planet"
07. Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×2 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Gobblegut's Aching Belly ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Fiery Flotilla Speed Run
The first Grand Star is held by Bowser Jr. He uses it to power Gobblegut, a massive dragon that coils around the final planet in this galaxy. Gobblegut is the toughest enemy you have battled yet, but the fight is as fun as it is challenging. Unlock criteria: collect 7 Power Stars and complete a mission in Fluffy Bluff Galaxy
World 2: Shooting Through the Stars
08. Puzzle Plank Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon The Puzzling Picture Block ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Purple Coin Shadow Vault
	Template:Chart icon Bugaboom's Back
The Puzzle Plank Galaxy is a system of wooden blocks and boards. Buzz saws and bugs infest this galaxy, but if you are fleet-footed, you can keep one step ahead of danger and solve the riddles. Unlock criterion: complete "Gobblegut's Aching Belly"
09. Hightail Falls Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×3	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Hot-Stepping Dash Pepper ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Hightail Falls Speed Run
	Template:Chart icon Silver Stars in Hightail Falls
Hightail Falls shoots into the sky, promising incredible rewards to heroes without fear of heights. With Yoshi's help, you can scale the falls and recover the lost Power Stars needed to unlock new worlds. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Puzzle Plank Galaxy
10. Boulder Bowl Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Rock and Rollodillo ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Rolling Crabber Romp
	Template:Chart icon C'mere, Goomba
This galactic quarry is where you first discover the Rock Mushroom, which turns you into Rock Mario. With this new power, you can roll into a boulder and smash through objects and enemies. And there are plenty of enemies in this galaxy, too, just waiting for you to roll through. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Puzzle Plank Galaxy
11. Cosmic Cove Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×4	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Twin Falls Hideaway ()
	Template:Chart icon Exploring the Cosmic Cavern ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Catch That Star Bunny
Splash down in the Cosmic Cove Galaxy to swim with the penguins and discover a series of Power Stars, including a hidden star (unlocked by feeding a Hungry Luma 15 coins that sends you chasing a Star Bunny across an icy planetoid high above the cove). Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Hightail Falls Galaxy or Boulder Bowl Galaxy
12. Wild Glide Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Fluzzard's First Flight ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Jungle Fluzzard Race
The Wild Glide Galaxy is home to Fluzzard, a shy but speedy bird. You must soar with Fluzzard to the finish line of this galaxy to secure the Power Stars. At first, you can only race against time, but after beating "Step to the Beep" in Beat Block Galaxy, you get an invitation to a competitive race for a second Power Star. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Hightail Falls Galaxy or Boulder Bowl Galaxy
13. Honeybloom Galaxy (Template:Chart icon) Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Bumble Beginnings ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon The Secret Wall Jump
The Honeybloom Galaxy is the first place you find the Bee Mushroom, which gives you the power of flight. Buzzing is limited, but with Bee Mario, you can flutter to great heights and reach the Power Star high above this lush, flowery galaxy. Unlock criteria: complete a mission in Hightail Falls Galaxy or Boulder Bowl Galaxy and feed the Hungry Luma 700 Star Bits
14. Bowser's Lava Lair Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Bowser's Big Lava Power Party ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Lava Lair Speed Run
The Koopa King has set up his front line of defenses at the edge of this galaxy. Beyond lakes of lava, Bowser plots his next move. You must hurry through his trap-filled kingdom and challenge him for the second Grand Star. Without it, you cannot explore deeper into the cosmos and discover new worlds. Unlock criteria: collect 16 Power Stars and complete a mission in Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Wild Glide Galaxy, or Honeybloom Galaxy
World 3: The Far Reaches of the Universe
15. Tall Trunk Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×5 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon The Flotacious Blimp Fruit ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Tall Trunk's Big Slide ()
	Template:Chart icon Tall Trunk's Purple Coin Slide
Tall Trunk Galaxy grows a fun fruit: the Blimp Fruit. This blue bite gives Yoshi the power of flight, which is essential for reaching the lofty heights in this galaxy, where the Power Stars dangle. Unlock criterion: complete "Bowser's Big Lava Power Party"
16. Cloudy Court Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×5	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Head in the Clouds ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon The Shadow Lining
	Template:Chart icon Silver Stars in the Purple Pond
Dance to the beat among the clouds, jumping across cymbal-shaped planetoids and riding wind currents across empty space. Be sure to collect coins as you explore, because there's a Luma in this galaxy that needs a little encouragement to transform into a new planet. Unlock criterion: complete "Bowser's Big Lava Power Party"
17. Haunty Halls Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon A Glimmer of Bulb Berry ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Sneaking Down the Creepy Corridor ()
	Template:Chart icon Spooky Cosmic Clone Chase
Dare you explore the Haunty Halls, home to the Boos? This creepy galaxy is where you first harvest the Bulb Berry, which lets Yoshi see otherwise invisible platforms. Without it, you'll never be able to find the Power Stars. Unlock criteria: complete a mission in Tall Trunk Galaxy or Freezy Flake Galaxy
18. Freezy Flake Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Bowser on Ice ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Sorbetti's Chilly Reception ()
	Template:Chart icon The Chimp's Skating Challenge
Shivers and chills abound in the Freezy Flake Galaxy. You must use the Fire Flowers and Rock Mushrooms to locate the Power Stars in this frozen corner of space. The Chimp from Fluffy Bluff is here too, just waiting to challenge you to another game. Can you prove to The Chimp that you're the best skater in the galaxy? Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Cloudy Court Galaxy or Haunty Halls Galaxy
19. Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×9	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Silver Chomp Grudge Match ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Masterpiece Speed Run
When you land in this artful galaxy, you are immediately given the Power Star. But it's locked inside a sphere. You must race to the finish line to unlock the Power Star. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Freezy Flake Galaxy
20. Beat Block Galaxy (Template:Chart icon) Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×3 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Step to the Beep ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Silver Stars in Double Time
No wallflowers allowed! Jump to the beat in this musical galaxy. Platforms blink with the rhythm; you cannot stand still or else this galaxy will dance you out from under you feet, leaving you hanging over empty space. Unlock criterion: complete "A Glimmer of Bulb Berry" and feed the Hungry Luma 1000 Star Bits
21. Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×5 Template:Chart icon×2 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Bowser Jr.'s Mighty Megahammer ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Megahammer's Daredevil Bash
Bowser Jr. holds the next Grand Star. The Koopa King's offspring has a mighty pirate fleet he unleashes to slow you down, but with Yoshi at your side, you'll survive the ships. The massive robot Bowser Jr. is powering with the Grand Star is the toughest challenge yet, so be sure to seek out a Life Mushroom so you meet Megahammer prepared for battle. Unlock criteria: collect 28 Power Stars and complete "Bowser's Big Lava Power Party"
World 4: The Many Mysteries of the Cosmos
22. Supermassive Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×5	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Huge Trouble with Big Wigglers ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Big Wigglers Speed Run
	Template:Chart icon In Full Bloom
Supermassive is composed of planets and enemies from previous adventures, but everything has been gigantic-sized. Though larger than you, these enemies are still vulnerable to your attacks so do not let their size scare you from questing for the Power Stars. Unlock criterion: complete "Bowser Jr.'s Mighty Megahammer"
23. Flipsville Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×8 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Flip-Flopping in Flipsville ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Flipsville's New Digs
	Template:Chart icon Purple Coin Spin Speed Run
Flipsville Galaxy has fun with the pull of gravity. You are usually pulled toward the floor, no matter which side of the planet you stand on. Use grates to flip back and forth between sides of the planets as you pursue the Power Stars. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Supermassive Galaxy or Sweet Mystery Galaxy
24. Starshine Beach Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×2 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Surf, Sand, and Silver Stars ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Climbing the Cloudy Tower ()
	Template:Chart icon Purple Coin Beach Dash
Starshine Beach looks like a wonderful place to vacation, but with Peach in peril and Bowser plotting, you have no time to catch a few rays. With Yoshi at your side, you must find the Power Stars of Starshine Beach to keep pushing deeper into the cosmos. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Flipsville Galaxy or Honeyhop Galaxy
25. Chompworks Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×5	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Where the Chomps Are Made of Gold ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Spring into the Chompworks ()
	Template:Chart icon Cosmic Clones in the Chompworks
Ever wonder where all those giant Chomps come from? It turns out there's a planet out in deep space where Chomps just roll off an assembly line. Can you survive this fearsome factory and bring home some Power Stars? Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Flipsville Galaxy or Honeyhop Galaxy
26. Sweet Mystery Galaxy (Template:Chart icon) Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×2 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Bulb Berry's Mysterious Glow ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Bulb Berry's Purple Coin Glow
Indulge your sweet tooth in this galaxy made of cookies and cakes. But not every delicious delight is out in the open. Yoshi must snack on Bulb Berries to make every platform visible. Without revealing a safe route through this galaxy, you'll never enjoy a dessert of Power Stars. Unlock criteria: complete "Bowser Jr.'s Mighty Megahammer" and feed the Hungry Luma 1200 Star Bits
27. Honeyhop Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon The Sweetest Silver Stars ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon The Chimp's Score Challenge
The Queen Bee holds high court above Honeyhop Galaxy. If you can please her majesty, perhaps she will reward you handsomely with some Power Stars. And what's this about The Chimp hanging about, challenging galactic travelers to Octoomba-stomping contests? Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Supermassive Galaxy
28. Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Breaking into Bowser's Castle ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Gravity Star Speed Run
You've finally made it to the edge of World 4. Bowser lurks here, perfecting his schemes at the heart of his flying castle. Survive his gauntlet of tricks and traps, outsmarting ever-changing gravity fields. If you make it through Bowser's defenses, the Koopa King has no choice but to battle you for possession of a Grand Star. Unlock criteria: collect 40 Power Stars and complete a mission in Starshine Beach Galaxy or Chompworks Galaxy
World 5: Trial of the Galaxies
29. Space Storm Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×5	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Follow Me, Bob-omb ()
	Template:Chart icon To the Top of Topman's Tower ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon C'mere, Topman
The Space Storm Galaxy is a collection of derelict battle stations and Pull Stars. You spend a lot of time hanging out over nothing but a great void, so keep a steady hand on those Pull Stars! Unlock criterion: complete "Breaking into Bowser's Castle"
30. Slipsand Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×5 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Squizzard's Sandy Sinkhole ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Sailing the Sandy Seas
	Template:Chart icon Squizzard's Daredevil Run
The parched Slipsand Galaxy is a dangerous desert loaded with challenges like a giant sand slide and rolling Rhomps. Things get even trickier when you travel to a great expanse of the desert and must ride on the back of a bird that can disappear when it hits hazards… too bad you don't have the same skill. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Space Storm Galaxy
31. Shiverburn Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Prince Pikante's Peppery Mood ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Octo-Army Icy Rainbow Romp
	Template:Chart icon The Chimp's Ultimate Skating Challenge
Shiverburn Galaxy is a system of polar opposites. One second you are trying to keep your feet out of a lava lake, the next you are figure skating over a glassy sheet of ice. But one thing remains constant here: every enemy wants to deny you those Power Stars. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Space Storm Galaxy
32. Boo Moon Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×5	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Silver Stars Pop-Up ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Haunting the Howling Tower
	Template:Chart icon The Star in the Sinking Swamp
Once in a Boo Moon… this haunted galaxy is home to a whole host of Boos, so get ready to play a little hide-and-seek with these spectral foes. You also discover the Boo Mushroom here, though, so at least you can turn the tables when wearing the Boo Mushroom. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Space Storm Galaxy
33. Upside Dizzy Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon A Walk on the Weird Side ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Burning Upside Dizzy
Upside Dizzy Galaxy is a funhouse of gravity, where down is up and up is down. Unless gravity reverses itself. And then everything is normal again. But that usually only lasts for a few seconds in this topsy-turvy galaxy. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Space Storm Galaxy
34. Fleet Glide Galaxy (Template:Chart icon) Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Fluzzard's Wild Battlefield Glide ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Fastest Feathers in the Galaxy
The Fleet Glide Galaxy is a giant battle station. While clutching Fluzzard's talons, you must soar above the station and dive through some tight tunnels to win the Power Stars and escape with your hide. Unlock criteria: complete a mission in Space Storm Galaxy and feed the Hungry Luma 1500 Star Bits
35. Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Bowser Jr.'s Boomsday Machine ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Boomsday Machine Daredevil Run
While Bowser licks his wounds from your last battle, Bowser Jr. resumes the quest to keep you from scoring Grand Stars. You must fight your way to Bowser Jr.'s last stand and defeat his latest invention, the Boomsday Machine, to earn the Grand Star that opens up the next world. Unlock criteria: collect 55 Power Stars and complete a mission in Space Storm Galaxy
World 6: Bowser in Your Sights
36. Melty Monster Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×9 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon The Magnificent Magma Sea ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon A Stroll Down Rolling Lane ()
	Template:Chart icon The Chimp's Bowling Challenge
Magmaws and Magmaarghs erupt from the lava-soaked worlds of this galaxy, splashing the skies with molten earth in hopes of keeping you from collecting the Power Stars. Unlock criterion: complete "Bowser Jr.'s Boomsday Machine"
37. Clockwork Ruins Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×8	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Time for Adventure ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon The Adventure of the Purple Coins
	Template:Chart icon The Ledge Hammer Trap
Can you survive the cogs and wheels built into these ancient ruins? Drive into empty holes to avoid getting smashed by rolling wheels. And be sure to collect coins as you explore because there's a little Luma in this galaxy that would gladly accept your spare change in exchange for revealing the hidden Power Star. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Melty Monster Galaxy
38. Throwback Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Return of the Whomp King ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Silver Stars in the Whomp Fortress ()
	Template:Chart icon Whomp Silver Star Speed Run
Longtime fans will recognize this galaxy -- it's the pyramid from Super Mario 64. And just as before, the Whomp King is waiting for you somewhere on this planet. Unlock criteria: collect 60 Power Stars and complete a mission in Clockwork Ruins Galaxy
39. Battle Belt Galaxy Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Mini-Planet Mega-Run ( ∙ ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Mini-Planet Daredevil Run
	Template:Chart icon Snacktime for Gobblegut
The Battle Belt Galaxy is a series of planets, all infested with infested with enemies from previous galaxies. As you bounce from planetoid to planetoid, you must defeat Crabbers, Jack O' Goombas, Li'l Cinders, and more to unlock the Launch Stars that propel you toward the Power Star. Unlock criteria: collect 65 Power Stars and complete "Return of the Whomp King"
40. Flash Black Galaxy (Template:Chart icon) Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×2 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Jumping Around in the Dark ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Dark Octo-Army Romp
Darkness reigns in this spooky galaxy. Every few seconds, lightning crackles across the sky and reveals the architecture of a haunted mansion and a maze of platforms out over empty space. Use those flashes so you aren't stumbling around in the dark. Unlock criteria: complete a mission in Melty Monster Galaxy and feed the Hungry Luma 1800 Star Bits
41. Slimy Spring Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon The Deep Shell Well ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon The Chimp's Coin Challenge
Grab a shell and dive into the Slimy Spring Galaxy. This underwater course leads you through a garden of Snoodle, chambers full of Boos, and a pair of writhing Gringills. Don't worry. A beautiful sunrise awaits on the far side side of this watery world. Unlock criterion: complete "Jumping Around in the Dark"
42. Bowser's Galaxy Generator Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×2 Template:Chart icon×2 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Bowser's Fortified Fortress ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Bowser's Big Bad Speed Run
This is it -- Bowser's last stand in the cosmos. If you can survive his trap-loaded defenses and Magmaargh minions, Bowser will challenge you to a final showdown for the sixth Grand Star. Bowser will not go quietly, though. You must muster all your strength to bring down the Koopa King and free the universe from his evil plans. Unlock criteria: collect 70 Power Stars and complete a mission in Battle Belt Galaxy or Slimy Spring Galaxy
World S: Here We Go!
43. Mario Squared Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Make Mario a Star ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Luigi's Purple Coin Chaos
Mario Squared Galaxy is shaped like classic Mario from his 8-bit adventures. The red in Mario's overalls is actually colored in by lava, so be careful you don't singe your behind on your own duds. Unlock criterion: complete "Bowser's Fortified Fortress"
44. Rolling Coaster Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon The Rainbow Road Roll ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Purple Coins on the Rainbow Road
The Rolling Coaster Galaxy is modeled after one of Mario's favorite karting tracks. However, there are no wheels to be found here. Instead, you must roll through this colorful cosmic challenge on a sphere. The Power Star you seek is actually right under your toes. Unlock criteria: collect 75 Power Stars and complete a mission in Mario Squared Galaxy
45. Twisty Trials Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Spinning and Spinning and Spinning ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Turning Turning Double Time
The planets in this galaxy are spinning blocks that never slow down. You must jump from block to block, carefully stepping over the edges so you constantly stay on flat surfaces and are not dumped out into the void. Unlock criteria: collect 80 Power Stars and complete a mission in Rolling Coaster Galaxy
46. Stone Cyclone Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Silver Stars on the Cyclone ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Tox Box Speed Run
Remember this planet from Super Mario Galaxy? It's back and tougher than ever. The Tox Box menace on this planet has gone critical, with these rolling giants dominating every square inch of solid ground. Seek refuge in the gaping maws of the Tox Boxes as they roll by so you aren't squashed. Unlock criteria: collect 90 Power Stars and complete a mission in Twisty Trials Galaxy
47. Boss Blitz Galaxy Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×10	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Throwback Throwdown ( ∙ )
	Template:Chart icon Throwback Throwdown Speed Run
This galaxy is a rogue's gallery of bosses from the first Super Mario Galaxy. Dino Piranha, King Kaliente, Major Burrows, and Bouldergeist have all booked return tickets to the cosmos for this challenge. But none of them is as tough as Fiery Dino Piranha. That fired-up Piranha Plant is back and madder than ever! Unlock criteria: collect 100 Power Stars and complete a mission in Stone Cyclone Galaxy
48. Flip-Out Galaxy (Template:Chart icon) Template:Chart icon×4 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Wicked Wall Jumps ()
	Template:Chart icon Cosmic Clone Wall Jumpers ()
This is one of the galaxies in the cosmos. You must spin to swap colorful blocks in the galaxy, creating a series of walls to jump up. The catch? Most of the planets in this galaxy have limited or no floors, so you better be at the top of your game if you want to nab the Power Stars here. Unlock criteria: collect 110 Power Stars, complete a mission in Boss Blitz Galaxy, and feed the Hungry Luma 2000 Star Bits
49. Grandmaster Galaxy Template:Chart icon×2 Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon The Ultimate Test
	Template:Chart icon The Perfect Run
Welcome to the final challenge of the cosmos, where your skills will be put to incredible test. Precise jumping, perfect landings, and smart use of power-ups are required to locate the Power Star in this galaxy. And if you think this contest is tough on your first visit, wait until you attempt it when the prankster comet is overhead… Unlock criterion: collect 240 Power Stars
Level chart information and legend: Galaxies accessed from inside a World are designated with a unique number. This number correlates with the galaxy's listing on the in-game Star List. Galaxies accessed by feeding Hungry Lumas are appendixed with (Template:Chart icon). Four symbols convey attributes about each galaxy: Template:Chart icon denotes the total number of obtainable Power Stars; Template:Chart icon denotes the total number of reachable planets and/or areas; Template:Chart icon denotes the number of missions that feature Yoshi; and Template:Chart icon denotes the number of boss battles. The name of each mission is accompanied by a symbol that indicates what type of mission it is and the type of Power Star obtained. Template:Chart icon denotes a normal mission; Template:Chart icon denotes a Grand Star mission; Template:Chart icon denotes a Prankster Comet mission; and Template:Chart icon denotes an intramissionary Secret Star. Missions that contain hidden Green Stars are appendixed with one or more Template:Chart icon, depending on how many there are.

