Super Mario RPG: How to Get to Yo’ster Isle

Though not necessary for completing the game, players are able to find a number of hidden areas within Super Mario RPG. One such area is the Mario-franchise staple, Yoshi’s Island, known in Super Mario RPG as Yo’ster Isle. Players do not have immediate access to the area, and must venture through another optional area in order to reach the tropical region where they can find a bunch of Yoshis and mini-games.

Where to Find Yo’ster Isle

Players are able to find Yo’ster Isle any time after clearing the Forest Maze. Once Mario and friends have eradicated the threat to the adjacent Rose Town, players have the option to continue the main quest in the direction of Moleville or make a stop at the curious midway point, the Pipe Vault.

The Pipe Vault is located directly between Rose Town and Moleville and is signified by a red pipe on the overworld map. Visiting the location brings ther player to a small clearing with a single green pipe in the middle, with exits back to the map on either side. Players will need to navigate through the Pipe Vault to reach Yo’ster Island across the sea.

How to Get Through the Pipe Vault in Super Mario RPG

The Pipe Vault is a one-block wide area that serves as a nice homage to Mario’s 2D past. Despite the thin walking space, it is impossible to walk off the sides of the path in the vault. However, in the first area, players are able to fall into the lava, after which they will be sent to the beginning of the room. For the most direct route through the Pipe Vault, players can refer to the video shown above.

After crossing the lava, players enter the next section with a flight of stairs and an angry Thwomp. Mario is unable to fight the Thwomp, and if it slams the ground while his feet are on the ground, Mario will be sent flying backwards. Mario can also be flattened by the Thwomp as he ascends the stairs, resulting in a comical slide to the bottom.

Players will need to avoid the slams by jumping beforehand. At the top, Mario should enter the second green pipe to enter the next area. Throughout the vault, the many Piranha plants that appear in the pipes often enter battle in high numbers, making it an excellent location to grind Exp. and level up the party.

The following section of the Pipe Vault contains several green pipes in a row, with several Piranha Plants hiding within. The second pipe in the lineup leads to a room with two Hidden Treasure chests and a Frog Coin that may prove to be a challenge for some players.

The second to last pipe in the lineup leads to the vault’s Goomba Thumping minigame where players can earn various prizes for reaching the high score.

Lastly, players can venture deeper into the Pipe Vault by entering the final pipe in the room. From there, it is a straight shot to the end, entering the lone green pipe at the end of each room.

These next two rooms feature several Nipper Plants that act as environmental hazards and that players are unable to fight. If Mario happens to touch one, he will bounce into the air and lose coins. It’s recommended that players try to navigate these areas as cautiously as possible to conserve their hard-earned gold.

On the outside, players will find themselves on Yo’ster Isle with a Save Block nearby to save their hard work. The island’s village can be found in the adjacent area just southwest of the green pipe.

At this point, players are now able to navigate back and forth on the overworld map between Yo’ster Isle and the Pipe Vault via a long dotted path.

Yo’ster Isle Hidden Treasure Chest

After emerging from the green pipe at the end of the Pipe Vault, players can find Yo’ster Isle’s single Hidden Treasure Chest tucked away behind the Save Block. Players are able to simply walk around the northern side of the block to reach the chest.