Unlock Wario In Super Mario 64 DS: A Complete Guide
Hey guys! So, you're diving into the awesome world of Super Mario 64 DS and wondering how to get your hands on the one and only, Wario? You've come to the right place! This game is a fantastic remake of the N64 classic, but it throws in some cool new playable characters, and Wario is definitely a fan favorite. Getting him isn't as straightforward as just picking him from the start, but don't worry, it's totally achievable. We're going to break down exactly what you need to do, step-by-step, so you can start causing some Wario-level chaos. Trust me, playing as Wario adds a whole new dimension to the game with his unique abilities. So, grab your Nintendo DS, and let's get this done! This guide will make sure you don't miss any steps and can start playing as the treasure-loving, garlic-chugging plumber in no time.
The Wario Quest: What You Need to Know
Alright, so before we even think about getting Wario in Super Mario 64 DS, you need to understand that he's not available from the get-go. This is a key difference from the original game where you only played as Mario. In the DS version, you start with Yoshi, and then you unlock Luigi and Wario by completing specific objectives. Think of it as a progression system that keeps the game fresh and gives you goals to work towards. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, and Wario is no exception. His signature move, the ground pound, can break certain blocks, and his invincibility cap is a game-changer in specific situations. So, unlocking him isn't just about ticking a box; it's about gaining a powerful new tool to tackle the game's challenges. The game is designed to encourage exploration and mastery of each character's abilities, making the journey to unlock Wario a rewarding experience in itself. You'll be exploring different worlds, collecting stars, and often finding yourself needing a specific character's skill to proceed. This makes the game replayable and strategic. Don't get discouraged if it takes a little time; the payoff is totally worth it when you finally get to smash through obstacles as the golden-clad anti-hero.
Unlocking Yoshi: The First Step
Before you can even dream about unlocking Wario in Super Mario 64 DS, you absolutely must start with Yoshi. He's your initial character, the one you use to explore the castle and begin your quest for Power Stars. You'll notice that many doors are sealed and require a certain number of Power Stars to open. Your main objective early on is to collect these stars. You'll need to venture into the various worlds accessible from the castle's main hall. Each world is a self-contained level with its own set of challenges and Power Stars to find. For Yoshi, his unique ability is his flutter jump, which allows him to stay airborne for a longer duration, and his ability to eat enemies and spit them out as projectiles. This is super useful for clearing paths and defeating certain foes. You'll be collecting stars to open up new areas of the castle, which in turn leads you to the paths that allow you to unlock Luigi, and then subsequently, Wario. The number of stars required to open the next section will increase as you progress. So, focus on mastering Yoshi's moves, exploring every nook and cranny of the initial worlds, and racking up those Power Stars. Don't rush; take your time to learn the controls and the level designs. Each star you collect brings you one step closer to unlocking the other characters, including your ultimate prize: Wario!
Unlocking Luigi: The Second Crucial Step
Okay, so you've got Yoshi mastered and you're racking up those Power Stars. The next major hurdle before you can get Wario in Super Mario 64 DS is unlocking Luigi. This involves a bit more specific gameplay. You'll need to have collected a certain number of Power Stars – the exact number can vary slightly depending on how you progress, but typically you'll be looking around the 15-star mark to access the area where Luigi is found. You'll need to enter the world called 'Jolly Roger Bay'. Inside Jolly Roger Bay, you'll find a secret area that leads to Luigi. The specific trigger involves finding a hidden pipe or entrance within the level. Once you find this secret passage, you'll enter a mini-level or challenge designed to test your skills. Completing this challenge successfully will unlock Luigi as a playable character. Luigi, much like Yoshi, has his own unique abilities. He can jump higher than Mario or Yoshi, and he has a special flutter kick that can allow him to hover briefly in the air. His high jump is essential for reaching platforms that are otherwise inaccessible. So, unlocking Luigi is not just about adding another character; it's about gaining access to new areas and secrets within the game that you couldn't reach with just Mario or Yoshi. Make sure you've explored Jolly Roger Bay thoroughly to find that secret entrance. The satisfaction of unlocking Luigi is immense, and it means you're getting really close to your goal of playing as Wario!
The Final Challenge: Unlocking Wario
Alright, guys, we're in the home stretch! You've unlocked Yoshi, you've conquered the challenges to unlock Luigi, and now it's time to finally unlock Wario in Super Mario 64 DS. This is where things get really interesting. To unlock Wario, you'll need to have completed a significant portion of the game and collected a substantial number of Power Stars. Typically, you'll need around 30 Power Stars to access the area where Wario resides. The key world you need to focus on is 'Crateria'. Inside Crateria, there's a specific area that requires you to have collected enough stars to progress. You'll find a secret entrance or a special condition that needs to be met to reveal the path to Wario. Once you find this area, you'll likely face a unique challenge or boss battle designed to test your skills with the characters you've unlocked so far (likely Mario and Luigi). Successfully completing this challenge will finally grant you access to play as Wario. Wario's abilities are quite distinct. He can break certain blocks with his ground pound, which is incredibly useful for revealing hidden items or shortcuts. He also has a special ability where he can become temporarily invincible by eating a Super Mushroom, allowing him to charge through enemies and obstacles unharmed. This invincibility power-up is a real game-changer and opens up new strategies for tackling tougher levels. So, focus on collecting those stars, exploring the castle thoroughly, and preparing yourself for the final challenge. The moment you unlock Wario is incredibly satisfying, and it opens up a whole new world of possibilities in Super Mario 64 DS!