Prankster Comets

Main article: Prankster Comet

Comet Medals are collectibles hidden in galaxies. Every galaxy has a Comet Medal. Collecting one adds it to the player's total, much like Power Stars, Star Bits, and coins. If Mario loses a life after collecting one and finishes the mission, the Comet Medal will not be added to his total. He will have to return to a mission in that galaxy to collect it again. Accumulating Comet Medals causes Prankster Comets to orbit previously visited galaxies. The comets unlock new missions in their corresponding galaxies with unique attributes, namely speed runs; "daredevil" runs (in which Mario is defeated if he takes a single hit); Purple Coin runs; races against Cosmic Clones; romps requiring Mario to defeat 30 enemies within a time limit; and missions where the speed of obstacles is increased. Not every galaxy can be orbited by these types of Prankster Comets. After completing all 120 missions and completing "Bowser's Fortified Fortress" a second time, Green Comets begin orbiting every galaxy except for Grandmaster Galaxy. This causes hidden Green Stars to appear in previously completed missions.

Prankster Comets were an element in the game's predecessor, but their integration has been simplified in Super Mario Galaxy 2. Additionally, unlike in the prior game, Prankster Comets permanently remain in orbit around their corresponding galaxies, allowing the player to access the new missions at any time they wish.

Starship Mario

Main article: Starship Mario

Screenshot of the Engine Room. The display of power-ups is one of the ways that progress is passively tracked.

The Starship Mario is the hub of the game. It is a planetoid-turned-spaceship created by Lubba as a home for his Lumas. After becoming acquainted with Mario, he transforms it into his likeness. Rather than invoke a spaceship design comparable to those in science fiction, the Starship Mario has a fantastical design: it has a bow like a seafaring vessel, a stone chimney, and is flocked by sea gulls. It is covered in flowers and has a small brook. It has two accessible rooms: one is the Engine Room that houses the beacon – the source of energy for Starship Mario. The other is a pipe room occupied by Lumalees accessible via a pipe in the starship's left ear. It only appears after Mario has collected a Power Star in World 3. The bow of Starship Mario has a button before a steering wheel that allows the player to access the world map and move the starship like a cursor. After collecting sixteen Power Stars, Lubba places a Totals Sign to the left of the helm that outlines all of the Power Stars and Comet Medals that the player has collected. Lubba himself is to the right.

A grassy platform with fruits begins orbiting the starship after completing "Saddle Up with Yoshi", and a Starshroom bearing members of the Toad Brigade flies with it after completing "Digga-Leg's Planet".

In Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy, completing missions would cause portions of their respective hub worlds to become illuminated. This gave the player a passive visual indication of progress and an indicator as to where one can go. In Super Mario Galaxy 2, this is instead achieved by filling up the Engine Room and in having non-playable characters board the Starship Mario as passengers. The Engine Room is accessible under the stone brim of the starship's cap. Most power-ups will be put on display here after Mario has encountered it in a mission. The only exceptions are the Cloud Flower and Yoshi egg, which instead appear on the exterior of Starship Mario and can actually be used. The power-ups in the Engine Room are only for display. The Spin Drill is among them despite functioning as a held item.

The passengers that board the Starship Mario represent the various people and characters encountered in the galaxies. Some passengers will board once they are met in a mission, but others have more specific criteria required (see below). The more the player completes of the game, the livelier the Starship Mario becomes with characters and the more elaborate its music becomes – elements shared with the Comet Observatory in Super Mario Galaxy. The passengers will share tricks on level progression or actions when prompted. Some allude to late-game secrets. The last passenger – Rosalina – is the final unlockable of the game. Piantas are the only people to not have a representative on the Starship Mario. The passengers and the criteria needed for them to board is outlined here.

Characters

Playable characters

Name	Description
Mario	The hero of the Mushroom Kingdom and the game's protagonist. An invitation to Peach's Castle turns tragic when she is kidnapped by Bowser and taken into the depths of space. After encountering a group of star children called Lumas and their leader, Lubba, Mario embarks on a journey through space to collect Power Stars, stop Bowser, and rescue the princess. This is accomplished through the aid of Starship Mario, a spaceship designed after Mario's likeness, and an apricot-colored Luma. The game's story is partially framed as a retelling of its predecessor, and Mario similarly has the same feel, physics, and control from the previous game.
Luigi	Mario's younger twin brother. He can jump higher and run faster than Mario, but at the cost of poorer acceleration and traction. This causes Luigi to skid as he moves, and increases the risk of him falling off of a platform or colliding with an obstacle. Luigi is periodically encountered at the start of various missions after Mario has cleared "Bowser's Big Lava Power Party" and collects 3 Power Stars in World 3. He offers to swap places with Mario for the mission when prompted, allowing the player to temporarily control him. After "Bowser's Fortified Fortress" is cleared, Luigi becomes permanently available and can be swapped with Mario by entering a door beneath the stern of Starship Mario.
Co-Star Luma	A young Luma that can be controlled by a second player during Co-Star Mode. It cannot be moved independently: it automatically trails behind Mario as he progresses through levels. However, using the Star Pointer, Co-Star Luma can collect far-off items (e.g. coins, 1-Up Mushrooms) and hold enemies in place. It can still perform the Spin move and collect Star Bits like Mario. Controlling Co-Star Luma does not require using a Nunchuk.

Rideable characters

Name	Description	Locations
Yoshi	A dinosaur-like creature with a long tongue that can be ridden by Mario. He was recruited by the Lumas to help collect Power Stars, but he became too overwhelmed and was locked within an egg by a Magikoopa. Yoshi can eat enemies and latch onto flowers by pointing at them on-screen with the Wii Remote's cursor. He can Flutter Jump to gain height and prolong his fall. Yoshi has many of the same abilities as Mario, including the Spin, Side Somersault, and Back-flip. When the player gets damaged, Mario falls off Yoshi and Yoshi runs off. Yoshi has a house on the starting planet of Sky Station Galaxy and refers to himself as a "space dragon".	Yoshi Star Galaxy, Hightail Falls Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Haunty Halls Galaxy, Beat Block Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet, Starshine Beach Galaxy, Sweet Mystery Galaxy, Flash Black Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Twisty Trials Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy, Starship Mario
Fluzzard	A big bird similar to a paraglider. Mario holds onto his talons and glides with him during the Fluzzard gliding minigame. He is spoken for by the Jibberjays. One states that Fluzzard has taken a liking to Mario. He is apparently quite shy.	Wild Glide Galaxy, Fleet Glide Galaxy

Non-playable characters

A star symbol (★) denotes a character that was not in the first Super Mario Galaxy. In addition to the characters listed below, a Mii can be set as the file select icon for the player's saved file.

