Mario’s Best Companions

Key Takeaways

• Mario’s companions provide essential abilities like healing, advice, and transport in various games.
• Characters like F.L.U.D.D., Starlow, and Cappy assist Mario with unique skills and personalities.
• Luigi, Yoshi, and Bowser Jr. also prove to be loyal allies in Mario’s quest to save the Mushroom Kingdom.

Mario is infamous for saving the Mushroom Kingdom and rescuing princesses in peril, but he wouldn’t be able to do most of these things without a little help from his friends. Despite a heroic heart and passion for stomping on enemies and consuming raw mushrooms, the plumber can sometimes be powerless without a companion by his side.

Whether it’s a family member, an ally with a common cause, or someone who works with Mario out of desperation, these partnerships often allow our hero to unlock essential abilities to help him reach his goals. Some have appeared in multiple games, while others have only shown up once or twice, but these are Mario’s best companions so far.

10

F.L.U.D.D.

A Talkative Tool

Professor E. Gadd invented F.L.U.D.D. (short for Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device) and aids Mario on his quest to clean up Isle Delfino in Super Mario Sunshine. Not only can F.L.U.D.D. spray water to remove goop and attack enemies, but it can also be used to help Mario hover over gaps and launch himself into the air like a rocket.

The device is the core mechanic in Sunshine, but it doesn’t have any character growth or an emotional backstory like other companions. As useful as F.L.U.D.D. can be, it never had an opportunity to bond with Mario or the audience, although it eventually made a comeback as one of Mario’s main attacks in the Super Smash Bros series.

9

Starlow

The Star Of The Show

The Mario & Luigi RPGs focus on the two brothers as they work together to save the day, but even they need some guidance occasionally. Introduced in Superstar Saga, Starlow is a Star Sprite that loves to help people in trouble. Both friendly and patient (unless you’re Luigi), you’ll spend a bunch of time with her through each game without ever getting tired of her personality.

Starlow is great at communicating with other characters for Mario and Luigi and giving them advice when needed, but she doesn’t bring much more to the table beyond that. It was an excellent surprise when she reappeared in Dream Team and Paper Jam, but Starlow doesn’t give you any new abilities like many other companions.

8

Beep-O

Wants To Go Home

Beep-O is more than just a companion for Mario and his friends in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Sparks of Hope. When exploring the open world between battles, it’s this sassy robot you’re controlling instead of our usual protagonist. Like Starlow, Beep-O acts as your guide and can help you solve puzzles or give you advice.

Beep-O also has a great personality, whether he’s telling groan-worthy puns or showing frustration at the mere existence of Rabbids. In both games, you can unlock new abilities for the machine that can help you discover hidden items, destroy obstacles, or move heavy objects.

7

Bowser Jr.

Nicer Than His Father

Despite Mario and Bowser’s contentious relationship, Bowser Jr. (like his father) is willing to pair up with a sworn rival if it means getting what he wants. This has happened a few times, with some minor partnerships occurring during Paper Mario: Origami King and Mario Party: Island Tour.

The best example of their alliance is in Bowser’s Fury. When Bowser Jr. accidentally covers his dad with black goop, turning him into a monster, he runs to Mario for help. If you play the campaign with a real-life companion, they control Bowser Jr. as a supporting character.

6

Mallow

He’s A Softie

In Super Mario RPG, the plumber must face a new threat that endangers the Mushroom Kingdom by teaming up with new and familiar faces. His first ally is Prince Mallow, a cloud-like fellow who must face his fears to discover the truth about his past and where he came from.

Mallow isn’t the best at inflicting physical damage, but his magical powers are nothing to laugh at. He can heal party members and use elemental attacks like Thunderbolt and Snowy to hit multiple enemies. Although he is a crybaby, Mallow is the first to join Mario’s party and proves himself on their journey.

5

Vivian

From The Shadows

Mario meets many unique partners in the Paper Mario series, but few have had a major role in the narrative, like Tippi and Vivian. The latter is a key character in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and begins the game as one of Mario’s enemies before switching sides to join our hero on his two-dimensional adventure.​​​​​​​

Vivian is a member of the Shadow Sirens with her two sisters, who use her as a scapegoat for their own shortcomings, making her feel awful about herself. After unknowingly teaming up with Mario in Twilight Town, Vivian gains self-confidence and turns against her sisters to support those who encourage and respect her.

4

Tippi

A Tragic Tale

Tippi is one of Mario’s companions in Super Paper Mario, but her role in this game is much larger than just supporting the plumber through thick and thin. She doesn’t remember much about her past, but as you progress through the story, you’ll discover that the Pixl is much more than just a colorful butterfly with an attitude.

Acting as Mario’s guide through this adventure, Tippi is with Mario from the beginning of the game to the very end. While other Pixls are introduced later during the journey, Tippi is an essential partner that grows with you as you travel to different dimensions together. Super Paper Mario can be overlooked sometimes, but Tippi’s story is one of the series’ greatest achievements.

3

Cappy

Hat Full Of Tricks

Cappy was introduced in Super Mario Odyssey as both a new friend and a vessel for the game’s core mechanic. When Princess Peach and Cappy’s sister, Tiara, are kidnapped by Bowser, the two decide to work together to save them. While Mario is capable of triple-jumping and backflipping his way to new heights, Cappy’s ability allows him to possess objects and enemies essential for their success.

While he can be a bit jumpy at times, Cappy acts as the group’s voice when talking to others, and he and Mario are quite alike. Both characters are heroic and always put those in trouble over themselves. Cappy is friendly and allows Mario to turn into a T-Rex, which instantly makes him better than most real-life companions.

2

Luigi

The Good Brother

As Mario’s younger brother, Luigi has been his companion since the beginning. From defeating enemies together in the Mario Bros. arcade game to working together to save Princess Peach in Super Mario Bros. for the NES, the two rarely go anywhere without their brother by their side. Whether they are racing karts, partying, or getting lost in spooky mansions, it’s rare to see Mario and Luigi apart.

While Mario and Luigi are often in the same games together, it’s uncommon to see them working as one on the same screen to reach their goals. Some of the best examples of their partnership is in spin-off games like Super Paper Mario, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and the magnificent Mario & Luigi RPGs.

1

Yoshi

Ride Or Die

Yoshi made his debut in Super Mario World for the SNES and instantly became one of the most popular characters in the Mushroom Kingdom. The adorable dinosaur recruits Mario and Luigi to help him save Dinosaur Land from Bowser and the Koopalings. He’ll even offer them a ride on his back to help them reach new heights and earn items by swallowing enemies.

The Yoshi species has continued to help Mario in games like Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Paper-Mario: The Thousand-Year Door while also earning their own line of spin-off games. Whenever Mario needs a boost, a pair of feet that can run over spikes, or even a tennis partner, Yoshi is a reliable companion that’ll be by his side no matter what happens.