Enemies

Meet the members of Bowser’s forces, who will do anything and everything to get in your way. These are your opponents. Some will have to be avoided, others will have to be defeated, but you’ll run into all of these before your quest is through.

Goombas

Goombas are one of the most common enemies you’ll encounter. These grumpy little creatures generally patrol small areas, waddling toward Mario or your chosen hero whenever they spot him. To defeat a Goomba, simply drop onto its head—one jump, and it’s done.

If you see a Cat Goomba, a little more caution is advised. Cat Goombas jump and even pounce toward you, and a midair collision can be a painful experience. Stay out of their way, take note of their pattern, and wait until they’re on the ground to strike them.

Mini Goombas may be small, but they’re not to be trifled with. Fortunately, blowing into the microphone on the Wii U GamePad will blow them away, making it easy to divide and conquer!

Galoombas

Galoombas are a variation on the Goomba that takes two attacks to defeat. Attack them once and they’ll flip upside down, leaving them ripe for the kicking. Big Galoombas can be taken down the same way. Leave either flipped for too long, though, and they’ll right themselves and attack again, so make things quick.

Piranha Plants

Throughout your adventure, you’ll encounter a variety of Piranha Plants. The color of each plant indicates its specific attack. Red Piranha Plants wait for you to get close, then they lunge forward and snap their jaws. Fire Piranha Plants, which are black with orange dots, spit fireballs as soon as they see you. Mega Piranha Plants are huge and have a much greater range of attack. All varieties are vulnerable to your jumps. As long as you remember to dodge their attacks, they shouldn’t give you much trouble.

Piranha Creepers

These Piranha Plants’ long, spiky stems block your character’s path. Attacking their heads will cause the stems to retract for a limited time. Hit them enough and they’ll be defeated entirely.

Koopa Troopas

When you jump on a Koopa Troopa, it’s ejected from its Shell. Once this happens, you can kick the Shell into nearby enemies. Position yourself so that the Shell is directly between you and your target, then run straight ahead to launch this powerful projectile along the ground.

You can also pick up a Shell with (or ) to aim before unleashing it, or even get into the Shell yourself to combat enemies by holding ZL (or ZR) after picking one up.

Hammer, Boomerang and Fire Bros.

These dangerous enemies may look similar to Koopa Troopas, but their projectile attacks make them much more formidable. Hammer Bros. can be identified by their green outfits. When they spot you, they attack by throwing hammers. Boomerang Bros. wear blue outfits. As you can probably guess, they attack by throwing boomerangs.

Finally, Fire Bros. are clad in red and toss fireballs in the same manner our heroes do after having picked up a Fire Flower. After two throws, these enemies usually jump to a new location before resuming their attacks. Counter with a ranged Power-Up or get in close and jump on their heads.

Some Fire Bros. will stand atop Goomba Towers, giving them the tactical advantage. Attack these enemies at close range first before going for the Fire Bro!

Spinies

With their spike-covered shells, Spinies are able to fend off most attackers. These bulky turtles are fairly aggressive, so it’s usually best to keep your distance. Their tops are well protected, but they’re still vulnerable from the side. A fireball, boomerang, tail attack, or Claw is all it takes to dispatch a Spiny. If you don’t have a suitable Power-Up, however, it’s best to leave the Spinies alone.

Chargin’ Chucks

Chargin’ Chuck never forgot his old football days. When he sees your character, he’ll instantly launch himself into a rushing tackle. He takes two attacks to defeat, since the first one only gets rid of his helmet. Don’t be intimidated by his bulk--dodge his charges, counterattack, and the game is yours.

Spike

This tiny green turtle summons large spiked rollers from ... his mouth. Yours is not to ask how—yours is simply to avoid the spiked rollers, move up to Spike, and defeat him with a single attack.

Magikoopas

Magikoopas can be a handful! These enemies appear out of thin air, conjure a magical attack, and then vanish from sight to start the whole process over again. If you can reach one of these elusive enemies, you can defeat it by jumping on its head. Do your best to get the upper hand on Magikoopas whenever you see them, as defeating them can sometimes yield Green Stars.

Parabones

These enemies may seem fragile, but Parabones are actually one of the game’s most resilient creatures. When you jump on a Parabones it crumbles to pieces. Unfortunately your victory is short-lived—within moments, a downed Parabones is back in the fight. You can repeat the process as often as you like, but the result is always the same.

Thwomps

Thwomps are immune to all standard attacks, so don’t bother trying to harm them. When you approach a sleeping Thwomp, its eyes spring open and it slams to the ground. As long as you stay near it, the agitated enemy rises and slams down at regular intervals. Between each attack, you usually have just enough time to dash through the impact zone. These creatures are most often found in Bowser’s castles, but you’ll encounter them in a variety of other levels, too.

