These forms provide Mario with powerful projectile attacks, making combat much easier.
- Fire Mario: Obtained by collecting a Fire Flower. Fire Mario can shoot fireballs (B button) that defeat most enemies, including some that are immune to stomping (like Piranha Plants). Fireballs bounce along the ground and can hit multiple enemies. This is a highly versatile power-up for offensive play.
- Hammer Mario: Obtained by collecting a Hammer Suit. This is one of the rarest and most powerful power-ups. Hammer Mario can throw hammers (B button) in an arc, which can defeat almost any enemy in the game, including some that are immune to fireballs (like Boomerang Bros. and even Bowser!). Additionally, Hammer Mario is immune to fire attacks from enemies like Fire Piranha Plants and Bowser. He also gains a ducking animation that makes him look like a statue, similar to Tanooki Mario, but without the invincibility.
The Hammer Suit is a game-changer, especially for boss fights and stages with tough enemies. Always try to save one for Bowser's Castle if possible.