Fire Snake Cavern, or Layer-Cake Desert-3, is the third course of Layer-Cake Desert in New Super Mario Bros. U. It is a dark cave featuring the first appearance of Glowing Baby Yoshi. The level is unlocked by completing Stone-Eye Zone, and completion of this level unlocks Stoneslide Tower.
Layout
The level begins above ground, where a ? Block containing a power-up is found, as well as a Warp Pipe leading to a dark underground area. Metallic platforms that have lanterns at both ends and tilt frequently are found, as well as a Fire Snake. A portion of ground with Warp Pipes containing Venus Fire Traps follows, with a ? Block containing a Glowing Baby Yoshi. Two Fire Bros are found among a group of metallic tilting platforms. The top left one has a Brick Block containing a 1-Up Mushroom. A passage containing coins is found behind the Fire Bro at the bottom. The Checkpoint Flag is then found. A Warp Pipe leading to an area with Piranha Plants and coins is located beneath the Checkpoint Flag. In the center is a Hidden Block with a 1-Up Mushroom. Another ? Block containing a Glowing Baby Yoshi is found, along with more tilting platforms with a Fire Snake and a Koopa Troopa on them. A Red Ring is then found, along with two Fire Snakes. More tilting platforms are found, as well as two Fire Bros. A Warp Pipe leads above ground to an area with tilting platforms and the Goal Pole.
The player can skip the underground sections by using the Flying Squirrel Suit to fly over the wall at the beginning of the level. In New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Peachette can be used as well.
Star Coins
- Star Coin 1: At the beginning, there are two metallic platforms on top of each other. The player must jump from the higher one when the right side is up to reach a ledge. Then he must run through the path to get the first Star Coin.
- Star Coin 2: After the Checkpoint Flag, there are metallic platforms with bricks in between. The player must break the bricks in the middle to reach a pipe below and enter it. Next, the player must avoid the Fire Snakes and press the P Switch, then run right and jump onto the ledge to grab the second Star Coin.
- Star Coin 3: At the end, the player encounters two Fire Bros on standing metallic platforms. The player must jump to the highest platform, where there is a pipe. Inside the pipe is the third Star Coin.