Alternate Endings

Alternate Endings are anomalies where beating Super Mario 64 in a certain way unlocks a new ending. These usually unlock or replace levels and areas.

Ending List
Below are documented endings, how to unlock them and if anything is unlocked after the ending.

Bad Ending
The bad ending is the most common alternate ending, and it is almost always unlocked by not collecting all 120 stars before beating the game. This is also the most varying ending, with several different events happening, although all of these events are considered bad endings. Below is a list of documented bad endings:


 * A Bowser painting appearing, with text saying "you did not collect all 120 stars."
 * The player ends up in the Bowser Room, and on some occasions fight Bowser.
 * Princess Peach's Castle ends up disappearing, and is replaced by something, most commonly Bowser's Castle.
 * Mario is captured, and Luigi appears to save him.

Documented results of seeing the bad ending include unlocking the Bowser Room, Bowser's Castle, and a playable Luigi.

Perfect Ending
The perfect ending is the second most common alternate ending, and is almost always found by collecting all 120 stars and then beating the game. Below is a list of documented perfect endings:


 * The regular ending of Super Mario 64, usually when the bad ending is in the same copy.
 * The regular ending of Super Mario 64, but Bowser falls from the sky and is put into a cage.
 * The regular ending of Super Mario 64, but during the credits, the paintings that lead to levels are seen to disappear, likely due to Bowser creating the painting worlds and him being defeated.

Documented results of seeing the perfect ending include unlocking the Eternal Fortress, the Stained Glass Slide, the Fourth Floor, a rideable Yoshi, and a playable Luigi.

Luigi Ending
The Luigi ending is the name given to special endings unlocked while playing as Luigi. Below is a list of documented Luigi endings:


 * (This only appears after the bad ending where Luigi is unlocked.) Mario and Princess Peach are saved, and Bowser is defeated.
 * The regular ending of Super Mario 64, but Luigi replaces Mario.
 * The regular ending of Super Mario 64, but Luigi stands alongside Mario during the ending.