Super Mario RPG: Pipe Vault & Yo'ster Isle Walkthrough

Welcome to our complete story walkthrough of Super Mario RPG on Nintendo Switch and SNES.

Pipe Vault, and by extension, Yo’ster Isle, are optional locations in Super Mario RPG that you can visit after getting your second Star Piece at the Forest Maze. If you’re not interested in collecting Yoshi Cookies, you can skip this section with no consequences (other than missing three Hidden Treasures) and head straight to Moleville.

Here’s our guide on the Pipe Vault, Yo’ster Isle, and what you get from winning races in the Mushroom Derby.

Pipe Vault Enemies

Lava Bubble / Sparky

These little fireballs usually come in packs of three. You might think magic is the way to beat them, but Mario's Jump is effective, too.

Piranha Plant

These can steal your coins, but you can also battle these normally. Unlike the Sparky, don't use Mario's Jump on these. Just use regular attacks or magic.

Shy Ranger

Shy Rangers are camouflaged Shy Guys that will more often than not run away before you can hit it. If you happen to be extremely fast, then just attack it normally

Pipe Vault Walkthrough

Enter the pipe found here and hop across the platforms to the next room. In this area, hop over the Goombas and avoid the Thwomp as you ascend the staircase. Jump over the Piranha Plant and take the next pipe.

In this room, head down the first pipe you see here and then jump in front of the ledge to reveal a platform. Climb up to obtain a treasure box with a Flower inside!

Hidden Treasure 13 - Pipe Vault Ledge #1

There are two Hidden Treasures in this room. Take a few steps south of the Flower chest and jump to find a Hidden Treasure chest containing a Frog Coin.

Hidden Treasure 14 - Pipe Vault Ledge #2

Go a few more steps south and jump again to find your second Hidden Treasure chest and a second Frog Coin!

Hop on the trampoline to return to the pipe-stretch, and jump down the next pipe to find a minigame.

Goomba Thumping minigame

Goomba Thumping is essentially whack-a-mole. You'll need to jump on as many Goombas as you can in 30 seconds. One Goomba = 1 point, while Gold Goombas = 3 points. Don't hit the Spikeys or you'll lose a point. The more Goombas you hit, the faster they get.

Getting 20 points will net you a Flower Tab. The next score will get you a Flower Jar. Then you can get Frog Coins from each time you beat your high score.

Getting to Yo'ster Isle

From the Goomba Thumping minigame, use the trampoline to leave, and then enter the last pipe. Navigate this room and enter the pipe at the end of it. Watch out for the Piranha Plants and Nipper Plants, as they’ll steal your coins if they manage to hit you!

In the next room, there’s a treasure chest containing another Flower. Cross the yellow platform and hit the treasure box twice for some coins. Then, ascend the steps and exit the Pipe Vault through the pipe. You’ve finally made it to Yo’ster Isle!

Yo'ster Isle Walkthrough

You've arrived at the home of Yoshi in Super Mario RPG. First things first...

Hidden Treasure 15 - Save Block

There’s a Hidden Treasure chest behind the save block. Head around the back of it and jump to grab the Frog Coin.

Talk to the Yoshis here. Unfortunately, not many of the Yoshis speak your language. The iconic green Yoshi does, though! He’ll let you hitch a ride on his saddle.

Speak to Boshi, the blue Yoshi standing here, to race him in the Mushroom Derby challenge.

How to win the Mushroom Derby

You need cookies to start the race, and you also get cookies as a reward if you win. If you don’t have any, you can talk to some of the Yoshis while riding Yoshi yourself to receive some.

As Toad states, you’ll need to press the A and B buttons in an alternating pattern matching the song’s tempo to gain speed. You can also use a Cookie for a speed boost. If you manage to beat Boshi, you'll get a Yoshi Cookie, which you can use in battle to get free items from enemies.

Overall, Yo’ster Isle is a neat little extra. It’s also Boshi’s only appearance in the greater Mario franchise. When you’ve finished your trip to Yo’ster Isle, leave the area and continue your journey to Moleville.

For more help on getting through Super Mario RPG, check out our full Super Mario RPG guide for everything you need.