After a detour across the clouds of the Sunbeam Plains, Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario reach a previously inaccessible entrance to Gloomy Woods. After only a few steps, it is noticeable that this part of the forest seems much scarier than the areas we crossed during our first visit. Between the dark trees shimmer violet flames, numerous paths are blocked by large thorns and strange sounds penetrate from the shadows. Even Starlow is not very enthusiastic about the dark environment. However, since the usual route to Mount Brrr is still blocked by cardboard obstacles, we have no choice but to cross the Dark Forest and search for Flutter on the other side.
Just behind the entrance is a Heart-Block, which allows you to completely fill up the HP and BP of all three characters. Use it and save your progress. Then you follow the narrow forest path first to the west. The area is guarded by various boos and stronger paper opponents. Especially the ghosts can become unpleasant because they are temporarily invisible during their attacks. Watch their movements and set as strong hammer or bros as possible. Attacks to avoid longer fights.
The Great Spider Web in the Dark Forest
Go west from the Heart-Block and follow the forest trail north. Soon you will recognize a wide abyss spanned by a large spider web. Mario and Luigi are too heavy to cross the thin net safely. This is not a problem for Paper Mario. Stand at the beginning of the narrow connection and send the paper hero alone over it. Run carefully up to the opposite platform and jump against the flashy red! Block.
The hit removes several of the major obstacles in the middle forest section. This creates a new connection between the southern entrance area and the forest roads further north. Then return with Paper Mario over the spider web and collect the three characters again. Since we have to complete a longer section without the full group, you should not start any unnecessary fights for the time being.
Run across the exposed path back to the Heart-Block and make sure all characters are fully healed. Then save again and follow the newly opened northern passage. In the next area stands a particularly large, unusually shaped tree. At first sight, he appears suspicious. Its branches move almost like arms and between the roots several shadows seem to emerge.
When Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario approach the tree, it suddenly turns into a giant ghost. King Boo appears together with several smaller Boos and blocks the way. Luigi is so scared that he immediately runs away. While he wants to get to safety, King Boo takes the opportunity and kidnaps Mario and Paper Mario. When Luigi finally stops again, his two companions have disappeared. This begins an unusual stage of the adventure, in which you initially control exclusively Luigi.
Luigi on his own
After Mario and Paper Mario are gone, Luigi sits terrified among the dark trees. Without his two friends, he hardly dares to continue at first. So go east first, where you’ll find Starlow. She tries to encourage Luigi and reminds him that he has supported his brother in numerous dangerous adventures. Finally, Luigi takes on new courage and decides to free Mario and Paper Mario themselves from the clutches of the ghosts.
Since Luigi is temporarily alone, all trio skills are not available to you. Neither the Trio Hammer nor the Trio Grab, the Trio Drill or the Trio Glider can be used without Mario and Paper Mario. Also, pair and trio attacks cannot be used in combat. Luigi must therefore first rely on his usual jump and hammer abilities. Fortunately, the following path is mostly skill tests, where we have to dodge the spirits instead of fighting them directly.
After talking to Starlow, first go northwest. There, several small tree stumps lead to an elevated platform. Jump on the steps with Luigi and open it? Block at the top. There are 50 coins in it. Then you drop back on the lower forest path and follow it further west. In the next area, the first major escape route begins.
The first ghost hunt: 90 seconds
As soon as Luigi enters the next stretch of forest, a large purple wall of fire appears behind him. At the same time, several previously closed passageways open in the northwest. On the screen, a countdown of one minute and 30 seconds begins. During this time you have to bring Luigi to the open exit. The trail passes through several small platforms and numerous boos trying to scare and stop him.
For the fastest way, you first keep as far as possible on the southern edge of the area. Run west and jump over the first violet flames that float across the path. Unlike ordinary obstacles, some of the flames move up and down regularly. Observe their position briefly and jump only when a sufficiently large gap has emerged. However, you should not stop too long, as the countdown continues during this time.
The Boos patrol on fixed routes. If you get too close to a ghost, Luigi stops in terror and loses precious time. Therefore, try to bypass the Enemies with a little distance as possible. Pay particular attention to whether they are looking in your direction. As soon as a boo turns away or floats to the opposite side of his patrol, you can pass the free area.
At the western end of the lower forest road you turn north. Here is a series of small tree stumps arranged like stairs. Jump one by one on each step and follow the elevated path further north. Shortly before the end, a last purple line of fire blocks the passage. Jump over it and then drop onto the platform behind it.
From here, a short path leads directly to the open northwest exit. Once you reach it, the countdown stops. Luigi has survived the first dangerous stretch of forest and can breathe a moment.
