Buzzy Shell

The Shell Helmet or Shelmet is an item exclusive to Super Mario Maker. When an empty Buzzy Beetle or Spiny shell falls onto Mario's head, he will wear the shell as a helmet and be able to take an extra hit. The shells also protect from enemies attacking from above, such as Thwomps, for as long as the player is wearing one. Buzzy Beetle shells will deflect enemy attacks while Spiny shells defeat enemies outright on contact.

Both shells can allow Small Mario to break Brick Blocks, but in the case of the Spiny shell, he can also break hard blocks and Used Blocks. However, the Spiny shell is also a double-edged sword in that it's able to break Question Blocks; this in return, means that Mario won't be able to acquire the contents of the Question Block if he hits it from below. While having the shell fall onto Mario from above is one method of wearing one, the shells can also be worn by pressing down while holding one.

The shells can be kicked and act similarly to any other shell that slides along the ground, meaning they can harm Mario on contact while sliding unless Mario touches one from below, in which he will wear the shell. Despite idle Spiny shells being empty, they can still harm Mario, due to the spikes, unless the player holds the dash button when touching one, during which Mario will pick it up regardless of how he approached it (except in the Super Mario Bros. style). If empty Buzzy Beetle shells are shot out of a Bill Blaster, they cannot be stomped and Mario will ride the shell instead.

Once wearing either shell, Mario cannot take it off willingly unless he takes damage or collects a Mystery Mushroom.