Name	Description	Locations
Baby Luma	Mario's traveling companion – a young Luma who resides under his cap. He grants Mario the ability to Spin and travel through space. Mario first encounters him collapsed on a road leading to Peach's Castle and he immediately takes a liking to him. At the end of the game, Baby Luma keeps his cap as a memento.	All galaxies
Princess Peach	The ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom. She invites Mario to her castle to watch the shooting stars fall from the sky. However, upon arriving, he finds her in Bowser's grasp. She is whisked away to the center of the universe. The game follows Mario's quest to save her. She periodically sends letters of encouragement to Mario that contain five 1-Up Mushrooms, even when the player is controlling Luigi. Lubba refers to Peach as Mario's "special one".	Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser's Galaxy Generator
Lubba ★	A portly, wisecracking Luma. He is the leader of a band of young Lumas who travel through space on a starship that they built themselves. As an innocent bystander to Bowser's galactic conquests, Lubba's ship was damaged by meteorites. This causes several of his Lumas to become lost in space and the ship to lose its source of energy – the Power Stars. Lubba cuts a deal with Mario after he is rescued by some of his Lumas: if he collects Power Stars for him, he will allow Mario to use his ship and take him to rescue Princess Peach. Once in agreement, Lubba reshapes the starship into Mario's likeness and starts to affectionately call him "captain". Lubba reacts to the player's actions in-game even though he remains on Starship Mario. For example, if the player is having a difficult time completing a course, he provides words of assurance and appreciation. Lubba considers the Lumas he travels with to be his family.	Starship Mario
Lumas	Star children that make their home on Starship Mario. Lumas appear trapped in several galaxies. Freeing them enables Mario to progress through the level. They otherwise appear in missions in order to help Mario, either by transforming into Launch Stars, directing him towards the right path, or giving him tips on progression. Lumas become celestial bodies when they grow up, and which ones they become is dependent on their color. They eat Star Bits and squeal with delight when fed via the Star Pointer. The Lumas encountered at the start of the game are already familiar with Mario.	Mushroom Kingdom, Sky Station Galaxy, Yoshi Star Galaxy, Spin-Dig Galaxy, Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Bowser's Lava Lair, Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet, Space Storm Galaxy, Clockwork Ruins Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Starship Mario
Big Lumas ★	Enormous Lumas. Unlike normal-sized Lumas, these ones do not twirl if spun against and speak at a slightly lower octave. While Lumas can be many different colors, the giant Lumas are all yellow.	Supermassive Galaxy
Hungry Lumas	Big, voracious Lumas that can be encountered on the world map. They transform into galaxies when fed a specified number of Star Bits. Hungry Lumas that only eat coinage can be encountered in levels and transform into new planets if fed a specified amount of coins. These new planets always give Mario access to a hidden Power Star.	Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Puzzle Plank Galaxy, Hightail Falls Galaxy, Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Cloudy Court Galaxy, Clockwork Ruins Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy, Starship Mario
Lumalees	Big Lumas that run the Luma Shops. One typically precedes a boss encounter and transforms into a mushroom of choice in exchange for thirty Star Bits. A pair of Lumalees live inside Starship Mario's left ear. One transforms into a Chance Cube if fed thirty Star Bits. The other transforms into five if fed one-hundred coins.	Spin-Dig Galaxy, Puzzle Plank Galaxy, Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Freezy Flake Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla, Flipsville Galaxy, Slipsand Galaxy, Shiverburn Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy, Boss Blitz Galaxy, Starship Mario
Toads	Denizens of the Mushroom Kingdom. They are mushroom people that come in a variety of colors. Toads are celebrating the Star Festival when Peach is abducted.	Mushroom Kingdom
Toad Brigade	A five-member team of Toads looking for Princess Peach. They travel through space in search of Power Stars aboard their Starshrooms, mushroom-shaped starships. The Red Toad is the self-designated captain. He will bring the brigade into dangerous sitatuions. The knowledgeable Blue Toad believes his position as the leader is questionable, and that he can be quite lazy. The other members include a green bank teller, a purple mail carrier, and a sleepy Yellow Toad.	Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Flip-Swap Galaxy, Rightside Down Galaxy, Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Bowser's Lava Lair, Flipsville Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Battle Belt Galaxy, Slimy Spring Galaxy, Rolling Coaster Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy, Starship Mario
Banktoad	A member of the Toad Brigade who sets up a bank for Star Bits on the Starship Mario. He gives Mario 1-Up Mushrooms in exchange for storing Star Bits. When out on missions with their brigade, he typically is equipped with a pickaxe.	Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Flip-Swap Galaxy, Rightside Down Galaxy, Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Bowser's Lava Lair, Flipsville Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Rolling Coaster Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy, Starship Mario
Mailtoad	A member of the Toad Brigade who runs a postal service on the Starship Mario. He delivers mail for Mario, Luigi, and the baby Luma. He can be prompted to view all letters previously received.	Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Flip-Swap Galaxy, Rightside Down Galaxy, Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Bowser's Lava Lair, Flipsville Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Battle Belt Galaxy, Rolling Coaster Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy, Starship Mario
The Chimp ★	A monkey who considers himself the "best in the universe". He recognizes Mario as his greatest rival and periodically challenges him to a contest via mail. The Chimp is the host of the skating minigame and the 10,000-point jumping challenge. He expresses his admiration for Mario and awards him with a Power Star if he beats his high-score in either.	Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Freezy Flake Galaxy, Honeyhop Galaxy, Shiverburn Galaxy, Melty Monster Galaxy, Slimy Spring Galaxy
Star Bunnies	Spacefaring rabbits that like to play. They teach Mario how to use his spin ability after jumping to gain extra height. A community of rabbits live on Freezy Flake Galaxy, where at least one is seen living in a miniature log cabin. They often end their sentences with "boiyoing" and sport Toad-like vests.	Flip-Swap Galaxy, Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Freezy Flake Galaxy, Flip-Out Galaxy, Starship Mario
Gearmos	Maintenance robots with an obsession for orderliness. They run a facility that destroys Chomps and teach the player how to make the most out of their Spring form. An overworked individual hosts the crate burning minigame. There are gold and silver Gearmos who give Mario a Power Star in exchange for bringing them a Goomba and Spiky Topman, respectively.	Rightside Down Galaxy, Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Chompworks Galaxy, Space Storm Galaxy, Upside Dizzy Galaxy, Starship Mario
Penguins	Carefree, flightless birds who love swimming. They share swimming techniques with Mario when prompted. Most penguins are young birds that are a little shorter than Mario, but the two adults in the game – Penguru and Coach – tower over him.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Starship Mario
Penguru	A knowledgeable, elderly penguin. He shares cryptic hints on level progression when prompted.	Hightail Falls Galaxy, Cosmic Cove Galaxy
Coach	A big penguin that teaches young birds how to swim. During the "Exploring the Cosmic Cavern" mission, he keeps watch over a trapped Luma while his students search for a key to free it. He has a kind and paternal disposition.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy
Jibberjays ★	Excitable birds that host the Fluzzard gliding minigame. One of the orange Jibberjays gives Mario a tutorial on how to fly with Fluzzard. They recognize Mario as their leader if he out-glides the competitive black Jibberjay, who periodically challenges him to a race via postage.	Wild Glide Galaxy, Fleet Glide Galaxy, Starship Mario
Honeybees	Bee people in search of Power Stars for their queen. They teach the player how to use their Bee form. They award Mario with a "Certificate of Commendation" for locating the hidden Power Star in Honeybloom Galaxy.	Honeybloom Galaxy, Honeyhop Galaxy, Starship Mario
Queen Bee	The ruler of the Honeybees and Honeyhop Galaxy. She mistakes Mario for a new bee, even if he is not in his Bee form, and ask him to take care of an "itchiness" for her. Her body can be clung to by the player. Queen Bee's gentle and calm disposition contrasts with her large size.	Honeyhop Galaxy
Whittles ★	Wise wood people similar to kodama. They teach Mario how to use his Cloud form, the Dash Pepper, and the Blimp Fruit. The giant tree of Tall Trunk Galaxy is sacred to them. A Whittle with an oblong head has some position of authority. It recognizes Mario's bravery with a Power Star if he ventures down Tall Trunk's Big Slide.	Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Hightail Falls Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Clockwork Ruins Galaxy, Starship Mario
Bill Board	A talking board that calls out to Mario and teaches him how to use the Star Ball.	Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy
Piantas ★	Cheerful mountain people that wear grass skirts and grow palms from their heads. During the Strongest Pianta Competition, some individuals toss Mario to great heights if approached. A green Pianta runs a leaf raft shop and allows Mario to use it.	Starshine Beach Galaxy
Bob-omb Buddies ★	Friendly Bob-ombs that lack fuses. Their Power Star was stolen by the Whomp King. They affectionately refer to Mario as "'stache man" and at least one seems to recognize him. The Bob-omb Buddy who boards Starship Mario speaks of a mythical world prior to the final showdown with Bowser.	Throwback Galaxy, Starship Mario
Rosalina	A mysterious woman who serves as the guardian of the cosmos. She travels through space via the Comet Observatory, a vessel she built for the Lumas. Her observatory is encountered before reaching the center of the universe, where Bowser's Galaxy Generator is attempting to consume it. The baby Luma considers Rosalina to be his mother and she periodically sends letters containing fifty Star Bits to him throughout the course of the game. When encountered in-person, she already knows who Mario is and Lubba mentions having met her before. It is revealed towards the end of the game that she is the narrator of its story. Rosalina appears at the very end of Grandmaster Galaxy, where she gives Mario the final Power Star.	Grandmaster Galaxy, Starship Mario
Cosmic Spirit ★	An entity in the form of Rosalina. She appears in a galaxy if Mario loses a significant amount of lives and offers to "guide" him to the Power Star. Agreeing causes her to take control of Mario's body and progress through the level. The player can press on the Wii Remote to regain control of Mario at any point. The cost of using the Cosmic Spirit is that the Power Star of the level is replaced with a Bronze Star. While this star does contribute to the total amount of accumulated stars, it prevents the player from unlocking the final level, Grandmaster Galaxy. To access it requires the player to complete every level without the Cosmic Spirit.	Sky Station Galaxy, Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Flip-Swap Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla, Hightail Falls Galaxy, Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Haunty Halls Galaxy, Supermassive Galaxy, Flipsville Galaxy, Chompworks Galaxy, Slipsand Galaxy, Melty Monster Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy, Mario Squared Galaxy, Rolling Coaster Galaxy, Twisty Trials Galaxy, Stone Cyclone Galaxy, Boss Blitz Galaxy, Flip-Out Galaxy

Enemies and obstacles

New enemies

Name	Description	Locations	Spoils
Big Paragoomba	Giant Paragoombas that fly back-and-forth. Spinning into them leaves them upside-down and dazed, with their wings fallen off. Kicking them in this state defeats them. If left undisturbed, they right themselves and behave as Giant Goombas.	Supermassive Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×7
Choppah	Helmeted creatures that hover in midair. They fly in set horizontal or vertical trajectories. Mario cannot defeat them himself and making contact damages him, but Yoshi can eat them. Shooting one with a Star Bit stuns it in-place for three seconds.	Honeybloom Galaxy, Sweet Mystery Galaxy, Honeyhop Galaxy, Flip-Out Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3
Cosmic Clone	Dark entities in the form of Mario. They appear in sections of galaxies and trail Mario, mimicking his every move and positioning. Crossing paths with a Cosmic Clone causes damage to Mario and makes the clone disappear. Cosmic Clones continuously emerge from a small rupture of shadow in an area. Completing a necessary objective (i.e. activating all Flipswitch Panels) in the area closes the rupture and defeats all of the clones at once.	Sky Station Galaxy, Spin-Dig Galaxy, Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Puzzle Plank Galaxy, Cloudy Court Galaxy, Haunty Halls Galaxy, Chompworks Galaxy, Mario Squared Galaxy, Flip-Out Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3
Digga	Drill enemies that tunnel through earth. Jumping on their backs or attacking them with a Spin Drill defeats them. Digga-Leg expels Diggas from its head during its boss fight.	Spin-Dig Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Elite Octoomba	Strong Octoombas that fire two consecutive rocks from their siphon. Though they sidestep back-and-forth along set paths, they turn to face Mario as he moves. If the first rock misses, the second one may strike him if he does not keep moving.	Sky Station Galaxy, Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Cloudy Court Galaxy, Honeyhop Galaxy, Shiverburn Galaxy, Clockwork Ruins Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Fizzlit	Amorphous creatures that bounce around Mario. They periodically halt and flatten themselves into yellow pubbles which discharge electricity. They cannot be harmed in this state, and direct contact electrocutes Mario. Yoshi is forced back into his egg if he attempts to eat a Fizzlit in this state.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet, Space Storm Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Flaptack	Squat birds with a horn on their head. They idly flutter in place. When in proximity to Mario, they fly towards him, turn upside down, and slam themselves into the ground below in an attempt to strike him. They are temporarily stuck into the ground and can be defeated. Flaptacks sometimes are not within the player's field of view, but they can still be spotted by their large shadow they cast. Shooting a Flaptack dazes it and makes it fall to the ground.	Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Cloudy Court Galaxy, Flash Black Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Flomp	Suspended stone platforms. They rapidly spin for one second in three second intervals. If Mario is on top of a Flomp when it spins, he falls through it. They appear in pairs or more.	Bowser's Lava Lair, Grandmaster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Gummit	Creatures like the smackable moles in the Whac-A-Mole. They appear during The Chimp's Skating Challenge. During the challenge, they periodically pop out of holes in the ice. Mario accumulates points by skating into Gummits and kicking them.	Freezy Flake Galaxy, Shiverburn Galaxy	10 pts.
Spiky Gummit	Gummits covered in spikes. Making contact does not damage Mario, but it causes knockback that costs Mario at least one second of time in The Chimp's Skating Challenge.	Freezy Flake Galaxy, Shiverburn Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Golden Gummit	Gold Gummits. They appear in fewer numbers and retreat down their holes faster than the other Gummits.	Freezy Flake Galaxy, Shiverburn Galaxy	50 pts.
Homing Chomp	Chomps with crazed eyes. They home-in on Mario. Contact damages Mario. They can only be defeated by spinning rubbery bulb plants into them, or by knocking them into bottomless pits.	Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy, Slipsand Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×10
Kleptoad	Frogs that pop out of the ground indefinitely. They carry coins and Silver Stars in bubbles above their heads.	Hightail Falls Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1
Magmaargh	Enormous Blarggs submerged in lava. They idly lie deep in lava with only their eyes, nostrils, and ears exposed. When in proximity to Mario, they burst to the surface with their jaws open wide and slam their faces forward to strike him. Direct contact burns Mario. They can phase through solid platforms.	Fleet Glide Galaxy, Melty Monster Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Generator	Template:Chart icon
Magmaw	Small Magmaarghs that endlessly shuffle through lava. They can pass through solid platforms.	Melty Monster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Mattermouth	Disembodied skulls that chomp through matter. They leave a trail of empty space behind them that Mario can fall through, but it gradually reemerges. Jumping on a Mattermouth causes it to change direction.	Bowser's Lava Lair, Haunty Halls Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Mega Boo	Enormous Boos. They appear once Mario crosses a specific corridor and slowly follow him, flanked by Big Boos. They cannot be defeated.	Haunty Halls Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Octoboo	Ghostly Octoombas that hover in set paths. They appear in groups, usually hovering in a circular path, but in some instances they hover in continuous paths. Making direct contact damages Mario. Spinning into Octoombas makes them safely permiable for one second.	Haunty Halls Galaxy, Boo Moon Galaxy, Flash Black Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Pinhead	Stationary bowling pin creatures. Pinheads are skittish: they sit above trapdoors that they fall through when approached by Mario. They can only be defeated by Mario when he rolls into them in his Rock form. They typically sit in groups of six.	Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Melty Monster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3 100 pts.
Prickly Piranha Plant	A Spiny Piranha Plant with additional spines on its head. The spines damage Mario on contact and prevent its body from direct harm. Spinning a rubbery bulb plant into it defeats it. There is only one in the game.	Sky Station Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Pupdozer	Squat dinosaur creatures. Their backs are covered in spikes that protect them from harm and damages Mario on contact. Their bellies are unguarded: Ground-Pounding through a grate while a Pupdozer is above it defeats it.	Flipsville Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Rhomp	Rolling stone beings. A rolling Rhomp flattens Mario and completely depletes his life meter.	Slipsand Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Smeech	Winged Poinks. They quickly fly away from Mario if approached by him. If approached by Yoshi, they pursue him with smacking lips and latch onto his mouth. This prevents Yoshi from using his tongue or eating fruits. Spinning while a Smeech is attached dislodge it from Yoshi's mouth and defeats it.	Yoshi Star Galaxy, Hightail Falls Galaxy, Haunty Halls Galaxy, Starshine Beach Galaxy, Sweet Mystery Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Snoodle	Benthic creatures that look like the giant tube worm. They protrude from holes on the seafloor and extend their heads towards Mario to strike him. They are vulnerable to beacons of light from Green Shells, but they are defeatable through typical means as well (i.e. spin, or thrown projectile).	Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Slimy Spring Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3
Spindleburr	Variants of the rubbery bulb plant with protractible spines. When in proximity to Mario, their spines extend and they sling their bulbs towards him. Some Spindleburrs are rooted upside-down.	Honeybloom Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Spinecone	Slow-moving turbo snail enemies. They move in unilateral directions. Some can be found outside of water on ceilings and walls.	Starshine Beach Galaxy, Boo Moon Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Swaphopper	Insect creatures that hop from side-to-side. Their tops are protected by a spiked shell that damages Mario on contact, but their undersides are defenseless. Shifting the gravitational plane using gravity switches alters which side points upward, which is the only way Mario can gain access to their damageable undersides. While right-side up, a Swaphopper looks aggressive and slowly pursues Mario. When flipped over, it looks cowardly and tries to move away.	Rightside Down Galaxy, Upside Dizzy Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Trapdragon	Hovering flowers which can be boarded like platforms. When idle, they look like broad, pink flowers. When Mario stands on one, a white rim protrudes from the edges of the flower and snaps shut after three seconds. Mario is damaged if he is on top of it when it closes.	Honeybloom Galaxy, Honeyhop Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Twirlip	Spinning flower enemies. They periodically open their flowers and spin rapidly in circles. Twirlips can only be jumped on while they are twirling, and they can only be spun into when they are closed.	Spin-Dig Galaxy, Flipsville Galaxy, Starshine Beach Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Whimp	Diminutive Whomps. They appear in groups of three or five and rush down Mario. When close, they fling themselves face first to strike him. A successful strike damages Mario. They fall apart after attacking. The Whomp King summons them during his boss fight.	Throwback Galaxy	None
Zap Nozzle	Suspended electroshock devices that discharge balls of electricity from their nozzles. The balls slowly trail after Mario and electrocute him on contact.	Space Storm Galaxy	Template:Chart icon

Returning enemies

A star symbol (★) denotes an enemy introduced in a prior Super Mario title but was not in the first Super Mario Galaxy.

