Super Mario Odyssey Guide – What do the metal cubes do?

Super Mario Odyssey is out now. It’s an incredible game and it’s also huge. Not to worry though, we’ve got your back with a number of handy guides, tips and hints. You may be wondering just what the silver/grey metallic cubes scattered around the game are. Let us tell you.

Light spoilers follow.


What do the Metal Cubes do?

As you’re exploring the worlds of Super Mario Odyssey, you will likely have noticed these silver/grey metal boxes. There’s one in each world. You would also have noticed that no matter what you try, you can’t do anything with them.

So, just what are they for?

These cubes are only activated after you’ve completed the story and defeated Bowser. During your escape from the Moon, your battle with Bowser will cause a massive explosion. The explosion sends fragments of the Moon all over. These fragments activate the cubes.

After completing the story, if you return to any of the other worlds, Cappy should tell you that the cube is activated. If he doesn’t, it means that you’ve not yet completed enough of that world. You’ll need to defeat all bosses and sub-bosses for that world before the cube will activate.

Once it is activated, head over to it and give it a ground pound, jump + ZL or ZR. The cube will shatter and add lots more Power Moons to the world. For example, before hitting the cube, Cap Kingdom has 17 Power Moons. After using the cube, it has 31. The cube adds 14 Power Moons to the Cap Kingdom, but for other worlds, it adds even more.

To find all of the Power Moons and unlock everything, you’ll need to make sure you Ground Pound all of the metal cubes.

PowerUp! has been incredibly fortunate to have received a copy of Super Mario Odyssey ahead of release. We’ve managed to play through and finish the game and have prepared a number of guides. Some of these guides are a work in progress as Super Mario Odyssey is enormous.

Please check back regularly to get all the latest updates to all our Super Mario Odyssey Guides.


Super Mario Odyssey was provided to PowerUp! by Nintendo.

Leo Stevenson
Leo Stevensonhttps://powerup-gaming.com/
I've been playing games for the past 27 years and have been writing for almost as long. Combining two passions in the way I'm able is a true privilege. PowerUp! is a labour of love and one I am so excited to share.

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