Chapter 8: The Thousand-Year Door Walkthrough

Game8's walkthrough for Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door's (TTYD) Chapter 8, The Thousand-Year Door. Read on for a detailed guide for this chapter, including locations of collectibles, locations of note in The Palce of Shadow and the Riddle Tower, enemies, as well as useful tips for completing this chapter!

Chapter 8: The Thousand-Year Door Story Walkthrough

★Recommended Stats★
: 40			: 35			: 42
Chapter 8 Main Objectives
!	Things to Do Before Chapter 8
1	Spikes, Fire, and Bones
2	Doom and Gloomtail
3	Let Your Heart Be Your Guiding Key └ Palace of Shadow Tower Riddle Answers
4	The Shadow Sirens and Doopliss
5	Ferris Wheel of Fortune
6	Grodus and Bowser
7	The Shadow Queen
8	The End

Click on any of the links above to jump to the section!

Things to Do Before Heading Into The Thousand-Year Door

Before heading into this gauntlet of Bosses, Enemies, and Puzzles, make sure to prepare beforehand. Here is a list of everything you can do to prepare:

Spikes, Fire, and Bones Walkthrough

	Objectives
1	You will start the Chapter once you enter the Thousand-Year Door into the Palace of Darkness. Don't worry, you can walk back out if you still need more time to prepare. Head right and exit to a doorway to progress.
2	This room is a staircase, just head down while defeating the enemies along the way. There is a door at the bottom, head inside and another room awaits.
3	Grab the Mr. Softener when you get to this room. It is filled with Dry Bones and Bombshell Bills, so we recommend switching your partner to Bobbery or Vivian for this area to make it easier for you. Defeat the Bombshell Bill Blasters and head into the next room.
4	For this room, it is recommended to have the Slow Go Badge since the floor will have spikes that shoot up if you go near them. Make sure to grab the All or Nothing Badge on the top side of the room. Maneuver around the spikes to get to the other side of the room.
5	Ditch the Slow Go Badge for Ice Power since this room has Embers. This room has a lot of Fire Bars that you need to get through, so use Vivian to make it easier get to the other side of the room.
6	Similar to Chapter 1, this room requires you to talk to the Dark Bones and a ton of Dry Bones will drop down from the ceiling. Use your hammer to make your way to fight the Dark Bones and it will drop a Palace Key afterwards.
7	Use the Palace Key on the door and head inside the next room. This room is similar to the third room with the Bombshell Bills but this time Embers have been thrown in the mix. Grab the Ultra Shroom and head down to go to the next room after defeating the Bombshell Bill Blasters.
8	This is a pretty simple room just ignore or beat the enemies along the way and Grab the Ice Storm and P-Up, D-Down Badge.Head into the next room for a nasty surprise.
9	This room is like an infinite maze. There are four doors in this room, and you need to look for which door on the right has a lit torch next to it to progress. If you just entered the room, the pattern goes: lower right, lower right, upper right, lower left, upper right, upper left, lower right

Doom and Gloomtail Walkthrough

	Objectives
1	You are now in a courtyard with a huge tower in the background. Have Bobbery out and look for some Chain Chomp statues. Throw him in its mouth to reveal a pipe. Head into the pipe and activate the switch to reveal a Boat Platform.
2	Head to the other side of the courtyard and do the same thing with the Chain Chomp statue there to reveal another Boat Platform. Beware of the wandering Chain Chomps wandering about they have 5 Defense so use either Flurrie or Yoshi.
3	There is a Save and a Heal Block in the courtyard so go use these for respite. Ignore the boat Platforms for now and head to the right door.
4	For the next four rooms after the courtyard, these are just straight hallways with enemies. At the end there is a Save Block, go use it as you will be facing a boss in the next room.
*	Before going into the boss room, we recommend equipping the Feeling Fine and Feeling Fine P Badges.
5	Head inside the room and Gloomtail will introduce himself and will avenge his sister! Gloomtail Boss Fight Guide ►
6	This fight is pretty difficult if you are not prepared. We recommend using Vivian as your partner and use Veil the turn after he charges. Power Lift followed by a Power Bounce is the way to go in terms of damage.
7	After defeating Gloomtail, you will get a Star Stone. There is a bombable wall in the right side of the room for a Gradual Syrup, a Shooting Star. and a Mystery. Return to the courtyard after so you can Save and Heal.

