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In the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise and its "cousin" series, such as ''[[Wario (franchise)|Wario]]'', ''[[Yoshi (franchise)|Yoshi]]'', and ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'', there are many different levels, each with different themes. Each theme appears in different games. Themes usually have different elements to challenge the player. Some levels are mixtures of themes, such as [[Perilous Pokey Cave]] in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' being a desert-themed underground level. The theme of the level often depends on the [[world]] it is placed in. Although most level themes usually take place in the daytime, they can occasionally occur later in the day, such as [[Night Falls on Really Rolling Hills]] in ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'', a grassland-themed level taking place at night, or [[Spiky Mount Beanpole]], also from ''Super Mario 3D World'', taking place at sunset. Nighttime-themed levels are also a mechanic in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]''.

This theme often features grass, hills, [[tree]]s, and slopes. It is usually the easiest kind of level theme, as it is normally the first level or world theme encountered in each game. It is common for this level theme to introduce common level features and mechanics, such as [[jump]]ing, breaking [[block]]s, and new power-ups. Common enemies here include [[Goomba]]s, [[Koopa Troopa]]s, [[Piranha Plant]]s, [[Hammer Bro]]s, [[Shy Guy]]s, [[Spiny|Spinies]], [[Rex]]es, and [[Chargin' Chuck]]s. [[Pit|Bottomless pit]]s are some of the more dangerous features in these levels. This level theme often has secret areas that lead to sky- or underground-themed locations. In 3D games, grassland levels offer more exploration and typically feature an easy boss battle.

This theme takes place underground and is usually found during the first or second level in the game. Common archetypes for this level are Goombas, Koopa Troopas, Piranha Plants that come out of pipes, [[Buzzy Beetle]]s walking on the ceiling, [[Swoop]]s flying towards the player, and bottomless pits. Different kinds of underground levels include sewers/pipe mazes or mines, while other times, these levels might have water or [[poison (obstacle)|poison]] to get across. Some underground levels cross over with other themes like the ice, desert, or lava themes. Underground levels usually have an arrangement of the [[Underground Theme]] from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''

This theme takes place in the sky, typically with many clouds and pipes. Common enemies here include Spinies, Piranha Plants, [[Paragoomba]]s, [[Koopa Paratroopa]]s, [[Lakitu]]s, [[Biddybud]]s, [[Flame Chomp]]s, [[Fuzzy|Fuzzies]], [[Foo]]s, [[Ninji]]s, and/or other sky-based enemies. [[Mushroom Platform]]s are very common in these levels, as are auto-scroller segments. Sometimes, Mario has to ride a moving platform across the sky. This theme sometimes overlaps with the desert or snow themes. This theme usually has fast-paced music.

This theme takes place in one of many [[tower]]s, [[fortress]]es, or [[castle]]s that the [[Koopa Troop]] built or conquered. They are typically encountered at the midpoint or end of a world, with [[Bowser's Castle]] normally being the last challenge in the game the player must face. Towers are always vertical-scrolling, while castles and fortresses are usually horizontal-scrolling. Enemies like [[Whomp]]s, [[Thwomp]]s, [[Thwimp]]s, [[Magikoopa]]s, [[Dry Bones]], [[Bone Goomba]]s, [[Bony Beetle]]s, [[Amp]]s, [[Sumo Bro]]s, [[Grrrol]]s, and [[Lava Bubble]]s are very common here. Castles are usually lava-themed and have lava for the player to avoid, but other types of castles such as water castles or ice castles can also be found in some titles. Other obstacles found in these levels are also typically varied, featuring [[Snake Block]]s, [[Spike Ball]]s, [[Spinner]]s, [[Skewer]]s, [[Grinder]]s, [[Fire Bar]]s, fire or laser-shooting [[Bowser Statue]]s, [[Pendulum Platform]]s, or moving ledges. Bosses, including [[Bowser Jr.]], the [[Koopalings]], and [[Boom Boom]], are normally fought at the end of these levels. Castles and fortresses are typically the hardest genre of levels in the game, aside from post-game content. In the final castle, [[Bowser]] himself is fought.

===Desert/pyramid/Egyptian/sand theme===

This theme takes place in a desert and often features [[quicksand]] that slows down and sucks in the player, palm trees to jump on, and pyramid ruins. [[Angry Sun]]s, [[Tornado]]s, [[Pokey]]s, [[Fire Snake]]s, [[Spike]]s, [[Sand Geyser]]s, and Lakitus with [[Spiny|Spinies]] are common obstacles faced in these levels. Bottomless pits and blocks are also fairly common here. 3D games typically feature pyramid temples for the player to explore.

This level theme features ghosts as its main enemies, such as [[Boo]]s, [[Peepa]]s, [[Eerie]]s, and [[Broozer]]s. Bat, pumpkin, and rat enemies such as Swoops, [[Splunkin]]s, and [[Scaredy Rat]]s are also fairly common. This level type usually takes place in a [[Ghost House]], often rife with ghosts and full of unusual objects such as fake doors and/or possessed objects. However, this theme can also take place in a spooky forest with dead trees and [[Crowber]]s to dodge or even on haunted shipwrecks with intertwined water mechanics. These levels often feature maze-like navigation and secret exits.

These levels usually take place on a flying [[airship]], usually built to accommodate some of Bowser's armies. Common obstacles and enemies here include [[Bob-omb]]s, [[Rocky Wrench]]es, [[Cannon]]s, [[Bill Blaster]]s/[[Bullet Bill]]s, [[Burner]]s, and [[Mechakoopa]]s. Bosses and allies of Bowser, including Bowser Jr., the Koopalings, and Boom Boom, are fought at the ends of these levels. Airships are normally auto-scrollers with many obstacles, and they are an alternative to castles and towers. Sometimes, the level is based on a different kind of military-based automobile, such as [[tank]]s, battleships, and/or military trains.

[[File:Wario Land 2 S 4-4.png|left|150px|thumb|[[Escape from the factory!]] from ''[[Wario Land II]]'']]

These levels are composed primarily of giant-sized food, which acts as platforms for Mario to climb on or obstacles that get in Mario's way. Candy and sweets are the most common type of food, as seen in levels such as [[Sweet Sweet Galaxy]], [[Sweet Mystery Galaxy]], and [[Cakewalk Flip]], though some levels use other types of food. For instance, the [[Luncheon Kingdom]] from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' is stew-themed, while the [[Golden Temple]] from ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'' is fruit-themed.