How to Unlock Wario in Super Mario 64 DS: A Comprehensive Guide
Super Mario 64 DS is a classic remake of the Nintendo 64 hit, and one of its key additions is the inclusion of multiple playable characters. Besides Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi, you can also unlock Wario, the greedy and powerful anti-hero. Unlocking Wario is a crucial step to completing the game, as his unique abilities are necessary to access certain areas and collect all the stars. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the detailed steps to unlock Wario in Super Mario 64 DS.
Why Unlock Wario?
Wario brings a unique set of skills to the table. His primary ability is his immense strength, which allows him to break certain black bricks that other characters can’t. He also has the ability to transform into Metal Wario when he wears the Metal Cap, making him invulnerable to damage and able to walk underwater without being affected by currents. These abilities are essential for collecting specific stars and exploring hidden areas of the castle.
Prerequisites
Before you can unlock Wario, you need to have already unlocked Luigi. This means you’ll need to have completed certain objectives within the game.
* **Unlock Yoshi:** This is the easiest. Find Yoshi on the castle roof by finding the key inside of the castle (near the Boos). He will give you access to the other characters.
* **Unlock Luigi:** You need to rescue Luigi in the Hazy Maze Cave level. To do this:
* Enter the Hazy Maze Cave level via the door in the basement of the castle.
* Collect at least 8 stars.
* Navigate through the level until you find the mirror room. This area is accessible through a door near the beginning of the level, usually to your right from the entrance.
* Inside the mirror room, you’ll find a painting of Luigi. Jump into the painting as Yoshi.
* Defeat King Boo in Luigi’s ghost hunt. This will free Luigi from his spectral imprisonment.
Once you have unlocked Luigi, you’re ready to begin the quest to unlock Wario.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking Wario
Follow these detailed steps to unlock Wario in Super Mario 64 DS:
Step 1: Go to the Courtyard and Find the Clock Tower
* Exit the castle and head to the courtyard. This is the area with the large grassy space and a few scattered trees.
* Locate the clock tower. It’s situated in one corner of the courtyard, easily distinguishable by its clock face and overall tower-like structure.
Step 2: Enter the Clock Tower
* Walk up to the clock tower’s entrance and enter it. You will need to be Luigi to enter.
Step 3: Navigate the Clock Tower Interior
* Inside the clock tower, you’ll find a series of platforms and swinging pendulums. Be careful, as falling off can lead to taking damage or starting over.
* You will need to use Luigi’s abilities to progress through the clock tower. Luigi can jump higher than Mario and can turn invisible.
Step 4: Find the Wario Painting
* As you ascend the clock tower, look for a painting of Wario. The painting is typically located on one of the upper platforms. It will be a recognizable portrait of Wario’s face.
Step 5: Jump into the Wario Painting
* Approach the Wario painting as Luigi and jump into it. This will transport you to a hidden level.
Step 6: Navigate Wario’s level
* The level inside the painting is a small, enclosed area with a few obstacles. It is a maze like environment.
* The layout involves using Luigi’s special abilities to make it through the level.
Step 7: Find and Defeat Chief Chilly
* Inside the level, you will find a new boss, Chief Chilly.
* Chief Chilly will engage you in a fight. It throws snowballs at you.
Step 8: Defeat Chief Chilly as Luigi
* Luigi will need to use his invisibility to be able to get near Chief Chilly without getting hit with snowballs.
* To defeat Chief Chilly, you need to punch or ground pound him three times. Dodge his attacks and strike when you have an opening.
Step 9: Collect the Key
* After defeating Chief Chilly, he will drop a key. This key is essential for unlocking Wario.
* Pick up the key.
Step 10: Exit the Wario Painting Level
* Once you have the key, exit the level. You will be transported back to the clock tower.
Step 11: Head Back to the Castle Lobby
* Exit the clock tower and return to the main lobby of the castle.
Step 12: Go to the Rec Room and Find the Locked Door
* Go to the second floor of the castle. The door that leads to the Rec Room is on the far end of the castle.
* Look for a door that is locked and has a Wario symbol on it. This is the door you need to unlock.
Step 13: Unlock the Door with the Key
* Approach the locked door as Luigi and use the key you obtained from defeating Chief Chilly. The door will unlock, granting you access to the room behind it.
Step 14: Enter Wario’s Room
* Enter the newly unlocked room.
Step 15: Capture Wario as Luigi
* Inside the room, you will see Wario encased in a barrier.
* You must use Luigi to capture Wario.
* Jump into the barrier to activate a mini game.
* Tap the screen as fast as you can to capture Wario.
Step 16: Wario is Unlocked
* After capturing Wario, he will be available as a playable character. You can now switch to Wario at any time from the character selection screen, which is accessed by pressing the character portrait on the bottom screen.
Tips and Tricks for Using Wario
* **Breaking Black Bricks:** Wario’s primary strength lies in his ability to break black bricks. Look for these bricks in levels where progress seems impossible with other characters. Simply walk into them as Wario to smash them.
* **Metal Wario:** When you obtain the Metal Cap, Wario transforms into Metal Wario. This makes him impervious to damage and allows him to sink to the bottom of water bodies, ignoring currents. Use this to explore underwater areas and withstand enemy attacks.
* **Wario’s Weaknesses:** Wario is heavier and less agile than other characters. He doesn’t jump as high as Luigi or have the flutter jump of Yoshi. Be mindful of these limitations when navigating levels.
Essential Stars to Collect with Wario
Wario is crucial for collecting several stars that are otherwise inaccessible. Here are a few examples:
* **Big Bob-omb’s Blast into the Sky:** In Big Bob-omb’s level, Wario is needed to break black bricks blocking the cannon that launches Mario (or Wario) to the top of the mountain.
* **Wet-Dry World:** Some stars in Wet-Dry World are hidden behind black bricks that only Wario can break.
* **Snow Mountain:** Some stars in Snow Mountain are hidden behind black bricks that only Wario can break.
Troubleshooting
* **Can’t find the Wario painting:** Ensure you have unlocked Luigi first. The Wario painting will not appear until you have rescued Luigi from the Hazy Maze Cave.
* **Can’t defeat Chief Chilly:** Focus on dodging his snowballs. Luigi’s improved jumping and invisibility make it easier to avoid the attacks. Use ground pounds or punches when Chief Chilly is vulnerable.
* **Can’t unlock the Wario door:** Make sure you have the key from Chief Chilly. The door will not open without the key.
* **Wario won’t break bricks:** Ensure you are actually playing as Wario. Switch to him using the character selection menu on the bottom screen.
Conclusion
Unlocking Wario in Super Mario 64 DS is a significant achievement that opens up new possibilities for exploration and star collection. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can add Wario to your roster and utilize his unique abilities to conquer the game’s challenges. Happy gaming!