Let Your Heart Be Your Guiding Key Walkthrough

	Objectives
1	Once you're at the courtyard, you can then head into the Palace of Shadow Tower at the background through the Boat Platforms.
2	Head to the Third Floor and place the Star Stone you got from Gloomtail into the central pedestal next to the armillary sphere. Eight pedestals should appear and all eight rooms will light up.
3	There will be three floors in the tower with four rooms in each of the first two floors. Ignore the final floor for now, and focus on getting in each room to get the Palace Keys.
4	Solve the Riddles stated on each room in the first and second floor. You should get a total of eight Palace Keys. Palace of Shadow Tower Riddle Answers ►
5	After getting all eight Palace Keys, head to the Third Floor and insert a Palace Key in each pedestal and a cutscene will play showing Gloomtail's room lowering. Head back to the courtyard to save and Heal for another boss fight.

Palace of Shaddow Tower Riddle Answers

The Shadow Sirens and Doopliss Walkthrough

	Objectives
1	After Saving and Healing in the courtyard, head into the door where you battled Gloomtail. Beldam, Marilyn, and Professor Frankly will be there waiting for you when you head towards the door.
2	After a cutscene where Professor Frankly reveals himself to be Doopliss, the battle will start. Shadow Sirens and Dooplis Fight Guide ►
3	This fight is a bit easier than Gloomtail. Just like before, prioritize Beldam as she can buff allies and inflict freeze, then Marilyn, and leave Doopliss for last. Should Marilyn raise her attack, use Vivian's Veil to shield yourself.
4	After beating the ghosts, head into the door where you battled Gloomtail and you'll notice it's changed significantly. Head down the staircase and grab the Thunder Rage in the block.
5	At the bottom of the staircase, use Flurrie to blow away the poster covering the tunnel. Head up to the left and Flutter Jump with Yoshi at the end to make it to the doorway.
6	After entering the doorway, bring out Koops and leave him down to hit the ! Switch at the right. Once you're at the top of the staircase, let Koops rip and a platform will appear that you can now cross.
7	Head down the stairs and you can grab a Repel Cape if you need it. Head out the door and head to the left.

Ferris Wheel of Fortune Walkthrough

	Objectives
1	Head inside the doorway and head up the stairs and make sure not to fall on the ledge next to the stairs. Hit the green switch and go back to the previous room.
2	Head right and cross the gap with Yoshi. Head up the stairs and free fall down and you will see a Purple Switch. Switch your partner to Bobbery for the next part.
3	Throw Bobbery onto the switch and make sure you're on the purple box. Once the switch is triggered, swap to Yoshi and cross the first ledge you see. Make sure you don't reach the top or you'll have to repeat this.
*	Should you fall at any moment in this room, head to the left and use the springboard at the end to get back to the top.
4	Once you get into the gap, keep riding Yoshi and use him to cross the gap and enter the door in the right side of the room.
5	Once you enter theres a gap on the floor and there's pipes on the ceiling. Use the gold lines on the carpet to align yourself to the pipes on top and Spring Jump. Once you cross both pipes, head into the doorway.
6	Head up the first flight of stairs you see and swap your partner to Bobbery when you see a large gap on the floor. Drop Bobbery onto the switch down below to reveal a hidden platform.
*	Before going up the first set of stairs, you can head to the far-left and grab the Shooting Star if you need it.
7	Cross the platform and remember the pattern of the lit up stars here. From the left, the lit up ones are 1, 3, 4, and 6. Head up the stairs, and use the save block.
8	After saving, head to the right onto the ferris wheel and go to the lower platform and use Koops to grab the Palace Key. Drop down, and head back up the stairs and unlock the door.
9	Head into the door and grab the Power Punch in the box. Head up the steps and use your Tube Mode to head up another flight of steps. Go left, and you will see a bunch of ! Blocks with stars on top of them.
10	Hit the first, third, fourth, and sixth blocks starting from the left. This will make the ferris wheel in the previous room to turn. Head back to the previous room and save if you want.
11	Get onto the ferris wheel and use it to cross onto the other side. Head down the steps and enter the door to find a chunk of bricks.
12	Use Flurrie to blow the bricks off and reveal a block you can destroy with your Ultra Hammer.
13	Spin Jump on the wooden platform and drop down into a springboard. Grab the coin in the block and then head out through the doorway towards the camera. You should be back in the spikes room.
14	Equip your Slow Go badge again and walk carefully on the winding narrow path towards the door to the right. You will get onto a room with a Plane Platform.

