21/03/2022
In the vibrant, sprawling metropolis of New Donk City, a crucial element of urban transport takes on a surprisingly pivotal role in the grand adventure of Super Mario Odyssey: the humble taxi. Far from merely ferrying passengers, these iconic vehicles, whether as interactive elements or as companions to memorable characters, are integral to unearthing some of the kingdom's most coveted treasures – the Power Moons. This comprehensive guide delves into how taxis, in their various forms, serve as unexpected conduits to collection, offering unique challenges and rewarding explorations across the game's expansive realms.
New Donk City, the heart of the Metro Kingdom, is a bustling hub where traditional cityscapes meet fantastical elements. Amidst its towering skyscrapers and vibrant streets, certain taxis stand out not for their fares, but for the secrets they conceal. One such notable instance involves Power Moon 41, aptly titled 'Moon Shards Under Siege'.
To embark on this particular moon hunt, intrepid explorers should warp to the Main Street Entrance flag and proceed north. Keep a keen eye out for a distinctive taxi, easily identified by its prominent orange bulb atop its roof, situated on the right side of the street. This isn't just any ordinary cab; capturing it with Cappy reveals its true purpose, whisking you away to a hidden, perilous area.
Within this clandestine zone, players are thrust into a thrilling challenge, requiring the capture of a formidable Sherm tank. This heavy-duty vehicle becomes your key to survival and success, as you must skilfully traverse a dangerous course, all whilst diligently collecting scattered Moon Shards. The environment is ripe for destruction, so remember to utilise the tank's powerful cannon to obliterate anything that stands in your way, as shards are often cleverly concealed behind destructible objects. The first shard is typically found just around the initial corner from where you start. Subsequent shards are strategically placed, some airborne requiring precise shots, others nestled behind pillars on upper levels, and even one cunningly hidden on the ground floor amongst parked cars. Successfully collecting all five Moon Shards culminates in the appearance of the Power Moon near the area's exit, a testament to your sharp-shooting and navigational prowess.
Beyond this unique capturable taxi, other cabs in New Donk City serve as environmental aids. For instance, Power Moon 14, 'Who Piled Garbage on This?', can be accessed by using a taxi near the Main Street Entrance flag as a spring, launching Mario onto a building's roof to continue his vertical ascent and search for the hidden moon.
The Desert Wanderer's Grand Tour: A Taxi-Fueled Quest for Power Moons
Not all taxi-related Power Moons involve direct interaction with the vehicles themselves. Some are earned through a delightful side-story featuring the Desert Wanderer, a humble citizen from Tostarena Town in the Sand Kingdom. This charming NPC, lacking Mario's extraordinary hat-shaped flying machine, relies on a trusty taxi to fulfil his dream of exploring the wider world. His journey is a testament to the diverse ways Power Moons can be acquired, offering a series of bonus collectibles tied to his global peregrinations.
The Desert Wanderer's adventures commence only after you've successfully defeated the Sand Kingdom boss and restored the desert to its former warmth. Once the icy predicament is resolved, the taxi driver and the Wanderer make their initial appearance in Tostarena Town.
Here's a breakdown of the Desert Wanderer's itinerary and the associated Power Moons:
- Sand Kingdom (Initial Appearance): The Wanderer's first stop is just outside Tostarena Town. A quick chat here sets him on his way.
- Metro Kingdom (Desert Wanderer #2): After defeating the boss and ensuring New Donk City is bathed in sunshine, return to the Metro Kingdom. You'll find the Desert Wanderer beside his taxi near the Odyssey landing zone, ready to share his next destination. This interaction leads to Power Moon 52, 'A Tourist in the Metro Kingdom!'.
- Cascade Kingdom (Desert Wanderer #3): With the Cascade Kingdom's challenges already conquered, you can find the tourist and his taxi near the Crazy Cap store, a straightforward stop on his journey.
