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{{about|a general overview of keys|the specific keys in ''[[Mario's Time Machine]]''|[[Key (Mainz)]] and [[Key (Philadelphia)]]}}
{{about|a general overview of keys|the specific keys in ''[[Mario's Time Machine (PC)|Mario's Time Machine]]''|[[Key (Mainz)]] and [[Key (Philadelphia)]]|the coins simply known as keys in [[Super Nintendo World]]|[[Key Coin]]}}
[[File:Keys.png|frame|Many different types of Keys.]]
{{item infobox
'''Keys''' are items used for various purposes that appear in many games of the ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'', ''[[Yoshi (franchise)|Yoshi]]'', and [[Wario (franchise)|''Wario'']] franchises and their related media. Though their appearance and usage varies, they are typically used to open a [[Key Door|locked door]] or a secret path.
|image=[[File:Key CTTT.png|200px]]<br>Artwork from ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]''
 
|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' ([[List of games by date#1982|1982]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition]]'' ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
|effect=Unlocks a door or sealed barrier
}}
'''Keys''' in the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]] are items and objects typically used for opening [[Key Door|locked doors]] or unlocking secret paths, and they have taken on a variety of designs throughout their appearances.
==History==
==History==
===''Donkey Kong'' franchise===
===''Donkey Kong'' series===
====''Donkey Kong Jr.''====
====''Donkey Kong Jr.''====
In ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'', keys are used to unlock [[Donkey Kong]]'s cage in the [[Chain Scene]].
Keys in ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' are used to unlock [[Donkey Kong]]'s cage in the [[Chain Scene]]. In the [[Game & Watch]] [[Donkey Kong Jr. (Game & Watch)|version]], obtaining four keys is a critical component to freeing Donkey Kong.
 
====''Donkey Kong Jr.'' (Game & Watch)====
In ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (Game & Watch)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' for the [[Game & Watch]], obtaining four keys is a critical component to freeing Donkey Kong.


====''Donkey Kong'' (Game Boy)====
====''Donkey Kong'' (Game Boy)====
[[File:Mario Throwing a Key.jpg|thumb|x100px|left|Mario throwing a key.]]
[[File:Mario_Throwing_a_Key.jpg|thumb|x150px|left|Artwork of Mario throwing up a key, from the Game Boy version of ''Donkey Kong'']]
In ''[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Donkey Kong]]'' for the [[Game Boy]], keys make their first appearance in [[Stage 1-1]], after [[Construction Site|Stage 0]]. In all regular levels of the game except for Stage 0 (which has the stages from the original ''Donkey Kong'' arcade game), [[Mario]] has to find the key and take it to the correct locked door. Mario picks up the key by standing on it and lifting it above his head. Often, the key has to be thrown upwards because Mario cannot hold it while climbing a ladder, and it can also be used to take out enemies by throwing it.
Keys in the [[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Game Boy version]] of ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' appear in every stage from [[Stage 1-1]] onward, all in which [[Mario]] has to find the key and take it to the correct locked door. Mario can pick up a key by standing on it and lifting it above his head, and Mario often has to throw it upwards since he cannot hold it while climbing a ladder. Keys are useful projectiles to throw at enemies and defeat them.
 
====''Donkey Kong 64''====
In ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'', [[Boss Keys]] are rewarded after each boss battle, and are used to unlock padlocks on [[K. Lumsy]]'s cage.
 
====''Donkey Kong Country Returns''====
In ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'', there is a key known as a [[Map Key]] that can be purchased from [[Cranky Kong's Shop]] in each world, for a total of eight keys. Each key costs 20 [[Banana Coin]]s, and when purchased, unlocks an alternate route on the world map that will allow Donkey Kong and [[Diddy Kong]] to reach additional levels. This totals up to a price of 160 Banana Coins for buying all 8 keys.
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===''Super Mario'' series===
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Super Mario Bros. 2''====
====''Super Mario Bros. 2''====
{{multiple image
[[File:Key SMA artwork.jpg|thumb|100px|A Key, as depicted for ''Super Mario Advance'']]
|align = right
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' are objects corresponding to locked doors, with both objects first appearing in [[World 1-2 (Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 1-2]]. All keys are guarded by [[Phanto]]s, one of which will chase the player until the key is either dropped or unlocks a door. Keys are one of the few items like [[Mushroom]]s to always be above ground and not having to be uprooted. A Key in [[World 7-2 (Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 7-2]] is held by a [[Birdo]], whom the player must defeat for the key.
|direction =horizontal
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|width = 50
|image1 = SMAS SMB2 Key Artwork.png
|caption1 = Artwork from ''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]''.
|image2 = Key SMA artwork.jpg
|caption2 = Artwork from ''[[Super Mario Advance]]''}}
''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' is the first ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' game to feature keys and locked doors, both first appearing in [[World 1-2 (Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 1-2]]. All keys in this game are guarded by [[Phanto]]s, one of which will chase the player until the key is dropped or used to unlock a door. Unlike many other items in the game, keys are always visible without having to be rooted up like a [[vegetable]].
 
Most keys are out in the open, but at least one was guarded by a [[Birdo]] in [[World 7-2 (Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 7-2]].


