The Mario Party franchise has been a staple of fun-filled gaming nights since it first launched on the Nintendo 64 in 1998. Known for its quirky mini-games, colorful boards, and chaotic multiplayer action, it remains one of the most beloved party game series. One recurring question that excites both newcomers and seasoned fans is how to unlock characters in Mario Party. After all, expanding the roster not only adds variety but also keeps the game fresh and engaging.

In this blog, we’ll explore the evolution of unlockable characters across different Mario Party titles, provide tips for speeding up the process, and explain why unlocking characters matters in the first place.

Why Unlock Characters in Mario Party?

Before diving into details, it’s worth asking: why do players care so much about learning how to unlock characters in Mario Party? The answer lies in three key reasons:

1. Expanded Roster Variety: More characters give players more choices, making the game feel less repetitive.

2. Replay Value: Unlocking characters often requires completing special tasks, which motivates players to return.

3. Sense of Achievement: Meeting requirements and seeing a new character join the roster feels rewarding.

These reasons make unlocking characters a central part of the Mario Party experience for many fans.

Early Days: Mario Party on the Nintendo 64

In the first few Mario Party games on the Nintendo 64, most characters were already available at the start. Because of this, players back then rarely wondered how to unlock characters in Mario Party—the focus was primarily on unlocking mini-games and boards rather than expanding the roster.

However, as the series progressed, Nintendo began experimenting with unlockable characters, adding an extra layer of excitement.

Unlocking Characters in Mario Party 4–8

The GameCube and Wii entries in the franchise started to experiment with roster variety.

• Mario Party 4–6 (GameCube): Most characters were available immediately, making them highly accessible. Players didn’t spend much time unlocking characters, though there were still hidden modes and extras.

• Mario Party 7 (GameCube): Similar to earlier games, nearly all characters were available from the beginning.

• Mario Party 8 (Wii): This was the first title to heavily feature unlockable characters like Hammer Bro and Blooper. Players had to complete the Star Battle Arena to gain access, which made fans curious about how to unlock characters in Mario Party for the first time.

This shift marked the start of character unlocking becoming a recognizable part of the franchise.

Unlocking Characters in Mario Party 9 and 10

By the time Mario Party 9 arrived on the Wii, Nintendo had settled into offering a mix of accessible and unlockable characters. For example, completing certain modes would open new options, rewarding players for progressing through the game.

In Mario Party 10 for the Wii U, characters were often tied to amiibo integration. Players who wanted the full roster sometimes needed specific figures, which created a unique but sometimes frustrating challenge. These versions continued to fuel interest in how to unlock characters in Mario Party since not everyone owned amiibos or could easily access every unlock condition.

Unlocking Characters in Mario Party: The 3DS Era

With games like Mario Party: Island Tour and Mario Party: Star Rush on the Nintendo 3DS, unlockables continued but were often tied to completing campaigns or specific challenges. For example, some characters only appeared after finishing the main adventure mode, which encouraged players to engage with single-player content.

This era kept fans invested by blending handheld convenience with the excitement of building a fuller roster.

Unlocking Characters in Super Mario Party (Nintendo Switch)

Super Mario Party on the Nintendo Switch took character unlocking to a new level. At the start, not all characters were available, so many players quickly began searching for how to unlock characters in Mario Party guides.

Some notable examples include:

• Donkey Kong: Unlockable by playing through the River Survival mode and completing specific tasks.

• Diddy Kong: Appears after progressing through the Challenge Road mode.

• Pom Pom and Dry Bones: Each requires specific in-game achievements to unlock.

This system rewarded exploration and persistence, making unlocking characters a meaningful part of the game’s progression.

Unlocking Characters in Mario Party Superstars

Released in 2021, Mario Party Superstars brought a nostalgic twist by remastering classic boards and mini-games. Interestingly, this title features a complete roster from the start, so players no longer wonder how to unlock characters in Mario Party here. Instead, the focus shifted to unlocking mini-games, music, and cosmetic features.

This design choice catered to both longtime fans who wanted immediate access to beloved characters and new players who preferred simplicity.

Tips for Unlocking Characters Faster

If you’re still wondering how to unlock characters in Mario Party, here are some general tips across multiple titles:

1. Play All Game Modes: Unlock conditions often tie to lesser-used features like River Survival or Challenge Road.

2. Complete Campaigns: Adventure or story modes frequently unlock characters after completion.

3. Check In-Game Guides: Some titles include hints or lists of unlockable content.

4. Use Amiibos (for Wii U/3DS titles): If the game supports them, amiibos can open characters quickly.

5. Stay Persistent: Many unlocks require repeated plays, so patience pays off.

By following these strategies, you’ll unlock your favorite characters without missing hidden content.

Why Unlocking Matters for the Mario Party Experience

The process of learning how to unlock characters in Mario Party adds layers to an already fun series. It encourages players to explore different modes, master mini-games, and spend more time with friends unlocking new surprises. More than just expanding the roster, it keeps the game lively and ensures every party feels fresh.

Conclusion

The journey of unlocking characters has evolved throughout the Mario Party franchise. From early titles with mostly open rosters to Super Mario Party with hidden unlockables, each game has offered something different. Today, fans still ask how to unlock characters in Mario Party, whether for nostalgia or the thrill of discovery.

Ultimately, the process reflects what makes the series special: a blend of competition, exploration, and fun. Unlocking characters not only rewards persistence but also brings extra energy to every Mario Party night.