Paper Mario partners: all 8 and where they join
Every Paper Mario partner in order, the chapter where each joins and the field ability that opens new paths.
Original Nintendo 64 release (Japan 2000, North America and Europe 2001). Later Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online releases share its content; The Thousand-Year Door and its remake are separate games.
Character reference
Mario
Mario fights with jumps and hammer swings, wears badges and gains Star Power from the Star Spirits for special moves.
Mario in official Paper Mario artwork.
Goombario
Joins in Goomba Village. His Tattle explains enemies, places and HP, and his Headbonk is a reliable early attack.
Goombario, original Nintendo 64 in-game sprite.
Kooper
A Koopa from Koopa Village who wants to be an adventurer. His Shell Toss hits distant switches and items.
Kooper, original Nintendo 64 in-game sprite.
Bombette
A Bob-omb freed from the Koopa Bros. Fortress jail. She blows up cracked walls and hits defending enemies with Body Slam.
Bombette, original Nintendo 64 in-game sprite.
Parakarry
The Paratroopa mail carrier from Mt. Rugged carries Mario across gaps and delivers letters for rewards.
Parakarry, original Nintendo 64 in-game sprite.
Lady Bow
The Boo princess of Boo's Mansion makes Mario invisible with Outta Sight and slaps enemies in battle.
Lady Bow, original Nintendo 64 in-game sprite.
Watt
A Li'l Sparky trapped in a lantern in Shy Guy's Toy Box. Watt lights dark areas, reveals hidden blocks and pierces enemy defence.
Watt, original Nintendo 64 in-game sprite.
Sushie
A Cheep Cheep nanny from Lavalava Island who lets Mario swim and dive.
Sushie, original Nintendo 64 in-game sprite.
Lakilester
A Lakitu met in Flower Fields whose cloud carries Mario over spikes and lava.
Lakilester, original Nintendo 64 in-game sprite.
Bowser
Bowser uses the Star Rod to make himself invincible, lifts Peach's castle and leaves bosses guarding the Star Spirits.
Bowser holding the Star Rod in official Paper Mario artwork.
Kammy Koopa
Bowser's magic adviser reports on Mario's progress and causes trouble in Peach's interludes.
Kammy Koopa in official Paper Mario artwork.
Princess Peach
Peach is held in her floating castle. Between chapters you play as her with Twink to find information and send items to Mario.
Princess Peach in official Paper Mario artwork.
Partners in order
Goombario (Prologue), Kooper and Bombette (Chapter 1), Parakarry (Chapter 2), Lady Bow (Chapter 3), Watt (Chapter 4), Sushie (Chapter 5) and Lakilester (Chapter 6).
Upgrading partners
Super Blocks upgrade a partner's rank once and Ultra Stone-powered blocks upgrade them again, adding stronger moves and more HP to their attacks.
Peach's interludes
Between chapters you control Princess Peach in Bowser's flying castle with Twink, sneaking past guards to find secrets and send Mario hints.
Upgrade Watt and Bow early if you like defence-ignoring hits and safe turns; Goombario's upgrades matter less once his Tattle log is full.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.