How to Enjoy Co-op Mode in Super Mario Maker 2

Super Mario Maker 2 offers an exciting multiplayer experience where players can create and share levels. While the game primarily focuses on online play, it’s also possible to enjoy local co-op with friends and family on a single Nintendo Switch console. Although the process might not be immediately apparent, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover how to play Super Mario Maker 2 with two or more players.

How to Play Local Co-op

Unfortunately, you can’t play local co-op directly through Course World, which can make the process a bit confusing. However, by downloading courses and accessing them through the Coursebot menu, you can play local co-op. Follow these simple steps to get started:

Step 1: In Course World, choose a course that you want to play cooperatively, select “Download,” and save the course in an available slot. You can have up to 60 courses downloaded at once, excluding the 32 slots for your own creations.
Step 2: Navigate to the Coursebot menu and select the downloaded course.
Step 3: On the right side of the screen, you’ll see four small alien-like heads. Move the analog stick to the right to find the option “Play Together.” Choose it.
Step 4: Activate your Joy-Con or Pro Controllers to join the game. You can play local co-op with up to four players, with each player taking on the role of Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Toadette. Single Joy-Con controllers are sufficient, though you can also use a dual Joy-Con setup. Player one always controls Mario, while players two through four control Luigi, Toad, and Toadette, respectively.

It’s disappointing that local co-op is limited to cooperative play, as versus mode is available for both online and local wireless play via Course World. However, for now, local co-op is the only option.

Image used with permission by copyright holder.

How to Create Levels with a Friend

In addition to playing courses with up to four players on a single Switch console, you can also collaborate with a friend to create levels. Level creation is limited to two players, which ensures things don’t get too chaotic. Here’s how you can make courses with a friend:

Step 1: On the design screen, look for the alien heads on the lower-left side. Making courses with friends requires each of you to use a single Joy-Con. Player one will control Mario, while player two will assume the role of Luigi.
Step 2: Mario has access to the multigrab copy function, menu options, and the ability to erase parts. Luigi, on the other hand, has a restricted menu for selecting parts and erasing.

How to Play Online Multiplayer

As mentioned earlier, Super Mario Maker 2 also offers the option to play online or via local wireless with multiple Switch consoles. When you select Network Play within the Course World menu, you’ll find various multiplayer options. These include Multiplayer co-op and Versus, as well as the ability to play with friends either through the internet or locally with separate systems. Playing with friends allows you to create a private room, ensuring only invited players can join.

Alternatively, you can also play with strangers online. This option matches you with four random players and gives your team the opportunity to select one of four difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, Expert, or Super Expert.

Story Mode and Co-op

Unfortunately, Story Mode in Super Mario Maker 2 does not offer an option to play with friends. Co-op is only available when playing custom levels you’ve created or downloaded from the Coursebot menu.

Image used with permission by copyright holder.

World Maker

With the latest update to Super Mario Maker 2, the new World Maker feature allows you to expand upon your creations. You can link stages together to create your own interconnected worlds, essentially crafting an entire game. You can play through the worlds you’ve made in co-op mode. However, note that only one player can work on a world at a time, unlike the regular level creator.

Explore and enjoy all the possibilities in Super Mario Maker 2’s co-op gameplay!