Walleyes

This living wall is quite good at analyzing your travel path and blocking you from getting ahead. Short of using Mario’s golden Statue form, you can’t defeat it. You’ll have to fake it out, then dart around it or jump over it. However, either tactic has dangers because of the spikes lining its sides and top. Fortunately, you can also hit a Walleye with a projectile or Claw attack to make it stop in its tracks momentarily.

Brolders

This two-armed rock does its best to roll and bowl you over. Fortunately, a single stomp renders it immobile and ready to be picked up to be used against enemies, or even to activate some switches.

Lava Bubbles

Lava Bubbles are living fireballs that can be found in most of Bowser’s castles. These creatures can’t be destroyed, so it’s best to move past them as quickly as possible. Lava Bubbles aren’t particularly hostile, but they do have a knack for springing into your path when you least expect it. If they’re blocking your only path forward, stop and observe the timing of their appearances before making your move.

Splorches

These sphere-shaped enemies jump out of lava and roll around on the floor, leaving dangerous magma trails in their wake. While they can be defeated, their regenerative capabilities make avoidance the better tactic.

Charvaargh

These nefarious, gigantic fish erupt from lava in an attempt to ram you. Avoid them at all costs!

Bullet Bills

These fast-moving enemies mean business! Once fired, Bullet Bills travel in a straight line to take out anyone unfortunate enough to be in their path. You can jump on a Bullet Bill to defeat it, but it is usually best to simply stay out of its way.

Banzai Bills, are much larger than Bullet Bills, but they’re fairly similar in most respects. Like Bullet Bills, Banzai Bills are vulnerable to your jumps. Of course, it’s much more difficult to get above these massive enemies.

Every so often, you’ll spot a Cat Bullet Bill or Cat Banzai Bill. These cute yet diabolical enemies do their best to home in on you, so be extra careful when trying to defeat or avoid them.

Bob-ombs

Bob-ombs may be small, but they pack quite a punch. When left alone, a Bob-omb wanders aimlessly around a small area. If you get too close, however, the Bob-omb scrambles toward you as it prepares to detonate. Kick flashing Bob-ombs away from you, or use a projectile to cause an instant explosion. When you stumble upon a group of these enemies, it’s generally best to retreat until they explode.

Bullies

Bullies are effectively invincible; the only way to defeat one is to hit it enough times so that it falls off the edge of the platform that it’s on. The trouble is that it’ll always be trying to do the same to you, so make sure you’re out of the way when it charges

Boos

Boos are about as sneaky as they come. These devious little ghosts only approach while your back its turned. When you face a Boo, it covers its eyes, hoping you won’t notice it. Boos are immune to all standard attacks, so unless you find a Super Star nearby, you don’t have much choice but to play along. More common Power-Ups won’t defeat these enemies, but they can allow you to escape a dangerous situation. When you hit a Boo with a fireball, boomerang, tail attack, or Claw, it temporarily disappears. The Beam Box Power-Up will defeat one entirely.

Big Boos behave exactly like the smaller versions—they just take up more space, so make sure to give them a wide berth.

Peepas

Peepas aren’t aggressive, but their eerie gaze can be a little unnerving. These grinning ghosts usually appear in large groups, floating or twirling about the area. Like Boos, Peepas temporarily vanish when you hit them with a fireball, boomerang, tail attack, or Claw.

Biddybuds

Biddybuds aren’t particularly aggressive, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous! These creatures usually appear in groups, circling platforms or marching in formation. Jump on a Biddybud to defeat it.

Winged Biddybuds, or Para-Biddybuds, follow predetermined paths as they patrol the skies. Like their earthbound counterparts, Para-Biddybuds can be defeated with a single jump.

Stingbies

When you’re traversing precarious platforms, few enemies pose a larger threat than the Stingby. Stingbies are fast, extremely territorial, and they’re always prepared to deal with trespassers. Jump on these enemies to defeat them, but make sure that you avoid their stingers. Stingbies can chase you over long distances, but they aren’t able to change their altitude. If you’re just looking to avoid a fight, make your way to higher ground or drop down out of their paths.

Flopters

These buglike enemies whirl their wings like helicopter rotors to chase you from the sky. Your best bet to defeat them is stomping, but mind their altitude when you try it.

Conkdors

Get close to a Conkdor and it will quickly thrust its head downward to peck you. Once this happens, they’re vulnerable to a stomp. You can also get them from the side with attacks from Power-Ups. However, avoiding their deceptively quick pecking attack is key. Make sure not to try attacking a Conkdor’s spiked shell.

Cheep Cheeps

Cheep Cheeps are common enemies found in underwater areas. These wide-eyed fish are usually content to let you swim right past them, but you’ll take some damage if you brush up against one. If you’d rather not take your chances, use an underwater ground pound to attack a Cheep Cheep from above.