====''Super Mario World''====
====''Super Mario World''====
[[File:SMW Key Sprite.png|frame|left]]
[[File:SMW Key Sprite.png|frame|left]]
In ''[[Super Mario World]]'', keys and [[keyhole]]s can be found in various levels. Bringing a key to a keyhole activates the respective level's secret exit. Like other items in the game, keys can be carried around and dropped or kicked upwards, but they will have no effect on a keyhole unless held by the player. [[Yoshi]] can carry a key in his mouth, but will swallow it if it remains in his mouth for too long. The location of a key does not reset when it is scrolled off the screen.
Keys and [[keyhole]]s in ''[[Super Mario World]]'' appear in various levels, where carrying a key to a keyhole opens the current level's secret exit. Keys can be carried around and dropped or kicked upwards. A key can be carried by [[Yoshi]] in his mouth, but he will swallow the key if it remains in his mouth for too long. Unlike other items, the location of a key does not reset when it is scrolled off the screen.


====''Super Mario 64'' / ''Super Mario 64 DS''====
====''Super Mario 64'' / ''Super Mario 64 DS''====
[[File:Key 64.png|thumb|100px|Mario gets a Big Key in ''Super Mario 64''.]]
[[File:Key 64.png|thumb|Mario obtaining the Boss Key of Bowser in the Fire Sea in ''Super Mario 64'']]
[[File:SM64 Unused Key Artwork.jpg|left|thumb|50px|An image of the unused key]]
Keys in ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' appear only as two '''Big Keys''',<ref>{{cite|title=''[[Nintendo Power]]'' Volume 91|page=63|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=December 1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite|date=February 24, 1998|archive=web.archive.org/web/20000303135944/http://www.nintendo.com/n64/super_mario64/items.html|title=Items {{!}} ''Nintendo: Super Mario 64 Strategy''|publisher=Nintendo.com|language=en-us|accessdate=February 23, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Prima Bath|title=''Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition'' Prima's Official Strategy Guide|date=April 7, 1999|page=84 and 86|isbn=0-7615-2103-8|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Prima Bath|title=''Ultimate Nintendo 64 Pocket Power Guide, 1999 Edition'' Prima's Official Strategy Guide|date=April 21, 1999|page=56 and 57|publisher=Prima Games|language=en-us|isbn=0-7615-2083-X}}</ref> located in [[Bowser in the Dark World]] and [[Bowser in the Fire Sea]] respectively. Each Big Key can be obtained by [[Mario]] after defeating Bowser. The first Big Key unlocks the opens the door to the basement of the [[Peach's Castle|Mushroom Castle]], while the second key opens the door to the upper floors of the Mushroom Castle. If the player tries unlocking the door to the upper floors with the basement key, a message is displayed, notifying the player that the key does not fit the lock.
In ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', there are only two '''Big Keys'''<ref>''[[Nintendo Power]]'' volume 91, page 63.</ref><ref>(February 24, 1998). [https://web.archive.org/web/19980224194049/http://www.nintendo.com/n64/super_mario64/items.html Items]. ''Nintendo: Super Mario 64 Strategy'' (Internet Archive: Wayback Machine). Retrieved February 23, 2018.</ref><ref>Prima Bath. ''Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition'' Prima's Official Strategy Guide. Pages 84 and 86.</ref><ref>Prima Bath. ''Ultimate Nintendo 64 Pocket Power Guide, 1999 Edition'' Prima's Official Strategy Guide. Pages 56, 57.</ref> in the game, and they can be found in two [[Bowser]] levels: [[Bowser in the Dark World]] and [[Bowser in the Fire Sea]]. Mario gets them when Bowser is defeated. The keys can open doors of the [[Peach's Castle|Mushroom Castle]]. The first key opens the door to the castle's basement, and the second key opens the door to the castle's upper floors. If a player attempts to open the door to the upper floors with the basement key, a message will appear to let the player know that that key does not fit the lock.
 
In ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'', the Big Keys retain their purpose from the previous game, but there are other kinds of keys. First, there are those that [[rabbit]]s steal. The first key Yoshi has to obtain unlocks the Mushroom Castle; only after he catches the first rabbit can he get inside the castle. There are many other rabbits that can be found in the game, but they only unlock [[minigame]]s. The second kind of keys the player must collect are held by three bosses ([[Goomboss]], [[King Boo]], and [[Chief Chilly]]) and are used to free Mario, [[Luigi]], and [[Wario]]. The third kind of key is obtained by catching the eight [[glowing rabbit]]s that randomly appear in place of the regular ones after 50 Power Stars have been collected. The key opens the white door in the character-selection room, which contains a secret Power Star.


