Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: A Beginner's Guide

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the wonderfully weird world of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle on the Nintendo Switch? This game is a seriously fun mashup, blending the iconic Mario universe with the chaotic energy of the Rabbids, all wrapped up in a tactical turn-based battle system. If you're new to the game, or even if you've played a bit but want to up your game, this guide is for you. We'll cover everything from the basics to some sneaky strategies to help you conquer the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond. So, grab your controller, and let's get started!

Understanding the Basics: Gameplay and Mechanics

First things first, let's break down the core gameplay of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. This isn't your typical Mario platformer, guys. Instead, you'll be engaging in turn-based tactical battles. Think XCOM, but with a Mario twist. Each battle takes place on a grid-based map, and you'll control a team of three heroes, choosing from a roster of familiar faces like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and even Rabbid versions of these characters. Each hero has unique abilities, weapons, and movement options, making team composition a crucial part of your strategy.

Movement and Cover

Movement is key. On your turn, you can move your heroes around the battlefield, taking cover behind various objects to protect them from enemy fire. The game's cover system is vital – partial cover offers some protection, while full cover provides significantly more. Be aware that cover can be destroyed, so always keep an eye on your surroundings. You'll also have access to movement abilities like dashing (to damage enemies) and team jumps (to cover large distances or reach higher ground). Mastering movement and positioning is often the difference between victory and defeat. Always plan your moves carefully, considering both your offensive and defensive options. Remember, the environment is your friend. Use it wisely to gain an advantage over your opponents. Positioning is the most crucial part of this game.

Attack and Abilities

Attacking involves using your hero's primary weapon, which varies depending on the character. Mario might have a blaster, while Peach could have a shotgun-like weapon. Each weapon has its own range and damage output. Beyond basic attacks, each hero also has access to special abilities. These abilities can be offensive (like Mario's Hero Sight, which allows him to counter-attack enemies) or supportive (like Peach's healing ability). Utilizing your abilities at the right time can turn the tide of battle. Manage your heroes' action points (APs) and consider the cooldowns of abilities. Timing is everything in Kingdom Battle, so make sure you use your special abilities correctly and wisely.

The Turn-Based System

The turn-based system is the heart of the game. You and the enemy take turns, moving your characters, attacking, and using abilities. It's essential to plan your turns strategically, anticipating your opponent's moves and considering the consequences of your actions. Before you make a move, think about the full scope of your turn. What attacks can you perform? What cover can you take? What abilities can you use? By carefully planning each turn, you can maximize your effectiveness and overcome even the most challenging battles. You must also study the enemies' behavior and anticipate their moves. By paying attention to the enemies' strengths and weaknesses, you'll be able to create a winning strategy.

Building Your Dream Team: Hero Selection and Composition

Choosing the right team is super important in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. Each hero brings unique strengths and abilities to the battlefield, so the key is to build a team that complements each other and can handle various situations. Experiment with different combinations to discover what works best for you. Let's take a look at some of the key characters and their roles:

Mario

Mario is a well-rounded hero with good offensive capabilities and the Hero Sight ability. Mario is a reliable choice for any team. He's great at drawing enemy fire and dealing damage. Use him to cover your teammates and provide consistent damage output.

Luigi

Luigi is your long-range specialist, equipped with a sniper rifle and the ability to deal massive damage from a distance. Luigi excels at taking down enemies from afar. He is a great choice to clear out enemies from a safe distance.

Peach

Peach is your support character, offering healing and defensive buffs to your team. Peach is perfect for keeping your team alive. Her ability to heal and provide protection can turn the tide of battle. Make sure you use her to help your teammates.

Rabbid Mario

Rabbid Mario is a close-range attacker with powerful melee attacks and the ability to buff his team's attack. Rabbid Mario is great in close-quarters combat. Use him to get up close and personal with your enemies, dealing massive damage with his melee attacks.

Rabbid Peach

Rabbid Peach is a support character, similar to Peach, with healing abilities and the ability to inflict status effects. Rabbid Peach is a great all-around support character. She is able to keep her team healed and also debuff the enemies.

Rabbid Luigi

Rabbid Luigi is a unique character with a focus on area-of-effect attacks and healing. Rabbid Luigi is a great support character. He is able to clear the battlefield with his attacks and also buff his team.

Team Synergies

Think about how your heroes' abilities work together. For instance, pairing Mario with Peach can create a resilient frontline with consistent damage output and healing support. Luigi and Rabbid Peach can provide long-range firepower and healing. Experiment with different combinations and discover which team composition best suits your playstyle and the challenges you face. Your team's composition matters!

