Super Meat Boy 3D Guide | How to Find Secret Levels

Super Meat Boy 3D has five secret levels hidden across its five main worlds, one per world. Each one is behind a purple portal sitting somewhere in a specific level. These aren't easy to spot if you're just running through at full speed, so slow down when you're looking for them. A good sign that you're close is the music — it will start to distort and slow down near a portal.

Once you jump in, you play through a short retro-style level to unlock a hidden character. You have to finish the level for the unlock to count, and then that character becomes available to use everywhere else.

World 1 Secret Level – Plumber Hill

The portal for World 1 is in the very first stage, Easy Start. Right when the level starts, jump up to the platform on the left. You'll see the portal from there. The jump to reach it is a bit far, so sprint and air dash to make it across.

The secret level is called Plumber Hill, and it's a reference to Super Mario 64, right down to the music and the layout based on Bob-omb Battlefield. You play as Super Meat Boy 64 and need to find three sets of coins. Each set turns into a star, and collecting all of them opens Bandage Girl's cage to finish the level.

World 2 Secret Level – Crash Corps

In World 2, the portal is inside level 6, Upwind. Early in the level, look for a platform on the right with a fan pushing you outward. Jump up onto that platform and you'll find a pipe sitting open with a purple portal inside.

The secret level here is Crash Corps. You play as a truck being chased by a missile, and your job is to clear whatever is blocking the path so the missile keeps moving forward. Keep doing that until you hit a large pool of acid. At that point, stay out of the missile's way while it breaks through to Bandage Girl.

World 3 Secret Level – Beef Gear Tactix

The World 3 portal is in level 10, Pain Production. Work your way through the conveyor belt section until you reach a platform in the middle where a robot is standing. Instead of jumping forward to keep going, turn right and jump across to the portal. There are saws in the way, so the jump needs some care.

The level is called Beef Gear Tactix, which is a parody of Metal Gear Solid. You play as The Squirrel and have to sneak across platforms without getting caught by green lights. When a light is about to hit you, stop moving and hide in a box. Keep doing that all the way to Bandage Girl at the end.

World 4 Secret Level – The Guy's Level

This one shows up earlier in the world than the others. The portal is in level 3, Ruinous Tunnel. Play through the level normally until you get close to the end, where four bone saws are spinning in a circle. Jump to the right and break through the glass panel to reach the portal. The timing takes a bit of work but it's not too hard once you get the feel for it.

The level stars The Guy, who returns from the first game. You'll be double jumping and dashing around drills that kill you instantly. It's one of the harder secret levels, so expect to spend some time on it. When you hit a section that feels stuck, try using your ground slam to get through it.

World 5 Secret Level – Pumpkin Jack's Level

The last portal is in World 5, level 8, Anni's Nightmare. The stage moves fast and has you jumping between trains while avoiding spikes. When you reach the jump toward the final set of trains, don't make that jump. Instead, stay on the tracks, jump slightly toward the camera to get away from the spikes, and climb the metal tower to find the portal. Waiting until the last moment before the spikes to jump gives you the best chance, and it will likely take a few tries.

The secret level itself is based on Donkey Kong Country and you play as Pumpkin Jack, jumping between barrels to get through. It's the most laid-back of the five secret levels. Just pay attention to the last barrel — it only just gives you enough distance to reach Bandage Girl, so don't rush it.

If you clear all five secret levels, you'll earn a trophy for finishing them all.

Also, check our Super Meat Boy 3D Review and other guides below:

• Super Meat Boy 3D Beginner's Guide | Gameplay Tips & Tricks
• Super Meat Boy 3D Guide | World 1 Bandages Location
• Super Meat Boy 3D Guide | How to Unlock Dark World