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Super Mario Odyssey's Hat Action 'Capture'
Staff Writer
Dec 13, 2025
14 min read
A Comprehensive Explanation of the Hat Action "Capture" in Super Mario Odyssey | An Innovative System to Control Enemies
Super Mario Odyssey has introduced an innovative game system called **"Capture" which allows players to throw the hat character "Cappy" to take control of enemies and objects, utilizing their respectivespecial abilities** to navigate the stages, creating an unprecedented new experience. This article thoroughly explains the Capture system from the basics to advanced techniques, targeting beginners to intermediate players.
What is the Capture System?
The Capture system is the **core action system of Super Mario Odyssey. When you throw Mario's companion, the hat character "Cappy," at enemy characters or various objects, you can take control of them and use their abilities as your own. Unlike the "transformations" found in previous Mario series games,you can temporarily become the target itself and control it, which is a significant feature. This system createsoverwhelming freedom and strategic depth** as a sandbox-style 3D action game.
The Role of the Hat Character "Cappy"
Cappy is a mysterious character resembling a hat, hailing from the Land of Hats, and becomes Mario's adventure partner. To rescue his kidnapped sister Tiara, he accompanies Mario in saving Princess Peach who was kidnapped by Bowser. Cappy transforms into Mario's hat, always acting alongside him, and can be used not only for throwing actions and as a platform but also as the **essential element of the Capture system. Without Cappy, the Capture system would not function, making him one of the most important characters in Mario Odyssey.** 【Related Articles】: The Great Character Encyclopedia of Super Mario
Differences from Traditional Mario
In traditional Mario series games, the mechanism was such that Mario himself transformed by obtaining items like Super Mushrooms and Fire Flowers. On the other hand, the Capture system allows**A Thorough Comparison of 2D Mario and 3D Mario.
Basic Operations of Capture
To master the capture, you first need to understand Cappy's throw action and how to activate and deactivate captures. The basic operations are simple, but using them appropriately according to the situation is the key to攻略. Here, we will explain the fundamental operations necessary for capture step by step.
Cappy's Throw Action List
Cappy has multiple variations of throwing techniques, and it is important to use them appropriately according to the situation. The most basic "normal throw" is executed by pressing the Y button to throw Cappy forward, and he will return to Mario after flying a certain distance. The "up throw" is convenient for capturing objects at a high position by pressing the Y button while tilting the stick upwards. The "homing throw" allows for precise targeting of moving enemies by locking on with the ZL button and then pressing the Y button. Additionally, the "continuous throw" allows for multiple quick throws of Cappy by repeatedly pressing the Y button, making it effective for targeting distant objects or fast enemies. By combining these throw actions, you can successfully capture in any situation.
Activation and Release of Capture
To activate the capture, follow the instructions displayed on the screen the moment you aim Cappy at the target. In many cases, once Cappy makes contact with the target, **it will automatically enter capture mode; however, some targets may require additional button inputs. During capture, differentspecial actions become available for each target, and a guide showing how to operate will be displayed in the upper left corner of the screen. If you want to release the capture,by pressing the X button or the down direction of the D-pad**, you can return to Mario's form at any time. However, in some stages, there are areas where you cannot proceed unless you are in capture mode, so be careful to judge the timing of the release.
Types of Capturable Targets
In Super Mario Odyssey, **over 50 diverse types of capturable targets appear. Each has unique abilities and control methods, playing an important role in stage攻略. The capturable targets can be broadly classified into three categories: “Biological,” “Inorganic,” and “Special”**, each with different characteristics. By understanding these, you will be able to quickly find the necessary captures for each stage.
Biological Capturable Targets
Biological capturable targets include many familiar enemy characters from the Mario series. Goombas can stack up to reach high places, the most basic capture targets. When captured, multiple Goombas can stack up to form a tower, allowing you to reach high places. The stacked Goomba tower is extremely useful for reaching platforms and Power Moons that are out of reach by jumping. The controls are intuitive, and it can be handled with just the basic movements and jumping, so they can be said to be the perfect target for practicing the capture system**. They are active in early stages like the Cap Kingdom and Waterfall Kingdom, making them an introductory presence for beginners to experience the fun of capturing.
Killer (Flying Type)
Killers are **powerful capture targets that can fly rapidly through the air. When captured, you can fly freely in the sky for a certain period, but there is a time limit, so quick judgment is required**. When they collide with walls or obstacles, they explode and can break through, making them essential for getting past blocks and walls that are normally unbreakable. They require some practice to get used to their fast flying speed, but they are very useful for crossing vast fields quickly or obtaining Power Moons in high places.
This is a capture target that excels particularly on wide stages such as the Sand Kingdom and the Snow Kingdom.
Electric Wires (Mobility Type)
Electric wires are **unique means of transportation that serve as a capture target. When captured, Mario takes on an electric-like appearance,allowing him to move rapidly along the electric wires**. They are used to access distant locations and the tops of buildings that cannot be reached by normal means. In the urban country of New Donk City, there are many puzzle-like elements where players move between buildings using electric wires to search for Power Moons. You can also jump from one wire to another, experiencing the thrill of navigating a complex network of wires. The key is to observe the arrangement of wires and find the shortest route to your destination.
