Jump Super Mario 64: How to Perform the Long Jump

Mastering the Long Jump in Super Mario 64

The Long Jump is a crucial move in Super Mario 64, allowing Mario to cover significant horizontal distances and access hard-to-reach areas. This guide will walk you through the steps to perform the Long Jump, its uses, and some additional tips to help you master this essential technique.

How to Perform the Long Jump

To execute a Long Jump in Super Mario 64, follow these steps:

1. Start Running: Use the control stick to make Mario run forward.
2. Crouch: While running, press the ZL button (or Z on the N64 controller) to make Mario crouch.
3. Jump: Immediately press the A button to make Mario perform a Long Jump. You will know it’s successful when Mario shouts “Yahoo!”.

Practicing the Long Jump

• Choose a Safe Area: Find an open space like the field outside Peach’s Castle to practice without the risk of falling off a cliff.
• Chain Long Jumps: To perform consecutive Long Jumps, continuously hold the ZL button and press the A button as soon as Mario touches the ground. This technique is useful for speedrunning and navigating large areas quickly.

Uses of the Long Jump

The Long Jump is versatile and essential for several reasons:

• Crossing Large Gaps: It allows Mario to traverse wide chasms, such as those found in levels like Hazy Maze Cave, where a Long Jump is necessary to take the left path.
• Speed and Efficiency: Long Jumps are a quick way to move around the map, making them a favorite among speedrunners. They help in reaching Power Stars faster and avoiding certain enemies.
• Accessing Hidden Areas: The Long Jump can grant access to hidden areas and secret paths that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Timing: Ensure you press the A button immediately after crouching to avoid a regular jump instead of a Long Jump.
• Control: Be careful not to launch yourself over edges or into obstacles. Practice the timing and control to avoid accidents.
• Backwards Long Jump: Although the Backwards Long Jump glitch was patched out in later versions, it’s worth noting for historical context. This glitch allowed Mario to move faster and access certain areas without collecting the required Power Stars. However, it is no longer possible in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars version.

Long Jump in Other Mario Games

The Long Jump has appeared in various Mario games since its debut in Super Mario 64:

• Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2: Here, the Long Jump can be combined with a spin to perform a double kick, which can defeat enemies and activate items.
• Super Mario 3D Land and 3D World: Characters can perform a Long Jump out of a roll, making the jump faster and longer.
• Super Mario Run and Super Mario Maker 2: Long Jumps are also available in these games, often triggered by specific blocks or actions.

By mastering the Long Jump, you’ll enhance your gameplay experience in Super Mario 64 and other 3D Mario games, allowing you to explore more efficiently and access previously out-of-reach areas.