Bloopers

Bloopers are another common aquatic enemy. These sneaky squids are more aggressive than Cheep Cheeps, so it’s usually best to keep your distance. The Bloopers’ erratic movements can make it hard to dodge in tight spaces, so they’ll put your swimming sills to the test. To defeat one of these enemies without the aid of a Power-Up, use an underwater ground pound to attack it from above—just watch out for the Blooper’s charge! After a Blooper winds up to attack, it swims toward your hero with a sudden burst of speed.

Porcupuffers

Porcupuffers aren’t aggressive, but their large size often makes it difficult to swim past them. The Porcupuffer’s spikes protect it from standard attacks, but a single fireball is enough to take one out. If you find yourself without a suitable Power-Up, however, you’ll have to rely on precision swimming. Porcupuffers usually follow a predetermined path. As long as you keep your distance, you should be able to pass right by them.

Splounders

This puffy fish may look prickly, but you can actually jump on it while riding Plessie to get a nice height boost. Take advantage when you can; it usually leads to nabbing secret items.

Madpoles

These little guys are happy and adorable when left alone. Get close, however, and they get angry and chase you! Now that you know how they got their name, know also that standard attacks will take them down with ease.

Rammerheads

Rammerheads take up lots of space underwater, swim faster than all of the heroes and can’t be defeated. Fortunately they always swim in set patterns so you can sneak past them.

Ant Troopers

These insects stick to and crawl along blocks, usually to make it difficult for your character to travel on elevated terrain. A simple stomp can’t defeat them you’ll have to use a ground pound or Power-Up attack.

Watch out for the spike-topped Horned Ant Troopers, which you can’t stomp from above, and the giant-sized Big Ant Troopers, which not even ground pounds can defeat but can often be used as platforms.

Skipsqueaks

Skipsqueaks usually stand or jog in one place to block critical paths. While they are easily defeated, their jump heights are comparable to Mario’s, so take care when trying to stomp them.

Their spiked cousins, the Spiny Skipsqueaks, are even more dangerous; try to run under or jump past these enemies.

Octoombas

Octoombas will relentlessly spit cannonballs at you, and to make matters worse, stomping them will simply cause you to bounce off them without effect. Either avoid them or use a ground pound to defeat them.

Blocksteppers

These block-shaped foes march slowly in formation. Break their lines, however, and they’ll chase after you at double time. The stealthy approach makes them easier to defeat.

Fizzlits

Fizzlits are, without a doubt, the most electrifying enemies in Bowser’s army! When they’re flat and yellow, they emit a charge that’s harmful to the touch. Stay away from them until they return to their vulnerable, purple state—then take them out with a stomp or a Power-Up attack.

Fuzzies

Fuzzies travel in packs—sometimes huge packs! If they make up a wall, avoid them at all costs. If only a few are around, however, you can either watch their movement patterns and avoid them, or bring a potted Piranha Plant around to eat them.

Fuzzlers

With their large size, spiky bodies and imperviousness to attacks, these fuzzy, rolling bugs are quite good at making roadblocks for Mario and his friends. Avoid them to proceed.

Snow Pokeys

Snow Pokeys may sport friendly grins, but these prickly foes are best avoided. However, if you have an appropriate Power-Up, you can use boomerangs, fireballs, tail attacks, or Claws to take down these opponents a piece at a time. Damage a Snow Pokey’s head to defeat it and turn any snowballs which made up its body into ones that you can use.

Ty-foos

This blustery enemy huffs, puffs, and tries to blow your hero off the stage. Don’t let it! Once it stops blowing, rush past the Ty-foo before it has the chance to do so again!

Coin Coffers

Coin Coffers aren’t easy to find, but they’re well worth tracking down. When you stumble across a Coin Coffer’s hiding spot, it attempts to flee. Jump on its head five times to defeat it.

Blurkers

These enemies are very good at blocking secret passages. The easiest way to get them out of your hair—at least temporarily—is to use a Power-Up attack, or the touch screen or microphone on the Wii U GamePad. Potted Piranha Plants will also eat Blurkers on sight if you can carry one to them.

Ring Burners

Ring Burners emit a ring of energy around themselves that slowly ripples outward before fizzling out. These beams have a long range, but you can hop over them to stay safe. The easiest way to make sure these enemies don’t bother you is to stand right on top of them, though in some cases this isn’t an option.

Hop-Chops

These green creatures hop at you, chomping their teeth. You can defeat them with a stomp or a Power-Up attack. When defeated, some Hop-Chops turn into useful springboards, so make sure to defeat every one you see!

Ka-thunks

A Ka-thunk may be a simple square lined with spikes, but when it talks, people listen! A Ka-thunk flops up and down, slamming its spiked body against all comers. You’re going to want to stay out of its way—or if you need to get past it, make sure to use the space inside of it as a safe haven.