Super Mario 3D World: The Difference Between Each Playable Character

Super Mario 3D World offers the multiplayer, linear experience of the 2D Super Mario platformers mixed with a bit of the exploration available in Mario’s 3D games. Super Mario 3D World, originally a Wii U game, has just recently found its way to Nintendo Switch, along with Bowser’s Fury, an expansion that looks more like an Odyssey DLC. In typical Mario co-op game fashion, there’s a handful of playable characters to choose from, and in 3D World, each has slightly different abilities.

When players first boot up Super Mario 3D World, they’ll be able to play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad. Rosalina can be unlocked later in the game, and there’s a few levels throughout where players control Captain Toad. Every level can be completed with each character, so the choice of who to play comes down to a matter of personal preference. They all offer slightly different playstyles and bring some fun variety to 3D World.

Each character in the Switch version of Super Mario 3D World has more speed than their Wii U version, but they’ve retained their individual differences beyond that. Here’s a quick look at the differences in each playable character’s moveset.

Super Mario 3D World Playable Characters: Mario

Gamers who have played any of the 3D Super Mario platformer games will be familiar with how the titular character controls in 3D World. Mario has average speed and jump height, making him the most balanced character in the game.

Super Mario 3D World Playable Characters: Luigi

Luigi, commonly found defeating ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion, can jump the highest out of the four starting characters, counterbalanced by Luigi having a bit more momentum. He can’t stop as easily as the others, so players will want to be careful not to slide off ledges while using Luigi.

Super Mario 3D World Playable Characters: Princess Peach

For once not the victim of Bowser’s dastardly plotting, Peach has the opportunity to be a hero in 3D World. Peach has the same speed and jump height as Mario, but her dress helps her float gracefully to the ground. This is useful for avoiding dangerous gaps and reaching level-ending flagpoles.

Super Mario 3D World Playable Characters: Toad

Toad can run faster than the other characters in 3D World. He’ll prove useful in some of the levels that have a shorter timer. Anyone looking to speedrun the game might consider using Toad, but they’ll need to be careful, since his jumping skills are a bit lacking.

Super Mario 3D World Playable Characters: Rosalina

Breakout Super Mario Galaxy star Rosalina makes an appearance in 3D World as an unlockable character. Rosalina is arguably the best character in the game. Not only does she have the ability to double jump, but she can attack enemies without a power-up, as well. She’d make a good pick for a second playthrough or for inexperienced players having trouble.

Super Mario 3D World Playable Characters: Captain Toad

While Captain Toad can’t be chosen for every level, he is technically still a playable character. Super Mario 3D World includes a handful of isometric puzzle levels featuring Captain Toad and his band of adventurers. They’re out to help Mario and friends find the green stars needed to help the Prixies, but it’s a dangerous world out there, especially for Toads like these who can’t jump and move relatively slowly.

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