Navigating through Frosted Glacier in New Super Mario Bros. U requires speed and precision, especially when climbing the perilous Freezing Rain Tower. While the first two collectibles are placed along the main path, finding the final Star Coin demands quick reflexes before the rising platform crushes your character. Knowing the exact location of this hidden prize helps completionists finish the level with every reward secured.
Where to Find the Hidden Alcove
The third Star Coin in Freezing Rain Tower is tucked away inside a secret area near the upper section of the vertical climb. As you ascend past the checkpoint, the rising lift forces players to move upward constantly to avoid falling behind. Look closely for a ceiling filled with hazardous icicles near a question mark block as you reach the top of the shaft.
Instead of continuing upward to the right toward the boss door, you must look for an opening along the upper-left wall. A false wall conceals a small alcove where the coin rests suspended above a gap. Spotting this path early gives you enough time to execute the necessary maneuvers.
How to Reach the 3rd Star Coin Safely
To safely secure the item, you must outpace the auto-scrolling rising lift by wall jumping aggressively up the shaft. Dodge the falling icicles overhead and position your character along the left side of the screen. Dash directly into the top-left corner through the wall before the rising floor closes the gap.
Once inside the hidden nook, perform a quick wall jump off the inner surface to grab the spinning Star Coin. If you need extra air time or recovery support, bringing a Flying Squirrel Suit makes reaching the wall cutout much easier. Grab the coin swiftly and jump back onto the main platform before proceeding to the boss battle.
Tips for Timing and Survival
Timing is the most critical element when attempting to collect this specific item during a speed run. Waiting too long on the lower platforms causes the rising lift to trap you against the ceiling or obscure the secret entrance entirely. Maintaining momentum throughout the entire vertical ascension ensures you arrive with plenty of breathing room.
If you miss the entrance on your first attempt, it is safer to restart the level or continue to the goal rather than risk taking damage. Mastering the wall jump timing in earlier sections of the tower provides excellent practice for this challenge. With careful movement and rapid execution, grabbing the final Star Coin becomes a simple task.