Grodus and Bowser Walkthrough

	Objectives
1	Use the Plane Platform to get to the ledge with the doorway. Enter it and you will see a room with a Chain Chomp. Defeat it to make this room's puzzle easier for you.
2	Switch your partner to Yoshi and hit the ! Block to reveal a platform. You are being timed, so make a run for it and loop around the room to get to the chest on top.
3	Grab the Palace Key and head out the doorway and jump down a lower area. Head to the left and use the springboard to get yourself back up.
*	You can also head to the right and use Yoshi's Flutter Jump to help you grab the Life Shroom and Shooting Star items on the plaforms if you want.
4	Use the Plane Platform and this time, use it to get yourself to the other side of the room. Use your Palace Key to open the door and go inside to the room, grab the items, and use the Save and Heal Block.
*	Before going into the boss room, we recommend equipping your best attack and defense badges. Switch to Vivian or Bobbery as your partners, or Goombella if you don't have the Peekaboo Badge.
5	Save, Heal, and then head inside the throne room where Grodus is waiting. After the cutscene, you have to fight the man himself! Grodus Boss Fight Guide ►
6	This fight is pretty difficult if you are not prepared. We recommend using Vivian as your partner as she can Burn and get rid of all the Grodus X's with her Fiery Jinx.
7	After defeating Grodus, he will summon Peach in a bubble and taunt you to attack him. What you choose doesn't matter as Bowser will come crashing down the ceiling and crush the lord of the X-Nauts.
8	After the convenient crushing, you will be immediately thrust into another boss fight against Bowser and Kammy Koopa. Bowser and Kammy Koopa Boss Guide ►
9	This immediately follows the battle with Grodus so you are not at fighting condition. Use a Sweet Feast if you need it. Prioritize defeating Kammy first and then deal with Bowser.
10	After defeating Bowser, Grodus seems to have escaped with Peach! Follow him behind the throne room!

The Shadow Queen Walkthrough

	Objectives
1	After beating Bowser, head towards the room where Grodus dragged Peach into. There is a Heal Block there so use it if you need it. Head down the steps.
2	At the end of the steps, grab the Jammin' Jelly and Save your progress. Enter the final room when you are absolutely ready.
3	A cutscene will play with Grodus sacrificing Peach to revive the Shadow Queen. It will then cover every area in darkness. After The Shadow Queen jukes Grodus and the Shadow Sisters arrive, you will be given the choice to either become her servant or refuse and fight!
*	If you choose to become her servant, it will lead to an immediate game over. Use this chance to reload to a Save if you still need to prepare.
4	Obviously, you refuse and now prepare for the final fight! The Shadow Queen Boss Fight Guide ►
5	This fight has three phases. This first form of a Possessed Peach is pretty simple just whittle her down until she gets to around 75 HP.
6	For the second phase, she will show you her true form making her invincible. Make sure to not use any items in this phase and just survive while attacking for three turns.
7	After three turns pass, the Crystal Stars will gather everyone's power and along with Peach's will make the Shadow Queen take damage again! This is the real final battle and everyone will be back at full health!
8	Just use everything you got as this is the final boss. You can use Power Lift along with Yoshi's Mini-Egg for a huge buff in your damage. Use your partners like Bobbery or Vivian to take care of her summons and have Mario focus on the Shadow Queen.
9	After defeating the Shadow Queen, she leaves Peach's body and the Shadow Sirens and Doopliss will run away. Peach seems to be fine and Professor Frankly will come in and say that he found the real treasure!