Retrieve the hidden coin block
Before you leave the area, it is worth a short detour back to the northeastern corner. Since the countdown was completed after reaching the exit, you can now examine the area in peace. Jump on the small tree stumps and follow them to the raised platform. It says a? Block with 50 coins. Open it and then return to the northern passage. The two coin blocks which can be reached during this alignment section are thus collected.
The Second Ghost Hunt: Two Minutes
Enter the next forest section. After a few steps, several Boos appear again and block Luigi’s way back. This time you have two minutes to reach the exit at the northern end of the area. The track is significantly longer than before and contains several different obstacles. In addition to the violet flames, this time you must also walk over acceleration fields and observe the movements of larger ghost groups.
Start with a run east and then turn north. There, several purple fire beams move across the path. Some slide slowly from left to right, others move in the opposite direction. Watch the first row of flames and jump over it as soon as the opening is large enough. Then follow the path to several raised tree stumps.
Jump up the stairs and walk west on the upper path first. Here you can reach several acceleration fields that automatically transport Luigi at high speed in the indicated direction. If possible, stand straight on the first field and let yourself be carried over the following platforms. Do not attempt to change direction abruptly during acceleration. The fields are arranged so that you stay on the intended path with a clean movement.
The Spirits on the Tree Steps
At the western end of the acceleration line leads another road to the north. There are several small tree stumps next to each other, on which numerous boos have hidden. As soon as Luigi approaches, the ghosts briefly appear and then disappear again. Some steps remain free while others are guarded by the Boos. Your task is to recognize the free platforms and jump right there.
Observe the entire arrangement before making the first jump. First of all, remember which stages remain without spirit and which boo changes its position. As soon as the Enemies become invisible again, you jump over the free platforms one after the other. Stay in a uniform rhythm as far as possible. If you stay on a single level for too long, the ghosts can reappear and scare Luigi.
At the top of the stairs you reach a longer wooden path. Follow him northeast and jump over the next purple row of flames. Behind this, the last test of the second escape route is already waiting.
The Circling Boos
Just before the exit, several boos move in a large circle. The ghosts become invisible in between, but their shadows or the short movements on the floor continue to betray their positions. Don’t just walk through the middle of the formation. Wait until a sufficiently wide gap opens between two ghosts, and then move Luigi through this free area.
Once you have passed the first opening, you should briefly check how the other spirits move. The last passageway is located in the northern part of the formation. Again use a gap between the opponents and then run directly to the opened goal. Once Luigi passes through, the countdown is ended. He also survived the second ghost hunt.
Three more treasure blocks
After the second Flee you can explore the forest section again without time pressure. Since we would like to take with us as many accessible collectible objects as possible, it is worth a short way back south. First go back to the big tree staircase and stay there west. Is there a tall tree stump? Block with 100 coins. Jump up and open it.
A little further north you will find two additional? blocks, which contain 50 or 100 coins. Collect the two and then return to the north exit. On the eastern side of the staircase there is also a large sandy rock face. It contains several buried beans and coins. Since Luigi is currently alone, he cannot use the Trio Drill. Remember this position for our later return with the full group. Also a hidden Paper Mario-Crystal block in the tree stump above must first remain.
After collecting the three accessible blocks, you leave the area through the northern exit. Luigi has now overcome the two most dangerous ghost routes and finally reaches a somewhat quieter section of the Dark Forest.
Luigi discovers a supposed Mario
In the next area, Mario is suddenly on the way. Luigi is of course very happy and immediately runs towards his brother. But after a few steps, something is wrong. Mario moves unusually, does not respond to Luigi’s calls and finally disappears before his eyes. Shortly thereafter, several more Mario shapes appear, moving between the stumps of the trees. It is not the real Mario, but Boos who have taken his form to further frighten Luigi.
Follow the supposed Mario forms first to the northeast. Before you jump to the elevated platforms in the west, however, you should examine the northeastern bypass. At the end is a? Block with 50 coins. Open it and then return to the middle way. Now you can jump over the tree stumps to the higher platforms.
The Mario and Luigi blocks
On the elevated western platform you will find two special blocks marked with the letter block M and L. Usually Mario and Luigi have to hit these blocks with their respective keys. Since Mario is still gone, only Luigi is available to you at the moment. Therefore, jump first against the green L-Block. As a result, several yellow platforms appear, connecting a part of the previously separated path.
