Paper Mario beginner guide: Action Commands, FP, BP and Star Power
Learn Paper Mario's battle system: Action Commands, first strikes, HP, FP, BP and Star Power.
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.
Action Commands
Press A as a jump lands to bounce again, hold the control stick left and release for hammer strikes, and press A just before an enemy hits to guard. Good timing adds damage and reduces damage taken.
First strikes
Jump on or hammer an enemy in the field to start the battle with a free hit. Being touched first gives the enemy the opening attack instead.
HP, FP and BP
HP is health, FP pays for special moves and BP limits how many badges can be worn. Each level-up lets you raise one of the three.
Star Power
Each Star Spirit rescued adds a Star Power move, such as Refresh or Lullaby, paid from a gauge that refills as you fight.
Buy Mushrooms and Fire Flowers in Toad Town before each chapter: the shops' stock changes as the story progresses.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.