Bros. Attack

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Not to be confused with Bros. Move.
Bros. Attack
Mario and Luigi performing the Bros. Attack, Splash Bros.

Bros. Attacks are special methods of attacking, which require Mario and Luigi to work together. These moves are used in most of the games in the Mario & Luigi series, with the exception of Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time. "Bros. Attacks" has been pronounced as "Brothers Attacks" and "Bros. Attacks", though the latter is more recent.[1][2] A Bros. Attack challenges the player to successfully perform Action Commands as the animation progresses. Missing inputs may cause the attack to deal less damage, conclude early without dealing the maximum number of hits, or prevent it from doing any damage as the Bros. mess up. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga only used each brother's button, those being A Button and B Button, for the Action Commands, but later games implement Action Commands involving directional inputs. They also become more minigame like, with inputs required to make the characters move at all instead of just accentuating an animation. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team implements gyroscope based controls for three Bros. Attacks. Later games have endurance modes where the player has to keep successfully performing a Bros. Attack until they reach a maximum score, with the challenge being lost if the player makes too many mistakes.

Bros. Attacks cannot be performed if either brother is unable to act. This includes any case where a brother is KO'd, but also instances where a brother has a status effect like Trip or Burn. Some status effects on one brother, like Tiny, prevent Bros. Attacks but do not restrict other actions.

History[edit]

Mario & Luigi series[edit]

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga / Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions[edit]

See also: Super Attack
The Starshade Bros. explaining Bros. Attacks
The Starshade Bros. explaining Bros. Attacks

In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Mario and Luigi learn eight Bros. Attacks during the adventure, four for each brother; the required moves are based off their Bros. Actions in the field, ex. the Bounce Bros. attack, which is based off of the High Jump action, and are obtained at the same time. In addition, there are two secret Bros. Attacks that they can learn by acquiring the two Secret Scrolls in the Hammerhead Bros.' caverns in eastern Beanbean Outskirts. A very small selection of enemies can use attacks similar to Bros. Attacks, such as the bosses Popple and Rookie in their second battle.

Bros. Attacks use up Mario and Luigi's Bros. Points, or BP. Each Bros. attack costs three to eight Bros. Points, which can be replenished with Syrup Jars, other BP restorative items (like Golden Mushrooms), and/or certain badges.

To perform Bros. Attacks, buttons must be pressed in the right order, at the right time. If a button is missed, the attack will do far less damage, possibly even less than a regular Jump or Hammer attack. Each Bros. Attack also has three Modes: 1, 2, and 3. Mode 1 is the most basic; the game goes into slow motion when buttons need to be pressed, to give the player ample time to press the correct buttons. In addition, button icons that show which button needs to be pressed are clearly displayed. In Mode 2, slow-motion is taken out, but the button icons remain. Mode 3 has no slow-motion, or button icons, but Bros. Attacks performed in Mode 3 are more powerful and cost less BP than those performed in the other Modes.

After executing a Bros. Attack successfully (i.e. pressing all of the buttons correctly) a certain number of times, Advanced Commands are learned. Advanced Bros. Attacks are generally harder to perform than regular ones, but Advanced attacks often have added bonuses such as stealing items, inflicting status ailments, or simply doing more damage to the boss or enemy.

In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, Modes 1, 2, and 3 no longer exist for the Bros. Attacks, instead they are replaced by "Normal" or "Easy" difficulty, with the Easy difficulty being more lenient in timing but with the downside of costing more BP to perform. The slowed down pace of Mode 1 is also removed. Additionally, all battle backgrounds now scroll whenever Mario or Luigi use a Bros. Attack. The "Advanced" Bros. Attacks have been given their own separate category of "Super Bros. Attacks". Even if the Bros. fail to obtain an "Excellent!" rating for the original attacks, it still counts towards the number of times that the move is performed, meaning that there is no penalty for failing to perform the attack properly. Furthermore, the Bros. have a chance to practice their Bros. attacks if they lack knowledge on proper timing during "Practice" mode or watch a "Demo" of the attacks in order to learn how to perform them properly, both of which are accessed during combat. Some attacks, such as Swing Bros., have had their inputs changed.

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time[edit]

Main article: Bros. Item

The concept of Bros. Attacks was replaced with Bros. Items in the sequel, Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, which are disposable attacks that can be bought from shops or found in ? Blocks. However, one Bros. Attack does make an appearance. The Hammer Bros. in the game use Knockback Bros. as an attack.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story / Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey[edit]

See also: Brawl Attack
The Green Shell Special/Bros. Attack in action.
The Green Shell Special/Bros. Attack in action.
The Green Shell Special/Bros. Attack in action.

In Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Bros. Attacks are referred to as Special Attacks and they use up Special Points. Unlike in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. Instead of gaining new attacks through learning new Bros. Actions, all Special Attacks are unlocked through collecting ten Attack Pieces in a given area. Attack Pieces can be obtained either by hitting Attack Piece Blocks or by completing certain quests to obtain all ten pieces at a time. All Bros. Attacks can be activated by both Mario and Luigi, and Advanced Commands are completely omitted.

In the remake, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey, "Special Attacks" and "Special Points" are renamed back to "Bros. Attacks" and "Bros. Points," respectively. Just like in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, the "Easy" difficulty mode for Special Attacks can be toggled on or off in the remake using Y Button, which makes the timing of button presses for the attacks much more lenient, but at the cost of more Bros. Points being used up.

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team[edit]

See also: Luiginary Attack

Bros. Attacks return in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, and can be used in battles in the Real World. Mario and Luigi have five Bros. Attacks each, making a total of 10. They are unlocked by collecting 10 Attack Pieces in various places in the Real World for each attack, similar to how Special Attacks are unlocked in the preceding game. In the Dream World, Luiginary Attacks are used instead of Bros. Attacks, which are unlocked in the same way as Bros. Attacks in the Real World.

In this game, Bros. Attacks and Luiginary Attacks are designated as dealing damage with either the boots or the hammers, or neither of them. This is because Mario and Luigi can equip boots and hammer gear which specifically apply their Power boost and special effect when the player uses attacks corresponding to the item. Some Bros. Attacks and Luiginary Attacks use neither gear, like Slingsniper. Certain Bros. Attacks and Luiginary Attacks, such as Fire Flower, inflict damage with fire. Attacks with fire never use boots or hammers.

Missing or failing Bros. Attacks or Luiginary Attacks enough times provides the player with the option to enable "Slow Attack" for that move, toggling on and off with R Button while in the menu. The attack failing because the enemy is immune counts. In Slow Attack, the game slows down when a button press is required, making the inputs easier to perform. However, the attack deals less damage. If the attack is used outside of Slow Attack enough times, the option will be disabled until the condition is met again.

The Guide menu allows the player to watch a demo of each Bros. Attack or Luiginary Attack used on dummy enemies. The demo always demonstrates an Excellent attack, and the dummy enemies respawn so it can repeat. Depending on the attack, a different number of enemies appear. The player can choose to practice that attack with those enemies, with the enemies being replaced after each attack even if any of them survive. Each session tracks the number of Excellent attacks performed in a row, resetting on a non-Excellent attack and when the player quits.

The Mad Skillathon serves as an endurance mode for Bros. Attacks, though three attacks are excluded. In it, the player is tasked earn 999 points in each game through perfect use of the specified attack. They often have modified mechanics compared to the version seen in battles. Luiginary Attacks have an equivalent mode in Battle Broque Madame.

Four Bros. Attacks are also available for Dreamy Luigi in Giant Battles. Giant Luigi does not have BP, so attacks do not require it. Instead, using Bros. Attacks exhausts Mario, meaning a Bros. Attack cannot be used again until Mario recovers. Additionally, some opponents can knock Mario off Giant Luigi, which prevents Bros. Attacks from being used until he returns. Two Bros. Attacks are special finishing moves, only used to conclude the boss battle. These moves are exempt from this mechanic, with Mario always recovering or returning just before they are used. Slow Attack is not available in these battles. Giant Luigi is not affected by gear, so there is no distinction between boots and hammers. None of Giant Luigi's Bros. Attacks involve hammers though.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam[edit]

See also: Trio Attack

Bros. Attacks return for the fourth time in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, where like in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, Mario and Luigi have five Bros. Attacks each. When the player uses a Bros. Attack, Mario and Luigi will execute the attack while Paper Mario cheers for the duo; as a result Bros. Attacks can even be used if Paper Mario is knocked out or absent entirely. Paper Mario instead has the option to use Trio Attacks that work similarly to Bros. Attacks; but require Mario, Luigi, and Paper Mario to cooperate with each other. Unlike in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, Bros. Attacks are not gained by collecting Attack Pieces; they are instead gained by getting them back from Nabbit who stole them at the beginning of the game, with the exception of Toad Trail which is obtained after defeating King Bob-omb at the top of Mount Brrr and after gaining access to Neo Bowser Castle.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership[edit]

Bros. Attacks return again in Mario & Luigi: Brothership. As before, they cannot be used if a brother cannot act (i.e., being dead or stunned), but they are also prohibited if something results in a brother contracting Glohm. This time, Technikki serves as their creator (which, akin to Nabbit's chases in Paper Jam, renders Attack Pieces obsolete), although she only gives the first eight of them due to being trapped in one of Reclusa's flowers after it awakens. The last two Bros. Attacks, Conductor Connector and Max-Mix Vortex are given by the Great Conductor and both Burnadette and Chilliam, respectively near the end of the game. As with the previous two mainline installments, Dream Team and Paper Jam, Mario and Luigi each have five Bros. Attacks. Five of them return from previous games (Red Shell and Bomb Derby from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, Green Shell, Jump Helmet, and Yoo Who Cannon from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story), with the rest being completely new attacks.

