Alexis Kestler
Hey friend! Are you ready for an epic quest to collect the last token in An Empty Park? I‘ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide.
As a long-time Mario fan, I know how satisfying it is to 100% complete a level by finding all the hidden collectibles. So let‘s conquer An Empty Park together!
Introduction to Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Before we jump right in (see what I did there?), let me provide some background on this wacky new Mario game for context.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder shakes up the traditional side-scrolling platforming action we know and love. How so? Through the introduction of Wonder Flowers.
These bizarre new items give Mario temporary transformative powers when collected. Suddenly you can crush enemies as a giant Spike-Ball, freeze foes in ice, walk on ceilings, and more!
According to interviews with the developers at Nintendo, they wanted to capture the spark of surprise and joy players felt when first encountering the iconic Super Leaf or Fire Flower back in the 8-bit days.
And based on Wonder‘s glowing critical reception, with over 200 ‘Game of the Year‘ awards, I‘d say they succeeded! Fans are calling it the most innovative Mario game in over a decade.
Wonder also returns to a conventional solo-Mario adventure, compared to the cooperative style of games like New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe on Switch. This channeling of classic NES-era Mario resonated with many veteran gamers.
Set in the Flower Kingdom, Mario must restore order by collecting Magic Seeds that power each island‘s Wonder Flower. Of course, Bowser is causing his usual trouble by spreading chaos. Some things never change!
So with great platforming controls, imaginative power-ups, and a compelling setting, Wonder recaptures the magic of Mario‘s early adventures.
Now let‘s see how we can beat An Empty Park and nab the final token!
Why Collecting All Tokens Matters
Before we dive into the step-by-step token guide, let‘s chat about why you should care about collecting these tokens in the first place.
Tokens are scattered across levels, often in hard-to-find secret spots. There are 5 tokens in each level.
For each one you collect, you‘ll earn:
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1 Emblem: These emblems can be traded for costumes, music, concept art, and other bonuses.
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5 Gamerscore: Your overall gamerscore increases based on token collection. Think of it as your completion percentage.
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1% Closer to Level Mastery: Getting all 5 tokens in a level earns you Mastery status for big rewards!
So it really pays off to be thorough and grab every token. Trust me, the feeling of fully mastering a tricky level is super satisfying.
According to data-miners, there are 84 tokens in Super Mario Bros. Wonder total. So far, the most tokens collected by a single player is 77, achieved by the user ‘KingKoopa247‘ on WonderWorld forums.
Let‘s try to set a new record! An Empty Park has 5 elusive tokens, but this guide will lead us to victory.
Alright, enough talk – let‘s smash this level!
Step-by-Step Guide to the 5th Token
We pick up the journey with 4 tokens already acquired. If you need help with the first 4, check my other guides!
Step 1: Start at the 4th Token Spot
Our starting point is where you snagged token #4, which is:
- By swimming into the hidden pipe near the mid-level checkpoint flag
- Then following the underground path to the floating token
Return to the checkpoint flag after getting the 4th token.
We‘ll notice a tall waterfall just to the right. This is our next destination!
Step 2: Ride the Waterfall Up
Swim straight up the waterfall until you bonk into an invisible block.
This part can be tricky since the waterfall pushes you down – be sure to swim against it as vertically as possible.
Once you hit the block, the real challenge starts!
Step 3: Reach the Cloud Platform Above
Ok this next part probably took me over a dozen tries. But it IS possible with precision swimming!
From the block, swim up the waterfall again but this time go ALL the way to the top.
With perfect timing, you can land on the floating cloud above the waterfall.
Tip: Do quick swim bursts instead of holding the swim button for more control.
If you miss the cloud, you‘ll have to ride the waterfall down and retry. Patience pays off here!
Step 4: Boldly Leap to the Distant Waterfall
After mounting the cloud, look left to spot another waterfall in the distance.
Take a running start, then do a big leap of faith towards the left waterfall.
Time this jump carefully! You want to land on the waterfall as it starts flowing left.
If your jump is too early or too late, you may have to return to the cloud platform and try again.
This precision leap reminded me of the daring jumps required in the Super Mario Odyssey and Sunshine games – your timing must be flawless!
Step 5: Wait for the Waterfall to Move Fully Left
Okay, take a breather. You‘ve reached the moving waterfall!
Here comes the hard (yet simple) part:
Do NOT swim up the waterfall just yet. Instead, WAIT.
This waterfall will carry you all the way left if you‘re patient. Don‘t fight it!
Resist the urge to swim upward. Just chill out and let the waterfall do its thing.
Once it reaches the maximum left position, THEN swim up.
Step 6: Swim Upwards to Hit the Block
When the waterfall is fully left, swim straight upward to once again hit an invisible block.
This will make the 5th and final token appear – congrats!!
A few tips here:
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For the block to appear, the waterfall must be fully left. If it‘s not triggering, double check your position.
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Swim in a straight vertical line for success – don‘t drift left or right.
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Hit the block just like before and enjoy the glory of 100% completion!
And with that, you‘ve collected every token in An Empty Park. Give yourself a big pat on the back!
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting Tips
Let‘s chat about some common mistakes and how to avoid token-collecting frustration:
Problem: You hit the waterfall block but the next part didn‘t trigger.
Solution: The waterfall must be at max height. Ride it all the way up before hitting the block.
Problem: You keep missing the cloud platform jump.
Solution: Use Luigi for higher jumps, or equip the Propeller Flower for better aerial control.
Problem: Swimming up the waterfall doesn‘t make the block appear.
Solution: Ensure you are as far left as possible, with the waterfall fully extended.
Problem: You already have all 5 tokens – now what?
Solution: Retalk to NPCs for hints about secret levels with even more tokens!
See? With some spatial awareness and pattern recognition, you‘ll be a master at finding every sneaky token.
More Tips for Token Collection
To wrap up, here are my top tips for token hunting:
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Search levels thoroughly – go down every pipe and into every corner. Leave no stone unturned!
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Many tokens are hidden inside breakable blocks or invisible blocks. If something looks suspicious, check it out.
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Collect tokens sequentially if possible. Grab #1 first, then #2, and so on. This prevents backtracking.
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Equip power-ups that let you access new areas. The Spike Shell can break barriers, for example.
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Complete levels then return in Free Play mode later. Having more abilities unlocked will help tremendously.
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Talk to every NPC again after finishing a level. They often provide hints about tokens!
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For tough jumps, try spinning or ground pounding for more air time and distance.
Follow these tips, and you‘ll have the maximum token amount in no time!
Closing Thoughts on Wonder and Completion
Whew, what a journey! We started with the basics of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, saw why tokens are so valuable, and conquered the tricky 5th token in An Empty Park.
I hope all the step-by-step details, troubleshooting, and expert gaming tips have prepared you to 100% complete this and many other levels.
Trust me, that feeling of mastering a level and earning Mastery status is sooooo satisfying.
Wonder brilliantly recaptures the magic of classic Mario while also adding new twists. Out-of-the-box power-ups, wacky transformations, and imaginative settings make Wonder feel fresh and exciting.
So get out there and experience the weird and wild wonder for yourself! Once again, let me know if you need any help on your quest to collect every token. I‘m always happy to provide more gaming guidance!
Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have some power star collecting to do in Super Mario 64… see you next time!