- Luncheon Kingdom (Desert Wanderer #4): The festival in the Luncheon Kingdom provides the perfect backdrop for his next appearance. Warp to the Central Plaza flag, and you'll find the pair, impossible to miss amidst the festivities.
- Moon Kingdom (Desert Wanderer #5): Following his culinary adventures, the Wanderer travels to the Moon Kingdom. From the Odyssey, a slight swivel to the left will reveal his taxi amidst a gathering of NPCs from various kingdoms. This particular encounter rewards you with Power Moon 25, 'A Tourist in the Moon Kingdom!'. This moon is specifically found in Quadrant E4, southwest of the Odyssey. Notably, this taxi will only appear after you've met the Wanderer in all preceding kingdoms, including the Cascade and Sand Kingdoms.
- Mushroom Kingdom (Desert Wanderer #6): His penultimate stop brings him to the serene Mushroom Kingdom, where he can be found in the Fountain Square area outside the castle. A final conversation here unlocks his ultimate destination.
- Sand Kingdom (Final Appearance - Desert Wanderer #7): The Wanderer eventually returns home to the Sand Kingdom, right back where he started outside Tostarena Town. A final chat with him yields another Power Moon, concluding his inspiring global tour.
These interactions highlight how taxis facilitate not just Mario's direct actions, but also the narrative progression of other characters, enriching the game's world and offering unique collectible opportunities.
Beyond the Cab: Diverse Moon-Hunting Strategies in New Donk City
While taxis play a fascinating role, New Donk City is replete with a multitude of ways to uncover its 81 Power Moons. The city offers a rich tapestry of challenges, from environmental puzzles to thrilling mini-games and engaging NPC interactions. Understanding these diverse acquisition methods is key to achieving 100% completion.
Storyline and Environmental Moons:
Many moons are tied to the main narrative or hidden within the city's intricate architecture. For example, Power Moon 1, 'New Donk City’s Pest Problem', is earned by defeating the Mechawiggler, a crucial story boss. Others involve navigating the city's unique structures:
- Inside an Iron Girder (PM 8): Found by smashing crates and following a path inside a girder in a construction site.
- Swaying in the Breeze (PM 9): Requires navigating a wind-swept beam near the Heliport.
- Secret Girder Tunnel! (PM 13): Hidden within a girder entrance near the Odyssey landing zone.
- Glittering Above the Pool (PM 11): Located in a rooftop pool, often accessed via a P-Switch.
- Dizzying Heights (PM 12): Found at the very top of a towering antenna, requiring extensive climbing via Spark Pylons.
- City Hall Lost & Found (PM 34): Discovered within the complex interior of New Donk City Hall.
- Sewer Treasure (PM 35): A tricky find in the rotating vertical platform section of the sewers.
- Hanging from a High-Rise (PM 45) & Vaulting Up a High-Rise (PM 46): These involve navigating intricate pole sections around tall buildings after capturing a rocket.
- Bullet Billding (PM 47) & One Man’s Trash… (PM 48): Found in an alley leading to a Bullet Bill challenge, with the latter requiring a Bullet Bill capture to smash a dumpster.
Challenges and Mini-Games:
New Donk City is a playground for various challenges, testing Mario's agility and puzzle-solving skills:
- Jump-Rope Hero (PM 29) & Jump-Rope Genius (PM 30): These notorious moons require successfully jumping a jump rope 30 and 100 times respectively. Mastering the rhythm and focusing on Mario's feet are crucial for the 'Genius' level.
- Remotely Captured Car (PM 31) & RC Car Pro! (PM 32): Capture a man to control a remote-controlled car and navigate an outdoor course, then an indoor track for the 'Pro' challenge.
- Metro Kingdom Timer Challenge 1 (PM 19), 2 (PM 20), & 3 (PM 71): These time-sensitive challenges require quick traversal, often involving scooters or specific platforming sequences.
- Inside the Rotating Maze (PM 43) & Outside the Rotating Maze (PM 44): Found by manipulating a manhole cover to enter a maze, and then exploring its exterior.
