Mario Party has been a beloved franchise for decades, bringing friends and families together for fun-filled mini-games, strategic board play, and of course, a colorful cast of characters. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is unlocking all the playable characters, each with their own charm and personality. For new players and even veterans looking to complete their roster, knowing how to unlock characters in Mario Party can make the experience even more rewarding.
This guide explores all the methods, tips, and tricks for unlocking characters across various versions of Mario Party, helping you expand your roster and enjoy every aspect of the game.
Why Unlocking Characters Matters
Unlocking characters in Mario Party isn’t just about aesthetics; it enhances gameplay and variety. Different characters can make the game more engaging, as each one brings a unique style, voice, and sometimes slight gameplay differences. Collecting all characters also offers a sense of accomplishment and lets you explore all of Mario Party’s features fully.
For fans aiming for 100% completion, understanding how to unlock characters in Mario Party is essential.
Basic Methods to Unlock Characters
While the method varies slightly between Mario Party titles, some general strategies apply across the series:
-
Progress Through the Story or Board Mode
Most Mario Party games reward players with new characters as they progress through boards or story mode. Completing certain levels, winning tournaments, or achieving specific milestones often unlocks characters automatically. -
Earn Coins or Stars
In several versions, accumulating a set number of coins or stars can unlock characters. Regular gameplay in mini-games, board mode, or online matches helps players steadily reach these goals. -
Complete Specific Challenges
Certain characters require completing unique challenges or objectives. This could include winning a mini-game a number of times, finishing boards without losing coins, or achieving high scores in mini-game tournaments. -
Play With Friends or Multiplayer Modes
Some games encourage multiplayer interaction, offering rewards like character unlocks when players participate in co-op or versus modes.
By combining these strategies, players can gradually expand their roster without feeling overwhelmed.
How to Unlock Characters in Specific Mario Party Versions
Mario Party 10 (Wii U)
In Mario Party 10, players can unlock characters by completing events and winning mini-games. Some unlocks are tied to specific boards or require using Bowser Party mode effectively. Keep an eye on in-game prompts to know which tasks will reward new characters.
Mario Party: Star Rush (3DS)
Star Rush differs by emphasizing multiplayer mini-game collections. To unlock characters, players must complete Toad Scramble mode and collect coins or mini-stars. Completing every board with all characters ensures a full roster.
Super Mario Party (Nintendo Switch)
In Super Mario Party, unlocking characters often involves earning stars or coins in Party Mode. For example:
-
Completing boards with specific objectives unlocks new characters.
-
Achieving high scores in Solo Mini-Game Mode can also unlock hidden characters.
Players looking to complete how to unlock characters in Mario Party guides should focus on both board progression and mini-game mastery.
Tips for Efficient Character Unlocking
Unlocking characters in Mario Party can sometimes feel time-consuming. Here are tips to make the process faster and more enjoyable:
-
Focus on Mini-Game Mastery – Winning mini-games consistently earns coins and stars faster, which often trigger character unlocks.
-
Prioritize Story or Board Modes – Many characters are tied to board completion or milestones in story mode. Completing these efficiently speeds up the process.
-
Play With Friends – Multiplayer sessions can unlock characters more quickly than solo play, especially in versions with co-op challenges.
-
Check In-Game Objectives – Many Mario Party games have a “Tips” or “Objectives” section that shows which tasks unlock specific characters.
-
Use Consistent Play Sessions – Regular gameplay ensures gradual progress, making it easier to unlock characters without feeling overwhelmed.
Hidden or Secret Characters
Some versions of Mario Party include hidden characters that aren’t immediately obvious. These often require completing unique or secret objectives, such as:
-
Winning a certain number of mini-games in a row.
-
Completing all boards with all other characters unlocked.
-
Performing specific actions in solo mode, like collecting a set number of coins in one board.
Knowing how to unlock characters in Mario Party sometimes means looking beyond obvious goals and experimenting with gameplay styles.
Common Questions About Character Unlocking
Are all characters unlockable through gameplay?
Yes, in most Mario Party games, every character can be unlocked by completing specific tasks or challenges. None require additional purchases, though some may require persistent effort.
Does multiplayer help?
Absolutely. Many unlocks are tied to multiplayer performance, encouraging social gameplay. Playing with friends can also make repetitive tasks more enjoyable.
Can you unlock characters faster?
Focusing on boards that reward multiple characters, winning mini-games consistently, and completing objectives in sequence can speed up the process.
Benefits of Unlocking All Characters
Unlocking the full roster in Mario Party provides several benefits:
-
Increased Variety – Each game session can feel different depending on the chosen characters.
-
Personal Preference – Players can select characters they feel connected to or find aesthetically appealing.
-
Enhanced Replayability – The desire to unlock all characters encourages repeated gameplay.
-
Achievement Satisfaction – Completing unlockable challenges adds a sense of accomplishment.
For players aiming for 100% completion, knowing how to unlock characters in Mario Party ensures that the game stays engaging and rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to unlock characters in Mario Party is an important part of fully enjoying the franchise. By understanding the objectives tied to each version, focusing on mini-game performance, completing board challenges, and engaging in multiplayer modes, players can steadily unlock the entire roster.
Whether you are a casual gamer or a dedicated Mario Party fan, unlocking characters adds depth, excitement, and personalization to your gaming experience. From classic characters like Mario, Luigi, and Peach to hidden favorites that require effort to access, every character brings something unique to the party.
By following this guide, players can maximize their efficiency, enjoy every board and mini-game, and ultimately complete their collection, making Mario Party a fun and fulfilling experience for everyone.