The red M block, on the other hand, initially remains unaffected. Without Mario, you cannot activate him. So first go south and then west to another? Block with 50 coins. Open it and then follow the newly accessible path through the yellow platforms. Jump from protrusion to protrusion and make sure not to fall back into the lower area unnecessarily.
At the end of the path you reach a narrow transition that leads to a large tree. There is finally the real Mario hanging upside down between the branches. Several Boos float around him and seem to be amused by his helpless situation. Luigi grabs a heart and walks directly towards the tree. Jump against the trunk or marked spot so that Mario is released from his unusual position.
The ghosts frighten at Luigi’s sudden courage and disappear. Mario lands safely on the ground again and thanks his brother. Thus, the group is at least partially reunited. From now on you can control Mario and Luigi together. Ordinary Bros. Attacks are available again in combat. However, Paper Mario is still missing, which is why the trio abilities can still not be used.
With Mario back to the red blocks
Return with Mario to the previous area where the two colored blocks stand. This time, in addition to the green L-Block, you can also activate the red M Block. Jump against it with Mario and watch more yellow platforms appear. Together they form a new link across the previously inaccessible eastern part of the area.
Jump to the first platform and follow the path east. At the end you reach a slightly lower edge, on which Paper Mario suddenly appears. He also seems to be completely uninjured at first glance and walks among the trees. Mario and Luigi call for him, but cannot reach him from their current position. The direct path is blocked by a watercourse, so we have to take a detour.
Therefore, first follow the creek south and enter the next forest section. Here you will meet for the first time again ordinary Enemies, which you can fight together with Mario and Luigi. Especially paper-buu-huus float between the tree stumps and try to surprise the two brothers. They can temporarily make themselves invisible during their attacks and then strike from an unexpected direction. Therefore, watch their movement closely and use as strong Bros as possible. Attacks to end the fighting quickly.
The glowing mushroom platforms
In the southern forest section are several large luminous mushroom platforms that float like small islands above the ground. First jump to the southernmost platform and open the one there? Block. It contains 50 coins. Then you follow the path east and defeat the paper-buu-huus patrolling between the small tree stumps.
On the northeastern tree stump is another? Block with 100 coins. Jump up and take them with you. Then follow the elevated path to the north until you reach the eastern half of the previous area again. Now Mario and Luigi are on the same side of the watercourse where they previously saw Paper Mario.
In the following area, stay as far as possible on the western wall and go to the nearby Heart-Block. Use it to fully restore the CCP and BP of Mario and Luigi. Since Paper Mario is still missing, both brothers should be as well prepared as possible. Especially important are enough BP for the stronger Bros. Attacks and enough healing objects. A few steps east of the heart block is also? Block with a 1-UP DX. Open it before the next fight.
The Wrong Paper Mario
After healing, jump to the raised platform in the north. In the background are several large paper trees, one of which wobbles conspicuously. Examine this tree. Shortly afterwards, Paper Mario emerges and finally seems to be reunited with Mario and Luigi. But there’s something wrong here. The paper hero behaves unusually and his movements are more reminiscent of the tricks of the Boos than of our trusted companion.
Mario and Luigi become suspicious and suddenly turn around. For a brief moment, the figure loses her disguise and turns into King Boo. The ghost king immediately tries to restore his deception, and again takes the form of Paper Mario. When the two brothers surprise him again, he finally loses control of his transformations. He appears one after the other as Paper Peach and Paper Bowler, before he finally angrily assumes his real form.
This makes it clear that we have fallen for King Boo again. The real Paper Mario is still in his power. Mario and Luigi, however, are no longer intimidated and face the ghost king for battle.
Boss Fight: King Boo
King Boo is one of the more unpleasant opponents of the previous adventure. With 1,421 HP, he has less life energy than some of the last big bosses, but can surprise with numerous unusual attacks and a particularly devious hostage take. At the beginning, only Mario and Luigi are available to you. Paper Mario continued to be captured by one of the smaller ghosts and can only be freed during the fight. Without it, all trio attacks are initially blocked.
Another special feature is King Boo’s golden Elder Princess Shroob. It has several sharp tips and protects the mind against ordinary jump attacks from above. If you jump directly on the Elder Princess Shroob, the attacking brother himself suffers damage, similar to a spiky Enemies. Therefore, refrain from normal jumps and use Hammer or suitable Bros instead. Attacks. Especially Luigi’s Drill Shell, Mario’s Rocket Blast and the Cannonball Chuck are suitable for harming the ghost king without touching his Elder Princess Shroob.
However, before you use your strongest attacks, you must know the boss’s decisive trick: Once King Boo Paper leads Mario as a hostage, you must no longer attack the ghost king directly. Otherwise, he immediately takes revenge on his prisoner.