- Motor Scooter: Escape! (PM 49) & Big Jump: Escape! (PM 50): Involve a thrilling escape sequence on a scooter from a T-Rex.
- Metro Kingdom Regular Cup (PM 61) & RC Car Champ! (PM 73): Race challenges that reward shortcuts and precise controls.
Many moons are uncovered through interactions with New Donk City's diverse inhabitants or simply by observing your surroundings:
- City Gardening (PM 21, 22, 23): Collect seeds from the park and plant them in specific pots around the city, waiting 15 real-world minutes for them to grow.
- Bench Friends (PM 26): Sit next to a lonely man on a bench for a moment of quiet camaraderie.
- Shopping in New Donk City (PM 27): Simply purchase this moon from the Crazy Cap shop.
- Metro Kingdom Slots (PM 28): Test your luck at a slot machine, aiming for a specific sequence.
- How You Doin’, Captain Toad? (PM 24): Find Captain Toad in a precarious location high above the streets.
- A Request from the Mayor (PM 57): Answer Mayor Pauline's questions correctly and deliver a special birthday present.
- Jammin’ in the Metro Kingdom (PM 58): Play the 'RC Car' song for a music-loving Toad.
- Sphynx in the City (PM 59): Use binoculars to spot a flying Sphynx.
- Hat-and-Seek (PM 62 & 75): Find a hidden Bonneter disguised as a hat among the city's pedestrians.
- Found in the Park! Good Dog! (PM 72): Play with a friendly dog in Mayor Pauline Commemorative Park.
- Peach in the Metro Kingdom (PM 66): After defeating Bowser, find Princess Peach in the city for a moon.
Post-Game and Secret Paths:
After completing the main story and smashing the Moon Rock, even more moons become available, offering new challenges and areas:
- Bird Traveling in the City (PM 54) & Bird Traveling in the Park (PM 70): Capture a flying bird with Cappy.
- Mario Signs His Name (PM 55): Rearrange letters to spell 'Mario'.
- Surprise Clown! (PM 56): Wear the clown outfit from Luncheon Kingdom to surprise an NPC.
- Secret Path to New Donk City! (PM 51): Discover a warp painting in another kingdom (e.g., Sand Kingdom) that leads to a secret area in New Donk City.
- Up on the Big Screen (PM 64) & Down Inside the Big Screen (PM 65): Enter a green warp pipe within a building showing 'Super Mario Bros.' to play a 2D level.
- Hanging Between Buildings (PM 67): Ground pound a red button on a triangular building to reveal a platform.
- Crossing Lines (PM 68): Jump from an electrical wire to collect a moon mid-journey.
- Out of a Crate in the City (PM 69): Smash a wooden crate on a roof and dive to a sign.
- Scaling Pitchblack Mountain (PM 76) & Reaching Pitchblack Island (PM 77): Enter a hidden chimney-like structure to navigate a challenging area with Stairface Ogres.
- Swinging Scaffolding: Jump! (PM 78) & Swinging Scaffolding: Break! (PM 79): Navigate a Hammer Bro-infested scaffolding area, using captures to clear paths or break walls.
- Moto Scooter: Daredevil! (PM 80) & Full-Throttle Scooting! (PM 81): Master scooter controls in a challenging indoor course with narrow pathways.
The role of taxis in acquiring Power Moons can be categorised into distinct interaction types, each offering a unique gameplay experience:
| Taxi Interaction Type | Example Power Moon(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Capture & Operation | Moon 41: Moon Shards Under Siege | Mario directly captures a unique taxi with Cappy, which then transports him to a dedicated mini-game area, often involving a vehicle or specific challenge. This is a hands-on, active use of the taxi. |
| NPC Association (Tourist) | Moon 25: A Tourist in the Moon Kingdom!, Moon 52: A Tourist in the Metro Kingdom! | The taxi serves as a visual cue or mode of transport for a key non-player character (the Desert Wanderer). Interacting with this character at various stages of their journey, often near their taxi, rewards Power Moons. |
| Environmental Platforming | Moon 14: Who Piled Garbage on This?, Moon 21: City Gardening: Building Planter | Taxis are static parts of the environment, used as springboards or elevated platforms to reach otherwise inaccessible areas or items. Their presence facilitates vertical exploration. |
Frequently Asked Questions on Metro Kingdom Taxis and Moons
How many Power Moons are there in Super Mario Odyssey's Metro Kingdom?