Keys in the [[Super Mario 64 DS|Nintendo DS version]] appear in more varieties, other than Big Keys. The most common types of Keys are those stolen by [[rabbit]]s, and the first key that [[Yoshi]] has to obtain unlocks the door into the Mushroom Castle at the beginning. The keys held by the other rabbits are only for unlocking different [[minigame]]s, but a key to the white-bordered door in the [[Peach's Room|princess's room]], which contains a secret Power Star, can be obtained after capturing the eight [[glowing rabbit]]s. [[Goomboss]], [[King Boo]], and [[Chief Chilly]] are the proprietors of [[Mario's Key]], the [[Luigi Key]], and the [[Wario Key]], respectively, and must be defeated for their keys so that the player can unlock the doors in the princess's room where Mario, [[Luigi]], and [[Wario]] are imprisoned, respectively.
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
|align = center
|align=center
|direction = horizontal
|direction=horizontal
|footer = The [[Mario Key|Mario]], [[Luigi Key|Luigi]], and [[Wario Key]]s
|footer=[[Mario's Key]], [[Luigi Key]], and [[Wario Key]]
|width = 100
|width=100
 
|image1=Mario Key.png|110px
| image1 = Mario Key.png|110px
|alt1=Mario Key
| alt1 = Mario Key
|image2=Luigi Key.png|110px
 
|alt2=Luigi Key
| image2 = Luigi Key.png|110px
|image3=Wario Key.png|110px
| alt2 = Luigi Key
|alt3=Wario Key
 
| image3 = Wario Key.png|110px
| alt3 = Wario Key
}}
}}
{{br|left}}
{{br|left}}


====''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3''====
====''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3''====
A Key appears in the [[World-e]] level [[Doors o' Plenty]] in ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]''. While it is carried in the same way as in ''Super Mario World'', its function is to open Key Doors, as in ''Super Mario Bros. 2''.
A Key in ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' appears only in the [[World-e]] level, [[Doors o' Plenty]], retaining its interactive properties from ''Super Mario World'' but having to open a Key Door, as in ''Super Mario Bros. 2''.


====''New Super Mario Bros.'' series====
====''New Super Mario Bros.'' subseries====
[[File:NSMB Key.png|frame|left|Mario wins a Key in World 3.]]
[[File:NSMB Key.png|frame|left|Mario wins a key in World 3.]]
[[File:NSMBW Key Screenshot.png|thumb|200px|Mario sees a key after defeating [[Roy Koopa]] in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''.]]
[[File:NSMBW Key Screenshot.png|thumb|200px|Mario sees a key after defeating [[Roy|Roy Koopa]] in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''.]]
In ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', at the end of each World from 2 to 7, Mario faces off against a boss. If he wins, a Key will be granted.
Keys in ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' are rewarded for defeating every boss from [[World 2 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 2]] to [[World 7 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 7]].
In ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' and ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', when Mario defeats any of the [[Koopalings]] at their castles, he will receive a key that he must grab to exit the castle. This item does not serve any purpose other than finishing and closing the level. However, in the [[Coin Battle]] mode of ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'', the player that collects the key receives five coins.
 
Keys in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' and ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' are items that appear only after defeating one of the [[Koopalings]] at their castles, and the player has to grab the key to both complete and exit the level. Keys in the [[Coin Battle]] mode of ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' grant five coins to whichever player had collected it.
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====''Super Mario Galaxy''====
====''Super Mario Galaxy''====
[[File:SMG Key.png|thumb|right|A key that appears in ''Super Mario Galaxy''.]]
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' can be collected to automatically open locked doors or [[cage]]s. A Key in the [[Gateway Galaxy]] and the [[Ghostly Galaxy]] is held by a [[Big Goomba|Grand Goomba]] and a [[Boo]], respectively, both releasing the Key after the enemies have been defeated.
In ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', keys can be collected to automatically open locked doors or force-fields. They are found in galaxies such as the [[Gateway Galaxy]] and the [[Ghostly Galaxy]]. In the Gateway Galaxy and Ghostly Galaxy, a [[Big Goomba|Grand Goomba]] and a [[Boo]], respectively, each hold a key which is released after Mario or Luigi defeats the enemies.
 
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====''Super Mario Galaxy 2''====
====''Super Mario Galaxy 2''====
[[File:SMG2 Key.png|thumb|x100px|left|A Key on the [[Battle Belt Galaxy#Jack O' Goomba Planet|Jack O' Goomba Planet]] in the [[Battle Belt Galaxy]].]]
[[File:SMG2 Key.png|thumb|x100px|left|A Key on the [[Battle Belt Galaxy#Jack O' Goomba Planet|Jack O' Goomba Planet]] in the [[Battle Belt Galaxy]] in ''Super Mario Galaxy 2'']]
Keys also appear in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'', and they serve the same function they did in ''Super Mario Galaxy''. They can be found in galaxies such as the [[Haunty Halls Galaxy]] and the [[Battle Belt Galaxy]]. They also briefly appear in the [[Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy]].
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'' are functionally identical to their appearance in ''Super Mario Galaxy'', and appear in galaxies such as the [[Haunty Halls Galaxy]], the [[Battle Belt Galaxy]], and also briefly in the [[Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy]].


====''Super Mario Maker'' / ''Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS''====
====''Super Mario Maker'' / ''Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS''====
[[File:SMM-SMB-Key.png|frame]]
[[File:SMM-SMB-Key.png|frame]]
An update released on March 9, 2016 for ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' allowed players to add keys to levels. They can be placed in blocks, or in an enemy, making them obtainable after Mario defeats it. Additionally, another new item included in the update, the [[Pink Coin (Super Mario Maker)|Pink Coin]], reveals a key once Mario collects every single one in the level. A key does not need to be directly held onto by Mario, as it automatically follows him after obtaining it, similar to the keys in the ''Yoshi's Island'' series. Up to eight keys can be obtained at one time.
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' can be added to levels ever since the update released on March 9, 2016. Keys can be placed in blocks, or in an enemy, making them obtainable after Mario defeats it. Additionally, another new item included in the update, the [[Pink Coin (Super Mario Maker)|Pink Coin]], reveals a key once Mario collects every single one in the level. Keys cannot be carried by Mario, since they now follow him automatically, not unlike the keys of the [[Yoshi's Island (series)|''Yoshi's Island'' series]]. Up to eight keys can be obtained at one time.


