Follow this guide to defeat Dark Bowser and the Dark Star Core in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. Learn strategies for the Shroob and Durmite X optional bosses.
- 1Begin by dealing significant damage to Dark Bowser using your best Special attacks like Broggy Bonker or Magikoopa Mob until his HP is depleted.
- 2After Dark Bowser revives and enlargens, deal with the Minion attack by shell guarding twice at the end.
- 3Punch Dark Bowser in the gut to make him spit out the Dark Star Core.
- 4Activate your Vacuum and VERY RAPIDLY press X to ingest the Dark Star Core. If you fail, you must restart from the beginning of this section.
- 5Once the Dark Star Core is ingested, focus on its eyes. Normal jumps are recommended to conserve SP.
- 6After destroying both eyes, use Snack Basket to defeat the three legs in one go, or attack them normally if needed.
- 7With the eyes and legs defeated, focus on the Core itself. Activate the Powerful badge's effect if available.
- 8Over the next few turns, use Falling Star, degrading to your next best Special (Snack Basket or Mighty Meteor) when SP runs low.
- 9Prioritize speed in this phase; if you are too slow, you will have to restart the entire battle with depleted resources. Use your most powerful attacks and only use Star Candies or Max Nuts for healing.
- Conserve SP by using normal jumps on the Dark Star Core's eyes.
- The Powerful badge can be very effective against the Core.
- Use powerful Special attacks and limited healing items to finish the Core quickly.
OPTIONAL BOSS: Shroob (x3)
Location: Bowser's Castle
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP (each) | 500 |
| C. Medal (each) | 750 |
| EXP (each) | 300 |
| Coins (each) | 100 |
| Item Drops (each) | Shroob Boots, Star Candy |
| Total HP | 1,500 |
| Total EXP | 900 |
| Total Coins | 300 |
| Attack | Dodge |
|---|---|
| Laser | Jump |
| Multi-Laser | Jump over |
The Shroob fight is straightforward. The best Special to use is Snack Basket, and you should have enough SP between Mario and Luigi to use it 2-3 times to defeat all three Shroobs.
BOSS: Durmite X
Location: Challenge Node -> Gauntlet (Class #1)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Coin Cost | 200 Coins |
| Turns | 5 |
| Prize | 1,000 Coins |
| HP | 575 |
| C. Medal | 867 |
| EXP | 0 |
| Coins | 0 |
| Item Drops | None |
| Attack | Dodge / Counter |
|---|---|
| Tackle | Hammer counter |
| Silk String | Jump over |
| Vacuum & Spit | Jump over the shot Biffidus |
| Straw | Jump/Hammer it (or Durmite restores HP) |
Notices:
- Biffidus enemies (approx. 60/90 HP) may join; they only tackle (jump to counter).
- The Straw has 40/60 HP.
This is a basic boss battle. Damage the Durmite X primarily using the Jump Helmet Special. Always target the Straw immediately when it appears. During the Tackle attack, wait until all segments turn red before initiating the counter. If caught by the Silk String, the affected brother is sucked up and shot at the other (jump to dodge).
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