How to Create, Test, and Share Custom Levels in Mario Maker 2 Easily

Mario Maker 2 has transformed the way players engage with the iconic Super Mario franchise. Released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, this game empowers users to create, play, and share their own custom Mario levels using a powerful in-game editor. However, while the freedom to design is thrilling, effectively creating, testing, and distributing a custom level can be daunting for beginners and even some experienced players. This guide provides a detailed and trustworthy walkthrough on how to easily create, test, and share custom levels in Mario Maker 2.

Step 1: Plan Your Idea Before Launching the Editor

Before diving into the Mario Maker 2 level editor, it’s important to spend a few moments planning your level. Whether you’re aiming for a fast-paced speedrun, a tricky puzzle scenario, or a classic Mario-style platformer, having a game plan will save you time and frustration during the design process.

• Choose Your Theme: Decide on a game style (e.g., Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. U, etc.). This affects physics and available features.
• Pick a Course Theme: Consider the level environment like Ground, Underground, Ghost House, Airship, or Desert.
• Set Your Challenge Level: Tailor your difficulty to your target audience—beginner, intermediate, or expert players.

This preliminary step often determines the success or struggle that follows in later stages of building.

Step 2: Dive Into the Course Maker

Now that you have a goal in mind, it’s time to start constructing your level using Course Maker. Enter the level editor by navigating to the “Make” mode from the game’s main menu. Here’s how to streamline the building process:

• Use the Grid: Utilize the snap-to-grid function to ensure tiles and elements are aligned precisely.
• Layer Thoughtfully: Pay attention to enemy placement layers, object interactions, and off-screen hazards.
• Use Checkpoints: Longer or difficult levels benefit greatly from mid-point checkpoints to aid player progression.
• Add Power-Ups and Rewards: Generously placing coins, power-ups, or secrets adds layers of replayability.

Make effective use of vertical space and sub-areas to create unique gameplay experiences beyond standard horizontal navigation.

Step 3: Test, Refine, and Repeat

Testing is a critical phase that too many creators underestimate. A level may seem functional during design but frustrating or broken in practice. Mario Maker 2 shines here by letting you playtest your course instantly within the editor.

Follow this structured approach to testing:

1. Play It Yourself: Go through the level multiple times. Try to break it. Try alternate paths. Make sure each section performs as expected.
2. Check Clear Conditions: If you’ve added win conditions (e.g., defeat all enemies or collect X coins), try beating the level with and without meeting those rules.
3. Time It: Watch for sections that drag on too long without action, or others that are too short to be satisfying.
4. Use Different Characters: Some levels behave differently depending on who’s being played—Luigi, Toad, and others may offer a different experience.
5. Invite External Testing: A fresh set of eyes is invaluable. Ask friends to try your level both for fun factor and functional feedback.

Refinement is a loop. Do not hesitate to tweak areas even multiple times. A polished level is more likely to be enjoyed, starred, and even featured by Nintendo.

Step 4: Upload Your Level & Set an Appealing Title

Once your level is tested and ready, it’s time to share it with the world. But first, Mario Maker 2 requires every level to be completed by its creator before being uploaded. This ensures no impossible levels make their way online.

Important upload considerations:

• Complete Your Level: You’re required to beat it start to finish to verify it’s completable.
• Choose a Catchy Title: Make your level stand out. Use names that reflect either the gameplay mechanic or atmosphere. For example, “Chain Chomp Chase” is more attractive than “Course #43.”
• Create a Short Description: Describe what players should expect—whether it’s a speedrun, puzzle, or themed level.
• Tag It Properly: Pick appropriate tags like Puzzle-Solving, Speedrun, or Auto-Mario to help players find your level.

Once uploaded, your level is assigned a unique 9-digit Course ID. This ID is how others will access your creation and is essential for sharing your work.

Step 5: Share and Promote Your Level

Now that your level is public, the next challenge is getting people to play it. Social sharing and community engagement can significantly boost visibility.

Effective sharing tips include:

• Use Social Media: Tweet your Course ID with hashtags like #MarioMaker2 and #MM2Level to reach enthusiasts.
• Join Online Communities: Reddit communities like r/MarioMaker or Discord channels offer level exchange opportunities.
• Post to Forums: Nintendo Life, GameFAQs, and other gaming forums often have dedicated threads for sharing levels.
• Create a Thumbnail: Use Switch screenshots and design a flowchart or overview to accompany your level ID when posting online.
• Request Feedback: Asking for honest feedback opens the door to improvement and promotion by others.

Active participation in the Mario Maker 2 community not only provides exposure but also helps you grow as a level creator through observation and feedback.

Tips for Long-Term Level Design Success

If you’re planning to produce more than just one level or aim at building a reputation, consider these strategies:

• Study Popular Courses: Take notes from levels featured in the “Popular” or “Hot” categories within the game’s course world.
• Follow and Learn: Observe techniques from prolific creators like PangaeaPanga and RubberRoss.
• Iterate and Build Thematically: Create your own series of connected levels, perhaps even telling a story.
• Use Innovation: Don’t rely on what’s already been done. Original mechanics using red coins, switches, or clever enemy placements are always appreciated.
• Stay Aware of Updates: Nintendo has patched and expanded Mario Maker 2 over time. Stay informed of any gameplay changes affecting level mechanics.

Persistent creativity and a willingness to learn are the most valuable assets in level design.

Conclusion

Creating, testing, and sharing custom levels in Mario Maker 2 can be an extremely rewarding process when approached thoughtfully. With a solid plan, careful testing, and active community engagement, your Mario level can rise above thousands of others and bring joy to players around the world.

So, grab your stylus (or your controller), go bold with your creativity, and enter the world of custom Mario-making. Whether for fun, fame, or the love of game design, Mario Maker 2 provides the ultimate sandbox for building platformer experiences that resonate and entertain.