Block puzzles have cemented their place as a beloved element in JRPGs, thanks in part to iconic titles like Mario & Luigi: Brothership. As you explore Slippenglide Island, you’ll encounter a frosty cave filled with challenges that you must navigate to reach the lighthouse. Thankfully, this puzzle isn’t overwhelmingly difficult compared to others!
Completing the puzzle will allow you to connect Slippenglide Island to the Uni-Tree and the wider world of Concordia. Below, we’ll guide you through the solutions required to conquer this icy obstacle.
Navigating the Ice Puzzle
Three ice platforms await you, with one on the right ready to break under Mario’s weight. Your mission involves pushing three sizable ice blocks into the water to create a pathway up to the exit ledge of the cave.
For most of the puzzle, you’ll be employing “Luigi Logic” to manipulate the motion of these platforms. Guide Luigi by pressing L to keep him at the control button, then strike Y to make him hammer it. Remember, the ice platforms can withstand only three jumps before they crack. Once a platform is visibly damaged, jumping on it means you’ll have to retrace your steps to start over.
Also, keep a lookout for spike pits that will eliminate any ice blocks that fall into them. Thankfully, a replacement block will appear on the ground level, eliminating the need to ascend the platforms repeatedly.
As you navigate, four Question Blocks are scattered throughout, so ensure you collect them all!
| Item | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 250 Coins | Northeast Corner | Moolah for shopping! |
| Ultra Nut | Northeast Corner | Restores each brother’s HP by 70. |
| Ultra Mushroom | Northwest Corner | Restores 130 HP. |
| HP Bangle | Southwest Corner | Restores 5% of your max HP at the end of each turn. |
First Block Challenge
The first block of the puzzle is straightforward. Upon entering the cave, you’ll see it directly in front of you. Move to its right side and press X to swing your hammer, sending the block sliding into the water.
This action not only initiates your bridge construction but also grants access to the subsequent areas of the puzzle. Ascend the ledge just behind where the block was, and wait for Luigi to glow green before pressing L.
Second Block Adventure
The second block requires a little more effort. To access it, hop across the ice platforms until you reach a yellow one. Stand on it and press Y to propel Luigi towards another set of ice platforms.
Jump forward to a stable section and hit the pillar to lower it to the ground. While you’re here, don’t forget to collect the two Question Blocks located in the northwest corner—this prevents unnecessary backtracking later.
Next, hammer the block in this order:
- South
- West
- North
- West
- South
With each strike, the block inches closer to its final position, and your last hit will send it down to the lower level. Once it falls, jump down and hammer it into the water. There’s now an Exclamation Block within reach—be sure to hit it!
Final Block Maneuver
Activating the Exclamation Block will produce new platforms. Climb back up and return to where the second block was located to ascend these new structures.
Remember, the new yellow platform cannot be controlled by Luigi, so timing your jump is critical. Ride it over and hammer the ice block down to the ground level.
Now is the opportune moment to collect the Question Blocks located in the northwest and southwest corners. After knocking the ice block down, jump onto it to reach the southwest corner more easily!
Getting this block positioned correctly can be a challenge, but the initial hammer strikes are simple:
- East
- South
- West
You’ll want the block to travel further south while stopping short of the spike pit. Use the Y button to control the yellow sliding gates, thereby halting the ice block’s movement when necessary.
With the gate in place, hit the ice block again:
- East
- North
Ensure the block stops east of another yellow gate. However, you’ll need to interrupt its motion mid-slide, as the gate won’t hold the block still.
When the timing is right, hit the block eastward and press Y to stop its slide just before the finish line. Hammer it south into the water, meet up with Luigi, and climb the ledge to exit the cave and arrive at the lighthouse of Slippenglide Island!
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