List of Bros. Attacks[edit]

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga / Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions[edit]

Descriptions for the "Target" column:

  • Single: The attack targets one enemy.
  • Single (serial): Same as single, except the remaining strikes are redirected against other enemies if the move defeats the target.
  • All: The attack hits all enemies.
  • Ground: The attack hits all enemies except flying ones.
  • Random: The attack hits enemies randomly.
  • Choose: The player can choose the target during the attack.
Mario
Bros. Attack Description BP Location Target
An icon of a type of Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Splash Bros.
GBA: Jump high and drop! GBA: 4 (Modes 1 & 2), 3 (Mode 3) GBA: After meeting the Starshade Bros. (in tandem with Spin Jump) Single
3DS: Press the A Button Button before Mario jumps on Luigi. Press the B Button Button when Mario is directly over Luigi. Press A Button when they smash into the enemy. Time button inputs well for an Excellent rating! 3DS: 4 (Normal)/6 (Easy) 3DS: During the tutorial for Bros. Attacks.
An icon of a type of Super Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Super Splash Bros.
This can be used to attack spiky enemies. When Mario climbs on top of Luigi, press A Button->A Button->B Button to the rhythm. Finish by pressing the A Button Button! Press it when you jump on the enemy to get an Excellent! 6 (Normal)/9 (Easy) GBA: Use Splash Bros. 20 times. Single
3DS: Get an Excellent with Splash Bros. 6 times.
An icon of a type of Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Chopper Bros.
GBA: Dunk Luigi and attack! GBA: 5 (Modes 1 & 2), 3 (Mode 3) After freeing Cork and Cask in Chateau de Chucklehuck (in tandem with Dunk Hammer). Single
3DS: Press the A Button Button when Mario swings his Hammer over his head. Press the B Button Button when Mario jumps on Luigi to pop up. Tap the A Button Button once Mario decends to the same height as the enemy! 3DS: 6 (Normal)/8 (Easy)
An icon of a type of Super Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Super Chopper Bros.
This won't affect flying enemies. Press the A Button Button when Mario swings his Hammer over his head. When Luigi is directly under the enemy, press B Button to knock them into the air! If you knock Luigi back into the ground, you can hit your foe into the air again. To knock Luigi back underground, press the A Button Button when Luigi hits the ground. Then, press B Button when the foe hits the ground to make submerged Luigi knock them sky high! A ButtonB ButtonA ButtonB ButtonA ButtonB Button... Continue this rhythm eight times to earn an Excellent rating! 10 (Normal)/13 (Easy) GBA: Use Chopper Bros. 32 times. Single
3DS: Get an Excellent with Chopper Bros. 6 times.
An icon of a type of Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Swing Bros.
GBA: Swing Luigi around! GBA: 6 (Modes 1 & 2), 4 (Mode 3) Obtain the Secret Scroll 1 in the Hammerhead Bros.' cave, after obtaining the Super Hammers. Single
3DS: Press A Button when Luigi and Mario hold hands! Keep holding the button to make them spin around. They will keep spinning faster. The faster they spin, the more damage they will deal. When Mario and Luigi reach top speed, let go of the A Button Button! Press B Button when Luigi collides with a foe! Pull it off flawlessly to earn an Excellent rating! 3DS: 8 (Normal)/10 (Easy)
An icon of a type of Super Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Super Swing Bros.
Successfully earn a Good rating or better to cause an item to drop. Press A Button when Luigi and Mario hold hands! Keep holding the button to make them spin around. They will keep spinning faster. The faster they spin, the more damage they will deal. When Mario and Luigi reach top speed, let go of the A Button Button! Press B Button when Luigi collides with a foe! Nail all button inputs to earn an Excellent rating! Press the A Button Button when Mario and Luigi touch to make them join together! Press A Button and B Button at once when you stomp on a foe. Don't let go to earn an Excellent rating! 15 (Normal)/18 (Easy) GBA:Use Swing Bros. 10 times. Single
3DS: Get an Excellent with Swing Bros. 6 times.
An icon of a type of Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Fire Bros.
GBA: Attack with fireballs! GBA: 6 (Modes 1 & 2), 3 (Mode 3) After visiting the Relaxation Room (in tandem with Dash). Single
3DS: When Mario throws a fireball, press the A Button Button quickly to make it grow. When the fire gets close to Luigi, hit it by pressing the B Button Button! The bigger the flame, the better your chances of an Excellent! And the more damage you'll deal! 3DS: 12 (Normal)/15 (Easy)
An icon of a type of Super Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Super Fire Bros.
When Mario throws a fireball, press the A Button Button quickly to make it grow. When the fire gets close to Luigi, hit it by pressing the B Button Button! Press A Button when Mario and the fire are the same height! A larger flame may earn an Excellent! If you succeed, there's a chance you'll inflict the BURN status on your enemy. 14 (Normal)/17 (Easy) GBA: Use Fire Bros. 28 times. Single
