The remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door brings back the charm and intricate gameplay of the Gamecube classic. For newcomers and returning players alike, some mechanics might not be immediately obvious, especially when it comes to strengthening your allies. While Mario’s leveling system is straightforward, upgrading your partners requires a different approach. This guide will clearly explain how to level up your partners in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, ensuring you get the most out of your party.
Shine Sprites: The Key to Partner Upgrades
Unlike Mario who levels up with Star Points, your partners are upgraded using Shine Sprites. These collectibles are reminiscent of those found in Super Mario Sunshine and are crucial for enhancing your partners’ abilities in Paper Mario: TTYD. Shine Sprites are scattered throughout the game world, often hidden slightly off the main paths. To collect them, you’ll frequently need to use Mario’s paper abilities to reach tucked-away locations and solve minor environmental puzzles. There are 42 Shine Sprites to discover in total, making exploration rewarding for those looking to maximize their partners’ potential.
Shine Sprites are essential collectibles for leveling up partners in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. These glowing orbs are scattered throughout the game world.
Visiting Merlon in Rogueport
Once you’ve gathered some Shine Sprites, your next step is to visit Merlon the fortune teller in Rogueport. His shop is located on the east side of town, easily recognizable by the Shine Sprite symbol displayed outside his door. To reach Merlon’s, head to the east side of Rogueport, away from the main plaza. Inside, you can trade three Shine Sprites to upgrade a partner of your choice. Each upgrade improves your partner’s stats, notably increasing their HP, and also grants them a brand new ability, making them even more valuable in battles and exploration.
Merlon's fortune-telling shop in Rogueport, marked by the Shine Sprite symbol, is where you upgrade your partners in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
Unlocking the Second Upgrade Tier with the Up Arrow
Each partner can be upgraded twice, further enhancing their combat prowess. However, the second upgrade tier unlocks a bit later in the game. You’ll need to progress until you complete Chapter 5 to access the second upgrade. After finishing Chapter 5, you’ll find Merlon waiting outside his shop. He’ll task you with finding a special item called the “Up Arrow,” located within Hooktail Castle.
To find the Up Arrow, venture into Hooktail Castle and head to the easternmost room containing spikes. In this room, look for a cracked wall. Using Captain Bobbery’s ability to explode, blow up the cracked wall to reveal a hidden chest. Inside this chest, you’ll find the Up Arrow. Return to Merlon in Rogueport with the Up Arrow. Giving him the Up Arrow permanently unlocks the second upgrade tier for all of your partners, allowing you to maximize their potential and conquer the challenges that await in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
The Up Arrow, found in a chest behind a cracked wall in Hooktail Castle, is required to unlock the second partner upgrade tier in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
By collecting Shine Sprites and seeking out Merlon’s upgrades, you can significantly strengthen your partners in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. These upgrades are essential for tackling tougher enemies and fully enjoying the game’s rich combat system. Make sure to explore thoroughly and gather those Shine Sprites to unleash the full power of your party!