Name	Description	Locations	Spoils
Amp	Floating, smiling orbs. Amps discharge electricity and shock Mario on contact. They move in one direction, typically in a horizontal back-and-forth pattern.	Sky Station Galaxy, Spin-Dig Galaxy, Space Storm Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Zap Ball	Large Amps. They are typically in pairs. Unlike normal-sized Amps, the big ones lack faces.	Space Storm Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Bat	Bats roost in caves and swoop down to attack Mario. They pause and laugh if they land a hit. They can be defeated with a spin or stomp.	Fleet Glide Galaxy, Slimy Spring Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Blooper	Underwater squids. Bloopers swim erratically when approached by Mario in an attempt to strike him. Spinning one or striking it with a shell defeats it. They release a cloud of ink when defeated.	Starshine Beach Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3
Bob-omb	Walking bombs that look like wind-up toys. Bob-ombs actively pursue Mario until they explode.	Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy, Space Storm Galaxy, Rolling Coaster Galaxy	None
Bomp	Stones that shift in and out of walls. They do not damage Mario directly, but they are positioned to push him off of platforms and solid ground. The tops of their bodies can be walked on.	Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Throwback Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Boo	Ghost enemies. Boos pursue Mario when his back is turned towards them. If Mario looks directly at them, they shield their eyes and stop moving. Spinning shifts their position and forces them to phase through nearby walls, but they cannot be damaged this way. They are only weak to light – including the headlamp of the Toad Brigade Captain. Some Boos are found underwater. Mario can transform into one via the Boo Mushroom.	Haunty Halls Galaxy, Boo Moon Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy, Slimy Spring Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Bomb Boo	Explosive Boos. Unlike normal Boos, Bomb Boos do not cower when Mario looks at them and move directly towards him on sight. Spinning near a Bomb Boo causes Mario to grab onto its tongue and swing it like a lasso. It detonates if it is swung into an object or wall. If Mario does not release the Bomb Boo, it is pulled in closer and damages him. Bomb Boos are conjured by Bouldergeist and can be used to destroy the boss's stone armor.	Boss Blitz Galaxy	None
Bowser Statue ★	Stone statues of Bowser. Most statues are inanimate objects that contain items, but a few have glowing eyes and shoot beams of energy that damage Mario on contact.	Bowser's Lava Lair, Boo Moon Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Bullet Bill	Missiles fired from Bill Blasters. Bullet Bills normally fly in a straight line, but they change course and directly target Mario if he is within their proximity. Mario can lure Bullet Bills towards glass cases and fences in order to destroy them. Their eyes flash with red light and their bodies twirl when they lock onto Mario. Yoshi cannot swallow Bullet Bills, but he can hold them in his mouth and fire them. The Bullet Bill explodes and damages Mario if held in Yoshi's mouth for too long.	Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet, Fleet Glide Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Grandmaster Galaxy	None
Banzai Bill	Slow-moving missiles. Their line of trajectory is fixed in one direction, and they slowly rotate as they move.	Sky Station Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet, Fleet Glide Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Generator	None
Buzz saw ★	Big saw blades. They damage Mario on contact and destroy wooden platforms.	Puzzle Plank Galaxy, Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Cannonball	Round ammunition shot from enemy cannons. They maintain a straight, horizontal trajectory and travel slowly. They burst when they make contact with Mario. A cannonball is taken out when shot by a Star Bit.	Fleet Glide Galaxy	None
Cheep Cheep	Pudgy red fish. In 2D areas, they swim underwater in set trajectories. In 3D areas, they swim at the surface. They can be defeated with a spin or a jump.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Starshine Beach Galaxy, Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Spiny Cheep Cheep	Porcupinefish-like Cheep Cheeps. They protract their spines and charge towards Mario on sight.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×7
Chomp	Metal enemies that roll in a set trajectory. A Chomp breaks when they collide with a wall or another Chomp. There are diminishing returns with Chomps: if Mario stays in an area where Chomps are continuously breaking, they drop fewer Star Bits each time and eventually stop all together. They bark when in close proximity.	Flip-Swap Galaxy, Rightside Down Galaxy, Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Flipsville Galaxy, Chompworks Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×7
Gold Chomp	A rolling Chomp made of gold.	Chompworks Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Small Chomp	Tiny Chomps that roll around in circles. Small Chomps cannot be damaged directly: they are only destroyed when struck by rubbery bulbs.	Sky Station Galaxy, Chompworks Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3 Template:Chart icon×1
Clampy	A giant clam that opens and closes its mouth. Star Chips or coins can be found inside it. Snapping shut with Mario inside damages him.	Starshine Beach Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Cluckboom	Plurp-like enemies that lay explosive eggs. They fly in set paths, fluttering back and forth. Cluckbooms fall to the ground if shot by a Star Bit, leaving them open to attack.	Slipsand Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Crabber (Blue)	Sidestepping crabs that scuttle away from Mario. Crabbers have hard shells that protect them from jumps and spins head-on, but their fleshy rears are exposed and can be struck. Blue Crabbers bury themselves underground in an attempt to escape and resurface shortly after.	Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Crabber (Red)	Red Crabbers actively pursue Mario but move slowly. Yoshi cannot swallow red Crabbers, but he can spit out a projectile claw that works like a boomerang.	Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Starshine Beach Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3 Template:Chart icon×1
Dry Bones	Undead Koopa Troopas. They chase down and tackle Mario on sight. If stomped on, spun, or hit with a shell, Dry Bones crumble into a pile of bones, but regenerate after a few seconds. Dry Bones are only truly defeated when lured into quicksand or lava.	Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla, Bowser's Lava Lair, Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet, Slipsand Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Bowser's Galaxy Generator	Template:Chart icon×3
Flipbug	When Mario is in close proximity, Flipbugs try to fly away before tiring out and falling to the ground, flailing their legs. If spotted in his Bee form, they pursue him.	Yoshi Star Galaxy, Puzzle Plank Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Honeyhop Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Fuzzy ★	Black, furry creatures. They are obstacles that move along suspended treaded paths.	Honeybloom Galaxy, Flipsville Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3
Goomba	Squat mushroom beings that rushdown Mario when he is in their line of sight. Goombas can be defeated with a single jump. Spinning or shooting them with Star Bits causes them to flip over and spin like a top. They can be kicked or stomped on in this state. Paragoombas and Jack O'Goombas become these if not fully defeated. The gold Gearmo asks Mario to lure one to her so she can keep it as a pet.	Sky Station Galaxy, Yoshi Star Galaxy, Spin-Dig Galaxy, Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Flip-Swap Galaxy, Rightside Down Galaxy, Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Honeybloom Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Cloudy Court Galaxy, Haunty Halls Galaxy, Freezy Flake Galaxy, Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy, Beat Block Galaxy, Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet, Boo Moon Galaxy, Upside Dizzy Galaxy, Throwback Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy, Flash Black Galaxy, Slimy Spring Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Jack O'Goomba	Slow-moving Goombas with Jack-o'-lanterns covering their heads. They periodically leave small blue flames that damage Mario on contact. Pumpkinhead Goombas can be defeated in one hit with a Ground Pound. Spinning them destroys the pumpkins and turns them into regular Goombas.	Haunty Halls Galaxy, Boo Moon Galaxy, Clockwork Ruins Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy, Flash Black Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Paragoomba ★	Winged Goombas. They fly back-and-forth in set trajectories. Spinning one causes its wings to fall off and reverts it back to a normal Goomba.	Sky Station Galaxy, Yoshi Star Galaxy, Spin-Dig Galaxy, Rightside Down Galaxy, Hightail Falls Galaxy, Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Cloudy Court Galaxy, Chompworks Galaxy, Upside Dizzy Galaxy, Throwback Galaxy, Flash Black Galaxy, Slimy Spring Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Giant Goomba	A giant Goomba. It can only be defeated with a spin and a kick. Big Paragoombas become Giant Goombas if they recover from being dazed.	Supermassive Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×7
Goombeetle	Helmet-wearing Goombas that cannot be stomped. Spinning one flips it upside down, exposing its unprotected underside.	Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla, Beat Block Galaxy, Chompworks Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Mini Goomba	Little Goombas. Like normal-sized Goombas, they charge towards Mario if he is near. They can be defeated with a single spin.	Sky Station Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla, Cloudy Court Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy, Rolling Coaster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Gringill	Big conger eel enemies. Gringills lunge at Mario if he approaches the mouth of their caves.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Slimy Spring Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Big Gringill	Large Gringills. They snap towards Mario if he approaches the mouth of their caves. They move more slowly than normal-sized Gringills.	Starshine Beach Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Hammer Bro ★	Helmeted Koopas that throw hammers. They toss three hammers in succession before hoping to a new position. Yoshi can swallow a hammer and spit it back as a projectile. Jumping on a Hammer Bro leaves it incapacitated and vulnerable to attack.	Bowser's Lava Lair, Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet, Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Grandmaster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3 Template:Chart icon×1
Boomerang Bro ★	Hammer Bro relatives that wield boomerangs. The boomerangs can be swallowed by Yoshi and spitted out as a projectile.	Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Grandmaster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3 Template:Chart icon×1
Jam-o'-War	A large Jammyfish that idly floats in place and electrocutes Mario if touched. The Jam-o'-War is defeated when it is hit by a shell twice. The first strike turns it green.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Jammyfish	Jellyfish that swim in schools along a set path. They damage Mario on contact, but do not actively pursue him.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Koopa Troopa	Green-shelled turtles. They walk back and forth in a straight line. When jumped on, they retreat into their shells, allowing Mario to pick it up and use it as a Green Shell.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Giant Koopa ★	Giant Koopa Troopas. Striking them with a Spin Drill defeats them. They are not vulnerable to being stomped and do not retract into their shells.	Supermassive Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Lakitu ★	Cloud-riding Koopas. They closely follow Mario and toss Spiny Eggs at him. Yoshi can eat the cloud, leaving the Lakitu helplessly flailing on the ground. When in proximity, Lakitus emit a consecutive high-pitched ringing sound.	Yoshi Star Galaxy, Starshine Beach Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3
Lava Bubble (Blue)	Floating drops of lava that propel themselves towards Mario. Lava Bubbles appear during the boss battle with King Kaliente. Shooting them with a Star Bit defeats them. They otherwise burnout on their own.	Boss Blitz Galaxy	None
Lava Bubble (Red) ★	Lava Bubbles that act as obstacles. They appear between gaps in platforms that cover lava.	Bowser's Lava Lair, Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet, Melty Monster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Li'l Brr	Floating ice enemies that freeze Mario on contact. Spinning near them neutralizes their icy cloud and forces them to the ground, leaving them vulnerable to being kicked.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Freezy Flake Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Li'l Cinder	Floating fire enemies that burn Mario on contact. Spinning near them extinguishes their flame and leaves them vulnerable to being kicked. Extinguished Li'l Cinders hop towards the nearest pool of lava to reignite.	Bowser's Lava Lair, Freezy Flake Galaxy, Melty Monster Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy, Mario Squared Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Magikoopa	Robed Koopas that can teleport. They can summon small enemies or toss magical fireballs at Mario with their wand. Shooting one with a Star Bit does not leave it dazed, but it does make it stall.	Yoshi Star Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla, Bowser's Lava Lair, Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet, Slipsand Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Generator	Template:Chart icon×1
Mandibug	Stink bug-like enemies. They charge towards Mario after making visual contact, snapping their jaws. They can be defeated with a Ground Pound. A Mandibug trembles if Mario stands on its back but it eventually shakes him off.	Puzzle Plank Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Meteor	Fiery space rocks. They rain from the sky.	Hightail Falls Galaxy, Shiverburn Galaxy	None
Micro Mecha-Bowser	Mechanical Koopas that breathe fire. They can only be defeated with a Ground Pound. Spinning them causes their heads to swing back and briefly delays their fire breath attack.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Flipsville Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Mikey Mine	Naval mines that bob up and down on chains. Mikey Mines keep their eyes shut unless Mario is in close proximity. They regenerate after detonating.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy	None
Space Mine	Midair Mikey Mines. They are usually fixed in one spot, but some move along purple-colored streaks of light. Making contact with a Space Mine makes it explode, causing damage. They are destroyed when shot by a Star Bit.	Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Flash Black Galaxy, Slimy Spring Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3
Octoguy	Red Octoombas that shuffle backward from Mario when approached. They periodically stop to spit a rock at him and can be defeated with a spin or jump.	Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Honeyhop Galaxy, Shiverburn Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Octoomba	Goomba-like octopus creatures. They sidestep back and forth along a set path and keep their eyes locked onto Mario when he is nearby. If in close proximity, they attempt to strike him with the hair-like protrusion on their heads. Octoombas can be defeated with a spin or a stomp.	Sky Station Galaxy, Yoshi Star Galaxy, Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Flip-Swap Galaxy, Puzzle Plank Galaxy, Beat Block Galaxy, Flipsville Galaxy, Chompworks Galaxy, Honeyhop Galaxy, Shiverburn Galaxy, Melty Monster Galaxy, Clockwork Ruins Galaxy, Flash Black Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Stone Cyclone Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Piranha Plant	Carnivorous plants that try to bite Mario when approached. They laugh if they land a hit. Piranha Plants can be defeated with a spin or a stomp, and can be stunned with a fired Star Bit. Sproutle Vines sometimes grow from where a Piranha Plant is defeated. They idly keep their heads raised skyward when unapproached.	Sky Station Galaxy, Yoshi Star Galaxy, Spin-Dig Galaxy, Fluffy Bluff Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Honeyhop Galaxy, Throwback Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3 Template:Chart icon×1
Super Piranha Plant ★	Giant Piranha Plants. They rest in giant pipes filled with soil. They burst from the soil in set intervals that can be timed.	Supermassive Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Spiny Piranha Plant	Giant Piranha Plants that slam their heads into the ground. Spinning one stuns it while jumping on its head defeats it.	Rightside Down Galaxy, Throwback Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×7
Pokey Head	Green Pokeys. They are buried with only their flowers visible. When approached by Mario, they burst out of the ground and start hopping towards him. A Pokey Head bounces in place if it successfully strikes Mario. They can be defeated in a single hit with a spin or stomp.	Slipsand Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Prickly plant	Plants with needle-like flowers that damage Mario on contact. Destroying them without a power-up usually requires striking them with another object, such as a coconut or rubbery bulb. They can be eaten by Yoshi.	Yoshi Star Galaxy, Boulder Bowl Galaxy, Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Cloudy Court Galaxy, Slipsand Galaxy, Melty Monster Galaxy, Boss Blitz Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3 Template:Chart icon×1
Pulse Beam	Spiked domes that discharge shockwaves. Attempting to jump on a Pulse Beam damages Mario.	Shiverburn Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Rocto	Stationary Octoroks that sit in barrels. They shoot coconuts and flaming rocks at Mario. The coconuts can be deflected back at them if spun against. Roctos are always found in pairs.	Shiverburn Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy	None
Ruby Rock	Giant, rolling rocks. They are made of cragged stones with a red gem in their center. Ruby Rocks roll around in circles or off the sides of platforms, damaging Mario on contact. Spinning into their red gem destroys them.	Boulder Bowl Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×7
Sentry Beam	Stationary robots that fire lasers at Mario when he is close. Sentry Beams are completely invincible, although standing on top of one temporarily prevents it from firing.	Mario Squared Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Skeeter ★	Insect enemies that look like water striders. They skim on the surface of the water and make short bursts of movement by contracting their legs.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Starshine Beach Galaxy, Throwback Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Slurple	Slurples latch onto Mario and gradually deplete his life meter. Spinning shakes them off and defeats them.	Puzzle Plank Galaxy, Upside Dizzy Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Spiny ★	Stout Koopas with spikes on their carrapaces. The spikes protect them from being jumped on and damage Mario on contact. They charge towards him if he is in proximity. Yoshi cannot swallow Spinies, but he can shoot them out as projectile Spiny Eggs.	Yoshi Star Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Starshine Beach Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Spiny Egg ★	The retracted form of Spinies. They are tossed by Lakitus and spit out as projectiles by Yoshi. Direct contact damages Mario.	Yoshi Star Galaxy, Starshine Beach Galaxy	None
Spoing	Stationary spiders that hop up and down. Spoings are stunned when shot by a Star Bit. Jumping on one defeats it. They laugh if they successfully strike Mario.	Tall Trunk Galaxy, Flip-Out Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Sprangler	Spiders hanging from silk. They sway back and forth in an attempt to strike Mario. Spinning into Spranglers leaves them stunned for Mario to defeat. They otherwise can be jumped on.	Yoshi Star Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×3
Spring Vault	Spring-like Pulse Beams. They can be used as springs after jumping on their head.	Space Storm Galaxy	None
Thwomp	Angry-looking stones. They are suspended in mid-air but periodically slam down towards the ground below. Crushing Mario completely depletes his life meter. The tops and sides of their bodies can be used as platforms and walls, respectively.	Rightside Down Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla, Space Storm Galaxy, Fleet Glide Galaxy, Throwback Galaxy, Stone Cyclone Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Big Thwomp ★	Enormous Thwomps. The pair found in the game are close enough to be wall jumped between.	Supermassive Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Topman	Spinning top enemies. Spiky Topmen do not directly harm Mario, but they can push him into hazards or off of a platform. The spike on their heads protects them from being stomped on and damage Mario on contact. Spiky Topmen can only be defeated if knocked into an electric rail or off the side of a platform. The silver Gearmo asks Mario to lure her one so she can keep it as a pet.	Space Storm Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Spring Topman	Green Topmen that cause Mario to spin out of control if they collide with him. Jumping on one's head leaves it stunned, allowing Mario to jump on it again to reach great heights.	Space Storm Galaxy	None
Topmini	Tiny Topmen that are defeated when spun into. Topminis are incapable of damaging Mario and can only push him around. There are small portals that continuously produce Topminis.	Space Storm Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×1
Tox Box	Giant boxes made out of stone. They roll around in set trajectories. One of their sides is open and can be safely stood under. All other sides crush Mario. Tox Boxes are the same width of the paths they travel, making them difficult to avoid.	Stone Cyclone Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Tracks	Sandal-wearing creatures. They are invisible while moving, but materialize when they stand still. Tracks are harmless, but they can be defeated to recover a large number of Star Bits. Their movement can be tracked by following their footsteps.	Starshine Beach Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×20
Undergrunt	Burrowing Montys. They leave trails of disturbed dirt as they burrow through the ground. Undergrunts can be defeated by ground-pounding nearby earth. This forces them to the surface, leaving them dazed and vulnerable to being spun. Their spiked helmets damage Mario if he tries to jump on them. The helmets protrude from the ground as the Undergrunts burrow, allowing the player to track their movements.	Battle Belt Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×3
Undergrunt Gunner ★	Blue Undergrunts piloting hovercrafts. Each hovercraft is equipped with Bill Blaster. They can only be defeated if struck by Bullet Bills themselves.	Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet, Fleet Glide Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×5
Urchin	Sea creatures with protractible spines. They roll towards Mario when he is in close proximity. They can only be damaged by shells and fireballs.	Starshine Beach Galaxy, Slimy Spring Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×5
Hot Urchin	Red Urchins found in hot areas. They protract their spines and roll towards Mario when nearby. Hot Urchins can only be defeated by fireballs.	Battle Belt Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×5
Water Shooter	Mounted nozzles that shoot Water Balls over great distances. A drop traps Mario if he is within its trajectory and carries him with it. He is freed if he spins.	Starshine Beach Galaxy, Honeyhop Galaxy, Space Storm Galaxy	Template:Chart icon
Fire Shooter	Mounted flamethrowers that shoot streams of fire. The flames recede in set intervals that can be timed.	Bowser's Galaxy Generator	Template:Chart icon
Whomp ★	Walking stone walls similar to nurikabe. When Mario is before them, they quicken their pace and slam down face first to crush him. A successful strike completely depletes Mario's life meter, costing him a life. Their attack leaves them lying on the ground and vulnerable for a few seconds. Their weak point is a cylindrical button with a ground-pound symbol on it.	Bowser's Lava Lair, Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet, Throwback Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×7
Wiggler	Caterpillars that walk around in circles. Performing a Ground Pound on nearby earth or directly spinning one flips a Wiggler onto its back. If the incapacitated Wiggler is not defeated within five seconds, it becomes angry and uprights itself. An enraged Wiggler is much faster and cannot be harmed. It calms down after a few seconds. Wigglers can be defeated in a single hit by Ground Pounding them.	Puzzle Plank Galaxy, Tall Trunk Galaxy, Throwback Galaxy	Template:Chart icon×7
Big Wiggler ★	Giant Wigglers that are too large to harm. Some are in a permanent state of anger that makes them faster and harder to avoid.	Supermassive Galaxy	Template:Chart icon

