Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Paper Mario: Sticker Star

HP-Up Hearts

Locate all 16 HP-Up Hearts in Paper Mario: Sticker Star. Permanently boost Mario's HP for tougher battles and boss encounters with this guide.

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HP-Up Hearts

Boosting Mario's maximum HP is crucial for surviving the tougher battles and boss encounters in Paper Mario: Sticker Star. Unlike previous Paper Mario titles, HP-Up Hearts are scattered throughout the world in specific levels, rather than being awarded at level-up. Collecting these hearts will permanently increase Mario's HP by 5 points each. There are a total of 16 HP-Up Hearts to find across the six worlds, so keep a keen eye out!

HP-Up Heart Locations

Here's a comprehensive list of every HP-Up Heart location, along with detailed instructions on how to acquire them:

  • Decalburg:
    • Location: In the very first town you visit, Decalburg.
    • Steps: Head to the right side of town, past the Sticker Shop. You'll see a house with a chimney. Climb onto the roof of this house using the crates nearby. Once on the roof, walk to the chimney and you'll find the HP-Up Heart waiting for you.
  • Surfshine Harbor:
    • Location: The bustling port town of Surfshine Harbor.
    • Steps: After arriving in Surfshine Harbor, proceed to the right side of the area. You'll spot a small, isolated island with a palm tree. Use the Paperize ability to place a bridge sticker (if you don't have one, check the Sticker Shop in Decalburg or battle some enemies) to reach the island. The HP-Up Heart is nestled right under the palm tree.
  • World 1-2: Bouquet Gardens
    • Location: Near the end of the level, after the first Piranha Plant.
    • Steps: Progress through the level until you defeat the first Piranha Plant blocking your path. Continue moving forward, and you'll come across a small ledge. Jump onto this ledge, and the HP-Up Heart will be visible.
  • World 1-4: Whammino Mountain
    • Location: Inside a hidden cave accessible via Paperize.
    • Steps: As you ascend Whammino Mountain, you'll encounter a section with a large rock wall. Look closely for a faint outline of a cave entrance. Use the Paperize ability to peel back the wall and reveal a hidden cave. Enter the cave, and the HP-Up Heart is inside.
  • World 2-1: Drybake Desert
    • Location: Buried in the sand near the start of the level.
    • Steps: From the very beginning of Drybake Desert, walk a few steps to the right. Keep an eye out for a small, discolored patch of sand. Use your hammer to hit this spot, and the HP-Up Heart will pop out.
  • World 2-2: Sandshifter Ruins
    • Location: Behind a false wall.
    • Steps: Inside the Sandshifter Ruins, you'll reach a room with several pillars. On the far right side of this room, there's a wall that looks slightly different from the others. Use the Paperize ability to peel back this section of the wall, revealing a hidden alcove with the HP-Up Heart.
  • World 2-3: Shifting Sands
    • Location: On a high ledge accessible by a secret path.
    • Steps: In Shifting Sands, navigate through the shifting sand dunes until you reach an area with a tall pillar. To the left of this pillar, you'll notice a small, barely visible path leading upwards. Jump onto this path and follow it to a higher ledge where the HP-Up Heart awaits.
  • World 3-1: Leaflitter Path
    • Location: Right before the Comet Piece, after defeating Gooper Blooper.
    • Steps: This HP-Up Heart can only be obtained after you've defeated the Gooper Blooper boss in World 3-12. Once Gooper Blooper is dealt with, return to Leaflitter Path. Progress through the level until you reach the very end, just before the Comet Piece. The HP-Up Heart will be prominently displayed there.
  • World 3-3: Wiggler's Tree House
    • Location: On the top floor of Wiggler's Tree House.
    • Steps: Climb to the very top of Wiggler's Tree House. Once you reach the highest platform, the HP-Up Heart will be easily visible.
  • World 3-8: Stump Glade
    • Location: In the room with the Comet Piece, by refusing the Snifit's game.
    • Steps: Similar to 3-1, this HP-Up Heart is accessible after defeating Gooper Blooper. When you revisit Stump Glade, you'll encounter a Snifit who offers to play a game. Crucially, choose to decline his offer. If you refuse, you'll be dropped into the room containing the Comet Piece. The HP-Up Heart is located at the front of this room.
  • World 3-9: Tree Branch Trail
    • Location: On a high branch accessible by a hidden path.
    • Steps: As you traverse Tree Branch Trail, look for a section where you can jump onto a higher, seemingly inaccessible branch. There's a hidden path that allows you to reach it. Once on the branch, follow it to find the HP-Up Heart.
  • World 3-10: Shy Guy Jungle
    • Location: Hidden behind a waterfall.
    • Steps: In Shy Guy Jungle, you'll come across a prominent waterfall. Walk directly through the waterfall, and you'll discover a secret cave behind it. The HP-Up Heart is inside this hidden area.
  • World 4-2: Rumble Volcano
    • Location: On a small platform overlooking the lava.
    • Steps: While navigating the perilous Rumble Volcano, you'll reach an area with flowing lava. Look for a small, isolated platform that appears just out of reach. Use a well-timed jump or a Spring Sticker to reach this platform, where the HP-Up Heart is located.
  • World 4-3: Bowser's Snow Fort
    • Location: Inside a hidden room in the fort.
    • Steps: Within Bowser's Snow Fort, explore thoroughly. You'll find a wall that looks slightly off-color or has a subtle crack. Use the Paperize ability to peel back this section, revealing a secret room containing the HP-Up Heart.
  • World 5-1: Bowser's Sky Castle
    • Location: On a floating platform.
    • Steps: In the initial sections of Bowser's Sky Castle, you'll encounter numerous floating platforms. Keep an eye out for one that seems slightly off the main path or requires a longer jump. The HP-Up Heart is situated on this particular platform.
  • World 5-6: Bowser's Castle
    • Location: Behind a portrait.
    • Steps: Deep within Bowser's Castle, you'll come across a room adorned with various portraits. One of these portraits can be peeled back using the Paperize ability, revealing a hidden passage. Follow this passage to find the final HP-Up Heart.

Why Collect HP-Up Hearts?

While Paper Mario: Sticker Star emphasizes strategic sticker usage over traditional RPG leveling, increasing Mario's HP is still incredibly beneficial. More HP means you can withstand more hits, giving you a larger buffer in challenging battles. This is especially important for boss fights, where a single misstep can lead to a quick K.O. Don't underestimate the value of these hearts – they can make the difference between victory and a frustrating game over!