Conquering the Legendary Prince Mush: A Comprehensive Battle Guide for Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Switch

The Nintendo Switch version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door features an exciting post-game quest, allowing players to battle against Prince Mush, the initial champion of the Glitz Pit. For fans who have long-awaited this moment, the remake does not disappoint, offering a demanding yet satisfying boss battle. This guide will walk you through the crucial steps and tactics required to conquer one of the most challenging bosses in the game, detailing everything from how to unlock the encounter to the optimal items, levels, badges, and combat methods to employ.

The Road to Prince Mush

Unlocking the Battle

Unlocking the Prince Mush fight is a straightforward task. All you need to do is complete the main game by defeating the final boss, which will roll the credits. Once you've done that, you should receive an e-mail from Prince Mush, challenging you to a duel. This email is typically received after Chapter 4 and after completing all available Trouble Center requests up to that point. If you haven't, you might get it later while progressing through the game.

Finding Prince Mush

Prince Mush awaits in Glitzville, specifically within the Glitz Pit. He stands outside the locker rooms, ready for your challenge. To officially start the match, you need to register via the Game Boy Advance terminal in one of the locker rooms. Select "Exhibition Match," and you'll find Prince Mush at the top of the list. Ensure you’re well-prepared before engaging him.

Preparation is Key

Recommended Level

Your level plays a crucial role in this battle. The ideal level for taking on Prince Mush is above 30. After completing the Pit of 100 Trials, it is recommended to face him at around level 32. If you find yourself struggling, leveling up to gain more Badge Points and Flower Points through our Easy Levelling guide is advisable.

Essential Items

Stocking up on essential items is necessary. The Strange Sack from the Pit of 100 Trials, which allows you to carry 20 items, will be particularly useful. Life Mushrooms are indispensable, given that Mush can deplete your health bar in a single turn during the second phase of the fight. They can be purchased in Twilight Town for 40 coins each. Jammin' Jelly for FP recovery, obtainable in Rogueport Sewers for 200 coins, should also be on your shopping list. Whacka Bumps and concoctions from Zess T., focusing on FP-healing items, will provide additional support.

Formidable Badges

Choice and Strategy

Equipping the right badges will be your secret weapon in the fight. Concentrate on amplifying Mario's attack power. For a safer approach, use multiple Power Plus badges and Jumpman to make the most of Mario's jumping attacks. Damage Dodge, Defense Plus, Last Stand, and Close Call badges will aid in reducing the chances of Mario being hit.

For a riskier strategy, utilize the Power Rush badge from the Lovely Howz of Badges, which increases Mario's attack power by 2 when his health is 5 or below. Visit Chet Rippo in Rogueport Sewers to reallocate your HP into BP and FP, keeping Mario in a critical state for a constant attack boost.

The Battle with Prince Mush

Phase 1: Initial Assault

The battle against Prince Mush is divided into two phases. In the first phase, Mush alternates between two stances: jumping up and down or shifting side-to-side. He is vulnerable only when jumping. Mush can enhance his attack significantly, and each attack drains some of your FP. Boost Mario’s attack with Power Lift, Charge, or attack-enhancing items, then use Goombella's Rally Wink to grant Mario an additional turn. Choose between Spring Jump for a powerful two-hit attack or Power Bounce for multiple hits, depending on your skill level.

If Mush attacks Mario, attempt a superguard. Successfully countering him will immobilize Mush, allowing you additional time to attack. Prepare for him to become even tougher when his health drops below 50%.

Phase 2: Enhanced Offense

In the second phase, Mush gains a substantial attack boost and introduces two new moves along with a new defensive stance. He begins by squatting and covering his head, making him immune to damage. Use this time for FP restoration, buffing, or appealing to the crowd.

Mush’s first new move is a rapid combo attack, dealing around 20 damage per hit in a five-hit sequence. This is where Life Shrooms are vital. If you manage a superguard, the move ends early, leaving Mush vulnerable. His second trick is splitting into three copies, where you need to find and damage the real one. Superguarding helps reveal the genuine Mush, enabling more significant damage.

If you’re not skilled at superguards or lack sufficient Life Shrooms, this phase will be arduous. Stock up and focus on disrupting Mush's attacks to secure victory.

Victory Rewards

Successfully defeating Prince Mush rewards you with 12 Star Points and 30 coins from Jolene for winning the exhibition match. Furthermore, engage in conversation with Prince Mush near the entrance of the arena to obtain the Prince Mush's Belt, a symbol of your victory against one of the game's toughest adversaries.