Paper Mario released from hostage-taking
After Mario and Luigi execute the first successful attack, King Boo calls for a paper-buu-huu. The little ghost carries the real Paper Mario in his hands and holds him right in front of the group. King Boo threatens to harm the prisoner if Mario or Luigi continue to fight him. At the same time, he tries to intimidate the two brothers and prevent them from attacking his helper.
Don’t let that fool you. The only way to free Paper Mario is to attack the Paper Buu Huu with the hostage. Select the small ghost as your target and use a strong attack that can defeat it with a single hit. Since paper-buu-huus offers little resistance to certain attacks, a clean jump can suffice. Alternatively, use a powerful hammer attack or a suitable bros. Attack to turn off the wearer immediately.
Once the Paper Buu Huu is defeated, he drops Paper Mario and disappears. The paper hero can rejoin the group and gain access to his usual commands. It is particularly important that you can now create copies again and use trio attacks. First, make some copies of Paper Mario if his life energy has already dropped or he has suffered damage during captivity.
If, on the other hand, you attack King Boo while the Paper Buu Huu holds your friend, the Ghost King strikes at Paper Mario. Then the prisoner is carried away for further rounds and you have to wait again for his release. Therefore, avoid attacks on the main opponent as long as the little ghost is on the battlefield with Paper Mario. You should also use surface attacks carefully in this situation if they would hit the king.
The Blue Fireballs
Among the most common attacks by King Boo are his blue ghost flames. The boss hovers in front of Mario or Luigi and spits out four fireballs in succession. The floors move at different heights towards the brothers. Some fly close above the ground and must be overcome with a jump. Others move so high that you can dodge them by standing on the floor. Therefore, observe the altitude of each individual fireball and do not automatically jump on each projectile.
After King Boo spits out all four flames, he begins to breathe vigorously. As a result, the previously fireballs are retracted back into his mouth. This is the real difficulty of this attack: you have to avoid the flames on the way back. Therefore, remember already at the first pass, which shells flew high and which low. When sucked in, they come back in reverse order.
It is particularly helpful not to interrupt the rhythm of the projectiles by hectic jumps. First observe the first flame and press A or B only when it actually flies at the level of the affected character. With high bullets you stay against it. As soon as the fourth flame has flown by, you immediately prepare for the way back. Make sure that there is only a short break between spitting and sucking.
If you get through all eight moves cleanly, the group will remain completely unharmed and King Boo will not be given an opportunity for additional damage. However, if you are hit several times, the boss can quickly reduce your HP. This is why it is worthwhile to play this attack defensively and closely observe the heights of the fireballs.
The Invisible Ghost Copies
Another attack begins when King Boo splits into five identical ghosts. The copies first float side by side and then slowly move towards Mario and Luigi. Once they get close enough, they suddenly disappear from view. Nevertheless, they continue their attack and appear only immediately before the affected character.
Therefore, at the beginning of the sequence, observe exactly in which order the five copies set in motion. In particular, remember which spirits are heading for Mario and which are heading for Luigi. As soon as a copy becomes invisible, you have to follow its movement mentally. After about two seconds she reaches the corresponding brother. Therefore, hold the hammer ready and press the appropriate button shortly before the ghost reappears.
In a successful hammer counter, the attacking copy is repulsed and often meets other ghosts who are immediately behind it. This allows you to inflict additional damage on the boss without using up your own attack move. If the counterattack fails, the affected character suffers damage and can also trip. This condition is particularly unpleasant when several copies attack immediately one after the other.
The safest method is to pay attention to the movement of the spirits and not to swing the hammer already when the copy disappears. Instead, wait until she actually has to be in front of the character. Especially the small time intervals between the individual copies are crucial. Once you understand their rhythm, the entire attack chain can be defended comparatively reliably.
The Pursuit Attack with the Paper Boomerang
Once Paper Mario is back in the group, King Boo can use another particularly dangerous attack. He expands and pursues Mario and Luigi over a longer distance. Meanwhile, numerous smaller boos appear, trying to block the escape route. For this sequence, Paper Mario turns into a boomerang that the brothers can throw at the ghost king in turn.
First, observe where King Boo is in the background. Between him and the group float several smaller spirits that block the direct path. Throw Paper Mario at the smaller boos with the faded button to remove them from the trajectory. Once the boomerang returns, the other brother catches it and can prepare the next litter. Try to create a free path to the actual boss as quickly as possible.
