How to Unlock Characters in Mario Party: A Complete Guide for Every Player

If you’ve ever played Mario Party, you already know how exciting and competitive it can get. From fun mini-games to unexpected board events, every round is packed with surprises. But what really keeps players hooked is the thrill of discovering and playing as different characters. Each character brings a unique charm — and in some cases, special abilities or animations that make the experience even more fun.

Whether you’re a longtime Nintendo fan or just getting started, you’ve probably wondered how to unlock characters in Mario Party. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering all the versions, tricks, and hidden details so you can unlock your favorite characters and enjoy the game to the fullest.

Why Unlocking Characters Matters

Unlocking characters isn’t just about expanding your roster; it’s about adding variety to the gameplay. Different characters often come with:

• Unique animations and interactions during mini-games

• Custom voice lines and victory poses

• Exclusive costumes or color variants

• A deeper sense of achievement and replay value

If you’re looking to enhance your experience, learning how to unlock characters in Mario Party is the first step toward making your game sessions even more entertaining.

Understanding the Character System in Mario Party

Over the years, Mario Party has evolved across several consoles — from Nintendo 64 to the Switch. Each edition has its own method for unlocking characters. While earlier titles focused on in-game achievements, newer versions combine challenges, coins, and story progression.

No matter which version you’re playing, the general rule is simple: the more you play, the more you unlock. But there are some shortcuts and hidden methods that can make things easier once you know how to unlock characters in Mario Party.

How to Unlock Characters in Mario Party (Nintendo Switch Version)

Let’s start with Super Mario Party (2018) for the Nintendo Switch — one of the most popular modern versions. This game begins with a limited roster, but you can unlock more characters by completing certain tasks.

Here’s how to unlock characters in Mario Party on the Nintendo Switch:

1. Donkey Kong

• How to Unlock: Play River Survival mode at least once. After finishing, Donkey Kong will appear in the Party Plaza. Speak to him, and he’ll join your roster permanently.

• Why It’s Fun: Donkey Kong has powerful animations and fits perfectly in physical mini-games.

2. Diddy Kong

• How to Unlock: Complete Challenge Road mode. Once you’ve beaten it, Diddy Kong will appear in the plaza.

• Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for hidden dialogue hints while playing other modes.

3. Dry Bones

• How to Unlock: Dry Bones unlocks randomly after playing several board games. Simply keep playing different maps, and he’ll eventually appear as a playable option.

• Fun Fact: He has one of the coolest dice blocks in the game!

4. Pom Pom

• How to Unlock: Complete World 5 in Challenge Road mode. Afterward, she’ll appear in the plaza — talk to her to add her to your collection.

• Why You’ll Love Her: Pom Pom is quick, quirky, and adds personality to your team.

If you follow these steps, you’ll master how to unlock characters in Mario Party without missing anyone from the main lineup.

Unlocking Characters in Mario Party Superstars

In Mario Party Superstars (2021), the game takes a more nostalgic approach. All characters are available from the start, meaning you don’t have to grind or meet conditions. However, this doesn’t mean there’s nothing to unlock — you can still earn cosmetics, stickers, and achievements.

So, while how to unlock characters in Mario Party Superstars may seem irrelevant, you can focus on unlocking new boards, music, and challenges that add depth to the game.

Unlocking Characters in Older Mario Party Versions

If you’re playing older versions on Nintendo 64, GameCube, or Wii, unlocking characters is often tied to in-game currency and specific challenges.

Mario Party 4–8 (GameCube/Wii)

• Characters like Toadette or Boo are unlocked by purchasing them from in-game shops using coins collected from mini-games.

• In some versions, you’ll need to win certain tournaments or story mode matches to unlock them.

Mario Party DS

• Here, characters are usually available from the start, but you can unlock mini-game bosses and hidden items through story progression.

Mario Party 10 (Wii U)

• Characters such as Rosalina can be unlocked using Amiibo or by completing Bowser Party mode.

Knowing how to unlock characters in Mario Party across generations helps you appreciate how Nintendo kept evolving the series while keeping the fun factor alive.

Tips and Tricks for Unlocking Characters Faster

If you’re eager to unlock all characters quickly, here are a few pro tips:

1. Play Multiple Modes: Each mode contributes to character unlock progression — don’t stick to just one.

2. Talk to Everyone in Party Plaza: Many unlockable characters appear here after specific achievements.

3. Complete Challenge Road: This mode is the key to unlocking several characters like Pom Pom and Diddy Kong.

4. Keep Playing Boards: Even if you don’t see new characters right away, progress continues behind the scenes.

5. Stay Updated: Occasionally, special editions or patches may unlock extra content, especially for newer Mario Party titles.

By following these strategies, you’ll never have to wonder how to unlock characters in Mario Party again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While unlocking characters is simple, some players make small mistakes that delay their progress:

• Skipping modes like River Survival or Challenge Road

• Not saving progress after unlocking a character

• Ignoring Plaza interactions, which are often crucial for final unlocks

• Confusing versions: Each Mario Party title has a slightly different system, so double-check which one you’re playing

Avoiding these pitfalls will make your journey much smoother as you learn how to unlock characters in Mario Party efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Unlocking characters in Mario Party is one of the most rewarding parts of the game. It keeps you engaged, adds variety, and makes each match feel new. Whether you’re chasing your favorite character or simply trying to complete your collection, knowing how to unlock characters in Mario Party ensures you won’t miss out on any hidden fun.

Each version of the game offers something different — from classic unlockables in older consoles to instant access in the latest editions. The key is to keep exploring, experimenting, and enjoying the journey.

So grab your Joy-Con, gather your friends, and start unlocking — because the real party begins when everyone’s invited!