Obstacles

Name	Description	Locations
Banzai Bill Cannon	Giant cannons that fire Banzai Bills.	Sky Station Galaxy, Fleet Glide Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Generator
Bars	Thin barriers that can only be phased through by Boo Mario while he is invisible.	Boo Moon Galaxy
Bill Blaster	The cannons that shoot Bullet Bills. Stand-alone blasters are covered in military camouflage. A blaster will not shoot more than one Bill at a time. Bill Blasters can be mounted onto the surface of planets or integrated into the walls of terrain. Many Bill Blasters are built into the body of Megahammer.	Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Grandmaster Galaxy
Black hole	Extremely dense voids with their own gravity. Mario will be pulled into black holes if he gets too close and will lose a life. They exist in the center of several planets and function similarly to bottomless pits.	Sky Station Galaxy, Spin-Dig Galaxy, Rightside Down Galaxy, Puzzle Plank Galaxy, Hightail Falls Galaxy, Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Bowser's Lava Lair, Cloudy Court Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet, Honeyhop Galaxy, Space Storm Galaxy, Slipsand Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Clockwork Ruins Galaxy, Throwback Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Stone Cyclone Galaxy
File:SMG2 Screenshot Blizzard.png Blizzard	A snowstorm that reduces visibility.	Freezy Flake Galaxy
Bob-omb dispenser	Depositories that release Bob-ombs.	Space Storm Galaxy
Cactus	Spiny desert plants that temporarily destroy pieces of the Sand Bird when it runs into them, creating gaps. It can also damage Mario or Luigi on contact.	Slipsand Galaxy
Chomp box	Giant turrets that release Chomps.	Rightside Down Galaxy, Flipsville Galaxy, Chompworks Galaxy
Current	Currents that push Mario towards one direction. A rapid current in Stone Cyclone Galaxy brings him into a black hole.	Cosmic Cove Galaxy, Stone Cyclone Galaxy
Dark	Visible light reduction. Reduces visibility.	Boo Moon Galaxy, Flash Black Galaxy
Dark matter	A dangerous substance with a swirling pattern on it. Mario's body visually disintegrates when he makes contact with dark matter and he loses a life.	Cloudy Court Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker
Electric rail	Electrical barriers which shock Mario on contact. They emit either green or red electricity and move horizontally in some galaxies. Spiky Topmen can be damaged by spinning them into an electric rail.	Flip-Swap Galaxy, Bowser's Lava Lair, Space Storm Galaxy, Upside Dizzy Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Grandmaster Galaxy
Fire Bar	Rotating bars of fireballs that burn Mario on contact.	Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla, Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet, Slipsand Galaxy, Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker, Bowser's Galaxy Generator
Fire Chain	Spinning chain of fireballs that burn Mario on contact.	Bowser's Lava Lair, Slipsand Galaxy
Gravity field	A type of wall that controls the direction of gravity which pulls Mario or Luigi within its expanse. There are four different directions, each signified by a color: down (blue), up (red or pink), right (green), and left (gray or purple).	Rightside Down Galaxy, Flipsville Galaxy, Upside Dizzy Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy
Lava	Molten rock. Direct contact burns Mario and makes him bounce into the air with his hands on his rear. It is emitted by volcanos and makes up the surface of some celestial bodies, such as suns.	Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla, Bowser's Lava Lair, Freezy Flake Galaxy, Chompworks Galaxy, Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet, Shiverburn Galaxy, Fleet Glide Galaxy, Melty Monster Galaxy, Battle Belt Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Mario Squared Galaxy, Boss Blitz Galaxy
Lava Geyser	Columns of molten rock that rise from pools of lava. Direct contact burns Mario. Lava Geysers rise and fall in set intervals that can be timed. A rise is always proceeded by rapid bubbling on the lava's surface.	Bowser's Lava Lair, Shiverburn Galaxy, Melty Monster Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Generator
Lava swell	Lava that moves up in waves.	Melty Monster Galaxy
Ledge Hammer	Giant black-and-orange hammers that can crush Mario or Luigi under their weight, defeating them instantly. Only one serves as a platform where there is a 1-Up Mushroom.	Clockwork Ruins Galaxy
Millstone	Large stone rocks that roll down slants.	Clockwork Ruins Galaxy
Moving sand	Rapidly flowing sand. Mario can stand on it, but it will push him in the direction of its trajectory and potentially into hazards.	Slipsand Galaxy
Mud	Dirt mixed with water. Mario's movement speed and jump height is greatly reduced when he is in mud. This puts him at potential risk if dangerous enemies are nearby.	Boulder Bowl Galaxy
Quicksand	Shifting sands. It functions identically to poison in that it will rapidly cause Mario to sink and he cannot escape its pull. Quicksand is usually denoted by signage that have skull-and-crossbones on them.	Slipsand Galaxy
Raindrops	Sprinkling water from the ceiling. It turns Bee Mario into his normal form if touched.	Honeybloom Galaxy
Sinking Swamp	A bubbly, toxic sludge. Mario becomes trapped in the Sinking Swamp when he makes contact and will rapidly start to sink and lose a life. There is no way for the player to escape.	Boo Moon Galaxy, Mario Squared Galaxy
Spike	Spikes damage Mario on contact. They generally appear attached to terrain. In some galaxies, spikes protract and retract into the floor in intervals that can be timed.	Flipsville Galaxy, Clockwork Ruins Galaxy, Flip-Out Galaxy
Wind	Gusts that are often generated by fans or windmills. It can either help or hinder Mario.	Honeybloom Galaxy, Cloudy Court Galaxy, Boo Moon Galaxy, Grandmaster Galaxy

Bosses

Bosses are listed in the order that they are first encountered. They are organized into two categories: "main bosses" that are encountered in normal missions during the course of the game, and "secret bosses" only encountered through intramissionary Secret Star-missions and in World S, which becomes available after completing the narrative objective of rescuing Princess Peach. Excluding Bowser and Bowser Jr., who are each fought in a completely different fashion from the previous game, six of the game's bosses first appeared in the original Super Mario Galaxy.

Name	Description	Missions
Main bosses
Peewee Piranha	A Piranha Plant monster with a bulbous rear. It rushes at Mario when he is in its line of sight. Its rump is its weak point, but it is protected by an egg shell. Spinning into the shell breaks it.	Peewee Piranha's Temper Tantrum, Peewee Piranha's Speed Run
King Lakitu	A giant Lakitu that can discharge lightning from his cloud. He throws Spiny Eggs at Mario and Yoshi. Firing the Spinies back at him is the only way to damage him.	Spiny Control
Digga-Leg	A large construction robot equipped with Diggas. A glass casing under its head is its weak point: it can only be struck with the Spin Drill. It leaps to crush Mario with its feet after he lands a hit.	Digga-Leg's Planet, Digga-Leg's Daredevil Run
Gobblegut	An earth dragon that tunnels through the ground with his jaws. Gobblegut's body is lined with vulnerable bulges that burst when spun into. Bursting every bulge defeats him.	Gobblegut's Aching Belly, Fiery Flotilla Speed Run
Mandibug Stack	A Mandibug that carries its child on its back. Both can be defeated by performing a Ground-Pound. Defeating the child enrages the parent and makes it harder to strike.	The Puzzling Picture Block
Rollodillo	A giant armadillo creature that rolls like Rock Mario and gallops. It rapidly charges towards Mario but tires out after three rolls. Its behind is unprotected and vulnerable to strikes.	Rock and Rollodillo
Bowser	Mario's arch-nemesis: the fire-breathing king of Koopas. Bowser is unnaturally large from swallowing Grand Stars. He fights Mario on a planetoid he dwarfs in size and attacks with an onslaught of punches, shockwaves, and fire breath. Bowser summons a storm of meteorites with a roar. Ground-Pounding them into him is the only way to damage him.	Bowser's Big Lava Power Party, Breaking into Bowser's Castle, Bowser's Fortified Fortress
Sorbetti	A malevolent snowman that frightens local Star Bunnies. It slowly rolls its head towards Mario and laughs with a successful hit. Its red nose is its weak point. Its movement quickens after being struck twice.	Sorbetti's Chilly Reception
Megahammer	Bowser Jr.'s clown mech, equipped with Bill Blasters. It discharges electric shockwaves and has hammerheads in place of hands to crush Mario. Breaking the glass orbs on its body weakens it.	Bowser Jr.'s Mighty Megahammer, Megahammer's Daredevil Bash
Glamdozer	A maternal Pupdozer. She climbs back-and-over the sides of a disc-shaped planet in pursuit of Mario. Her backside is protected by spiky armor, but her belly is soft and vulnerable. After being struck once, she starts spewing balls of melting goo.	Flip-Flopping in Flipsville
Squizzard	A lizard-like antlion creature sitting at the center of a sinkhole. It tosses explosive knobby balls at Mario. After being struck twice, it erects two cannons to fire balls alongside it. It can only be damaged by fireballs launched by Fire Mario.	Squizzard's Sandy Sinkhole, Squizzard's Daredevil Run
Prince Pikante	A wagon-riding Rocto that fires coconuts and enflamed rocks from his siphon. The wagon is equipped with three cannons that also shoot rocks in tandem with Prince Pikante. Spinning into the coconuts parries them back at him.	Prince Pikante's Peppery Mood
Boomsday Machine	Bowser Jr.'s battle tank, piloted during his last stand. Its top is a tower equipped with Fire Bars and cannons that shoot homing electrical orbs. It is lined with vents that pull Mario towards it. Its weak point is Bowser Jr.'s glass cockpit.	Bowser Jr.'s Boomsday Machine, Boomsday Machine Daredevil Run
Whomp King	The giant king of the Whomps, who stole a Power Star from the Bob-omb Buddies. When Mario is before him, he slams his body face first to crush him. His attack makes the ground quake: if Mario is on the ground when he evades the Whomp King's attack, the quake leaves him stunned in place for two seconds. Whimps are summoned during the fight.	Return of the Whomp King
Secret bosses
Bugaboom	An enormous, winged Mandibug. It tries to bite Mario with its mandibles. Ground Pounding its abdomen damages it. Bugaboom takes flight after being struck once and starts releasing explosive droppings as it flies.	Bugaboom's Back
Gobblegut (Black)	A fast-moving Gobblegut covered in flames. His bellyache bulges are his weak points. Once half of them burst, he moves faster and summons a rain of fireballs that leave pools of lava on the planet.	Snacktime for Gobblegut
Dino Piranha	A Piranha Plant monster with a clubbed tail. It charges down Mario when he is in its line of sight. Spinning into its club slingshots it towards its head, damaging it. It charges more quickly after the first strike.	Throwback Throwdown ( ∙ ), Throwback Throwdown Speed Run
King Kaliente	A giant Rocto that dwells in lava. He shoots coconuts and flaming rocks at Mario from his siphon. Spinning into a coconut smacks it back towards him and damages him. He starts to parry these attacks as the fight progresses.	Throwback Throwdown ( ∙ ), Throwback Throwdown Speed Run
Major Burrows	A giant Undergrunt. He burrows towards Mario before bursting from the ground with swiping claws. Performing a Ground Pound on the earth when his head is exposed forces him to the surface and leaves him vulnerable to a spin attack.	Throwback Throwdown ( ∙ ), Throwback Throwdown Speed Run
Bouldergeist	A large ghost covered in rocks. It launches rocks and erects stone spikes to damage Mario. Attacking it with Bomb Boos destroys its armor and leaves it vulnerable to attack. During the second phase, it constructs giant hands to attack Mario and protect its body.	Throwback Throwdown (), Throwback Throwdown Speed Run
Dino Piranha (Black)	A fast-moving Dino Piranha. Its clubbed tail periodically catches fire. The flames burn Mario and prevent him from spinning the club. After landing a hit, Fiery Dino Piranha becomes faster; leaves walls of fire in its wake; and spews balls of flame. Defeating this boss without being damaged requires well-timed precision.	Throwback Throwdown, Throwback Throwdown Speed Run

Items and objects

Items

These are collectibles, pickups, health-restoring objects, and strikable objects that have consistent, specific contents.