During the pursuit, King Boo gathers energy for a particularly large blue fireball. You recognize the preparation by his body briefly lighting up and opening his mouth wide. Right now you have to throw Paper Mario right into his mouth as a boomerang. Align the throw as closely as possible to the open mouth and trigger it before the ghost king fires his fireball.
If the hit succeeds, King Boo Paper swallows Mario and then has to cough hard. He spits out the paper hero again, while the great Fireball is directed against him. This interrupts the attack and King Boo suffers considerable damage. If you miss the right moment, he can fire his Fireball unhindered. Therefore, pay special attention to the lighting up of his body and do not wait too long after he has opened his mouth.
The Second Hostage
After you do enough damage to King Boo, he gets especially angry. His body begins to glow and he calls again a paper-buu-huu. This time the little ghost appears together with several paper copies, which stack up on top of each other and hold the real Paper Mario. The Ghost King tries to tear the group apart again and stop your strongest trio attacks.
This time, focus on the hostage taker. Since the paper-buu-huu is now protected by additional copies, the fight can take a little longer. Strong Bros are particularly suitable. Attacks that cause multiple hits in a row. Luigis Drill Shell and Mario’s Cannonball Chuck can quickly weaken the pile. If possible, try to defeat the Paper Buu Huu within a single round of attack so that Paper Mario is not lost again for several rounds.
Only attack King Boo again once the hostage-taker has been completely defeated and Paper Mario freed. Then restore his copies if they were lost in the kidnapping. The second hostage-taking is especially dangerous if your BP is already largely depleted. Therefore, if necessary, use an ultra-syrup glass in time so that you can continue to use strong bros. Attacks can be used.
King Boo finally defeated
For the actual damage to the boss are still suitable especially Hammer- and Bros. Attacks. Ordinary jumps should be avoided due to the spiky Elder Princess Shroob. If Paper Mario is available, you can also use your strongest trio attacks. Especially the trio tennis or the corresponding racket attack can cause considerable damage against King Boo, if you reliably execute their keys. The Trio Shuriken is also helpful if you align the individual throws as closely as possible to the target.
If you have collected enough star points, you should also use your combat cards. Especially cards that increase your power, combined with a strong pair or trio attack, can remove a large part of the remaining life energy of the boss. A healing card, on the other hand, makes sense if Mario or Luigi was hit several times during the ghost copies or fireballs. If possible, use the cards if Paper Mario is not being held captive and all three characters can actively fight.
Keep your HP as safe as possible throughout the fight. Especially the five invisible ghost copies can quickly cause several hits in succession if the counterattack fails. Due to the additional danger of a tripping state, it is worthwhile to heal battered characters early on with ultra-mushrooms or ultra-nuts. Once the boss has little life energy, you should try to completely defeat him with a strong pair or trio attack before calling another paper buy-huu to kidnap Paper Mario.
After enough successful results, King Boo is finally defeated. The Spirit King loses his power and disappears from the Dark Forest. Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario will receive 3,250 Experience Point and 880 coins for the win. As a possible equipment reward, he also leaves the defence clothing DX for Mario and Luigi. With this, the three heroes are finally fully reunited and can continue their journey to Mount Brrr.
The abbreviation over the watercourse
After the victory, you should not immediately leave the northern path. In the Dark Forest, several treasure blocks and shortcuts have become accessible, which we could not reach during Luigi’s solo effort. Therefore, first return to the nearby Heart-Block and completely restore the HP and BP of all three characters. Then you go southwest to a large water gap. On the opposite side you can see a folded wooden bridge.
Stand on the marked surface and use the Trio Grab to pull up the bridge. This creates a permanent connection between the two forest sections. Cross them and follow the path north until you reach several elevated platforms. Jump on the steps and go to the special Paper Mario-Crystal block in the upper area. Send Paper Mario there and open the Block. It contains 100 coins.
In the west of this area there is also a large grave area. Examine them with the trio drill and you get four ultra-nuts. Since these items can heal multiple characters at the same time, you should definitely take them with you before the next major challenge. Then you return via the extended bridge to the Heart-Block.
Open the other ghost gates
Go south from the Heart-Block and follow the now accessible path back to the Middle Dark Forest. There is another large spider web stretched over a narrow abyss. Send Paper Mario to the other side alone again and jump against the red one there! Block. As a result, the remaining ghost gates, which have so far separated several forest sections, disappear. The paths from Luigi’s two escape routes are thus again connected and can be explored without time limit.