The End Walkthrough

	Objectives
1	After defeating the Shadow Queen and the small cutscene, you will be taken back to Rogueport Pier waiting for the boat. You say farewell to your friends and the boat will come.
2	After a short scene on the boat with Mario and Peach, we are now back to Mario and Luigi's house. Mario will receive an e-mail from Goombella saying how everyone has been doing since Mario left.
3	Peach and Toadsworth will walk in and say they have a real treasure map this time. The boat is waiting, back to Rogueport!
4	After the ending scene and credits you will be taken back to Rogueport. The game officially ends here, so if you want to finally complete the Pit of 100 Trials, or just grind up, feel free to do so!
*	Head back to Professor Frankly's to find out that the treasure in the Palace of Darkness is in fact...a Dried Shroom.
*	Head to Poshley Sanctum for a familiar face...if you played the original Paper Mario.

Chapter 8 Collectibles and Items

Star Pieces

All Star Piece Locations

Shine Sprites

All Shine Sprite Locations

Blocks

Regular Blocks

Done?	Location and Item	In-Game Image
	Palace of Shadow Found in the third room from the entrance. Item: Shooting Star
	Palace of Shadow Found in the fourth room from the entrance. Item: All or Nothing
	Palace of Shadow Found in the eighth room from the entrance. Item: Ultra Shroom
	Palace of Shadow Found in the eighth room from the entrance. Item: P-Up, D-Down P
	Palace of Shadow Found in the eighth room from the entrance. Item: Ice Storm
	Palace of Shadow Found on the right of Gloomtail's room by the entrance. Item: Ice Storm
	Palace of Shadow Found on the right of Gloomtail's room towards the end. Item: Gradual Syrup
	Palace of Shadow Found in the first hallway, towards the right of the stairs. Item: Shooting Star
	Palace of Shadow Found in the lower part of the room across the first and second hallways. Item: Mystery
	Palace of Shadow Found in the lower part of the room across the first and second hallways. Item: Mystery
	Palace of Shadow Found above the spinning wheels in the room across the second and third hallways. Item: Life Shroom
	Palace of Shadow Found on the ground in the room across the third and fourth hallways. Item: 1 Coin
	Palace of Shadow Found in the first corridor after the stairs. Item: Mr. Softener
	Palace of Shadow Found under the floor after using Madame Flurrie to reveal a breakable block, and a floor board you can break with Spin Jump. Item: 1 Coin
	Palace of Shadow Found after using Airplane Mode to get to a room using a Palace Key Item: Fire Flower
	Palace of Shadow Found after using Airplane Mode to get to a room using a Palace Key Item: Ultra Shroom

Hidden Blocks

Done?	Location and Item	In-Game Image
	Palace of Shadow Found in the area before getting to the big door. Item: Ultra Shroom
	Palace of Shadow Found in the area before getting to the big door. Item: Jammin' Jelly
	Palace of Shadow Found in the area with a bridge over water and Fire Bars. Jump to reveal the Hidden Block in the middle of the spinning Fire Bars. Item: Boo's Sheet
	Palace of Shadow Found under the floor after using Madame Flurrie to reveal a breakable block, and a floor board you can break with Spin Jump. Jump up from the Coin Block. Item: Point Swap

All Block Locations

Chapter 8 Enemy List

Palace of Shadow Enemies

Standard Enemies

List of Enemies in Palace of Shadow
Enemy	HP	Atk	Def
Red Bones	5	3	1
Dry Bones	8	5	2
Dark Bones	20	5	2
Swoopula	9	4	0
Chain Chomp	7	6	5
Bombshell Bill Blaster	10	0	4
Bombshell Bill	3	6	2
Dark Wizzerd	10	5	2