====''Super Mario Run''====
====''Super Mario Run''====
Keys reappear in [[Ghost House]] levels in ''[[Super Mario Run]]'', with their appearance from the ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' style in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]''. They are used to unlock Key Doors, and can be found inside of [[Boo]]s and [[? Block]]s. They are required to beat level 5-3: [[Boohind Lock and Key]].
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Run]]'' are used to unlock Key Doors. They take on their design from the ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' style in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]''. Keys can be found inside of [[Boo]]s and [[? Block]]s inside of [[Ghost House]]s, and are a requirement to beating level 5-3: [[Boohind Lock and Key]].


====''Super Mario Odyssey''====
====''Super Mario Odyssey''====
In ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', keys make a reappearance, albeit slightly redesigned. They unlock [[locked panel]]s which contain [[Power Moon]]s when collected.
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' received a slight redesign, and are used for opening [[locked panel]]s, which contain [[Power Moon]]s when collected.


====''Super Mario Maker 2''====
====''Super Mario Maker 2''====
[[File:SMM2-SM3DW-Key.png|thumb|left]]
[[File:SMM2-SM3DW-Key.png|thumb|left]]
Keys return in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]''. In the ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' style, they resemble the key symbols seen on [[Key Coin]]s in the original game. In multiplayer, a player can stomp on another player who is holding a Key to grab the Key for themselves. If the player holding the Key is defeated, the Key enters a [[bubble]], allowing other players to grab it.
Keys in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'' retain their function and purpose from ''Super Mario Maker'', and additionally appear in the added fifth game style, ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'', where they resemble the key symbols seen on [[Key Coin]]s in the original game. In multiplayer, a player can stomp on another player who is holding a Key to grab the Key for themselves. If the player holding the Key is defeated, the Key enters a [[bubble]], allowing other players to grab it.


A variant of the key called the [[Cursed Key]] was made available with the version 3.0.0 update exclusive to the ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' game style. When a Cursed Key is picked up, a [[Phanto]] is spawned.
Keys in the version 3.0.0 update were given a variation exclusively in the ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' game style, [[Cursed Key]]s, which spawn a [[Phanto]] when picked up, just like keys do in ''Super Mario Bros. 2''.
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====''Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury''====
====''Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury''====
Keys reappear now with cat ears in the ''[[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury#Bowser's Fury|Bowser's Fury]]'' campaign of ''[[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury]]'', appearing specifically when a Key is needed to open a cage containing a [[Cat Shine]]. Unlike in previous games, the key must be carried all the way back to the lock, rather than simply touching it. They also disappear if they are on the ground other than their initial spawn point for too long, or if they get thrown into water, the black [[goop]], or [[lava]]. In these cases, the key will respawn back at its original location.
Keys with cat ears appear in the ''[[Bowser's Fury]]'' campaign of ''[[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury]]'', specifically when a Key is needed to open a cage containing a [[Cat Shine]]. Unlike in previous games, the key must be carried all the way back to the lock, rather than simply touching it. They also disappear if they are on the ground other than their initial spawn point for too long, or if they get thrown into water, the black [[goop]], or [[lava]]. In these cases, the key will respawn back at its original location.


