How to Unlock Purple Coins in Super Mario Galaxy

If you've already completed Super Mario Galaxy, you're probably aware of how many galaxies, missions, and power stars the game has to offer. But there's one last challenge you might not have encountered yet: Purple Coins. These elusive coins are part of some of the most difficult challenges in the game. You can't just hop into any galaxy and start collecting them right away, though—there are specific conditions you must meet first.

Let's dive into the detailed process of how to unlock Purple Coins in Super Mario Galaxy, followed by an in-depth guide on how to collect them once they are available. We'll also cover some tips, tricks, and insights on completing the levels with Purple Coins to help you maximize your progress in the game.

Unlocking Purple Comet Missions

The most important thing to note is that Purple Coins are not available right from the start. You need to complete certain steps in the game before these challenging missions become accessible.

1. Beat Bowser and Complete the Final Boss Fight
   The first requirement for unlocking Purple Coins is defeating Bowser in the final boss battle and completing the main story of the game. This will trigger the appearance of Purple Comet missions throughout various galaxies. Purple Comet missions are where you’ll find Purple Coins.

2. Unlock Purple Comets in Specific Galaxies
   Once you've defeated Bowser, Purple Comets will begin to appear randomly in the galaxies you've already unlocked. However, this won’t happen immediately after beating Bowser. You need to have collected at least 60 Power Stars to trigger the appearance of the Purple Comets.

3. Purple Comet Prankster Missions
   The Purple Comets will circle around different galaxies, similar to the Prankster Comets that alter missions you've completed earlier. These comets will now set the condition for Purple Coin collection missions. It’s important to note that the Purple Comets don’t appear in a specific sequence, so you’ll need to keep checking the map for their locations.

4. Activate Purple Comets with the Observatory’s Map
   If you’re eager to unlock all the Purple Coin missions, speak to the black Luma located near the map in the Observatory. The Luma can help move comets to different galaxies, allowing you to focus on particular galaxies to speed up your Purple Coin collection process.

Collecting Purple Coins

Now that you’ve unlocked the Purple Comet missions, it’s time to start collecting Purple Coins. Here's what you need to know:

1. Purple Coin Challenge Variations
   Each galaxy offers a different style of Purple Coin challenge. In some galaxies, the coins are scattered throughout a massive area and require precise platforming, while in others, you may have to collect them under a time limit or within a confined space.

   • Exploration-Based Challenges: These types of missions involve scouring the entire level for all 100 Purple Coins, often hidden in tricky spots. For example, the Good Egg Galaxy and Honeyhive Galaxy have missions like this.

   • Timed Challenges: These are perhaps the most intense, where you are forced to gather all the Purple Coins within a certain time frame. Levels like Toy Time Galaxy and Freezeflame Galaxy contain these types of challenges.

   • Linear Challenges: In certain galaxies, like the Ghostly Galaxy, you’ll encounter a more linear path where the Purple Coins are placed in a sequence, and you simply need to follow the path while avoiding hazards.

2. No Second Chances
   In most Purple Coin missions, you must collect exactly 100 coins to complete the mission successfully. Missing a coin may force you to start over, so attention to detail is critical. This is especially true for timed missions, where precision and speed are key.

3. Use of Movement and Power-Ups
   Mastering Mario's movement is essential for some of the trickier Purple Coin missions. Utilize the spin jump, long jump, and wall jump where necessary. Power-ups like the Bee Mushroom and Ice Flower will also aid in specific levels, making it easier to reach higher or farther platforms.

4. Unique Challenges in Each Galaxy
   Every galaxy has its unique Purple Coin mission that will test different skills. For instance, in the Dreadnought Galaxy, you'll have to navigate through a series of moving platforms and obstacles while collecting coins. Meanwhile, the Sea Slide Galaxy offers a water-based challenge that requires both swimming and flying with the Red Star power-up.

Where to Find Purple Coins

Here’s a quick guide to some notable galaxies and their Purple Coin challenges:

• Good Egg Galaxy: The first galaxy of the game, where you’ll need to collect Purple Coins spread out across planets.
• Honeyhive Galaxy: A grassy level filled with a mixture of platforming and exploration, perfect for discovering hidden Purple Coins.
• Beach Bowl Galaxy: An underwater galaxy that requires a combination of swimming and diving to uncover all the coins.
• Gusty Garden Galaxy: A fan-favorite that features some tricky platforming sections where precise jumps are needed to grab all the coins.

Pro Tips for Completing Purple Coin Missions

• Don’t Rush: While it might be tempting to rush through these missions, especially in timed challenges, sometimes taking a moment to plan your route can save you from missing coins and having to redo the mission.

• Practice Makes Perfect: Some of the more difficult missions, like those in the Toy Time Galaxy or Melty Molten Galaxy, may require a few attempts. Practice the sections that give you trouble until you can execute them consistently.

• Focus on Movement: The key to success in the more challenging Purple Coin missions often comes down to mastering Mario’s movement. Spend time practicing the different jump techniques, as well as the spin move, to improve your control over Mario.

• Map Usage: Don’t forget to use the Observatory’s map to track the location of Purple Comets. It’s a useful way to ensure you’re working on the missions you want without having to waste time searching for where the comets are.

What Happens After You Collect All Purple Coins?

Collecting all the Purple Coins in Super Mario Galaxy is a major achievement, and it will also unlock something special for you. Once you've collected all 120 Power Stars, including the ones from the Purple Comet missions, you’ll be able to unlock Luigi as a playable character. Luigi has slightly different physics than Mario—he jumps higher but is also more slippery, offering a new challenge for those looking to replay the game with a twist.

Additionally, completing all the missions with both Mario and Luigi will unlock the Grand Finale Galaxy, which contains the final challenge of the game.

Conclusion

Unlocking and collecting Purple Coins in Super Mario Galaxy is no easy feat, but it's a rewarding experience that truly tests your skills as a platformer. From exploration-based challenges to intense timed trials, Purple Coins add an exciting layer of difficulty and fun to the game. With practice and patience, you can conquer all of the Purple Comet missions and complete the game 100%.

Good luck, and may your journey through the stars be full of adventure and discovery!