Name	Description	Name	Description
Power Stars	Objects that are a source of energy for the Starship Mario. They are stolen by Bowser to create a galaxy of his own at the center of the universe. Collecting them completes missions and unlocks new levels.	Green Stars	Hidden, intermissionary Power Stars. Green Stars begin to appear in the galaxies after Mario has accumulated 120 yellow Power Stars. Rather than appear in dedicated missions, they are hidden in previously completed ones. One emits a jingling sound when nearby, hinting at its location. Collecting one completes the mission. Grandmaster Galaxy is the only galaxy to not have any Green Stars. The final mission is unlocked once all 120 Green Stars have been collected.
Bronze Stars	Embronzed Power Stars and Grand Stars. These replace the normal yellow Power Stars if the Cosmic Spirit was used to complete a level. A Bronze Star contributes to the player's accumulated star total, but they are not able to unlock Grandmaster Galaxy. To do so requires completing every single level without the Cosmic Spirit's aide.	Silver Stars	Small Stars that represent one-fifth of a Power Star and are contained in bubbles. Silver Stars squeal like Lumas and trail after Mario when he pops their bubbles. When five are collected, they merge to form a full Power Star.
Grand Stars	Giant Power Stars of considerable energy. They are usually in the possession of bosses. Collecting them creates a portal through "space and time" that enables the Starship Mario to travel to new worlds.	Comet Medals	Large octagonal coins hidden in many galaxies. Collecting Comet Medals increases the odds of galaxies being orbited by Prankster Comets. Like Power Stars, coins, and Star Bits, Comet Medals are a permanent collectible that do not respawn after being accumulated.
Star Bits	Colorful objects that are eaten by Lumas. They are found floating in space or raining from the sky. They are collected when Mario makes physical contact or when they are touched with the Star Pointer. The Star Pointer works like a reticle: pressing shoots a Star Bit at its on-screen positioning. Most enemies are stunned when struck by Star Bits. Shooting an idle Yoshi causes him to run off. Holding makes Star Bits fire continuously. Fired Star Bits cannot be recovered. Hungry Lumas encountered on the world map transform into galaxies when fed a requested number of Star Bits. Mario does not lose accumulated Star Bits if he loses a life during a mission, and they are added to his total when he returns to the Starship Mario. Collecting 100 Star Bits gives Mario an extra life.	Coins	Gold coins. Collecting one restores one bar to Mario's life meter. Collecting 100 during a mission and returning to Starship Mario gives Mario an extra life. If Mario loses a life during a mission, he loses all of the coins he collected within that specific mission. Hungry Lumas encountered in galaxies will transform into new planets and unlock a secret mission when fed a specified number of coins.
Purple Coins	Coins that only appear in a galaxy when Purple Comets are in orbit. Missions involving Purple Coins are timed: collecting 100 Purple Coins pauses the timer and awards Mario a Power Star.	? Coins	Big coins with inconsistent properties. Making contact with one has different results depending on the level, but exactly what is not specified until it is touched. One can make a power-up, mushroom, note, or another ? Coin appear. They do not contribute to Mario's coin count.
Notes	Music notes which can appear when Mario touches a ? Coin or uses a Ground-Pound Switch. They appear in trails in the immediate vicinity and disappear after a few seconds. Collecting every note before they disappear awards Mario with a power-up, a mushroom, or a Power Star.	Clocks	Clocks that only appear in galaxies when Speedy Comets are in orbit. Collecting one adds 10 seconds to the player's time limit.
Green Shells	Shells of green Koopa Troopas. Mario grabs one when he makes contact or spins near it. Shaking makes Mario throw it. Green Koopa Shells travel in a continuous forward trajectory and defeats enemies on contact. Holding a Shell while underwater makes Mario automatically propel forward at a faster speed than if he were to swim. A light emits from the front of the shell when underwater that helps orient the player. This light can defeat Snoodles.	Spin Drills	A drill that can be carried by Mario. Shaking causes Mario to tunnel through the earth and break through the other side if unobstructed. If Mario strikes an impenetrable obstacle he is launched back the way he came. Some moves become unusable to Mario when he holds a Spin Drill, and he loses it when he is damaged by an enemy or uses a Launch Star. It is required to damage the boss Digga-Leg.
1-Up Mushrooms	Green mushrooms that give Mario an extra life when obtained. They are also sold at the Luma Shop.	Life Mushrooms	Red mushrooms that doubles the amount of bars in Mario's life meter from three to six. If Mario loses three bars, they cannot be restored. The life meter returns to just three bars when Mario completes the mission, even if at full health. This mushroom is sold at the Luma Shop.
Bubbles	Air bubbles appear underwater, often released by bubblers on the seafloor. Making contact with one refills Mario's air meter. They sometimes encapsulate coins.	Keys	Golden collectibles that grant access to new areas. Collecting one opens a corresponding glass domes.
Yellow Star Chips	Star fragments that each represent one-fifth of a Launch Star. Collecting five causes them to merge into said Launch Star.	Yoshi eggs	The nested egg that holds Yoshi. Spinning into it releases Yoshi from the egg. Sometimes there are multiple Yoshi eggs in a galaxy, but they all disappear once Yoshi is released from one. If Mario is knocked-off of Yoshi, he will panic for a few seconds before being resealed into the egg and transported back to a nest.
Fruits	Ground fruits eaten by Yoshi. Eating one releases a Star Bit. Eating ten gives Mario an extra life. When off of Yoshi, Mario can break a fruit by ground-pounding it.	Giant fruits	Big fruits fastened tightly to the ground. Pulling on one with Yoshi brings it into his mouth and releases six Star Bits. It also causes a Launch Star to appear where it sat.

Power-ups

Items that transform Mario's appearance and give him unique abilities. The Ice Flower and Red Star are the only power-ups from the first Super Mario Galaxy to not return.

Power-up	Effect	Description
Cloud Flower	Cloud Mario	The Cloud Flower transforms Mario into Cloud Mario, which enables him to walk on clouds that he would otherwise be too heavy to stand on. Cloud Mario can also create up to three cloud platforms by shaking , but these platforms will disappear after a brief time. Mario's weight is reduced while Cloud Mario. Receiving damage or making contact with water makes Mario lose the power-up.
Rock Mushroom	Rock Mario	Touching the Rock Mushroom transforms Mario into Rock Mario. Shaking causes him to morph into a boulder and roll, defeating most enemies on contact and breaking objects Mario would otherwise be unable to. Colliding with an object or wall causes Mario to stop rolling. The boss Rollodillo can only be damaged by Rock Mario. Receiving damage or using a Launch Star makes Mario lose the power-up.
Fire Flower	Fire Mario	The Fire Flower transforms Mario into Fire Mario for thirty seconds. Shaking makes Mario toss a projectile fireball. The fire lights lanterns and defeats enemies on contact. The boss Squizzard can only be damaged by Fire Mario.
Bee Mushroom	Bee Mario	Touching the Bee Mushroom transforms Mario into Bee Mario. Holding makes Mario hover and his movement is controlled by tilting . The Flying Meter depletes as Mario hovers. He falls when the Meter is empty, but it is refilled when he makes contact with the ground or wall. Bee Mario can cling to honey walls and stand on flowers. The radius of the spin move is reduced while Bee Mario. Receiving damage or making contact with water makes Mario lose the power-up.
Rainbow Star	Rainbow Mario	Making contact with the Rainbow Star transforms Mario into Rainbow Mario for thirty seconds. He is invincible and can defeat enemies on contact. Running in this form makes Mario build speed and shortens the height of his jump. Attempting to collect a different power-up in this form will instead launch it up without collecting it.
Boo Mushroom	Boo Mario	Mario is transformed into a Boo when he touches the Boo Mushroom. Shaking makes Boo Mario become intangible for five seconds, enabling him to phase through walls. Continuously pressing makes Boo Mario hover. The Boo Mushroom only appears in "Haunting the Howling Tower". Receiving damage makes Mario lose the power-up.
Spring Mushroom	Spring Mario	Making contact with the Spring Mushroom transforms Mario into Spring Mario. Mario continuously jumps in this form. Pressing when he strikes the ground makes Spring Mario jump to a significantly great height. His horizontal movement is slowed in this state. The Spring Mushroom only appears in "Spring into the Chompworks". Receiving damage strips Mario of the power-up.

Yoshi's fruits

There are fruits that function as power-ups for Yoshi. When consumed, he is temporarily transformed and gains new abilities.

Fruit	Effect	Description
Dash Pepper	Dash Yoshi	Eating the Dash Pepper transforms Yoshi into Dash Yoshi for eight seconds. He bursts with speed and will only stop if he collides with an obstacle or the power-up wears off, but his direction can be controlled by tilting . Dash Yoshi can ascend steep slopes and run across water.
Blimp Fruit	Blimp Yoshi	The Blimp Fruit transforms Yoshi into Blimp Yoshi. He inflated like a balloon and trickles out air from his mouth, causing Blimp Yoshi to slowly rise. His trajectory can be controlled by tilting . Yoshi returns to normal once the air meter is depleted, but its depletion can be slowed by holding . Doing so also keeps Blimp Yoshi from ascending. Yoshi also can return to normal by shaking .
Bulb Berry	Bulb Yoshi	The Bulb Berry causes Yoshi to illuminate light as Bulb Yoshi. The light exposes platforms that would otherwise be hidden and enables the player to use them. This form only lasts for only ten seconds, and the radius of Bulb Yoshi's light gradually depletes. The platforms disappear and can no longer be used once the ten seconds have passed. Eating another Bulb Berry before the time has ran out restores Bulb Yoshi's light and resets the timer.

Objects

Objects are interactable elements of the environment that cannot be picked up or collected by Mario. For objects that primarily function as obstructions or hazards, see above.