From here you can search the previously inaccessible secondary areas in peace. Start with the western path that leads back to the second ghost hunt. In the northern part of the area, several barriers were removed. Behind it stand two? blocks with an Ultra Nut and 50 coins. Open both and then head south to a hollow tree stump. On its front is a narrow crack. Send Paper Mario inside and open the hidden Block with two ultra fungi.
Below the tree stump is also the sandy rock face, which we could not examine during Luigi’s solo visit. Drill in with the trio drill and find the three X markers. In this section lie a Heart-Bean, a Brothers-Bean and 100 coins. The drilling sites are distributed along the wall from west to east. Collect them completely before you return to the lower path.
The Firehammer DX
Then leave the area south and return to the area of the first ghost hunt. In the southwest corner stands on a particularly tall tree stump? Block that Luigi could not reach before. Jump first to the elevated lead east of it and look for the violet mark for the Trio Glider. Start a short flight west and land on the tallest tree stump.
Open it? Block and you get the firehammer DX for Mario or Luigi. The new Hammer is particularly interesting against Enemies with a weakness towards Fire. Compare it directly with your previous equipment and apply it if necessary. Then you drop back from the tree stump to the ground and follow the eastern exit back to the entrance area of the Dark Forest.
The last sidewalks at the forest entrance
In the first area of the Dark Forest, you can now also open several previously unattainable paths. First go east to the great spider web. Send Paper Mario on it alone and open it? Block on the opposite side. There is an Ultra Nut. Then you return to the group and follow the southeastern side road.
At the end of this path, no progress seems possible at first. On the other side of the watercourse, however, there is a folded wooden bridge. Stand on the marked surface and use the Trio Tomb to pull it up. Cross the new connection and open it? Block behind it. It contains 100 coins. This impasse is thus also fully explored.
Now you can take the eastern exit and return to the famous Toad village of the Twilight Forest. There, the second visit also opened up new paths that we should investigate before returning to Mount Brrr.
New cardboard platforms in the Toad village
In the Toad village there is now a larger cardboard construction in the eastern area. First, go to the stores and use the Heart-Block if necessary to completely heal the group. Then you jump on the first two new cardboard platforms and follow the narrow path to the east. There is a particularly close transition that only Paper Mario can pass. Send it over alone and open it? Block at the end of the road. Therein lies the loading clothes DX for Mario or Luigi.
After that, return to the group with Paper Mario and follow the cardboard platforms to the northwest. On the highest platform is a marked place for the Trio Grab. Use the action to pull up a long wooden board on the opposite side. This creates a bridge directly into the upper floor of one of the houses.
Enter the building and walk across the upper hallway to the neighboring house. There is a pit in the floor, through which you can get into the lower room. Talk to the Toad who is in the house. He tells you that he has kept a special item in his dresser and allows you to search for it. Examine the dresser and you will receive a brother ring for Mario or Luigi. Since this object is not in an ordinary? If it lies in a block, it is particularly easily overlooked.
Then leave the house and return to the village via the extended bridge. In doing so, we have also investigated the most important new side routes of the Toad village. The further main road leads back west into the Dark Forest.
The Last Forest Shortcuts
Leave the village west and return to the Heart-Block of the Dark Forest. On the way, you can pull out another collapsed bridge with Trio Grab, which connects the southern and northern parts of the forest. This creates an additional shortcut for later visits. Then head north from the Heart-Block and jump to the elevated platforms. It says a? Block with two ultra-syrup glasses. Take them with you and, if necessary, also examine the sandy wall below the platform, because there are other drilling sites in it.
Then follow the northern path back to the area of the glowing mushroom platforms. First jump to the southern mushroom island and open the Crystal block with 50 coins. Then go to the big hollow tree stump in the west. Send Paper Mario through the narrow gap and open the hidden crystal block with two double 1-UP mushrooms. These items are especially valuable because they can revive two incapacitated characters at the same time.
East of the glowing mushroom platforms is another one? Block with 50 coins. Open it and then go to the watercourse. There you can draw on another bridge with the Trio Grab, which significantly shortens the previous detour around the water. Follow the new connection and then go northeast to the next forest section.
Another equipment for Paper Mario
In the following area, several paper-buu-huus welcome you. Defeat the first Enemies and then jump on the nearby tree stump. It says a? Block with 100 coins. After that, do not go directly north, but follow the southern side road west. The trail leads around a larger hill and ends on a gray crystal block that can be destroyed with the Trio Hammer.
Dismantle the obstacle with the Trio Hammer and examine the rock behind it. Between the stones is a narrow crack, through which only Paper Mario fits. Send him in and follow the little aisle to two hidden blocks. One contains 50 coins, in the other is a star brooch DX for Paper Mario. Take both items and then return to the group. You should compare the brooch directly with his previous equipment, because it can be a useful improvement depending on your style of play.
