One of the most iconic and well-known gaming secrets of all time is the discovery of the "Minus World" in the original Super Mario Bros. on the NES. This secret level has fascinated gamers for decades and remains one of the most famous gaming glitches ever discovered.
The "Minus World" in Super Mario Bros.:
The "Minus World" (also known as World -1) is a glitched, underwater level that can be accessed through a specific sequence of actions in World 1-2 of Super Mario Bros.. The level itself is a repeating underwater stage that doesn’t lead to a proper exit, trapping the player in an endless loop until they run out of lives or reset the game.
How to Access the Minus World:
Reach World 1-2:
Start the game and play through World 1-1 to reach World 1-2. This is the underground level that contains the first warp zone in the game.
Locate the Warp Zone Area:
Play through World 1-2 until you reach the end of the level, just before the pipe that leads to the flagpole. As you approach the end, you'll notice a horizontal pipe leading to a wall on your left. Beyond this wall is the room containing the three warp pipes. To access the Minus World, you need to perform a glitch at this specific location.
Positioning for the Glitch:
Stand on top of the horizontal pipe that is directly to the left of the wall leading to the warp zone. The key is to position Mario on the left edge of this pipe, ensuring he’s facing left (back towards the left side of the screen). You’ll be using the top of this pipe to perform the glitch.
Perform the Glitch:
With Mario facing left, perform a backward jump without breaking the block right next to the left of the vertical pipe that leads up to the flagpole. Your aim is to chip the two blocks located above the left edge of the horizontal pipe and leave the block left to the vertical pipe unbroken. The backward jump should be done towards the right, attempting not attempting to break the block, rather merely touch the block when jumping backward to the right through the wall that separates the pipe from the warp zone room.
If done correctly, the screen will push Mario to the right, moving him through the wall and into the warp zone area. This part of the glitch may require several attempts, as the timing and positioning must be precise.
Once Mario has glitched through the wall, he will be in the warp zone area with the three warp pipes. To access the Minus World, immediately go down the first pipe on the left, which will take you to World -1.
Exploring the Minus World:
World -1 is an underwater level similar in appearance to World 2-2 but is glitched and unfinished. Upon completing this level, instead of progressing to the next stage, you’ll be sent back to the beginning of the same level, creating an inescapable loop. The only way to exit the Minus World is by running out of lives or resetting the game.
Here is how to accomplish it in case you want to see this on video:
Why the Minus World is Iconic:
The Minus World remains one of the most iconic gaming secrets because it was discovered purely by accident and became one of the earliest examples of how glitches could reveal hidden and unintended content within a game. The level’s mysterious nature, combined with its inescapable loop, added to the intrigue, sparking rumors and myths among players.
Moreover, the Minus World demonstrates how the limitations and quirks of early game design could lead to fascinating and unexpected results, contributing to the mystique and legacy of classic video games. It also serves as a testament to the creativity and curiosity of the gaming community, who have always sought to push the boundaries of what is possible within the games they play.
Conclusion:
The Minus World in Super Mario Bros. is more than just a secret level; it’s a piece of gaming history that represents the sense of wonder and discovery that has always been a part of video games. By performing a precise series of actions involving the horizontal pipe just left of the warp zone wall, making sure Mario is facing left, and executing a backward jump to clip through the wall, players can access a hidden world that was never meant to be seen. Immediately entering the first pipe on the right after the glitch transports you to one of the best and most famous gaming secrets of all time—the Minus World.