===''Super Mario World'' animated series===
===''Super Mario World'' animated series===
[[File:This Key.jpg|thumb|King Koopa holding a key in "Mama Luigi."]]
[[File:This Key.jpg|thumb|King Koopa holding a key in the ''Super Mario World'' episode "Mama Luigi".]]
Keys appear in the ''[[Super Mario World (TV series)|Super Mario World]]'' cartoon in the episodes "[[Ghosts 'R' Us]]" and "[[Mama Luigi]]". In "Ghosts 'R' Us", when [[Wizenheimer]] is defeated, Oogtar uses a [[? Block]], causing a key to appear, and uses it for the door. In this episode, it makes the same sound as a [[Cape Feather]]. In "Mama Luigi", [[Bowser|King Koopa]] shows a key off, gloating that the Mario Bros. will never be able to find [[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]] without it. However, [[Yoshi]] then eats it, and after Koopa retreats, he spits it out and it opens the cell the Princess was being held in.
Keys in the ''[[Super Mario World (television series)|Super Mario World]]'' cartoon have a purpose in two episodes, "[[Ghosts 'R' Us]]" and "[[Mama Luigi]]". A Key in "Ghosts 'R' Us" is spawned by [[Oogtar]] from a [[? Block]] after [[Wizenheimer]] is defeated, and uses it for the door. This key plays the same sound effect as a [[Cape Feather]]. A Key in "Mama Luigi" is shown off by [[Bowser|King Koopa]], who gloats that the Mario Bros. will never be able to find [[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]] without it. However, [[Yoshi]] then eats it, and after Koopa retreats, Yoshi spits out the key to open the cell the Princess was being held in.
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===''Wario Land'' series===
===''Wario Land'' series===
====''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3''====
====''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3''====
[[File:WL1 Key.png|left|thumb|A key and a skull door.]]
[[File:WL1 Key.png|left|thumb|Wario carrying a key to a skull door in ''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3''.]]
In ''[[Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3]]'', the player can sometimes find a key inside a [[? Block#Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3|Face Block]]. These keys are hidden throughout many stages of the game and they are required to open the skull door<ref name=WL>''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3'' instruction booklet, page 15.</ref> (also called Skeleton Door<ref name=WL/><ref>''Super Game Boy Player's Guide'', page 28.</ref> or Treasure Room Door<ref>''Nintendo Power'' Volume 88, [https://imgur.com/a/5m2Mlbg page 77.]</ref>) to a Treasure Room<ref name=WL/>. The keyhole that the key fits is always found in the same stage as the key and the key can not be taken out of the stage, so it has to be recollected after leaving the level. Inside of the Treasure Rooms, [[Wario]] can find one of the collectible [[Treasure (Wario franchise)|treasure]]s. However, he cannot be [[Tiny Wario|Small Wario]] as he needs to [[Dash Attack|Body Slam]] the [[treasure chest]] to open it (although breathing fire works).
Keys in ''[[Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3]]'' are hidden throughout many stages of the game, and are required to open the skull door<ref name=WL>{{cite|title=''Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3'' instruction booklet|language=en-us|date=1994|publisher=Nintendo of America|location=Redmond, WA|page=15}}</ref> (also called Skeleton Door<ref name=WL/><ref>{{cite|author=Hamm & Rudolf GmbH, Frankfurt|title=''Super Game Boy'' Player's Guide|page=28|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=1994}}</ref> or Treasure Room Door<ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 88|date=September 1996|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|page=[https://imgur.com/a/5m2Mlbg 77]}}</ref>) to a Treasure Room.<ref name=WL/> A key can sometimes be found inside of a [[? Block#Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3|Face Block]]. The keyhole in which the key fits is always found in the same stage as the key and the key can not be taken out of the stage, so it has to be recollected after leaving the level. Inside the Treasure Rooms, [[Wario]] can find one of the collectible [[treasure (Wario franchise)|treasure]]s. However, he cannot be [[Tiny Wario|Small Wario]] as he needs to [[Dash Attack|Body Slam]] the [[treasure chest]] to open it (although [[Dragon Wario (Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3)|breathing fire]] also works).
 
====''Virtual Boy Wario Land''====
Gate Keys in ''[[Virtual Boy Wario Land]]'' are a requirement for unlocking the elevator at the end of each stage.


====''Wario Land 3''====
====''Wario Land 3''====
[[File:WL3 Key.PNG|thumb|132px|The keys as they appear in the levels of ''Wario Land 3'']]
{{multiple image
While being absent in ''[[Wario Land II]]'', keys reappear in ''[[Wario Land 3]]''. Four differently colored keys are hidden throughout the level: a '''Gray Key'''<ref>''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133, pages 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65.</ref> (or '''Silver Key'''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20010429172737/http://www.warioland3.com/strategy/body.asp?key_id=N5_SILVER&land_id=N5 Official American ''Wario Land 3'' website (Internet Archive)]</ref>), '''Red Key'''<ref>''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133, pages 60, 62, 63, 64, 66.</ref>, '''Green Key'''<ref>''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133, pages 61, 62, 64, 65, 66.</ref>, and '''Blue Key'''<ref>''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133, page 65.</ref>. Wario can only clear a level if he finds one of the keys and manages to take them to their respective treasure chest. By doing so, he earns himself a new treasure that helps the player to proceed and find new levels. Usually, not all keys in a level are available from the start. The player has to obtain new abilities and meet certain requirements to find them all. After a key is taken to a treasure chest, the chest gets replaced by a [[Goal door (Wario Land series)|goal door]].
|align=right
|image1=WL3 Gray Key.png
|width1=16
|image2=WL3 Red Key.png
|width2=16
|image3=WL3 Green Key.png
|width3=16
|image4=WL3 Blue Key.png
|width4=16
|footer=The keys as they appear in the levels of ''Wario Land 3''
}}
While being absent in ''[[Wario Land II]]'', keys reappear in ''[[Wario Land 3]]''. Four differently colored keys are hidden throughout the level: a '''Gray Key'''<ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133|page=60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65|date=June 2000|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> (or '''Silver Key'''<ref>{{cite|archive=web.archive.org/web/20010429172737/http://www.warioland3.com/strategy/body.asp?key_id=N5_SILVER&land_id=N5|title=Official American ''Wario Land 3'' website|publisher=Nintendo.com|language=en-us|deadlink=y}}</ref>), '''Red Key''',<ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133|page=60, 62, 63, 64, 66|date=June 2000|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> '''Green Key''',<ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133|page=61, 62, 64, 65, 66|date=June 2000|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> and '''Blue Key'''.<ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 133|page=65|date=June 2000|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> Wario can only clear a level if he finds one of the keys and manages to take them to their respective treasure chest. By doing so, he earns himself a new treasure that helps the player to proceed and find new levels. Usually, not all keys in a level are available from the start. The player has to obtain new abilities and meet certain requirements to find them all. After a key is taken to a treasure chest, the chest gets replaced by a [[Goal door (Wario Land series)|goal door]]. After acquiring all treasures in every level and beating the final boss, starting the game will result in Time Attack, in which the objective of every level is to instead collect all four colored keys and exit through one of the goal doors. The fastest possible time will be recorded based on how fast this objective is achieved. Every key can be obtained in a level no matter if it is day or night, so the player will not be locked out of completion in any condition.


