Non-Battle Abilities

Learn about all the non-battle abilities in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, including Hammer, High Jump, Mole, Mouse, Spin Jump, Firebrand, Thunderhand, Fire Dash, and Thunder Shock.

Mario and Luigi have several non-battle abilities that are essential for progressing through the game. Some of these require switching between Mario and Luigi by pressing L or R.

Hammer
Learned: After getting Hammers from Hammerhead Bros.
Description: Use to break rocks in your way, allowing for passage.

High Jump
Learned: At Stardust Fields, from the Starshade Bros.
Description: With Luigi behind Mario, press B to have Luigi jump onto Mario. As soon as they connect, press B again to jump higher, allowing you to reach upper ledges and such.

Mole
Learned: After freeing Cork and Cask in Chateau de Chucklehuck.
Description: Have Mario hit Luigi with Hammer, pounding him into the ground. Move Luigi while under the ground, allowing him to pass under gates and jump into barrels from below. Come back out of the ground by pressing A.

Mouse
Learned: After freeing Cork and Cask in Chateau de Chucklehuck.
Description: Have Luigi hit Mario with Hammer, making him micro-sized. In this state, Mario can fit through small openings, or mouse holes, and reach places that cannot normally be accessed. To return to normal, have Luigi hit him again with the Hammer.

Spin Jump
Learned: At Stardust Fields, from the Starshade Bros.
Description: With Mario behind Luigi, press B to jump on Luigi. Then, press it again to spin while in the air for a couple seconds. This can be used to cross gaps and reach platforms nearby.

Firebrand
Learned: In the Fire Temple at Oho Oasis.
Description: With Mario, hold A (or B if behind) to charge the fireball up. When it's fully charged, you can release it to use its flame. It can be used as an attack in battle, as well as a way to light candles and such outside of battle.

Thunderhand
Learned: In the Thunder Temple at Oho Oasis.
Description: With Luigi, hold A (or B if behind) to charge the thunder. Once it's charged fully, it can be released as an energy source. Use this to power up energy orbs in the world, or as an attack for use in battle.

Fire Dash
Learned: At Gwarhar Lagoon, from Gigi and Merri.
Description: With Mario behind Luigi, hold B to charge the Firebrand. After you charge it, release, and you will charge forward a great distance. You keep going unless you hit an obstacle, or you use the Control Pad to slow down. This is excellent for toppling the giant Koopas, if anything.

Thunder Shock
Learned: At Gwarhar Lagoon, from Gigi and Merri.
Description: With Luigi behind Mario as usual, hold B to charge his Thunderhand. Once it's fully charged, release to shock Mario in his tracks. You can now move sideways for a few moments, with Mario shocked in front of you. This ability can help you move the Boo statues, and perhaps get through later puzzles in the game.