Luigi's Mansion beginner guide: flashlight, Poltergust and Game Boy Horror
Learn how to capture ghosts in Luigi's Mansion: stun with the flashlight, pull with the Poltergust and use the Game Boy Horror.
Original 2001 GameCube release, including its Hidden Mansion mode. The 2018 Nintendo 3DS remake and the sequels Dark Moon and Luigi's Mansion 3 are outside this guide.
Capturing ghosts
Shine the flashlight on a ghost when it shows its heart, then vacuum it. Tilt the control stick away from the ghost while it pulls to drain its HP; letting go gives it time to recover.
Lights and keys
Clearing every ghost in a room turns its lights on and often drops a key. The Game Boy Horror map shows locked doors in the colour of the key you need.
Elemental medals
The Fire, Water and Ice Elemental Medals let the Poltergust blow fire, water and ice. Use them on candles, fires and ghosts weak to an element.
Mario's items
Mario's Hat, Shoe, Glove, Letter and Star are hidden around the mansion. Take them to Madame Clairvoya for clues about her own portrait and Mario.
Search lit rooms twice: once with the flashlight and once by shaking furniture with the Poltergust for money and hidden Boos.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.