====''Wario Land 4''====
====''Wario Land 4''====
[[File:WL4-keyanim.gif|frame|left]]
[[File:WL4-keyanim.gif|frame|left]]
When ''[[Wario Land 4]]'' was [[List of Wario Land 4 pre-release and unused content|in development]], Wario originally needed a key to unlock the four boxes (much like ''[[Wario Land 3]]'') to gain the four Jewel Pieces. In the final game, Wario merely has to touch the box in order to open it. Besides the [[Keyzer]], no other key is seen in the game.
When ''[[Wario Land 4]]'' was [[List of Wario Land 4 pre-release and unused content|in development]], [[Wario]] originally needed a key to unlock the four boxes (much like ''[[Wario Land 3]]'') to gain the four Jewel Pieces. In the final game, Wario merely has to touch the box in order to open it. Besides the [[Keyzer]], no other key is seen in the game.
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===''Yoshi'' franchise===
===''Yoshi'' franchise===
{{multiple image
Keys in ''[[Yoshi (game)|Yoshi]]'' appear after the player clears levels 22 through 24 of the B-Type game, rewarding the player with 1,000 points.
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Keys in ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'' (and [[Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3|its reissue]]), ''[[Yoshi's Story]]'', ''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]'', ''[[Yoshi's New Island]]'', ''[[Yoshi's Woolly World]]'', ''[[Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World]]'', and ''[[Yoshi's Crafted World]]'' can be collected and carried like [[Yoshi's Egg|Yoshi Egg]]s, taking up one space of the player's maximum number of eggs. They can be used to unlock [[Mini Battle]] houses, locked doors in castles, and [[Cork]]s that block pipes. Additionally, during the cutscene following the defeat of a castle boss, a large key appears and unlocks a keyhole.
|image1=YoshiNES-Key-BType.png
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|image2=YoshiGB-Key.png
|width2=16
|footer=NES (left), Game Boy (right)
}}
Keys appear in ''[[Yoshi (game)|Yoshi]]'', after the player clears levels 22 through 24 of the B-Type game, rewarding the player 1,000 points.


In ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'', [[Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3|its remake]], ''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]'', ''[[Yoshi's New Island]]'', ''[[Yoshi's Woolly World]]'', ''[[Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World]]'', and ''[[Yoshi's Crafted World]]'', keys can be collected and carried like [[Yoshi Egg]]s, taking up one space of the player's maximum number of Eggs. They can be used to unlock [[Mini Battle]] houses, locked doors in castles and [[Cork]]s that block pipes. Additionally, during the cutscene following the defeat of a castle boss, a large key appears and unlocks a keyhole.
Keys in ''Yoshi's Story'' are required to open [[Key Door|locked doors]] in the [[Lift Castle]], [[Ghost Castle]], and [[Magma Castle]]. They are obtained by defeating a certain [[ComBat]] in the Lift Castle, popping a certain [[? Bubble]] in the Ghost Castle, and defeating the two [[slug]]s in the Magma Castle. One key in the Ghost Castle is out in the open in an underground section.
<gallery>
<gallery>
YIDS Key.jpg|A Key in ''Yoshi's Island DS''.
YoshiNES-Key-BType.png|''Yoshi'' ([[Nintendo Entertainment System]])
YoshiGB-Key.png|''Yoshi'' ([[Game Boy]])
SMW2 Key art.png|''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]''
SMW2 Key.png|''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''
SMW2YI Boss Key.png|''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''
YIDS Key.jpg|A key in ''Yoshi's Island DS''
Story Key.png|A key in ''Yoshi's Story''
YNI W4-4 Chomp Rock.png|[[Fort Key Calamity]] (''Yoshi's New Island'')
YNI W4-4 Chomp Rock.png|[[Fort Key Calamity]] (''Yoshi's New Island'')
YWW 1-8.jpg|[[Burt the Bashful's Castle]] (''Yoshi's Woolly World'')
YWW 1-8.jpg|[[Burt the Bashful's Castle]] (''Yoshi's Woolly World'')
YCW Key Behind Yoshi.png|A Key in ''Yoshi's Crafted World''.
YCW Key Behind Yoshi.png|A key in ''Yoshi's Crafted World''
</gallery>
</gallery>
===''Donkey Kong'' franchise===
====''Donkey Kong 64''====
Keys in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' appear only in the form of [[Boss Keys]], which are rewarded after each boss battle, and are used to unlock padlocks on [[K. Lumsy]]'s cage.
====''Donkey Kong Country Returns''====
A key in ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'' known as a [[Map Key]] can be purchased from [[Cranky Kong's Shop]] in each world, for a total of eight keys. Each key costs 20 [[Banana Coin]]s, and when purchased, unlocks an alternate route on the world map that will allow [[Donkey Kong]] and [[Diddy Kong]] to reach additional levels. This totals up to a price of 160 Banana Coins for buying all 8 keys.
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===''Mario Party'' series===
===''Mario Party'' series===
{{main|Skeleton Key}}
{{main|Skeleton Key}}
Bowser owns various keys in the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]]. These so-called Bowser Keys are usually found in [[Minigame|Bowser Minigame]]s, and are necessary to escape from Bowser. In earlier ''Mario Party'' games, Bowser Keys are simply keys shaped like Bowser's head. In later games, they are engraved with Bowser's likeness. The minigame [[Locked Out]] from ''[[Mario Party 3]]'' features keys with key heads shaped like mushrooms, flowers and stars.
Keys in the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]] appear in different varieties. Keys owned by Bowser are called Bowser Keys, and appear usually in [[Minigame|Bowser Minigame]]s, where using them is a requirement to escape from Bowser. Bowser Keys in earlier games of the ''Mario Party'' series are simply keys shaped like Bowser's head, but later installments engrave Bowser Keys  with Bowser's likeness. Keys in ''[[Mario Party 3]]'' appear in the minigame [[Locked Out]], and have key heads shaped like mushrooms, flowers and stars.