Riddle Tower Enemies

Standard Enemies

List of Enemies in Riddle Tower
Enemy	HP	Atk	Def
Dull Bones	1	2	1
Red Bones	5	3	1
Dry Bones	8	5	2
Dark Bones	20	5	2

Chapter 8 Enemy and Boss Guides

Three Shadows Boss Guide

Enemy	HP	Atk	Def
Doopliss (Palace of Shadow)	40	6	0
Beldam (Palace of Shadow)	30	5	0
Marilyn (Palace of Shadow)	40	7	0

Defeat Beldam First

Doopliss Priority: Low

Marilyn Priority: Medium

Beldam Priority: High

When fighting with the new shadow trio, you should prioritize defeating Beldam first because she has the lowest HP among the three, but she also has the highest damage attack among them.

Then take down Marilyn second, whom has the highest HP and has a powerful spread attack. Lastly, defeat Doopliss to win the battle against the new shadow trio.

Use Spread Attacks

Prioritize in using spread attacks, which damages multiple enemies at once, against the new shadow trio, such as Bobbery's Bob-ombast and Yoshi's Stampede.

While your partners deal spread attacks, use Mario's jump attacks to target Beldam at the back.

Best Party Member Moves Tier List

Gloomtail Boss Guide

Enemy	HP	Atk	Def
Gloomtail	80	8	2

Use Power Lift to Increase Attack and Defense Powers

You can use the Power Lift special move to increase your attack and defense powers to reduce the damage from Gloomtail's attacks. Once your attack power is increased, use Power Bounce or Goombella's Multibonk to deal high amounts of damage.

Poison Can be Cured with Sweet Feast

Gloomtail's poison attacks can be prevented by guard, but if you do get caught by the poison, you can use the Sweet Feast special move to cure the poison status effect.

Equip Feeling Fine to Prevent Poison

You can equip the Feeling Fine badge to completely prevent poison. Although it's not a high priority to use it, if you have spare BP, you can.

Mega Breath can be Avoided with Vivian's Veil

You can use Vivian's Veil move to avoid Gloomtail's mega breath move, which is when the dragon charges for one turn and then uses a fire breath move on the next one.

Note that once Gloomtail's HP is low, the dragon will use its mega breath move multiple times.

How to Defeat Gloomtail

Grodus Boss Guide

Enemy	HP	Atk	Def
Grodus X	3	4	0
Sir Grodus	50	7	1

Defeat the Grodus X First Using Spread Attacks

Defeat the Grodus Xs first by using spread attacks like Vivian's Fiery Jinx or Bobbery's Bob-obmast. Sir Grodus will summon two Grodus Xs after each turn, but when the Grodus Xs reach four, Sir Grodus becomes invisible.

Note that while using spread attacks against the Grodus Xs, you also damage Sir Grodus at the same time.

Focus Mario's Attacks on Sir Grodus

While you use your partner's spread attacks to defeat the Grodus Xs, you can focus Mario's attacks on Sir Grodus. You can defeat him quickly by using the Power Lift special move and Power Bounce.

Heal Up Before Defeating Sir Grodus

It is recommended to build up SP and recover HP and FP before defeating Sir Grodus because you will immediately battle Bowser and Kammy Koopa right after, which are bosses as well.

Save Star Points Before Battling With Sir Grodus

Since your HP, FP, and SP will be fully replenished when you level up, it is a good idea to save up your star points at 80 to 90 so you could level up after defeating Sir Grodus, since you will battle Bowser immediately right after and have no chance to heal up.

How to Defeat Sir Grodus

Bowser and Kammy Koopa Boss Guide

Enemy	HP	Atk	Def
Kammy Koopa	50	5	0
Bowser	30	3	1

Defeat Kammy Koopa First

When fighting against Bowser and Kammy Koopa, you should prioritize defeating Kammy Koopa first because the turtle wizard has the lowest HP among the two but has attacks that can heal and increase the attack and defense power of Bowser.