The Metro Kingdom is one of the most moon-rich kingdoms in Super Mario Odyssey. Initially, 61 Power Moons are visible in your menu. However, more become available after specific game progression points. Moons 1-53 are available before you defeat Bowser for the final time. Moons 54-66 unlock after Bowser's final defeat and your return to the Metro Kingdom. Finally, Moons 67-81 are revealed once you defeat Bowser and smash the Moon Rock in the kingdom, bringing the total to a staggering 81 Power Moons to collect within New Donk City alone, plus additional multi-kingdom moons like those from the Desert Wanderer.
How do I get a Metro Kingdom taxi?
There are a couple of ways you'll interact with Metro Kingdom taxis to get Power Moons. For 'Moon Shards Under Siege' (Power Moon 41), you need to find a specific taxi with an orange bulb on its roof near the Main Street Entrance flag. Simply capture it with Cappy to be transported to a hidden area. For the Power Moons associated with the Desert Wanderer (e.g., 'A Tourist in the Metro Kingdom!' - Power Moon 52), you don't 'get' the taxi yourself; rather, you find the Desert Wanderer standing next to his taxi in various kingdoms, including the Metro Kingdom, and talk to him to progress his storyline and earn the moon. Other taxis in the city serve as static environmental objects you can jump on.
Where can I find a Power Moon in Metro Kingdom?
The Metro Kingdom is packed with Power Moons! You can find them by defeating bosses, completing mini-games, solving environmental puzzles, interacting with NPCs, and exploring every nook and cranny. Key locations include the rooftops, construction sites, sewers, and hidden alleys. Specific examples include the 'Moon Shards Under Siege' from the unique taxi, moons from the Desert Wanderer, and numerous others hidden throughout the city's vertical and horizontal landscapes. Refer to the sections above for detailed locations and methods.
How do you play Metro Kingdom Regular Cup?
The Metro Kingdom Regular Cup is a scooter race challenge. To succeed, mastering shortcuts and precise handling is essential. After your first jump, consider turning left towards the building and ground pounding the red circle to reveal a shortcut. Leap across the gap in the checkerboard floor using a jump, then a dive (Y, then Y again), and use Cappy to flick Mario across to the next building, aiming for the right balcony. In the final section, when riding the Volbonans vertically up the building, ensure you press the desired direction then 'Y' to throw Cappy accurately at targets. This strategy helps maintain speed and accuracy, crucial for winning the race.
Are there any other notable taxi appearances in Super Mario Odyssey beyond Metro Kingdom?
Yes, while the Metro Kingdom is central to taxi-related moons, the Desert Wanderer's journey, which involves a taxi, takes him to multiple kingdoms. For example, Power Moon 25, 'A Tourist in the Moon Kingdom!', is obtained by speaking to the Tosteran citizen (the Desert Wanderer) near his Metro Kingdom taxi in the Moon Kingdom. This taxi only appears after you've met him in other kingdoms like Cascade and Sand, highlighting a broader, multi-kingdom narrative use of the taxi concept.
The world of Super Mario Odyssey is full of surprises, and the humble taxi is no exception. From serving as a portal to thrilling challenges in New Donk City to being the trusty steed for a globe-trotting tourist, these vehicles add an unexpected layer of depth to the pursuit of Power Moons. Embracing every aspect of the game's unique mechanics, including its delightful use of everyday objects like taxis, truly enhances the adventure and makes the quest for every moon a memorable experience.
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