If Wario takes damage from an opponent or obstacle, he will shrink, losing his shoulder charge move, and will remain small until he collects a clove of garlic, a helmet, or reaches the end of the level. Players can also collect a Starman to gain temporary invincibility. This attack replaces his shoulder charge so long as he wears the Dragon Helmet. Finally, the Dragon Helmet lets Wario shoot long-ranged bursts of flames both on land and underwater, which destroy enemies and blocks on contact. The Jet Helmet increases Wario's running speed and lets him fly in purely horizontal directions in the air, as well as to shoulder charge underwater. It also gives Wario the abilities to stick onto ceilings and perform a 'butt stomp' into the ground which stuns nearby enemies and breaks through blocks underneath him. The Bull Helmet increases Wario's strength and doubles the length of his shoulder charge attack, allowing him to smash through blocks more easily. There are additionally three unique helmets that Wario can obtain, with their own abilities. When in his grown form, Wario is also able to perform a shoulder charge, which is used to attack enemies, break through blocks and open hidden treasure chests.

Enemies thus stunned can be picked up and thrown at other enemies. Wario is able to jump on or bump into enemies to knock them over. The game takes place on a route through several themed areas, which are split into several courses culminating in a boss fight. Wario Land features gameplay markedly different from the previous two games in the Super Mario Land series.

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