===''Paper Mario'' series===
===''Paper Mario'' series===
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[[File:PM Castle Key.png|frame|left|From left to right: [[Tubba Blubba]]'s, [[Bowser]]'s, and [[Hooktail]]'s keys]]
[[File:PM Castle Key.png|frame|left|From left to right: [[Tubba Blubba]]'s, [[Bowser]]'s, and [[Hooktail]]'s keys]]
[[File:PM Lock Render.png|frame]]
[[File:PM Lock Render.png|frame]]
There are many key designs in ''[[Paper Mario]]'' and its sequel, but each only opens doors in the area they are found. There are Castle Keys for every castle and fortress, and various others keys in different locations. In ''Paper Mario'', they were used in [[Tubba Blubba's Castle]], [[Bowser's Castle]], and [[Peach's Castle]]. [[Tubba Blubba]]'s keys look like three leaf clovers, while Bowser's look like a gold three leaf clover with a blue ball in the middle. There are about three of Tubba's keys and five of Bowser's keys. [[Princess Peach|Peach's]] Castle Keys are pink versions of Bowser's. Also, a living key called [[Yakkey]] locked the Gusty Gulch Windmill.
There are many key designs in ''[[Paper Mario]]'' and its sequel, but each only opens doors in the area they are found. There are Castle Keys for every castle and fortress, and various others keys in different locations. Keys in ''[[Paper Mario]]'' are used in [[Tubba Blubba's Castle]], [[Bowser's Castle]], and [[Peach's Castle]]. [[Tubba Blubba]]'s keys look like three-leaf clovers, while [[Bowser]]'s look like a gold three-leaf clover with a blue ball in the middle. There are about three of Tubba's keys and five of Bowser's keys. [[Princess Peach|Peach's]] Castle Keys are pink versions of Bowser's Castle Keys. Also, a living key called [[Yakkey]] locked the Gusty Gulch Windmill.
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====''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''====
====''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''====
{{rewrite-expand|section=y|Many keys are missing: Steeple Keys, Palace Keys / Tower Keys, Shop Key…}}
[[File:Grotto Key TTYD.png|frame|The [[Grotto Key]] in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''.]]
[[File:Grotto Key TTYD.png|frame|The [[Grotto Key]] in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''.]]
In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', the [[Castle Key (Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door)|Castle Key]]s that open the doors in [[Hooktail Castle]] are shaped like flowers. There are four Castle Keys. There is also a [[Grotto Key]], which opens the door to the south area in the [[Pirate's Grotto]].
Keys in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' appear in two varieties: the four [[Castle Key (Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door)|Castle Key]]s, which open the doors in [[Hooktail Castle]], and a [[Grotto Key]], which opens the door to the south area in the [[Pirate's Grotto]].


====''Super Paper Mario''====
====''Super Paper Mario''====
In ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', keys appear more prominently than in the previous installments. They are used in many levels to unlock doors.
Keys in ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'' appear more prominently than in the previous installments. They are used in many levels to unlock doors.


===''Luigi's Mansion'' series===
===''Luigi's Mansion'' series===
====''Luigi's Mansion''====
====''Luigi's Mansion''====
[[File:KeyLM.png|thumb|60px|A key from ''Luigi's Mansion''.]]
[[File:KeyLM.png|thumb|60px|A key from ''Luigi's Mansion''.]]
In ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'', Keys are used to unlock the different rooms of the [[Luigi's Mansion (location)|mansion]]. Luigi can usually obtain a Key by completing a room, then opening a [[treasure chest]]. In some rooms, such as the [[Wardrobe Room]] or [[Bathroom (1F)|Bathroom]], the Key spawns on a higher shelf. In the [[Fortune-teller's Room]], Luigi must utilize a specific method to acquire the [[Laundry Room (Luigi's Mansion)|Laundry Room]] key, by lighting all four candelabras using the [[elemental medal|Fire Element Medal]].
Keys in ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'' and its [[Luigi's Mansion (Nintendo 3DS)|Nintendo 3DS version]] are used for unlocking the different rooms of the [[Luigi's Mansion (location)|mansion]]. Keys can usually be obtained from a [[treasure chest]] that appears when clearing a room of every [[Ghost (Luigi's Mansion series)|ghost]]. Keys in certain rooms like the [[Wardrobe Room]] or [[Bathroom (1F)|Bathroom]] spawn on a higher shelf once Luigi hes captured all ghosts in the room. In the [[Fortune-teller's Room]], Luigi must utilize a specific method to acquire the [[Laundry Room (Luigi's Mansion)|Laundry Room]] key, by lighting all four candelabras using the [[element medal|Fire Element Medal]].


