2D Skip
2D Skip (also known as 2D Shortcut) is a movement optimization in the Escape section in the Moon Kingdom. The trick is performed by strategically not destroying certain blocks with Bowser to skip a small section of platforming, and saves about two seconds when executed properly.
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| Versions | All versions |
2D Skip was one of the first speedrun strategies discovered in Super Mario Odyssey. While the trick is relatively easy by modern standards, it caused a significant number of lost runs when it was first discovered. This was likely due to a combination of general inexperience with Super Mario Odyssey speedrunning with the trick taking place at the very end of the run. It is still not uncommon for this trick to be failed simply due to nervousness.
This trick has gained notoriety for being much more difficult than it actually is. This is partially due to inexperience with the trick itself, but also because of clips of runners failing the trick gaining lots of attention on sites like Reddit.[1] This trick is no longer optimal due to the discovery of 2D Skip Skip but is still used by the vast majority of runners due to 2D Skip Skip's extreme difficulty.
Execution
2D Skip is performed in the 2D section of the Bowser escape sequence in the Moon Kingdom. It is performed almost immediately upon entering the 2D section. To perform 2D Skip:
- Break the bottom of the two stacked blocks.
- Jump across the gap onto the block to the right. Do not break the floating block.
- Jump back across the gap and land on the floating block.
- Position yourself on the edge of the floating block.
- Jump up, hold slightly forwards until no longer beneath the overhang, then immediately drift backwards.
- Continue onwards in the escape sequence.
Variants
XD Skip
XD Skip is a satirical variant of 2D Skip that does not save any time and is unnecessarily risky. The joke originated in the Super Mario Odyssey speedrunning community and was later popularized by streamer SmallAnt. The name originates as a pun of 2D Skip and the emoticon "XD", which is used on the internet to satirically denote laughter.
The trick takes place just after 2D Skip and involves breaking the final brick staircase in a manner that allows jumping around and over a small stone platform to the right, rather than passing under it as usual.