To perform a first strike on an enemy, you need to land a hit it in the overworld to start the encounter in Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Learn how to do a first strike and know what first strikes do!

How to Do A First Strike

Catch Enemies by Surprise in the Overworld

To land a first strike on an enemy, approach it carefully in the overworld and land a hit before it makes contact with Mario or Luigi.

The most common ways to engage the first strike is by jumping on the enemy's head, or by timing a hammer swing to hit them right before they run into you.

Tips for Successful First Strikes

• Stay Alert. Watch the enemy's movement patterns and strike when it’s distracted or moving away.
• Be Stealthy. Approach from a distance to avoid alerting the enemy too soon.
• Reposition. If an enemy has already been alerted to your presence, you can run away and lie low for a bit until their aggression lowers. Then you can retry your approach for a first strike.

Use Bros. Moves to Initiate a First Strike

As you progress through the story and unlock your Bros. Moves, you'll also eventually unlock power-ups for these Bros. Moves that will give you tools to land a First Strike.

How to Unlock All Bros. Moves

First Strike Will Not Work on Bosses

Note that first strikes only work on regular enemies and not on bosses. Boss battles have scripted sequences that prevent preemptive strikes.

What Does A First Strike Do

Enemies Will Take Damage At the Start of Battle

When you land a first strike successfully, the battle begins with Mario dealing initial damage to all enemies. This gives you a significant advantage by reducing their health from the start, making combat faster and easier.

Starting with a first strike helps manage your resources by shortening battles, making you less likely to spend items.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership Related Guides

Beginner's Guide

All Tips and Tricks