Side Mission: Flee in front of the Boos
If you then follow the northern main trail, you will encounter a Toad, which is beset by several Boos. The ghosts do not want to leave the small resident alone and try to scare him again and again. Talk to Toad and offer your help. Then an optional challenge begins, in which Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario have to flee from a particularly persistent Boo as long as possible.
The task takes a total of 90 seconds. During this time, a large boo moves over a limited field and tries to catch up with the three heroes. In addition, Bob-ombs and purple flames appear regularly, blocking the path. Stay moving as much as possible and use the sprint socks to gain distance from the spirit. If several bob-ombs fall from the sky, you should avoid their impact points and not walk directly through the middle of the group.
After some time, additional flames appear that move across the arena. Jump over it with the entire trio and make sure the characters land in time afterwards. It becomes particularly dangerous if you have to stop short by a hit and the chasing Boo comes closer. Therefore, avoid unnecessary changes of direction and run around the obstacles in large arcs as possible.
If one of your characters is hit by an obstacle, he can temporarily retire from the group. As long as at least one character remains at the end of the 90 seconds, you can successfully complete the mission. The more pieces you bring to safety until the end, the higher the additional coin reward. In the difficult variant, you can allow yourself even fewer errors, which is why you should watch the movements of the flames and the impact points of the Bob-ombs particularly closely.
After the successful conclusion, the Toad thanks Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario. As a reward, you will receive the mix badge DX for Mario or Luigi. You should also do this optional challenge directly at a point that is as complete as possible, so that you do not have to return to the Dark Forest later on just because of the badge.
The disappearing cardboard bridges
After the side mission, continue east. There begins a longer stretch of narrow cardboard bridges, which disappear shortly after entering. Therefore, you have to run from one platform to the next as quickly as possible and overcome the larger gaps with joint jumps. Stand at the beginning of the first bridge and activate the sprint socks. Once you enter the first platform, you should no longer stop unnecessarily.
The bridges run first to the east and then in several short sections to the south. Watch their order and use the team jump as soon as there is a bigger gap ahead of you. If a platform disappears under the group, you will land again on the lower level and can return to the beginning via the tree stumps. It is therefore not necessary to restart the entire route in a failed attempt.
On the opposite side there is a large golden ring, which you can optionally fly through with the Trio Glider. This results in additional coins that you can collect during the flight. If you want to take the coin reward with you, stand at the appropriate jump point and steer the glider through the ring. Then you land again on the main platform and continue your way south.
At the southern end of the route stand two? blocks with 50 and 100 coins. Open both and then drop onto the lower platform. There are two special Mario and Luigi blocks waiting, which together contain an Ultra Nut and another 100 coins. Once you have collected these items, follow the eastern exit and return to the brighter part of the Twilight Forest.
Side Mission: Repeat Roy’s Bombs
On the other hand, you can see several well-known forest paths that we crossed during our first visit. Right at the entrance there is a larger grave area, which you can examine with the Trio Drill. Among them are five medicinal herbs that can be used to eliminate various negative state changes. Collect them and then go down the slope to the south.
There are two Toads, one of whom is visibly in trouble. Talk to him. He reports that Roy Koopa along with several Fly Guys appeared in the area and threatened the inhabitants with bombs. The Toad asks Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario to beat Roy with his own weapons. Take the optional mission. For their successful conclusion, you will receive a particularly good pair of boots for Mario or Luigi.
During the task, Roy hovers over the field in his Koopa Clown Car. At the same time, two Fly Guys carry big Bob-ombs through the air. You must now use the Trio Grab to take a bomb off one of the Fly Guys. Wait until Roy raises his hands and requests a new bomb. At this very moment, you point the trio grave at him and throw back the stolen Bob-omb.
After the first hit, Roy becomes angry and begins to drop bombs on the group himself. Avoid the bullets in time and then watch the two Fly Guys again. Once Roy raises his hands again, you grab a new Bob-omb and throw it back. After the second hit, Roy changes his attack again. Now he throws two bombs immediately in succession, so you have to dodge particularly quickly. Wait for the opportunity to hurl a bomb at him.
In total, you must land three successful hits to complete the mission. After the third hit, Roy retreats and the Toads can breathe a sigh of relief. As a reward, you will receive the anti-air boots DX for Mario or Luigi. Especially against flying Enemies, these boots are a significant improvement and can be very useful in the following sections.