3DS: Get an Excellent with Fire Bros. 6 times. Single (fireball)
Ground (explosion)
Luigi
Bros. Attack Description BP Location Target
An icon of a type of Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Bounce Bros.
GBA: Jump off Mario! GBA: 4 (Modes 1 & 2), 3 (Mode 3) GBA: After meeting the Starshade Bros. (in tandem with High Jump) Single
3DS: Press B Button before Luigi jumps on Mario. Press A Button when both are directly above the enemy! Press the B Button Button when jumping on an enemy. Time all jumps well to get an Excellent rating! 3DS: 5 (Normal)/7 (Easy) 3DS: During the tutorial for Bros. Attacks.
An icon of a type of Super Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Super Bounce Bros.
This move can hit two enemies. Press the A Button Button before Luigi jumps on Mario. Press the B Button Button before hitting the ground to perform a big jump! Get an Excellent rating by jumping on enemies using B ButtonA Button in the correct order! 8 (Normal)/11 (Easy) GBA: Use Bounce Bros. 8 times. Single (first Bro.)
Random (second Bro.)
3DS: Get an Excellent with Bounce Bros. 6 times.
An icon of a type of Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Knockback Bros.
GBA: Fire Mario to attack! GBA: 5 (Modes 1 & 2), 3 (Mode 3) After freeing Cork and Cask in Chateau de Chucklehuck (In tandem with Mini-Mario) Single
3DS: Press B Button when Luigi swings his Hammer over his head. Mario will become Mini Mario! Press the B Button Button whenever Luigi's Hammer is about to hit Mario! Press A Button when Mario hits an enemy. Nail all button inputs to earn an Excellent rating! 3DS: 8 (Normal)/10 (Easy)
An icon of a type of Super Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Super Knockback Bros.
Press B Button when Luigi swings his Hammer over his head. Mario will become Mini Mario! Mini Mario will ask Luigi for help. During that time, press the A Button Button. Press the B Button Button whenever Luigi's swings are about to hit Mario! Mario will bounce back when he hits a foe. Luigi can then knock Mario into the foe again. Press A Button when Mario smashes into a foe. Press B Button to hit him again when he returns! A ButtonB ButtonA ButtonB Button... Do this successfully five times for an Excellent! Note that the speed gets faster! 10 (Normal)/13 (Easy) GBA: Use Knockback Bros. 43 times. Single (serial)
3DS: Get an Excellent with Knockback Bros. 6 times. Single (first hit)
Random (starting from second hit)
An icon of a type of Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Thunder Bros.
GBA: Attack with thunder! GBA: 6 (Modes 1 & 2), 4 (Mode 3) After visiting the Relaxation Room (In tandem with Tickle). Ground
3DS: Press B Button when Luigi builds up his thunder. Press B Button when Luigi gets on top of Mario to perform a big jump! Press B Button when Luigi is highest in his jump. Get an Excellent to deal heavy damage! If you succeed, there's a chance you'll lower the enemy's DEF. 3DS: 14 (Normal)/17 (Easy) All
An icon of a type of Super Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Super Thunder Bros.
Press B Button when Luigi builds up his thunder. When Mario's Hammer is above his head, press A Button! When Luigi gets to the base of the foe's feet, press the B Button Button for an Excellent rating! If you succeed, there's a chance you'll lower the enemy's POW. 10 (Normal)/13 (Easy) GBA: Use Thunder Bros. 24 times. Single
All
An icon of a type of Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Cyclone Bros.
GBA: A twin-spin attack! GBA: 8 (Modes 1 & 2), 4 (Mode 3) Obtain the Secret Scroll 2 in the Hammerhead Bros.' cave after obtaining the Ultra Hammers. Single (first hit)
Choose (starting from second hit)
3DS: Press B Button when Luigi swings his Hammer over his head. Mario will become Mini Mario! When Luigi jumps, tap the A Button Button! This will spin Mini Mario around at high speed! Get many consecutive hits for an Excellent! You can attack enemies several times. During the attack, you can change the foe you are targeting. When Mario starts to move forward, move the Circle Pad toward the foe you want to target. 3DS: 13 (Normal)/16 (Easy)
An icon of a type of Super Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Super Cyclone Bros.
Press B Button when Luigi swings his Hammer over his head. Mario will become Mini Mario! When Luigi jumps, tap the A Button Button! This will spin Mini Mario around at high speed! Get many consecutive hits for an Excellent! You can attack enemies several times. During the attack, you can change the foe you are targeting. When Mario starts to move forward, move the Circle Pad toward the foe you want to target. In the Super version, an additional attack can be made at the end. When Mario and Luigi stop spinning, press the A Button Button to prepare for the finisher. Finish by pressing B Button when the Hammer is overhead! This can make enemies dizzy. 15 (Normal)/18 (Easy) GBA: Use Cyclone Bros. 21 times. Single (first hit)
Choose (starting from second hit)
3DS: Get an Excellent with Cyclone Bros. 6 times.