Tyrannosaurus Rex (Power Type)
The Tyrannosaurus Rex is **one of the largest and most powerful capture targets that appears in the Sand Kingdom, Tostarena. When captured,it can destroy large rocks and structures with overwhelming destructive power.Its tail-whipping attack covers a wide area, allowing it to eliminate multiple obstacles at once**. Additionally, it can leverage its massive size to climb to high places and leap over large gaps. There are many objects that can only be destroyed by the Tyrannosaurus Rex, making it indispensable for collecting Power Moons in the Sand Kingdom. The controls have a bit of heft, but the experience of controlling a dinosaur is very unique and impressive.
Cheep-Cheep (Underwater Type)
Cheep-Cheep is **the only capture target that can swim freely underwater. While Mario alone is limited in movement underwater, capturing a Cheep-Cheep allowsfor fast movement and descent to deep areas underwater**. It is essential for collecting Power Moons and coins that are found underwater. In stages with abundant water, such as the Lake Kingdom, Lake La Mode, and the Ocean Kingdom, Shiveria, it plays a particularly important role. The controls require some getting used to since they involve three-dimensional movement, but it is an appealing capture that allows for exploration while enjoying the beautiful underwater scenery. Its fast swimming speed also makes exploring wide bodies of water efficient.
Taxi (Vehicle Type)
The taxi is **a modern capture target that appears in the urban country of New Donk City. When captured, you can move quickly across the ground and efficiently explore the expansive city. It is also possible to crash into and destroy other vehicles and objects, and in certain missions, traveling by taxi is essential. Actions such as drifting and jumping are also possible, allowing you to enjoy a racing game-like feel. In the power moon collection in the city country, there are challenges where you must use a taxi to reach your destination within a time limit, requiring fast-paced play. It is a fun capture target that matches the atmosphere of New Donk City.
Capture Techniques Useful in Various Countries
In Super Mario Odyssey, each country features unique capture targets specific to that stage, and you are required to utilize them according to the stage design. Here, we introduce how to effectively use captures and tips for collecting power moons in countries important to game progression. Understanding the characteristics of each stage and appropriately utilizing captures is the key to strategizing.
- Utilization in the Hat Country and Waterfall Country
- Utilization in the Sand Country and Cooking Country
- Utilization in the City Country and Moon Country
Utilization in the Hat Country and Waterfall Country
The Hat Country, Cap Kingdom, and Waterfall Country, Lake Kingdom, are ** tutorial-like stages at the beginning of the game. Here, you can learn the basics of the system through the capture of basic enemies such as Goombas and Koopas. Master basic techniques, such as using the stacking ability of Goombas to reach high places and capturing frogs to jump high. In Waterfall Country, you are required to combine basic actions and captures, such as capturing Pukubukus underwater and throwing hats to create platforms. Taking your time to understand the characteristics of each capture target will serve as the foundation for tackling more complex stages in the future.
Utilization in the Sand Country and Cooking Country
In the Sand Country, Achiña, a vast desert stretches out, -- raw HTML omitted --> Powerful capture targets such as the Tyrannosaurus and the Killer will appear. You will be required to apply your skills by destroying rocks with the Tyrannosaurus to find Power Moons, or flying through the air with the Killer to reach distant towers. The unique captures of moles that burrow underground and cacti are also necessary for exploring hidden areas underground. In the cooking kingdom of Bolbono, vegetable-based capture targets will appear, allowing you to grow and create platforms, as well as remove obstacles. These stages will increasingly require the use of multiple captures in succession, providing a strategic gameplay experience.
Utilization in the City and Moon Kingdoms
The city kingdom of New Donk City is set in a modern urban environment, with **abundant urban capture targets such as taxis, power lines, and manholes. You will need to execute various actions such as moving between buildings using power lines, quickly traveling by taxi, and exploring narrow spaces with an RC car. To efficiently collect the hidden Power Moons throughout the city, you will need to swiftly switch between these captures based on the situation. The Moon Kingdom, Honey Crater, presents high-difficulty stages towards the end of the game, where all the capture techniques you have learned will be put to the test, **awaiting you with complex mechanisms. With precise control and calm judgment, let's overcome the challenges.
Conclusion: Mastering Capture to Enjoy Odyssey
The capture system in Super Mario Odyssey is a groundbreaking action element that brought innovation to the Mario series. With over 50 diverse capture targets, each possessing unique abilities and gameplay feel, players are consistently provided with fresh surprises and discoveries. Starting from the basic Cappy throwing action, by understanding the characteristics of each capture target and mastering their application depending on the stage, the joy of exploration expands greatly. You may feel a bit confused at first, but by challenging yourself repeatedly and getting accustomed, you will discover your unique routes to breakthroughs and how to collect Power Moons. Make full use of captures and adventure thoroughly through the world of Mario Odyssey. For those who want to know more about the overall picture of Super Mario, please refer to 【Related Articles】: The History of Super Mario | A Comprehensive Explanation of All Series and Evolution from Birth to Present.
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Passionate about anime figures and Japanese pop culture. Dedicated to bringing you the latest news and reviews.
