How to Use Dash Blocks to Create High-Speed Mario Levels

Dash Blocks are a high-speed gizmo in Super Mario Maker 2 exclusive to the Super Mario 3D World level style. When a player steps on a Dash Block, they are instantly propelled forward at uncontrollable speeds faster than standard running speed, while also receiving a significant boost to their jump height and distance. Core Mechanics of Dash Blocks

Duration: A single Dash Block gives the player a speed boost that lasts automatically for 32 tiles.

Movement Restrictions: While under the effect of a Dash Block, the player cannot turn around, crouch, or stop running. They can only jump.

Automatic Crawling: If a speed-boosted player runs into a 1-tile-tall gap, the game forces them to automatically crawl through it without losing momentum.

Stacking Boosts: The speed effect stacks with the Koopa Troopa Car, Conveyor Belts, and Super Stars to reach extreme “mach” speeds. Level Design Techniques for High-Speed Levels

To create engaging, fast-paced courses, you can utilize several level design strategies: 1. Technical Precision Jumps

Because Dash Blocks drastically increase horizontal jump distance, you can space out platforms much farther than normal. Design sections where the player must precisely time consecutive jumps over massive chasms or spikes. Since the player cannot stop running, the rhythm of the jumps dictates the entire challenge. 2. Momentum-Preserving Long Jumps

Advanced players can perform long jumps out of a Dash Block state. By executing a long jump right before the 32-tile boost wears off, Mario can carry that extreme momentum across a massive distance. You can build sections that explicitly reward players for timing these long jumps perfectly to clear huge obstacles. 3. Mach-Speed Vehicle Tracks

Driving a Koopa Troopa Car over Dash Blocks triggers an ultra-fast speed boost. You can create “racing” tracks using Dash Blocks, steep slopes, and ramps. Be sure to use clear visual indicators (like coins or arrows) to show the player when they need to jump or change lanes to avoid crashing into walls or falling into pits. 4. Automated Pathing & Shell Metas

Since Dash Blocks force automated states like the 1-tile crawl, you can design fast-paced “auto-scrolling” or “on-off switch” puzzles. For instance, a player sliding or crawling through tight gaps at high speed can be forced to throw a Koopa shell mid-air to activate an ON/OFF Switch, dynamically altering the track ahead of them just in time. 5. Spacing the Boosts

To maintain high speed throughout an entire level, space your Dash Blocks roughly 25 to 30 tiles apart. Placing them before the 32-tile limit expires ensures the player never decelerates, keeping the gameplay smooth, seamless, and intensely fast from start to finish.

To see these mechanics in action, watch how creators implement creative platforming and vehicle tracks using Dash Blocks: Super Mario Maker 2 – Creative Ways to Use the Dash Block YouTube · Dec 13, 2019