Gallery[edit]

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story / Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey[edit]

Bros. Attack Illustration Description SP BP Location
Sprite of the Green Shell Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.Sprite of the Green Shell from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Green Shell*
MLBiS Green Shell.png Mario kicks with A Button; Luigi with B Button! Keep on kicking the shell!
Target: One enemy. Effect: None.
3 4 Trash Pit
Illustration of the Green Shell Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Sprite of the Fire Flower Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.Sprite of the Fire Flower from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Fire Flower
MLBiS Fire Flower.png Repeatedly press the button of whoever's holding the big fireball!
Target: Random. Effect: BURN.
4 6 Pump Works
Illustration of the Fire Flower Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Sprite of the Jump Helmet Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.Sprite of the Jump Helmet from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Jump Helmet
JumpHelmet BiS.png Land on the helmet and jump with A Button! Dash to the landing spots with +Control Pad left +Control Pad right/by pressing left or right on Circle Pad!
Target: One enemy. Effect: None.
6 10 Flab Zone
Illustration of the Jump Helmet Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Sprite of the Yoo Who Cannon Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.Sprite of the Yoo Who Cannon from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Yoo Who Cannon*
Yoo who cannon.png Remember which barrels the bros are in! A Button launches Mario; B Button launches Luigi!
Target: Random. Effect: None.
7 14 Toad Town (after mastering the Shell Mario technique)
Illustration of the Yoo Who Cannon Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Sprite of the Super Bouncer Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.Sprite of the Super Bouncer from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Super Bouncer
Super bouncer.png Launch HIGH with A Button. Move Luigi to the ball's top with +Control Pad left +Control Pad right/by pressing left or right on Circle Pad. Use B Button to squash.
Target: Random. Effect: DIZZY.
7 12 Energy Hold
Illustration of the Super Bouncer Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Sprite of the Mighty Meteor Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.Sprite of the Mighty Meteor from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Mighty Meteor
Mighty meteor.png Dash with +Control Pad left +Control Pad right/by pressing left or right on Circle Pad! Press and hold A Button or B Button to build power, and release to swing!
Target: Random. Effect: POW down.
8 20 Toadley Clinic (from the intern after obtaining the Miracle Cure)
Illustration of the Mighty Meteor Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Sprite of the Spin Pipe Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.Sprite of the Spin Pipe from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Spin Pipe
Spin pipe.png Memorize how the bros stack up! Mario stomps with A Button; Luigi with B Button!
Target: One enemy. Effect: DIZZY.
10 16 Plack Beach (after completing Kuzzle's first puzzle)
Illustration of the Spin Pipe Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Sprite of the Snack Basket Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.Sprite of the Snack Basket from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Snack Basket*
Snack basket.png Use +Control Pad left +Control Pad right/Press left or right on Circle Pad to eat, then repeatedly press A Button to throw Luigi. Slam down with B Button!
Target: All ground-based enemies. Effect: None.
14 18 Dimble Wood
Illustration of the Snack Basket Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
The Magic Window Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.Sprite of the Magic Window from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Magic Window
Magic window.png Mario stomps with A Button; Luigi with B Button. Both stomp together with A Button and B Button!
Target: Random. Effect: DIZZY.
18 26 Bowser's Castle (after defeating the Shroobs)
Illustration of the Magic Window Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Sprite of the Falling Star Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside StorySprite of the Falling Star from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
Falling Star
Falling star.png Aim with +Control Pad/Move Starlow with Circle Pad. Throw at the star with A Button if the light is red, B Button if it's green!
Target: One enemy. Effect: DEF down.
20 28 Peach's Castle Garden
Illustration of the Falling Star Special Attack from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey

* - Required for the game.