Use Power Lift to Increase Attack and Defense Powers

You can use the Power Lift special move to increase your attack and defense powers to reduce the damage from Kammy Koopa's attacks. Once your attack power is increased, use Power Bounce to deal high amounts of damage.

Flurrie's Lip Lock is Very Effective

Madame Flurrie's Lip Lock move is very effective against the Bowser and Kammy Koopa because the move ignores the enemy defense and allows Flurrie to damage the enemies by stealing their HP and then heals her own.

It's also a good strategy to position Flurrie in front, so she can shield Mario and fight while recovering.

How to Beat Bowser

FInal Boss: Shadow Queen Guide

Enemy	HP	Atk	Def
Shadow Queen	150	7	1

In the First Form, Conserve Your Items

During her first form, you need to conserve your items because, when her HP is reduced by half, she will transform into her real Shadow Queen form, which is where the real fight begins.

After the transformation, Mario and his partner's health and FP will be fully replenished, so you don't need to waste any items during the first phase of the fight.

List of Recovery Items

Attack Three Times in a Row to Remove Invincibility

After she transforms, she becomes invincible, but you can cancel it out by attacking her three times in a row. You can let either Mario or a partner attack, then the other one can heal Mario since only one of them needs to attack.

Always prioritize in healing Mario because when he gets knocked out you will immediately lose the battle. It's also a good strategy to use Guard and Superguard during the turns when you can't damage her.

How to Guard and Superguard

Take Advantage of Shine Sprite Bingo

Once the Shadow Queen's invincibility is removed, you will be guaranteed a Shine Sprite Bingo which fully replenishes your HP, FP, and SP. You can take advantage of this by using your most powerful attacks and special moves to deal as much damage as you can.

How to Trigger Bingo

Use Spread Attacks for Her Hands

Use Vivian's Fiery Jinx and Bobbery's Bob-ombast moves to defeat the Shadow Queen's hands and damage the Queen herself at the same time.

Note that the hands revive every turn, but it's a good idea to defeat them to reduce the damage your party will take.

Best Party Member Moves Tier List

Avoid Charge Attacks With Vivian's Veil

You can avoid the Shadow Queen's powerful charge attacks by hiding in the shadows using Vivian's Veil move.

How to Defeat the Final Boss Shadow Queen

Locations Available in Chapter 8

The Palace of Shadow and Riddle Tower

New Locations Available in Chapter 8
The Palace of Shadow	Palace of Shadow Tower

Upon starting Chapter 8, you will gain access the final area of the game, The Palace of Shadow and the Palace of Shadow Tower!

Chapter 8 Trouble Center Quests

The following Troubles will be unlocked after completing Chapter 8 and are exclusively post-game content.

Done?	Client	Details and Rewards
	Swob	Request: Erase That Graffiti! Reward: Snow Bunny Unlock: After Chapter 8 Swob asks for a favor that a graffiti needs to be taken down on the 50th floor of the Pit of 100 Trials.
	Bub	Request: Help Me Make Up Reward: 3 Coins Unlock: After Chapter 8 Bub needs advice on what to give his mom. You have three options to choose from: a Shroom Cake, a Keel Mango, or a Fright Mask.
	Doe T.	Request: Roust These Cads! Reward: 30 Coins Unlock: After Chapter 8 Meet Doe. T at Boggly Woods near the Great Tree and defeat the enemies that are blocking the way.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Related Guides

All Chapter Walkthroughs

Chapter Walkthroughs

All Chapters
Prologue: A Rogue's Welcome
Chapter 1: Castle and Dragon	Chapter 2: The Great Boggly Tree
Chapter 3: Of Glitz and Glory	Chapter 4: For Pigs the Bell Tolls
Chapter 5: The Key to Pirates	Chapter 6: 3 Days of Excess
Chapter 7: Mario Shoots the Moon	Chapter 8: The Thousand-Year Door

Other Walkthroughs

Other Walkthroughs
Peach Intermissions	Bowser Intermissions	Trouble Center