The Last Road to Flutter
After Roy’s defeat, return to the elevated platform above the two Toads. In the east you see a large spine abyss, which cannot be overcome with ordinary jumps. Stand in front of the purple jump marker and use the Trio Glider to fly to the opposite side. Pick up at least one lift for the last section of the flight so you land safely on the high lead. Then follow the path north into the next forest section.
Here lies a small circular island on which several coins are distributed. Collect them and then examine the existing drilling sites. Is there one in the middle? Block with 50 coins. Open it and then follow the small stumps to the north. On one of the protrusions is another grave area, which you can examine with the trio drill. Behind this rises a high platform, which you have to reach with the Trio Glider.
Stand at the appropriate marker, start the slider and land on the top projection. There are two special blocks for Luigi and Paper Mario. Open both to collect 100 coins and an ultra-candy. Then you go east, where again a large spine abyss blocks the way. Over the Spike Trap also hovers a long spiky tree trunk. To overcome it, you should not start the Trio Glider directly on the edge, but take a little distance and then gain enough height.
Fly over the spiked abyss and use an extra boost just before the tree trunk so that Paper Mario climbs high enough. Then you head towards the eastern platform and land safely on the other side. There is a large cardboard wall that blocks the way. Stand in front of it and use the Trio Hammer. The wall falls forward and forms a ramp through which you can reach the next area.
Follow the new path north and use the Heart-Block there. This restores the HP and BP of all three characters. Right next to it is finally our old acquaintance Flutter, who now regularly flies from Gloomy Woods to Mount Brrr. Before we use his service again, however, another optional task is worthwhile.
Mopsies Final Challenge at Gloomy Woods
Near Flutter stands an excited Toad who complains of a theft. Talk to him. He tells that Nabbit reappeared and stole a valuable item from him. The nimble thief then fled to several high cloud platforms located above the forest. Since Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario now dominate the Trio Glider, they can finally follow him there. Accept the mission and prepare for another chase.
The challenge consists of three rounds in which you have to catch up with Nabbit on several floating cloud platforms. Unlike the previous pursuits in the desert, this time the thief often stops on another platform and watches your movements. The cloud surfaces disappear as soon as you leave them. Therefore, you have to consider before the first jump which platforms you need for your way.
Start the first round with a jump to the nearby cloud and follow the platforms towards Nabbit. Make sure not to switch to a side cloud too early if you need it later for the way back. Once you reach Nabbit, he flees to the next cloud formation. In the second round, the distances become larger and several platforms disappear particularly quickly. Therefore, use the team jump and stick to the shortest possible connection between the still existing clouds.
In the third round, Nabbit tries to confuse you through several seemingly equivalent paths. Observe its position and see which clouds you can enter without locking yourself in. It is especially helpful to avoid the outer platforms at first and only use them when Nabbit actually flees in this direction. After the third successful catch, the thief finally gives up and leaves the stolen item behind.
As a reward, Luigi receives another Bros. Attack: Balloon-Blaster. This gives you an additional opportunity to hit several Enemies with a strong attack. This technique is especially useful for the coming sections, where numerous larger Enemies occur simultaneously. The new Bros. Attack should therefore be tried at least once before the next big boss fight to get used to their key inputs.
Return to Mount Brrr
After the optional Nabbit mission, return to the Heart-Block and heal your group completely. Directly west of Flutter is also a particularly tall tree stump. With the Trio Glider you can get to its top and the there? Open the block. It contains three ultra fungi. Take them with you before you finally leave the forest.
Then talk to Flutter. The great Butterfly immediately recognizes Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario and is happy that the three friends have returned safely from the Dark Forest. When he learns that they want to reach Mount Brrr again, he offers them another flight without hesitation. Accept his offer and climb on his back together with the two brothers.
During the flight you will already recognize the snowy slopes of the Spiegelbildberg. In the meantime, a lot has changed there. New cardboard platforms connect the high rock outcrops and additional paths have been opened in several places. Toadette and the rescued Paper Toads also continue to work to connect to the floating castle. We must therefore first reach the mountain village and then begin the second great ascent.
The Dark Forest is closed. Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario have defeated King Boo, regained all of the trio’s key abilities and opened several previously inaccessible shortcuts. We also completed the optional challenges against the Boos, Roy and Nabbit, with valuable equipment and an additional Bros. Attack collected. The found beans and strong healing objects will help us on the way to the floating castle.
Continue with Mount Brrr – second visit. There, new cardboard paths, further collectibles and additional tasks await us in the Toad village. In addition, Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario must reach the summit again to complete Toadette’s grand construction and finally create an access to Bowser’s new castle.