Gallery[edit]

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team[edit]

Mario
Bros. Attack Illustration Description Effects BP Type Location
Red Shell as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
3D Red Shell*
Illustration of 3D Red Shell from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team. Use the A Button for Mario and the B Button for Luigi, and kick that shell! Mario and Luigi kick a Red Shell at enemies, first targeting one enemy before moving to the next. If the targeted enemy is in the back, the Bros. will fire the shell at any enemies in the target's way. For the final hit, Luigi passes the shell back to Mario, who uses a charged kick. 4 Boots Mushrise Park
Bye-Bye Cannon as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Bye-Bye Cannon
Page 1 illustration of Bye-Bye Cannon from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Page 2 illustration of Bye-Bye Cannon from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Page 3 illustration of Bye-Bye Cannon from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Memorise the order that the shadows of Mario and Luigi launch into the sky. As they land, press the A Button for Mario and the B Button for Luigi. If you get it perfect, they'll descend in the opposite. Stay focused! Mario and Luigi jump into a cannon. A randomized sequence of them, including duplicates, are fired out. As they land on the enemy, the player must hit the A Button and B Button Buttons in the order Mario and Luigi came out. If successful, the player must do the same sequence backwards for maximum damage. 7 Boots Wakeport
Bomb Derby as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Bomb Derby
Page 1 illustration of Bomb Derby from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Page 2 illustration of Bomb Derby from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Slide right on the Circle Pad to toss bombs then hit 'em with the A Button! Don't delay your swings! Toss a bunch, feel the tempo, and hit all the bombs! Using the Circle Pad, Luigi passes bombs to Mario who must bat them into the enemies using A Button. The bombs will explode on Luigi if they take too long. The last bomb is bigger and does more damage. 9 Hammer Driftwood Shore
Jet-Board Bash as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Jet-Board Bash
Illustration of Jet-Board Bash from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team. Press and hold the B Button to paddle. As you draw near, press the A Button! The Bros. hop on a board and charge at an enemy. Luigi paddles to go faster, done by holding B Button. Mario swings his hammer as they collide with the enemy, with A Button. The faster the board is moving, and the closer the Bros. are to the target when Mario starts swinging, the more damage is dealt. 12 Hammer Somnom Woods
Zee Egg as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Zee Egg
Page 1 illustration of Zee Egg from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Page 2 illustration of Zee Egg from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Page 3 illustration of Zee Egg from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Slide the Circle Pad left/right to align the Zeekeeper and the Wakeorb. Once the Wakeorb and the Zeekeeper are aligned, Mario or Luigi will jump out! Use the A Button for Mario and the B Button for Luigi to hit the Wakeorb! Mario throws the Zee Egg, unleashing the Zeekeeper. He takes Mario and Luigi into the skies and shoots a Wakeorb down. As they descend, the Zeekeeper has to stay aligned with the shifting orb with the Circle Pad, letting Mario and Luigi use their hammers to boost the Wakeorb's speed. The Wakeorb explodes when it hits the ground, primarily damaging one target but hurting others. 15 Hammer Mushrise Park (given by Eldream after rescuing all Pi'illos)
Luigi
Bros. Attack Illustration Description Effects BP Type Location
Green Shell as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
3D Green Shell*
Illustration of 3D Green Shell from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team. Use the A Button for Mario, and the B Button for Luigi, and kick that shell! Mario and Luigi kick a Green Shell at enemies. It targets all ground enemies; the shell is kicked at enemies randomly. It ends with Mario passing the shell to Luigi, who uses a charged kick. 4 Boots Mushrise Park (given upon freeing Brickle from the main fountain)
Fire Flower as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Fire Flower
Page 1 illustration of Fire Flower from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Page 2 illustration of Fire Flower from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Use the A and B Buttons for the bros. When the fireballs get big, throw 'em! If you throw all big fireballs, it's bonfire time! Mash the A and B Buttons! Mario and Luigi generate fireballs. Shoot the fireballs when they are their biggest size for more damage. If this is done successfully, a second phase starts where the player repeatedly taps A Button and B Button to throw more fireballs. 5 Fire Dozing Sands
Dropchopper as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Dropchopper
Page 1 illustration of Dropchopper from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Page 2 illustration of Dropchopper from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Page 3 illustration of Dropchopper from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Tilt the Nintendo 3DS left and right to pilot the craft once Mario and Luigi grab on. Jump up with the A and B Buttons! If you grab on quickly, you'll fly higher. Press the prompted button when you're above a foe for a devastating slam! The player tilts the 3DS to move the Dropchopper, aiming above Mario and Luigi so they can grab on. Afterwards, Mario and Luigi drop down with a spin onto one enemy, releasing a shockwave that hurts other enemies. The earlier Mario and Luigi jump on, the higher the Dropchopper flies, and the more damage is dealt. 7 Boots Mount Pajamaja
Slingsniper as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Slingsniper*
Page 1 illustration of Slingsniper from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Page 2 illustration of Slingsniper from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Slide and hold the Circle Pad down to draw back, hold the B Button, and aim. Tilt the 3DS to line up your target, then release the B Button to launch Luigi! Mario pulls Luigi back in the string of a slingshot, using Circle Pad, then locks in place by holding B Button. The player must use the 3DS to aim, then release B Button to successfully sling Luigi into the target enemy. 9 - Mount Pajamaja (given by the Massif Bros. after completing the Ball Hop puzzle)
Star Rocket as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Star Rocket
Page 1 illustration of Star Rocket from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Page 2 illustration of Star Rocket from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Tilt the 3DS to change the star's trajectory and grab all the little stars. Use the A and B Buttons as the bro land. More little stars mean more power. The player tilts the 3DS to guide the Star Rocket, collecting all the smaller stars in its path. Afterward, Mario and Luigi stomp the target. With perfect timing, the collected stars also attack. 12 Boots Neo Bowser Castle

* - Mandatory Bros. Attacks.