Name	Description
Transportation objects
Cannon	Cannons that launch Mario to distant areas. They are accessed like pipes. Entering one shifts the screen perspective to inside the cannon and turns to Star Cursor into a reticle symbol. Aiming the cursor on screen and pressing fires Mario.
Divot	Indentations in the ground for the Star Ball. Most launch it from one planetoid to another, but the final one of a galaxy always shatters it. This makes the content of the ball collectible.
Floaty Fluff	Short dandelions that are carried on gusts of wind. Mario grabs onto one by spinning. It slowly descends as it floats. It ascends briefly by shaking , but only up to four times. Pressing makes Mario let go of the Floaty Fluff.
Flower	White floating flowers. Using his tongue like a grapple, the flowers can be used to swing Yoshi to higher locations.
Key Door	Doors that open when Mario makes contact with a key.
Launch Star	Floating Stars near the surface of planets that launch Mario to distant areas when spun near. Some yellow Lumas transform into Launch Stars when freed by Mario.
Leaf raft	Boats owned by a green Pianta in Starshine Beach Galaxy. The leaf raft moves based on where Mario is standing in it.
Pipe	Pipes going through the ground that transport Mario to new areas. He enters one when is pressed while on top of one. Some pipes lead Mario to bonus areas the feature The Chimp.
Pull Star	Floating Stars that are interacted with the Star Pointer. Moving the cursor over a Pull Star and holding pulls Mario to it. Gently pressing again, pressing , or spinning releases Mario from the Pull Star.
Ramp	Ramps that launch Rock Mario from one platform to another while rolling.
Sling Star	Diminutive Launch Star-like objects that sling Mario towards a neighboring planet when spun near.
Star Ball	Translucent orbs that contain Power Stars. Mario takes control of one when he jumps on top of it. The ball is steered by shifting . Reaching the goal – a divot in the floor – causes the Star Ball to break and release its Power Star. There is a variant that contains a Purple Coin.
Teleporter	Teleporters are built into the ground of galaxies. Shaking while on top of a one causes Mario to warp to a timed bonus stage for twenty seconds. Defeating all the enemies awards Mario with three 1-Up Mushrooms, but he will automatically be returned to the planet of origin after those twenty seconds regardless of whether he completed it. He can only access the teleporter once per mission attempt.
Tornado	A vortex of desert winds that moves back-and-forth along a set path. Making contact will trap Mario within its gusts, but this does not damage him. Mario is propelled high into the air like a bamboo-copter if he tries to spin.
Warp Pad	Transport panels that transport Mario along a curved beacon of light from one part of the Starship Mario to another.
Water Ball	Water Balls roll down slope in some galaxies and are fired by Water Shooters. Mario becomes trapped inside one when he touches it and is carried along with its trajectory.
Zipper gate	Underwater rings. Swimming through one gives Mario a burst of speed.
Blocks and containers
? Block	Floating blocks that contain a finite number of items (see above). One releases its content when Mario jumps underneath it. ? Blocks that contain coins and some that have Star Bits can be jumped under in rapid succession to release more than one. Most ? Blocks become empty blocks when their contents are exhausted. There are ? Blocks containing Star Bits that burst immediately when jumped under. Some are invisible and only become viewable once interacted with.
Beat Block	Block platforms in Beat Block Galaxy that flash and disappear in correspondence with the level's music. It alternates between yellow blocks and green blocks, meaning only one set appears at a time. This limits the surfaces Mario can stand on and forces the player to keep moving, or else Mario will fall and lose a life.
Block	Blocks that contain nothing and cannot be broken. Coin Blocks and some ? Blocks become these when their contents are exhausted.
Brick	Blocks. Some are Coin Blocks that contain multiple coins like ? Blocks. Others are empty and fall apart when jumped under.
Cage	Cloche domes that trap Lumas or contain objects of interest. They only open when Mario picks up a nearby key.
Crate	Wooden boxes which rest on the ground. They contain items or Goombas. They release their contents when spun near or ground-pounded, which breaks the Crate.
Flying ? Block	Winged ? Blocks. The wings enable the block to move horizontally. Striking it once causes its wings to fall away, suspending it in place.
Ice block	Large blocks made of snow. They can only be destroyed using fireballs from Fire Mario.
Pink block	Block platforms. Standing on one generates more pink brocks that begin to snake over dangerous terrain. As one brick is created in the front, one disappears in the back.
Snow sculpture	Snowy sculptures in the forms of trees, Goombas, and Bowser. Fireballs from Fire Mario or a roll from Rock Mario can destroy them. Some contain Star Bits or Launch Stars. The Bowser ice sculptures obstruct pathways or contain Power Stars.
Treasure chest	Wooden treasure chests that contain items. One opens when a Green Shell is thrown at it.
Strikable and spinnable objects
Balloon	Colorful balloons suspended in midair. When struck by Mario, one breaks and releases five Star Bits that automatically home-in on him for immediate collection. A balloon can also be broken by shooting a Star Bit at it via the Star Cursor. Doing so causes the Star Bits it contains to fall to the ground.
Bowser Statue	Stone statues of Bowser that contain items. They are destroyed when they are struck by Bullet Bills. There are metal variants of Bowser Jr. that serve the same function.
Bull's-eye	Large targets for the cannon. Launching Mario at the center of a bull's-eye awards him with an extra life.
Chance Cube	Dice carried by the Lumalees on Staship Mario. One Lumalee with transform into a Chance Cubes in exchange for 30 Star Bits. The other will transform into five in exchange for 100 coins. Chance Cube can give Mario a Star Bit, one 1-Up Mushroom, three 1-Up Mushrooms, or five 1-Up Mushrooms.
Coconut / Watermelon	Green fruits. Spinning into one launches them forward like a projectile. Some enemies and bosses fire coconuts themselves. Watermelons permanently replace coconuts once Mario accumulates 9999 Star Bits on one save file.
Crystal	Crystalline minerals which are broken when spun into. Most crystals are small, contain Star Bits, and are broken with a single spin. Others are large, contain Power Stars, and require three spins to be broken. Some crystals are opaque, obscuring their contents. Big variants also exist.
Fence	Wooden barriers in Boulder Bowl Galaxy. They break when Mario strikes them in his Rock form.
Glass case	Glass spheres. They contain objects of interest, such as pipes, Star Bits, or Power Stars. They can be broken by Bullet Bills.
Golden peg	A bolt-like protrusion in the ground. Firing a Star Bit at one with the Star Pointer transforms it into a collectible coin.
Lantern	Lighting lanterns with fireballs solves puzzles and sometimes provides access to new areas.
Lucky Cube	Dice that can turn into different objects. Spinning one makes it roll. It will transform into an object based on which face of it is upward when it stops. Chance Cubes are only found in galaxies will either produce a 1-Up Mushroom, a coin, a Star Bit, or a Goomba.
Obelisk	Protruding rocks that contain items. One is destroyed when rolled into by Rock Mario.
Rubbery bulb	Bulbous plants similar to roly-poly toys. They can be used to break objects and defeat enemies. Spinning into one flings it forward and return with the same force exerted. Mario receives knockback if hit by the rebound. The plants rebound is halted if it collides with an enemy or object. They are comparable to the prickly plant enemies.
Snowball	Big snowballs that accumulate mass when rolled on a snowy surface. Mario automatically pushes a snowball by walking into it, but he can push it farther by spinning. Snowballs can be pushed onto lava to make temporary snowy platforms, but the snowball loses mass and eventually can disappear this way. The Li'l Cinder enemy will automatically be defeated when it makes contact with a snowball.
Star Piece Cluster Rock	Giant crystalline structures that float in the set trajectory of Launch Stars. Colliding with one breaks it into seven collectible Star Bits.
Stone circle / Shell circle	A circle composed of seven rocks or shells embedded in the ground. Spinning inside the circle transforms the objects into Star Bits.
Ground-poundable objects
Cymbals	Ground-pounding the center of the top cymbal slams both pieces together and generates 25 Star Bits on their surface.
Drum	Percussive trampolines in Cloudy Court Galaxy. The surface launches Mario high into the air. Ground-pounding the drums launch him even higher.
Grate	Metal panels embedded in the ground of Flipsville Galaxy. Ground-pounding through one allows Mario to access both sides of the planets in Flipsville and avoid enemies. They are necessary to defeat Pupdozers and the boss Glamdozer, which have spiky backs and soft penetrable bellies.
Meteorite	Spherical space rocks that can be launched by ground-pounding their surfaces. They are used to break the locks on doors in certain galaxies, but they are most extensively used in boss fights against Bowser.
Picture block	Types of puzzle pieces in Puzzle Plank Galaxy that shift their placement when ground-pounded into. They ultimately create of picture of a Mandibug and trigger the arrival of the Mandibug Stack boss.
Puzzle piece	Wooden blocks in Puzzle Plank Galaxy. Ground-pounding specific spots on their surface changes their positioning or launches them into another wooden planetoid with an accompanying divot.
Springboard	Blue springs that bounce Mario into the air when jumped on.
Stone wheel	Stone discs. Ground-pounding one breaks it and usually releases an item. Breaking one sometimes changes an element of the area it is in. In some galaxies, they are multiple stone wheels stacked on top of each other.
Stump	Tree stumps. Ground-pounding one either produces items or triggers events that enable level progression, like Ground-Pound Switches.
Trampoline	Orange springs that bounce Mario high in the air. Ground-pounding the surface of a trampoline launches Mario higher.
Climbable objects
Banandelion	Tall dandelions. Mario grabs onto one by spinning. Continuing to spin makes Mario ascend up the flower like a Sproutle Vine and flings him.
Bar	Metal rods embedded in the sides of walls in Clockwork Ruins Galaxy. Mario can use them like swings to reach higher areas.
Honey wall	Hexagonal panels attached to the side of walls within levels. Mario can cling and crawl on them, but only while in his Bee form.
Pole	Climbable poles. Mario clings to one by jumping onto it. He can ascend, descend, and change which face of the pole he is one by moving . Pressing makes Mario jump from whichever face he is on. Some are flagpoles that bear the Jolly Roger of the Koopa Troop.
Sproutle Vine	Twisting vines that sprout from the base of defeated Piranha Plants. Mario grabs and swings up one by spinning. Sproutle Vines enable Mario to travel from one planetoid to another.
Swing	Trapezes made out of vines and flowers. Mario grabs onto one automatically when he makes contact with it. Moving back-and-forth makes him swing. A swing bar can be used to bring Mario over gaps between platforms.
Tree	Tall plants. Most function similarly to poles. Palm trees do not, but their fronds can be stood on like platforms.
Switches
Blue switch	Buttons with ! marks on them. In most contexts, ground-pounding a blue switch slows down time, but it causes the water on the surface of a planetoid in Cosmic Cove Galaxy to freeze over.
Flipswitch Panel	Blue ? panels that turn into yellow ! ones when Mario steps on them. Stepping on all of the panels in a confined area turns the switches green and triggers access to a new area or the appearance of a Power Star.
Gravity switch	Mounted arrow-shaped levers that shifts the gravitational pull from the floor to the ceiling. They only occur in portions of levels on a two-dimensional plane.
Ground-Pound Switch	Buttons that trigger a change in the surrounding environment when Mario ground-pounds into them. A Ground-Pound Switch is only useable once. There are wooden and stone variants that are destroyed when activated. The symbol on their button's face also appears on the abdomen of Mandibugs and the backs of Whomps.
Handle	Handles attached the sides of drawer platforms. They can only be pulled by Yoshi's tongue, which makes the drawer accessible for a limited amount of time before it recedes.
Lever Switch	Levers that physically change the surrounding area, usually by granting Mario access to a new area by making a door or bridge appear. Mario uses one by spinning near it.
Platforms
Airship	Flying ships under Bowser's control. Enemies patrol the decks. Some are equipped with cannons that fire hazardous projectiles.
Assembly Block	Multi-shaped and multicolored block platforms. They initially float distantly in midair, but will immediately assemble into an established configuration if Mario approaches the intended space. They fall away if Mario moves away from the intended space, meaning the player does not have a permanent visual as to where the platforms are going to appear.
Cloud	Floating platforms that Mario is normally too heavy to stand on. He can only do so in his Cloud or Bee forms.
Disappearing platform	Yellow lifts. They have a set designation marked by a transparent outline of the platform. Reaching this spot causes it to flash blue and disappear.
Flipping panel	Platforms suspended in the air. A flipping panel consists of a hinged tile that is red on one side and blue on the other. Spinning causes the tile to flip its positioning. This affects all of the flipping panels in the level. This impacts the surfaces available for Mario to walk on and what obstacles need to be overcome.
Flower	Floating flower platforms that recede if Mario makes contact with them. He can only stand on them while in his Bee form.
Giant grape	Large fruits that grow in Honeybloom Galaxy. They burst and fall apart if Mario makes contact with them. However, he can gently bounce off of their surfaces while in his Bee form.
Ice	Frozen surfaces. Ice reduces Mario's traction and causes him to slide, but spinning causes Mario to start skating.
Ice Meteor	Hexagonal platforms that appear in Shiverburn Galaxy. Falling ice creates these tiles on the surface of lava for a brief period of time before they melt away. The surface of these tiles function like normal ice.
Lift	Moving platforms. Their designs and environmental context for moving depends on where they are encountered. Rotating, wooden lifts attached to tracks appear in Throwback Galaxy.
Red and blue blocks	Block platforms embedded in the planets of Flip-Out Galaxy. They are similar to the flipping panels. Spinning causes red blocks to protrude from the wall and blue ones to recede, and vice versa with a subsequent spin.
Sand Bird	A moving bird-shaped platform composed of sand blocks. The blocks fall apart when they collide with cactuses or enemy projectiles. The blocks reform after a few seconds.
Shrinking platform	A checkerboard platform that disappears once Mario stands on it.
Starshroom	Mushroom-shaped starships with their own centers of gravity. They are piloted by the Toad Brigade.
Teeter-totter moon	The moon in Boo Moon Galaxy shifts back-and-forth like a seesaw based on where Mario stands on it.
Track	Rails that can roll the Star Ball without the player moving it.
Waterfall	Water overflowing the sides of elevated drops. In Cosmic Cove Galaxy, a pair of waterfalls can be frozen and wall jumped between.
Other objects
Arrow Sign	Signs that passively guide the player towards the intended focus of the mission they enter. In most instances, Mario can go off the intended path.
Beacon	The source of energy for Starship Mario. It is found in the ship's internal engine room.
Bubbler	Creates air bubbles.
Checkpoint Flag	Small flags that bear Bowser's insignia. Touching one replaces it with Mario's own emblem. If Mario is defeated during a mission he will respawn at the Checkpoint Flag rather than the beginning.
Fan / Windmill	Produce constant gusts of wind. The currents can carry the cloud platforms made by Cloud Mario.
Flowers / Grass	Plants that rustle when walked through. Some release Star Bits or Coins when disturbed.
Gate	A series of five gates that appear in galaxies involving Fluzzard. Gliding through all five gives the player a chance to collect the galaxy's Comet Medal.
Rock	Polygonal rocks. When Mario walks into a rock, he kicks it into the air. When it recollides with the ground, it breaks and releases a coin.
Rubber rail	Fences that bounce Rock Mario if he rolls towards them.
Signpost	Posted signs that contain information on actions. One of them is a speaking character.
Star Barrier	Roadblocks on the world map. They disappear once the player has accumulated a specified number of Power Stars.
Tip Network	A talking television monitor that provides brief tutorials when prompted. It typically appears in difficult parts of a galaxy.
Water spout	A device that expels water into the air in timed intervals. Mario is briefly carried into the air when he enters the stream.

Differences from Super Mario Galaxy

Gameplay

• While swimming underwater, Mario and Luigi can no longer spin rapidly.
• An exploit that allowed Mario to climb up slopes was patched.
• The game now saves automatically instead of the player having to manually save after every Power Star collected.
• If the player gets a Game Over, they return to the hub world, rather than being asked to save before going all the way back to the title screen.
• There are only three save files instead of six.
  • Rosalina and Luma are new save file icons, while Luigi's can be used as an icon from the start.
  • The player cannot copy save files like in the previous game.
• Bugaboom's boss fight now uses the Cloud Flower and springs, rather than the Bee Mushroom and swinging flowers.
• Coins are now a general collectible like Star Bits, rather than just being collected for a high score. After collecting a Power Star, coins collected are added to the coin collection, similar to Star Bits.
• Checkpoints are now marked by a Checkpoint Flag, rather than being invisible.
• The game now records the time the player has taken to beat the level.
• Luigi is now unlocked after defeating Bowser and unlocking World S, instead of the player playing through the game twice as Mario and Luigi.
• Cutscenes are now done in a storybook format, and the player has to press a button to progress dialogue.
• The game rewards a 1-Up upon collecting 100 Star Bits, rather than every 50.
• Collecting a Life Mushroom while having a full six hit points now rewards a 1-Up rather than nothing.
• When receiving a letter from Princess Peach, Mailtoad automatically gives the player 5 1-Ups, rather than asking if they want to accept it.
  • Luigi no longer receives 20 1-Ups from Peach's letters, only receiving 5 like Mario.
• The credits are more interactive, with the player playing through various levels in the game, rather than having standard credits.
• The first-person camera is able to turn 360 degrees rather than 90 degrees left and right.

Levels

• In the first game, excluding green or red Power Stars, major galaxies had six Power Stars (three missions, two Prankster Comets with one of which being a Purple Comet mission, and a Hidden Star) while minor galaxies had one (the sole mission). In the sequel, these numbers were changed to give major galaxies three Power Stars and minor galaxies two Power Stars.
  • The type of stars each galaxy has now varies, rather than having a constant amount of each type per galaxy. Major galaxies have either two missions and a Prankster Comet, two missions and a Hidden Star, or one mission, Prankster Comet, and Hidden Star each. Minor galaxies have either one mission and a Prankster Comet, one mission and a Hidden Star, or two missions (with the second mission being a challenge from either The Chimp or Jibberjay).
• Hungry Lumas that create planets in galaxies now require coins to be fed to them instead of Star Bits. However, Hungry Lumas that make galaxies still require Star Bits.
• Hungry Luma galaxies can be accessed via the World Map, just like the rest of the galaxies in their corresponding world, rather than using an alternate method to access it (a launch star outside of the dome).
• The galaxy icons on the World Map are much more detailed than in the first game, and some of them have more animated features, rather than being completely stationary models. Similar concepts have been used later in Super Mario 3D Land and Super Mario 3D World's stage icons.

Prankster Comets

• Prankster Comets are no longer categorized by type, simply leaving them as generic Prankster Comets.
• Boss galaxies now have Prankster Comets.
• During Speedy and timed Purple Coin missions, the clock now stops and disappears after the star appears, whereas in the original, the clock continued to run until the star was grabbed.
• Some Speedy Comet missions have clocks that must be grabbed to keep the timer going.
• Cosmic Comets and Fast-Foe Comets do not return, being replaced by Clone Comets and Double Time Comets respectively.
• The game now notifies a player when a Prankster Comet has appeared in a certain galaxy, rather than having to check themselves.
• The player can select any mission in the galaxy they want even if a Prankster Comet is in orbit. Because of this, Comet Tico and its ability to move Prankster Comets do not return.
• If the player loses a life during a Prankster Comet mission, the game does not ask the player if they want to retry the mission or return to the hub world, instead restarting the mission as normal.

Music

• While many soundtracks return from the first game, some returning soundtracks have been remixed to be more orchestrated rather than maintaining synthesized instruments. This includes:
  • The theme of Bowser's Star Reactor and Bowser's Dark Matter Plant, used in Bowser's Lava Lair and Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet.
  • The theme of Honeyhive Galaxy and Gold Leaf Galaxy used in Honeybloom Galaxy and Honeyhop Galaxy.
  • The theme of Toy Time Galaxy used in Supermassive Galaxy.
  • The mission selection theme.
  • The level introduction theme.
  • The Power Star and Grand Star fanfares.
  • The jingle that plays when the player returns to the hub world.
  • The theme of the Baron Brrr and Undergrunt Gunner boss battle, used in the King Lakitu and Mandibug Stack battles.
• When the star appears, the music changes to the soft "star appears" theme for the rest of the mission, unlike the original, which only played the theme after a boss was beaten.
• When Mailtoad has a letter from Peach, there is no sound that constantly plays when the player is near him.
• During the egg phase of Dino Piranha and Fiery Dino Piranha's boss fights, as well as the first phase of Major Burrow's boss fight, a new soundtrack (namely the theme of Boss Blitz Galaxy) is used during those sections instead of the originals.
• The Mandibug Stack mini-boss now has an actual theme playing (which shares the same with King Lakitu), rather than using the same theme as the level.

Aesthetic

• When Lumalee asks if the player wants to buy a 1-Up Mushroom or Life Mushroom, the dialogue boxes now show their names alongside their icon (like the Japanese version of the first game), rather than just their icon like in the English version of the first game.
• In the American version of the game, when getting an extra life, the text now shows "1UP" like the Japanese version instead of "1-UP" like the English version of the previous game. However, it's still "1-UP" in the European version.
• The "Game Over" text is now yellow instead of pink. The text is also slightly wider than in the previous game.
• The first Star that the player obtains is a Power Star rather than a Grand Star. It is also guarded by a boss, when there was no boss in the first game.
• The text saying "You got a Star/Grand Star" during the star collecting victory animation as well as the text saying "TOO BAD!" during when Mario/Luigi loses a life are slightly larger than in the first game.
• When the player returns to the Starship Mario after obtaining a Grand Star, the text box that appears afterwards says "You got a Grand Star", instead of "You got a Star".
  • Similarly, when the player collects a Green Power Star, the text box says, "You got a Green Star", instead of "You got a hidden Star".
• Fiery Dino Piranha's egg now has visible heatwaves around it.

Staff

Main article: List of Super Mario Galaxy 2 staff

General Producer

• Shigeru Miyamoto

Producers

• Yoshiaki Koizumi
• Takashi Tezuka

Director

• Koichi Hayashida

Music

• Mahito Yokota
• Ryo Nagamatsu
• Koji Kondo

Development

Mario and two Giant Goombas in an early version of Supermassive Galaxy.

