The Unwritten Rules of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Explained

Whether it’s the original or the remake, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has managed to solidify itself as one of the best adventure RPGs that Nintendo has produced. Its fascinating plot, charming cast of characters, and engaging battle system are just some of the reasons why it’s considered by many as the best among all the Paper Mario games. The game can get quite challenging, even hard at some points, leading to some wondering what they did wrong or why they are having problems progressing. To prevent that, there are a few things these players can learn that have helped many enjoy and complete their journey.

Since its release on May 23, 2004, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has proven that the Paper Mario series is something that fans of Nintendo should not overlook. This particular entry has been held in such high regard that its popularity warranted it being remade for the Nintendo Switch. Although there are a few differences between both versions, players can tackle one or the other and play them mostly the same way. That said, those who want to get the most out of their experience playing The Thousand-Year Door should learn about a few things done by many veterans to enjoy their playthroughs.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’s Unwritten Rules for Success

Badge Points and Badges Are the Golden Tickets to Beating the Game

Leveling up Flower and Health Points is generally the key to helping players beat the game. While doing so increases Mario’s survivability and allows more opportunities to use powerful attacks, players might find the later parts of the story more difficult and wonder why such advantages aren’t enough. This is because the badges of Paper Mario: Thousand-Year Door are just as important, as they give Mario the strength and abilities needed to overcome even the most difficult of challenges, making it a priority to increase Badge Points when leveling up so they can be equipped.

• Equipping the right badges allows Mario to use boots and hammer moves with different effects, such as allowing one to attack multiple enemies, hitting an enemy in normally unreachable places, etc.
• Some badges give passive benefits, such as increased attack or easier guard timing, allowing Mario to hit hard and become more resistant to damage or negative status effects.
• Prioritizing Badge Points when leveling up allows Mario to equip more badges, meaning he can become exceeding powerful despite having less HP and FP than one would normally have.

Regardless of whether the badge is found or bought, it’s likely to have a useful effect that makes it easier for players to beat the game. So, when leveling up the stats in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, players should consider prioritizing BP so they can be equipped instead of just wasting away inside the inventory.

Use Everything That Paper Mario: Thousand-Year Door Provides

The game does a fine job of giving information about features and mechanics players can use to make adventuring easier. However, some players ignore them and believe that using simple attacks, having partners dole out damage, and defending regularly is enough to beat the game. While it is possible, it is also highly unnecessary to do so. So there are a few things to remember when playing the game:

• Leveling up in Paper Mario: Thousand-Year Door requires Star Points, meaning it’s important to actively engage in every encounter at least once when visiting areas instead of avoiding them.
• It’s important not to toss items or hoard them in the inventory, and instead use them during appropriate times as they can make battles easier or turn the tide around dangerous situations.
• Learning how to Superguard even if it’s difficult, can be incredibly effective, as nullifying attacks can help avoid a potential game over.
• Upgrading partners to boost their power and learn new abilities can be a big boon during battles.
• Players should use the special attacks obtained from the Crystal Stars often instead of just during boss fights, as Star Power can quickly be recovered.

Out of all the Mario RPGs, Paper Mario: Thousand-Year Door is, to this day, fondly remembered and praised by fans. Those who wish to try everything it offers should consider using the information that has helped many veterans beat and enjoy the game, giving them an experience they might never forget.