Weapon and Item Management: Gear Up for Battle

Gear is important, guys! Your heroes can equip different weapons and items that boost their stats and abilities. Weapons come in various types, each with unique stats like damage, range, and special effects. Items include health potions, movement boosts, and other useful tools. Managing your gear is crucial to success. Let's delve into this topic.

Weapon Types and Stats

Weapons have different stats. Always consider the following stats. Damage determines how much damage the weapon deals. Range determines the distance the weapon can hit. Weapon Effects can inflict status effects like burn, freeze, or ink on enemies. Choose weapons that complement your heroes' roles and the challenges you'll face. For example, a long-range weapon is great for Luigi, and a close-range weapon is ideal for Rabbid Mario. Choose your weapon wisely to increase your chances of victory.

Item Utilization

Items come in handy during battles. Health potions heal your heroes. Movement boosts help you cover more ground. Super effects are helpful as well. Use these items strategically to turn the tide of battle. Using an item at the right time can save your team from defeat. Pay attention to the situations, and use items when you really need them. Also, use items on teammates that have the lowest health to assist them and keep them in battle.

Obtaining and Upgrading Gear

You'll acquire new weapons and items by completing missions, opening chests, and purchasing them from shops. The shops in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle are your one-stop shop for weapons and items. You can also upgrade your weapons using coins collected throughout the game. Prioritize upgrading weapons for your most used heroes to maximize their effectiveness. Always explore the map to discover hidden chests containing valuable gear.

Mastering the Battlefield: Tactical Strategies

Alright, let's get into some specific strategies to help you dominate the battlefield in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. Here's a quick rundown of some key tactics:

Positioning and Cover Revisited

Positioning is King. Use the environment to your advantage by taking cover and flanking enemies. Position your heroes behind full cover whenever possible to avoid damage. Use team jumps and dashes to quickly reposition your team. Keep an eye on the enemies' position and predict their moves to better plan your next turn. Proper positioning can create a huge advantage in this game.

Exploiting Enemy Weaknesses

Each enemy type has unique strengths and weaknesses. Some enemies are more susceptible to certain types of attacks or status effects. Learn about your enemies, such as what their weaknesses are, to exploit them effectively. Experiment with different weapons and abilities to find the most effective approach against each enemy type. Understanding the enemy's weaknesses will help you make the best decision for your team.

Ability Synergies

Combine your heroes' abilities to create powerful combos. For example, use Mario's Hero Sight to counter-attack enemies that target him, while Luigi snipes from a distance. Use Peach's healing abilities to keep your team healthy while Rabbid Mario charges into battle. Look for opportunities to chain abilities together to maximize your damage output or defensive capabilities. Using ability synergies effectively will give you the edge over your enemies.

Turn Planning and Awareness

Think about all the possible outcomes of your turn before making any moves. Look ahead to your next turn, and consider how your moves will affect the battlefield. Keep track of enemy cooldowns and anticipate their moves. Plan your turns carefully, and always be aware of your surroundings. Make every turn count! You should be checking all the details about the battlefield and the abilities that will be used. Plan ahead to have the upper hand.

Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Okay, here are some quick tips and tricks to give you a head start in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle:

Start with the Tutorial

Seriously, don't skip the tutorial, guys! It will teach you the basics of the game's mechanics, which will save you a lot of frustration later on. The tutorial is designed to teach you the basic mechanics. If you skip this, it is highly likely that you'll have a bad experience playing the game. It is a good starting point for new players.

Experiment with Different Teams

Don't be afraid to experiment with different hero combinations. Try out different team setups and see what works best for your playstyle. You may be surprised by some of the combos that you will find. There are so many options in this game! Find a team that is right for you.

Use Cover and Movement Wisely

Cover is your friend. Use it! Also, don't forget about your movement options. Use team jumps and dashes to reposition your heroes and gain an advantage. Remember that positioning is key in the game. You should always be looking for opportunities to maximize your team's position.

Upgrade Your Weapons

As you progress, be sure to upgrade your weapons to improve your damage output and effectiveness. The weapons upgrades provide a huge benefit that you will notice. Always keep your weapons up to date.

Don't Give Up!

Some battles can be challenging, but don't get discouraged. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your strategy, and try again. Don't worry if you don't win every time. Just keep trying, and you'll eventually overcome the obstacles. This game may be difficult at times, but don't give up! You can do it!

Conclusion: Enjoy the Adventure!

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a fantastic game, a love letter to the Mario universe with a unique tactical twist. By following these tips and strategies, you'll be well on your way to conquering the Rabbids and saving the Mushroom Kingdom. Have fun out there, and happy gaming, guys!