The development of Super Mario Galaxy 2 started as soon as the first Super Mario Galaxy was released. Many of the ideas were based on those shown in the first game, which, for example, included moving or adding new stars in the levels. The project was initially called Super Mario Galaxy 1.5. The development of the new version of the game lasted a year; however, Miyamoto realized that the new game was beginning to overflow with new elements and ideas. Therefore, the team decided to create a real Super Mario Galaxy sequel rather than a new version of the original installment. The development of the sequel then lasted two and half years.

The game was revealed at E3 2009, along with New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Although the game was far along in development, it was held back to 2010 due to the release of New Super Mario Bros. Wii in November 2009. According to Shigeru Miyamoto, 90% of the features in the game would be new, whereas the remaining 10% were already introduced or featured in the original Super Mario Galaxy. Shigeru Miyamoto noted, "Really what we ended up with is more than 90% of what you'll see in Galaxy 2 is brand new. I'd say closer to 95, maybe even 99%. One of the new things was the inclusion of Yoshi, and also the use of the drill to open up and drill through stages." On the other hand, Miyamoto stated in an interview that he wanted to go with as little story as possible for Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Some of the developers wanted to include characters from other Nintendo franchises, such as Pikmin or Donkey Kong. However, Miyamoto shot down the idea.

CEO of Nintendo America Reggie Fils-Aime stated that Super Mario Galaxy 2 would be more challenging regarding its predecessor. It was hinted that the new game would implement a tool-assisted guide, similar to the Super Guide from New Super Mario Bros Wii. It was eventually confirmed, although it worked differently. Beginner players could use the Cosmic Guide mode (activated when encountering the Cosmic Spirit) or the Tip Network to learn moves and hints during gameplay. Japanese, European and Australian boxes came with a special DVD to help players to know basic and expert techniques of the game.

Reception

Upon its release, Super Mario Galaxy 2 was met with universal acclaim, and is one of the highest rated video games of all time on the aggregation sites Metacritic and GameRankings. EDGE magazine has given the game a perfect score of 10 out of 10, being the third Super Mario game so far to receive such rating (the others were Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy). Official Nintendo Magazine grants it a 97%, while Game Informer has given the game 9.25 out of 10. Nintendo Power gave it a 9.5 out of 10. IGN and Gamespot granted the game a perfect 10/10, as well as GamesRadar. Gamespot also gave the game the Best Platforming Award and the Best Wii Game Award of 2010. IGN named it the Best Wii Game of all time. Gametrailers has given a 9.7 from 10, while Famitsu a 37 out of 40. GamePro gave it four and a half stars, X-Play gave it a perfect five out of five stars, and 1UP.com an "A" rating.

Reviews
Release	Reviewer, Publication	Score	Comment
Wii	Ryan Davis, Giant Bomb	5/5	"For all the meaningful changes and additions that have been made, this is still more Super Mario Galaxy--which is to say that it looks and sounds about as good as a game for the Wii ever has, with consistently inventive level design, and exceptionally responsive gameplay. We all like to give Nintendo a hard time for pandering to casual and nostalgic audiences, but when it brings its A-game, it's still able to deliver a fun, accessible game experience that's second to none."
Wii	Tom Mc Shea, GameSpot	10/10	"Super Mario Galaxy 2 is simply an outstanding game. It never rests on its laurels for a second, constantly presenting new objectives and mechanics to push you to never before seen places. Even the two-player mode offers new abilities and delights, making it even more fun to play with a friend by your side. Everything is so well designed and so entertaining that it's easy to get sucked into this world for hours. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is so phenomenal that it's difficult to imagine where Mario could possibly go in the future. But that's hardly your concern now. Mario proves that he is still the king of fun."
Wii	Oli Welsh, Eurogamer	10/10	"While the New Super Mario Bros. games have been content to remind us of Mario's roots, Super Mario Galaxy recast him in the role of fearless explorer, leaping into impossible realms, redefining what we could do in virtual space. Here, once again, was the Mario of Donkey Kong, of Super Mario Bros., of Super Mario 64. A simple extension of the Galaxy concept, Super Mario Galaxy 2 can't possibly have the same impact. But it does have the same spirit, throwing new ideas at you with gleeful and impulsive abandon, leaving you breathless, scrambling happily to keep up. You can't really complain about more of the same, when the same is the one thing it never is."
Aggregators
Compiler		Platform / Score
Metacritic		97
GameRankings		97.35%

Sales

Super Mario Galaxy 2 sold 143,000 copies on its first day of release in Japan and 340,000 copies in its first week. In North America, the game sold 650,000 copies during the month of May 2010. In the United Kingdom, it was the third best-selling game among multiplatform releases and the best-selling single platform release for the week ending June 26, 2010. As of July 16, 2010, the game has sold 1 million copies within the USA and 6.36 million copies worldwide as of April 2011.

Awards

Super Mario Galaxy 2 was awarded Game of the Year by Nintendo Power and named "Wii Game of the Year" by IGN, GameSpot, and 1UP in 2010. In the March 2012 issue of Official Nintendo Magazine, the publication named Super Mario Galaxy 2 the "Greatest Nintendo Game Ever Made" ranking at #1 out of 100. It was awarded Game of the Year and Best Game on Wii by Guinness Book of World Records Gamer's Edition 2011.

Quotes

Main article: List of Super Mario Galaxy 2 quotes

• "Oh, by the way, I found this 1-Up Mushroom a little while ago! Think you can use it?" - Banktoad
• "Super Mario Galaxy, Wahoo!" - Mario
• "First time in galaxy, always Comet medal somewhere. Look hard. Find!" - Whittle

Glitches

Main article: List of Super Mario Galaxy 2 glitches

Infinite Fluttering

To perform this glitch, Mario should ride Yoshi and perform a Flutter Jump. When he is almost finished, the player should release and press , then, release and hold , repeating this to gain more height. This was discovered by fans very shortly after the game's release. This glitch is known by many fans as "Infinite Fluttering," and has become the most well-known glitch in the game. Using this glitch, players can fight the final boss, Bowser, and also even clear the Perfect Run with Yoshi. It is also because of this glitch that many other glitches have also been found.

Red-Blue Panel jump glitch

In Flip-Swap Galaxy, Mario can use the upward momentum from a Red-Blue Panel flipping up to perform an extremely long, high jump. Mario must be on one of the non-flipping platforms in the galaxy. Then, he must run toward an empty space that a flipping platform flips to when Mario spins. Right before Mario runs into the empty space, he must spin to make the flipping platform flip to the empty space. Mario should fall onto the flipping platform while it is still rising. Finally, Mario must perform a Long Jump right before the platform stops moving. The timing for this is difficult, but if performed correctly, Mario does a "superjump" that covers huge distance and can be used as a shortcut.

This can also happen if Cloud Mario jumps immediately after he forms a cloud.

Pre-release and unused content

Main article: List of Super Mario Galaxy 2 pre-release and unused content

In the debut trailer from E3 2009 and the two Media Summit Trailers, there were several differences from the game's release.

• The starting planet in Boo Moon Galaxy was originally going to look similar to the Crystal Planet in Space Junk Galaxy from the first game.
• When a player used a Dash Pepper, the player did not glow or leave a glowing trail as in the final version.
• Good Egg Galaxy's background was used in Tall Trunk's Slide, and in Space Storm Galaxy's Topman's tower.

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Super Mario Galaxy 2.

• 

  Mario, Yoshi, and a Luma

• 

  Co-Star Luma

• 

  Super Bowser

• 

  Starship Mario

• 

  Battle Belt Galaxy

Music

Main article: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Original Soundtrack

An official two-disc soundtrack was released exclusively to Club Nintendo members in Japan, which holds all seventy songs from the game. The game's official soundtrack is performed by the Mario Galaxy Orchestra.

Media

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Super Mario Galaxy 2 media.

File Select - File selection theme

File infoMedia:File Select Super Mario Galaxy 2.oga 0:30

Starship Mario 2 - Starship Mario theme

File infoMedia:Starship Mario 2 Super Mario Galaxy 2.oga 0:30

Fluffy Bluff Galaxy - Also heard in Cloudy Court Galaxy.

File infoMedia:Fluffy Bluff Galaxy Super Mario Galaxy 2.oga 0:30

Cosmic Cove Galaxy

File infoMedia:Cosmic Cove Galaxy Theme Super Mario Galaxy 2.oga 0:30

Help:Media • Having trouble playing?

References to other games

A comparison between The Secret of Ricco Tower and Twisty Trials Galaxy

• Super Mario Bros.: Supermassive Galaxy's music, which is itself a remix of Toy Time Galaxy's music from the first game, originated from this game's overworld theme. The first few notes of this music are played when switching between Mario and Luigi. Other music from this game returned from Super Mario Galaxy as well. In the Grandmaster Galaxy, there is a backdrop featuring elements and enemies, as well as Mario and Luigi in their 8-bit sprites from this game.
• Super Mario Bros. 3: Supermassive Galaxy is similar to Giant Land from this game, as the two are of massive size and feature giant versions of common items and enemies.
• Super Mario World: Yoshi, who first appeared in this game, is playable in Super Mario Galaxy 2, and the percussion sounds heard when riding on Yoshi are reused. In fact, when Mario first saves Yoshi, his speech is obviously based on his speech in this game. Additionally, this game's athletic theme returns as Hightail Falls Galaxy's music (as well as the music that plays during the mission for Starshine Beach Galaxy, "Purple Coin Beach Dash"), and the Ghost House theme returns as Haunty Halls Galaxy's and Boo Moon Galaxy's music. Also, the sound effect that is heard when a P Switch's effect is about to run out is used in the bonus areas of Super Mario Galaxy 2, and the sound effect heard when passing through a door in this game is used when opening a door in Boo Moon Galaxy. In Puzzle Plank Galaxy, the Rainbow Notes play the bonus game theme from Super Mario World.
• Super Mario 64: "Slider" from this game is used for Tall Trunk Galaxy and Rolling Coaster Galaxy. "Koopa's Road" theme is arranged once again, appearing in several Bowser-themed galaxies. Also, the Throwback Galaxy is a replica of Whomp's Fortress; its boss, the Whomp King, is fought there, and an arrangement of "Super Mario 64 Main Theme" plays there as well. Both games start with Peach sending a letter to Mario involving cake. Additionally, the "Inside the Castle Walls" theme can be heard when rescuing Peach and the final Grand Star in Super Mario Galaxy 2. The Rainbow Star theme is an arrangement of "Powerful Mario". Finally, Mario says, "Thank you so much for playing my game!" after the ending credits, just as he did in this game.
• Super Mario Sunshine: The Starshine Beach Galaxy is based on some elements from this game. The main mission of Twisty Trials Galaxy is a replica of the secret level found in Episode 4 of Ricco Harbor. The red and blue flipping platforms return, although they work differently. A few of Yoshi's sound clips are reused from this game. Piantas also return.
• New Super Mario Bros. Wii: The Checkpoint Flag returns from this game, and the Cosmic Guide and Tip Network are based on the Super Guide and hint movies from this game, respectively. Also, the world maps are based on the one from this game. In both games, Bowser is giant, and the final battle is divided in two different parts, the latter having a bigger Bowser. Fuzzies, the credits cake, and pink bricks take design elements from Fuzzies, the Koopalings' cake, and Ice Snake Blocks respectively in this game. Additionally, when players collect all the coins in a certain time limit that were accessed by a switch in Super Mario Galaxy 2, the audience claps in the same fashion they did in this game.

References in later media

The Super Mario Galaxy 2 puzzle in the Nintendo 3DS StreetPass Mii Plaza game Puzzle Swap

• Donkey Kong Country Returns: The Flip-Out Galaxy's concept is back (but slighty changed) for the Switcheroo level.
• Super Mario 3D Land: Star Medals look similar to Comet Medals. In addition, the theme used on bonus planets is covered for Mystery Boxes. The blue and red flipping platforms return, but they are activated by jumping. The "beat blocks" return as well. Cosmic Clones return, but they look different. An early theme for the Boom Boom battle was the same theme played when fighting Peewee Piranha. Also, a lot of the voice clips, sounds, and enemy animations and behaviors are reused. World 7-5 is similar to Puzzle Plank Galaxy, and Special 5-1 is similar to Flip-Swap Galaxy. Also, a strange, ghostly entity can be seen in the woods near the Goal Pole of World 4-4, which bears resemblance to the three, strange, black Kodama-esque figures (Hellvalleyskytrees) seen in the background of Shiverburn Galaxy.
• Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games: The Sky Station Galaxy (under the name "Synchro Battle Galaxy") appears in the Dream Spacewalk event. Puzzle Plank Galaxy's music appears as an arrangement.
• Fortune Street: Starship Mario makes an appearance as one of the Super Mario franchise game boards.
• New Super Mario Bros. U: Balloon Baby Yoshi and Glowing Baby Yoshi's abilities resemble to those of Blimp Yoshi and Bulb Yoshi, respectively. Magmaarghs and Magmaws make reappearences as well.
• Super Mario 3D World: Green Stars make an appearance, replacing Star Medals from Super Mario 3D Land. Fizzlits return, although in a more square-shaped appearance. The final boss themes (and the Meowser defeated fanfare) have portions of the themes for Bowser's Galaxy Generator. Also, Grumblumps have a similar appearance to Rhomps. The Beat Block mechanic returns under the name "Beep Block", and the Beep Block stages return to the "beep-beep-beep-switch" rhythm as in this game with the same tempo as the Beat Block Galaxy theme as well. There is additionally a level called Boss Blitz, which is in reference to the Boss Blitz Galaxy.
• Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U: Starship Mario appears in the background of the Mario Galaxy stage.
• Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The giant dragon used for the Dragon Driftway racetrack has a similar design to Gobblegut, but with legs. In Deluxe, the battle course Dragon Palace has two statues of the same Gobblegut-like dragons. In the Booster Course Pass DLC, the Rock Cup's icon is a Rock Mushroom.
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Gobblegut is used as the base design for a weapon in this game.
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Rock Mario, Lubba, and Starship Mario appear as spirits using their artwork from Super Mario Galaxy 2. Also, Melty Monster Galaxy's theme is added to the Super Mario franchise track list.
• The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Bowser is shrunken to a small size after his defeat, just like in the end credits of Super Mario Galaxy 2. A Dash Pepper icon appears on a bottle of hot sauce at Punch-Out Pizzeria on Foreman Spike's table.
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder: The Drill Mushroom powerup resembles and functions similarly to the Spin Drill item from Super Mario Galaxy 2. Mario's Spike Ball form under the effects of the Wonder Flower functions similar to Rock Mario.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning	Notes
Japanese	スーパーマリオギャラクシー２[?] Sūpā Mario Gyarakushī Tsū	Super Mario Galaxy 2
Chinese	超級瑪利歐銀河２[?] Chāojí Mǎlìōu Yínhé Èr	Super Mario Galaxy 2
German	Super Mario Galaxy 2[?]	-
Korean	슈퍼 마리오 Wii 2 갤럭시 어드벤처 투게더[?] Syupeo Mario Wii 2 Gaelleoksi Eodeubencheo Tugedeo	Super Mario Wii 2: Galaxy Adventure Together
Spanish	Super Mario Galaxy 2[?]	-

Trivia

• The save data description in English is "Launch into a new adventure!"
  • The Japanese equivalent is 「銀河を舞台にまたまた大冒険！」
• Even though Super Mario Galaxy 2 is not featured in the compilation title Super Mario 3D All-Stars, an abridged version of the theme for when Mario or Luigi grabs a Power Star is recycled for the game's title screen.

External links

• Official North American Website
• Official Mexican Website
• Official Japanese Website
• Official Oceanian Website
• Official European Website
• Official Chinese Website (Taiwan)
• Official Chinese Website (Hong Kong)
• Wii's channel on YouTube - Super Mario Galaxy 2
• North American manual (EN)
• North American manual (FR)
• North American manual (ES)