Starting your adventure in Mario & Luigi: Brothership is thrilling and full of surprises. The game features vibrant battles, clever puzzles, and immersive exploration across Concordia's islands.
If you’re new to the series or want to make the most of your first playthrough, we’ve put together a few tips to get you off the right foot.
Tips to Jumpstart Your Mario & Luigi: Brothership Adventure
The sixth entry in the Mario & Luigi series takes Mario and Luigi on a nautical journey to repair the shattered world of Concordia.
The first few battles and puzzles are easy so that you can get into the swing of things.
The challenge ramps up as you progress, especially with optional content like side quests and tougher enemies.
Here’s what you can do to stay ahead and make your adventure smoother.
1. Complete the Main Objectives First
Focus on finishing the main objective as soon as you land on a new island.
click to enlarge
+ 5Each drifting island has a central mission tied to reconnecting it to Shipshape Island and the Uni-Tree.
Completing these objectives unlocks additional features such as new areas, side quests, and essential resources.
Although you might want to check out every corner immediately, some areas will be locked until you unlock certain Bros. Moves or tools later.
For example, you might encounter obstacles like rocky outcrops or large gaps that require specific abilities to overcome.
Once you have the necessary skills or items, revisit earlier islands to fully explore and claim hidden rewards.
2. Focus Each Brother on What They’re Good At
Mario and Luigi each bring unique strengths to battles, and focusing on these strengths will greatly enhance your combat efficiency.
click to enlarge + 5Mario excels at dealing hefty damage to single targets, thanks to his high attack power, speed, and Bros. Points.
Outfitting him with gear that enhances his attack stat boosts his damage potential.
Meanwhile, Luigi’s impressive health, defense, and Stache (luck) give him an edge as the team’s tank and support backbone.
Giving Luigi sturdy equipment lets him take hits effectively while supporting Mario in intense fights.
Let Mario deal damage, and Luigi play the tank to get the most out of your setup.
Grab some stat-boosting items like beans to back up these roles.
Early in the game, Mario’s one-on-one attacks and Luigi’s moves for the whole group balance things in battles.
Later on, both brothers will gain versatile abilities for handling different scenarios.
3. Master Combat Timing and Patterns
The combat in Mario & Luigi: Brothership is more than just turn-based mechanics.
click to enlarge + 5You need good timing and precision for both offense and defense. Pressing buttons at the right moment during attacks maximizes damage and can trigger follow-up hits.
Failing to hit the timing window lowers damage and shortens attacks. Watching how enemies attack is just as necessary for defense, as a well-timed counter can block damage and deal a little back.
Each enemy has its own resistance, so focus on their weak points to succeed.
For instance, spiky enemies cannot be jumped on, and flying enemies evade hammer strikes.
Picking the best attack type for each situation leads to better outcomes.
Bros. Attacks are dynamic duo moves from Mario and Luigi that require precise button input to deliver explosive results.
Practicing these moves helps you master their timing and unlock their full power.
4. Manage Resources Carefully
Gold Coins are essential in Concordia, but they're not infinite.
click to enlarge + 5Keeping track of your inventory and finances wisely can impact your success.
Always keep Mushrooms for healing and 1-Up Mushrooms for reviving a fallen brother stocked up.
Losing a party member in a two-member team could end the game, so make sure to have at least one 1-Up Mushroom.
Upgrading gear is important, but hold off on spending all your Coins on equipment too soon.
You can find powerful items while exploring or through rewards, so holding back on spending is wise.
Prioritize purchasing gear that complements Mario’s offensive role and Luigi’s defensive role.
Outdated gear should be sold to free up inventory space and generate additional Coins.
While some situational accessories may give you an edge, hoarding gear you no longer use isn't ideal.
Sprite Bulbs are an important asset spread across the islands. These glowing items unlock and upgrade Battle Plugs to boost your combat power.
Collect Sprite Bulbs while exploring; you’ll need them later.
5. Explore Thoroughly and Use Tools to Track Progress
Concordia is filled with hidden gems, mysterious paths, and chances for rewards.
click to enlarge + 5To maximize your exploration, consider environmental clues such as shadows or raindrops that indicate hidden Question Blocks.
These often contain valuable items like Coins, gear, or power-ups. Some areas are blocked by obstacles that require specific abilities to pass, such as large rocks that require a hammer or gaps that require a flying skill.
You can save time backtracking with new tools by using the Nintendo Switch’s screenshot feature to mark these spots.
Side quests with flashing red icons should also be prioritized. They are time-sensitive and usually related to the main story.
You can complete other side quests whenever you like, and they provide valuable rewards like Coins, gear, and Sprite Bulbs.
Looking at the map often helps you stay on track and catch everything along the way.
What gear setups work best for you when focusing on Mario and Luigi’s strengths? Comment down below!
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