Bowser's 6 Doors Puzzle Guide: Bowsers Keep Region

Navigate Bowser's Keep with our comprehensive guide to the 6 Doors Puzzle. Master action, battle, and puzzle courses to claim your rewards in Super Mario RPG (2023).

Bowser's Keep features a unique puzzle area with six doors, each leading to a distinct challenge: two action courses (platforming), two battle courses, and two puzzle courses. The order of these courses is randomized upon entry. Upon entering a room, assess your surroundings to identify which guide section corresponds to the challenge presented.

Within each course, you'll face a series of rooms with specific objectives. Action courses require precise platforming, Battle courses pit you against waves of enemies, and Puzzle courses test your problem-solving skills. You typically have a limited number of attempts to complete each course.

Action Course 1

This course consists of three rooms focused on platforming challenges. You have ten attempts to complete the entire course; failing a jump consumes an attempt.

Room 1 - Lava Platform Room

Navigate across lava using moving platforms. Wait for platforms to align closely before jumping. Timing is crucial, especially for the final platform which drops quickly.

Room 2 - Rob-omb Cannonball Room

Ride a cannonball across a lava-filled room to a raised platform, avoiding homing bombs. Controls are inverted on the cannonball. Several chests contain useful items (Flowers, Max Mushroom, Pick Me Up, Rock Candy), but ignoring them simplifies the room. To manage bombs, lure them away by rolling near them and then retreating to a corner.

Room 3 - Rotating Platforms

Jump onto small platforms that rotate to create a path across lava. Use the shadows of the platforms in the lava to aid in jump timing. Chests contain a Fire Bomb, Flowers, Royal Syrup, and Pick Me Up. The reward for completing this course is Mallow’s Sonic Cymbals weapon.

Action Course 2

This course also features three platforming-focused rooms.

Room 1 - Hidden Lava Path

The path across the lava is initially invisible. Jumping briefly reveals the path. Follow the revealed paths to progress. Chests containing a Royal Syrup, Fright Bomb, Ice Bomb, and Rock Candy are hidden along various paths.

Room 2 - Moving Blocks Room

Use a series of moving blocks to traverse a lava-filled room. To collect treasures (Fire Bomb, Max Mushroom, Flower, Red Essence), jump from a central block to a side block near the treasure. To simply reach the exit, use the middle block and carefully transfer to subsequent blocks as they align.

Room 3 - Donkey Kong Barrel Throw

Ascend platforms while dodging incoming barrels, similar to the classic Donkey Kong game. Rush up the initial platforms and time jumps to avoid barrels. Reach the top to confront “Chained-Kong,” who stops throwing barrels upon defeat. The reward in the next room is Mallow’s Sonic Cymbals weapon.

Battle Course 1

This course is a gauntlet of twelve battles spread across three rooms. Defeating all enemies rewards you with Bowser’s Drill Claw weapon.