Wario's Unique Abilities and How to Use Them
So, you've done it! You've successfully unlocked Wario in Super Mario 64 DS, and now it's time to talk about what makes this guy so special. Wario isn't just a palette swap; he brings his own set of awesome abilities to the table that can completely change how you approach certain levels and challenges. Firstly, his signature move is the ground pound. If you jump and then press the 'A' button while in the air, Wario will slam down on the ground with incredible force. This isn't just for show, guys! This ground pound can break specific types of blocks that Mario, Yoshi, and Luigi cannot. Keep an eye out for these reinforced blocks, often found in challenging areas or hiding secrets. Using Wario's ground pound on them can reveal hidden Power Stars, coins, or pathways that were previously inaccessible. It’s a fantastic tool for uncovering secrets and speeding up your star collection. Secondly, Wario has a unique interaction with Super Mushrooms. Unlike other characters who might just grow bigger, when Wario eats a Super Mushroom, he becomes invincible for a short period. This is huge! During this invincibility, Wario can run through enemies, break through certain walls, and even walk through hazards like fire bars without taking any damage. This makes him incredibly powerful for tackling tough sections, especially those filled with many enemies or tricky environmental hazards. Imagine barreling through a dangerous enemy gauntlet without a care in the world! Mastering the use of Wario's ground pound to break blocks and strategically utilizing his invincibility from Super Mushrooms will make you a force to be reckoned with. These abilities aren't just cool; they are essential for completing certain objectives and finding all the secrets the game has to offer. So, experiment with these moves, learn when to use them, and have fun unleashing Wario's full potential. It's a blast playing as him, and his unique skillset adds so much replayability to Super Mario 64 DS.
Mastering the Ground Pound
Let's talk more about Wario's ground pound in Super Mario 64 DS, because this move is seriously underrated and incredibly useful. You activate it by jumping and then pressing the 'A' button mid-air. Boom! Wario slams down. Now, what makes this special? Well, as we mentioned, it's the only way to break certain types of blocks. These aren't your standard Goomba-stomping blocks; these are usually tougher, more reinforced structures that require Wario's brute strength. You'll often find these blocks in areas where there's a hidden Power Star or a secret pathway that's essential for 100% completion. For example, in some levels, a Power Star might be hidden beneath a cluster of these special blocks. Without Wario, you'd be stuck. With him, you just jump, activate the ground pound, and smash through. It's also useful for triggering certain environmental elements or activating switches that require a strong impact. Keep an eye out for those tell-tale block textures – they're your cue to switch to Wario and let him do his thing. Sometimes, a level might have a seemingly dead end, but a quick ground pound from Wario can reveal a hidden passage or a secret area. Don't underestimate the power of this move; it's a key differentiator for Wario and essential for finding all the collectibles and secrets the game has to offer. Practice using it; get a feel for the timing, and you'll be breaking blocks like a pro in no time. It's one of the most satisfying ways to uncover hidden goodies in the game, so make sure you utilize it to its fullest potential.
The Power of Invincibility
Now, let's dive into another game-changing ability for Wario in Super Mario 64 DS: his invincibility when he eats a Super Mushroom. This is a massive advantage, guys. While other characters just get bigger and can take one extra hit, Wario gains temporary invincibility. What does this mean? It means during this phase, Wario is a wrecking ball. He can run headfirst into enemies without taking damage. Goombas, Koopa Troopas, Piranha Plants – they all get obliterated by a charging Wario. But it doesn't stop there! This invincibility also allows him to pass through certain hazards unharmed. Think fire bars, spiky traps, or pools of lava. Normally, these would spell instant doom, but with Wario and a Super Mushroom, you can simply charge right through them. This is incredibly useful for reaching difficult areas quickly or for bypassing sections that are particularly frustrating with other characters. Imagine a room full of enemies and hazards; with Wario, you can just grab a mushroom, go invincible, and sprint straight to the exit or the Power Star. It completely changes your strategy for those tough spots. It’s important to note that this invincibility is temporary, so you need to time it right. Look for Super Mushrooms in question mark blocks or hidden within the levels. When you see one, consider if it's the right moment to switch to Wario and unleash his temporary god-mode. This ability adds a layer of strategic depth, allowing you to tackle challenges in ways that are simply not possible with Mario, Yoshi, or Luigi. It's a fantastic way to speed run certain sections or to simply overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable otherwise.
Why Wario is Essential for Completionists
For all you completionists out there, wanting to get 100% in Super Mario 64 DS, let me tell you: Wario is absolutely essential. You simply cannot find all the Power Stars and secrets without him. His unique abilities, the ground pound for breaking blocks and the invincibility from Super Mushrooms, are specifically designed to unlock areas and items that are otherwise inaccessible. Remember those reinforced blocks we talked about? Yeah, only Wario can break those, and they often hide crucial Power Stars or secret exits. Without him, you'll hit a wall in several levels, unable to progress further in your quest for total completion. Furthermore, his invincibility power-up allows you to navigate dangerous sections much more safely and efficiently, which can be vital for collecting all the red coins or reaching hidden areas within a time limit. Some Power Stars are strategically placed behind hazards or guarded by numerous enemies, and Wario's invincibility makes collecting them a breeze. Think of it this way: the game designers intentionally placed certain collectibles and pathways that require Wario's specific skillset. So, if your goal is to collect every single Power Star, find every secret area, and truly master Super Mario 64 DS, then unlocking and utilizing Wario is not optional – it's a necessity. He's not just another character to play with; he's a key that unlocks the game's full potential and allows you to achieve ultimate completion. So, keep collecting those stars, tackle those challenges, and make sure Wario is the next character on your unlock list!