Giant Luigi's Bros. Attacks[edit]

Bros. Attack Description Mechanics
Rhythm Mushroom Touch Mushrooms to heal up! This move cannot be used in the Battle Ring. Once Mario throws mushrooms at Luigi, the player must tap the screen as Luigi eats them.
Drill Stomp Spin more for a super stomp! This move is unlocked during the battle against Mount Pajamaja, but cannot be used against Robo-Drilldigger X. Mario and Luigi jump while spinning. The player must draw as many circles as possible in the direction shown to make Mario spin faster, then then he and Luigi come down for heavy damage. Successful inputs allow this to be used two additional times.
Finishing Bros. Aim with the 3DS! This move is used at the end of each battle. Luigi throws a star at the boss, while Mario guides it as it comes down. The player must tilt the 3DS to aim the star marker onto the enemy's weak point, which if hit will earn an "Excellent!" rating and reward the player with better items and more coins than if an "OK" rating is achieved upon missing the target.
Star Driver Control the star to attack! This move is used in the final phase of the battle against Bowser, as well as Bowser X. It looks the same as Finishing Bros. but involves a larger star. The player must tilt the 3DS to dodge Bowser's fireballs, Avoiding them all allows it to defeat Bowser. If a fireball hits, the attack is nullified and Bowser gets to take another turn.

Gallery[edit]

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam[edit]

Descriptors for the Target column:

  • Single: The attack targets one enemy.
  • Single (serial): Same as single, except the game selects another enemy, which the remaining strikes are redirected toward if the attack kills the target the player selected. This continues until either the attack runs out of hits to dish out or enemies to strike.
  • All: The attack strikes all enemies.
  • Random: The attack targets enemies at random.
  • Choose: The player can select the target during the attack.
  • Ground: The attack strikes grounded enemies but not airborne/elevated ones. (This can be combined with other types.)
Mario
Bros. Attack Description BP Location Target
Red Shell as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
3D Red Shell
Mario kicks the shell with A Button, and Luigi kicks with B Button. Chain multiple kicks together! 3 Dropped by Nabbit in Peach's Castle. Single (serial), Ground
Rocket Blast The rocket will take Mario and Luigi high up in the air before they jump off. To stomp, press each character's button just as he lands on the enemy. If both bros. stomp the enemy, the rocket will fire at the end. Aim the rocket by sliding left and right on the Circle Pad. Do one loop, and then aim right in the middle of where your enemies are standing! 5 Complete Catch Nabbit!. Single (stomps)
Choose (rocket piledrive)
Bomb Derby as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Bomb Derby
Slide right on the Circle Pad to throw a bomb, and then press A Button to hit it towards an enemy. The faster you go, the more damage you can do. Make it to the end to launch a giant bomb! 7 Throw a Bomb Bud at Nabbit in Gloomy Woods. Random?
Cannonball Chuck Press A Button to begin spinning, then A Button again when you're ready to launch. Aim straight ahead! Once your cannonball is in the air, you can steer left and right using the Circle Pad. You can also fly higher by sliding down and lower by sliding up on the Circle Pad. When aiming for tall enemies, slide down on the Circle Pad to fly high and topple them! 9 Complete Nabbit Multiplication. Choose
Toad Trail Use the Circle Pad to steer as you slide along the path of Paper Toads. Watch out! If you fall off the path, your attack will fail. Press A Button to jump over gaps in the rails. At the end of the path, steer Mario and Luigi towards the enemies with the Circle Pad! 11 Defeat King Bob-omb atop Mount Brrr. Choose
Luigi
Bros. Attack Description BP Location Target
Fire Flower as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Fire Flower
Repeatedly press the button of the bro holding the bigger fireball. The sizes of the fireballs will change from time to time. Whenever the sizes of the fireballs change, the thrower will also switch. Throw lots of fireballs to go into a bonus mode. Just keep mashing A Button and B Button! 3 Dropped by Nabbit in Peach's Castle. Random
Drill Shell Press B Button to launch, and then press A Button to drill down when you're directly over an enemy. Once you connect, press B Button as many times as possible to deal the most damage. 5 Catch Nabbit for the first time in Doop Doop Dunes. Single
Dropchopper as it appears in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
Dropchopper
Move the Dropchopper above Mario's and Luigi's head using the Circle Pad. Press A Button for Mario to grab on and B Button for Luigi. The faster they both grab it, the higher it goes. Aim for your enemies using the Circle Pad, and press the top character's button to release! 7 Trio Drill Dash into Nabbit in Doop Doop Dunes. Choose (stomp)
Ground (shockwave)
Balloon Blast At the top of each jump, press either A Button or B Button to blow up the balloon. The better your timing, the bigger the balloon will get. The timing gets harder with each jump. Pump that balloon and let it fly! 9 Complete Skyjinks with Nabbit. Random
Mega Mushroom
Mega Thwonk
Press B Button each time Luigi stomps on the ground. You'll speed up if you time it right. Press A Button at just the right time to whack your enemy with the hammer. Continue pressing A Button each time Mario lands on an enemy's head to keep dealing damage! 12 Complete Bad Nabbit. All (hammer)
Single (stomps)

