Combat in Mario & Luigi: Brothership is turn-based with a component of performing Quick Time Events. Learn how the combat system works and some combat tips to help you defeat your foes with style!

Mario & Luigi: Brothership Combat Explained

Mario & Luigi: Brothership Combat
Actions Are Turn-Based Successfully Perform Quick Time Events Execute Bros. Attacks Battle Plugs Aid in Combat

Actions Are Turn-Based

Combat in Brothership is turn-based, much like other entries in the series, and can be initiated by bumping into an enemy while exploring the map. During Mario and Luigi's turn, they can do one of these four basic actions:

• Jump: Primary Attack
• Hammer: Secondary Attack
• Items: Use an item from Mario and Luigi's inventory on their turn
• Flee: Run from the battlefield in times of great hardship.

Apart from these actions, Mario and Luigi can also perform Bros. Attacks after learning them, and equip Battle Plugs once they become available.

Dodge and Counter-Attack During Enemy Turns

Unlike most turn-based games, Mario and Luigi have the ability to Dodge and Counter-Attack incoming damage by timing your button presses as the prompts appear on screen. Different enemies have a variety of movesets that require thorough observation to dodge or counter properly, so always be on the lookout for their attack pattern.

Successfully Perform Quick Time Events

Quick Time Events (QTEs) integrate into the Mario & Luigi turn-based battle system to determine the success of an action. Prompts appear on-screen whenever a brother performs an Offensive Action—like Jump, Hammer, or Bros. Attack—and for Defensive Actions on enemy turns, allowing them to Dodge or Counter-Attack.

Failing to press these button prompts correctly will lead to a missed attempt and, in defensive actions, may also result in a loss of HP. To avoid this, time your button presses carefully, as timing is always key.

Execute Bros. Attacks

Once learned, unleash devastating damage onto your enemies by executing Bros. Attacks. These special attacks will use up your BP but have stronger effects.

Coordinate Mario and Luigi's actions by timing your button presses with the prompts that appear on-screen to successfully perform these flashy attacks. Nothing is more powerful than sheer brotherhood!

Battle Plugs Aid in Combat

Battle Plugs are exclusive to Mario & Luigi: Brothership, and can grant helpful buffs or extra damage when equipped. Once unlocked, you start out with two taps, allowing you to equip up to two Battle Plugs at a time. As you progress the game, you'll unlock more taps, allowing for more variety in your gameplay.

An example of this is the Surprise Iron Ball which deals extra damage to an enemy after Mario and Luigi's attack. Battle Plugs are equippable items and will be depleted when used consistently. They will recharge over time, but you'll want to make sure you have your best plugs ready for big important fights.

Combine Battle Plugs For Bigger Damage

You can mix and match Battle Plug effects by inserting two or more plugs into the provided sockets, and unleash their effects at the same time. This maximizes the damage you can deal during your turn, allowing for an efficient way of taking down your foes.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership Combat Tips

Mario & Luigi: Brothership Combat Tips
Consume Items Use Defensive Battle Plugs Flee When the Going Gets Tough

Consume Items When Needed

During your turn, don't hesitate to use helpful items to heal or buff Mario and Luigi instead of focusing solely on attack actions. Managing resources is key in turn-based combat, and Health Points are especially valuable, so keep them as high as possible.

Use Defensive Battle Plugs

Battle Plugs offer versatile utility to the brothers beyond offense, like providing healing support with the Auto Mushroom Battle Plug. Activating useful Plugs such as this can protect Mario and Luigi while allowing them to focus on delivering consistent attacks.

Flee When the Going Gets Tough

If you feel that you've bitten off a little more than you can chew, always remember that fleeing is an option!

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