Gallery[edit]

Mario & Luigi: Brothership[edit]

Mario
Bros. Attack Description BP Location
Bros. Attack icon in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Red Shell[3]
Kick with A Button for Mario and B Button for Luigi, and keep passing the shell back and forth.

Target: one enemy

4 Shipshape Island (after defeating Gorumbla)
Bros. Attack icon in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Hatch Me if You Can[3]
Make Mario A Button, or Luigi B Button, dive for the egg. Finally, use Left Stick to aim and smash with X Button.

Target: all enemies[4]

7 Shipshape Island (after Peach or Luigi is sent to investigate Lottacoins Island)
Bros. Attack icon in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Bomb Derby[5]
Luigi throws bombs with Left Stick, and Mario hits them with A Button. Hit all the bombs before they explode.

Target: all enemies

10 Shipshape Island (after returning from Heatfreeze Island)
Bros. Attack icon in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Clockout Blow
Who's closest to the enemy? If Mario, press A Button. If Luigi, press B Button. Finally, finish with X Button.

Target: all enemies

12 Shipshape Island (after relinking Heatfreeze Island and Twistee Island)
Bros. Attack icon in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Conductor Connector[6]
Use Left Stick to launch and connect the satellites. Finally, aim with Left Stick and press X Button to launch.

Target: all enemies

15 Conductor Island (after asking the Great Conductor about the last bond needed)
Luigi
Bros. Attack Description BP Location
Bros. Attack icon in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Green Shell[7]
Kick with A Button for Mario and B Button for Luigi, and keep passing the shell back and forth.

Target: all enemies

5 Shipshape Island (after defeating Gorumbla)
Bros. Attack icon in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Zapperator[8][9]
Alternate charging with Mario A Button and Luigi B Button. Call down lightning within the time limit with X Button.

Target: all enemies

7 Shipshape Island (after Peach is taken to Lottacoins Island if Peach is sent to investigate the island)
Lottacoins Island (after reuniting with Luigi if he is sent to investigate the island)
Bros. Attack icon in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Jump Helmet[5]
Make Luigi jump with B Button each time he lands. Use Left Stick to maneuver Mario to the landing points.

Target: one enemy

9 Shipshape Island (after returning from Heatfreeze Island)
Bros. Attack icon in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Yoo Who Cannon[5]
Remember who got in which barrel. If it's Mario, press A Button, if Luigi B Button. Finally, press X Button to launch.

Target: all enemies

12 Shipshape Island (after relinking Heatfreeze Island and Twistee Island)
Bros. Attack icon in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Max-Mix Vortex[10]
Power the tornado using A Button for Mario and B Button for Luigi. Then use Left Stick to suck up enemies.

Target: all enemies Effect:Burn/Ice

14 Skorcheen Island (after collecting Chilliam and Burnadette's Bond)

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ブラザーアタック[?]
Burazā Atakku
Brother Attack
スペシャルアタック[?]
Supesharu Atakku
Special Attack Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Chinese 兄弟特技[?]
Xiōngdì Tèjì
Bros. Special Technique
Dutch Duoaanval[?] Duo attack
French (NOE) Attaque frère[?] Brother Attack
Attaque duo[?] Special Attack Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Attaque spéciale[?] Duo Attack Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
German Paar-Attacke[?] Pair attack
Spezialattacke[?] Special attack Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Italian Attacco Fratelli[?] Brothers Attack
Attacco Speciale[?] Special Attack Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Korean 브라더 어택
Beuradeo Eotaek
스페셜 어택
Seupesyol Eotaek
[?]
Brother Attack

Special Attack
Portuguese Ataque Bros.[?] Bros. Attack
Russian Дуплет[?]
Duplet
Doublet
Spanish Ataque tándem[?] Tandem attack
Ataque especial[?] Special attack Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

Trivia[edit]

  • Green Shell, Red Shell, Fire Flower, and Bomb Derby are the only Bros. Attacks to appear in more than two games in the series.
    • Bomb Derby is also the only Bros. Attack to appear in every game in the series following its first appearance.

References[edit]