=====Special keys=====
Also, there are four special keys, with each one having a different card suit: heart, club, diamond, and spade.  
Also, there are four special keys, with each one having a different card suit: heart, club, diamond, and spade.  
 
*The key to Area 2, the '''Main Hall Key'''<ref>{{cite|title=''Luigi's Mansion'' Nintendo Player's Guide|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=2001|page=29|language=en-us|isbn=1-930206-14-3}}</ref> (obtained from [[Chauncey]]): This heart-shaped key unlocks the door with the heart imprint on the first floor of the [[Foyer (Luigi's Mansion)|Foyer]].
*The key to Area 2, the '''Main Hall Key'''<ref>''[[Luigi's Mansion]] [[Nintendo Power]]'' guide, page 29</ref> (obtained from [[Chauncey]]): This heart shaped key unlocks the door with the heart imprint on the first floor of the [[Foyer (Luigi's Mansion)|Foyer]].
*The key to Area 3, the '''Courtyard Key'''<ref>{{cite|title=''Luigi's Mansion'' Nintendo Player's Guide|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=2001|page=46|language=en-us|isbn=1-930206-14-3}}</ref> (obtained from [[Bogmire]]): This club-shaped key unlocks the door with the club imprint that is near the [[Bathroom (1F)|Bathroom on the first floor]] and the [[Conservatory (Luigi's Mansion)|Conservatory]].
*The key to Area 3, the '''Courtyard Key'''<ref>''[[Luigi's Mansion]] [[Nintendo Power]]'' guide, page 46</ref> (obtained from [[Bogmire]]): This key with a club shape on it unlocks the door with the club imprint that is near the [[Bathroom (1F)|Bathroom on the first floor]] and the [[Conservatory (Luigi's Mansion)|Conservatory]].
*The key to Area 4, the '''West Wing Key'''<ref>{{cite|title=''Luigi's Mansion'' Nintendo Player's Guide|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=2001|page=62|language=en-us|isbn=1-930206-14-3}}</ref> (obtained from [[Boolossus]]): This diamond-shaped key unlocks the door with the diamond imprint on the west side of the [[Balcony (3F)|Balcony on the third floor]].
*The key to Area 4, the '''West Wing Key'''<ref>''[[Luigi's Mansion]] [[Nintendo Power]]'' guide, page 62</ref> (obtained from [[Boolossus]]): This key with a diamond shape unlocks the second door found on the [[Balcony (3F)|Balcony on the third floor]].
*The key to the [[Secret Altar]], the '''Secret Altar Key'''<ref>{{cite|title=''Luigi's Mansion'' Nintendo Player's Guide|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=2001|page=75|language=en-us|isbn=1-930206-14-3}}</ref> (obtained from [[Vincent Van Gore]]): This spade-shaped key unlocks the door with the spade imprint at the end of the hall in the basement that leads to King Boo's Secret Altar. It is the only special key that is not dropped by a boss Portrait Ghost nor leads to a different area.
*The key to the [[Secret Altar]], the '''Secret Altar Key'''<ref>''[[Luigi's Mansion]] [[Nintendo Power]]'' guide, page 75</ref> (obtained from [[Vincent Van Gore]]): This key with a spade shape on it opens the door that leads to King Boo's Secret Altar, located in the basement at the end of the halls. It's the only special key that's not dropped by a boss Portrait Ghost nor leads to a different area.
 
<gallery>
<gallery>
HeartKeyLM.png|The Main Hall Key
HeartKeyLM.png|The Main Hall Key
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====''Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon''====
====''Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon''====
Keys return in ''[[Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon]]'', with a different design. They are again used to open doors and any key can be used to unlock a door. Keys disintegrate upon being used.
Keys in ''[[Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon]]'' are differently designed, disintegrate upon being used, but retain their usual role of unlocking doors.


====''Luigi's Mansion 3''====
====''Luigi's Mansion 3''====
In ''[[Luigi's Mansion 3]]'', keys can be found in places across [[the Last Resort]]. Their design is complementary to that of the architecture of the Last Resort, and they can be used to unlock locked doors, however a key can only unlock one door before shrinking into nonexistence.
Keys in ''[[Luigi's Mansion 3]]'' are functionally identical to their appearances in ''Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon'', and their design is complementary to that of the architecture of [[the Last Resort]], where they appear throughout.


===''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''===
===''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series===
====''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''====
[[File:MvsDK Mario holding Key.jpg|75px|thumb|left|Mario with a Key in ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'']]
[[File:MvsDK Mario holding Key.jpg|75px|thumb|left|Mario with a Key in ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'']]
In ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'', collecting Keys are essential to progress though the levels. Keys need to be carried to locked doors in order to open them and move on to the next area. Like with any other held item in the game, the Key can be thrown forwards and upwards, and will also be knocked out of Mario's hand if he is attacked. Unlike other items, Keys have a twelve second timer and will disappear and respawn at their original location when the timer is up.
Keys in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' have to be collected to progress through the levels, similarly to the Game Boy version of ''Donkey Kong''. Keys need to be carried to locked doors in order to open them and move on to the next area. A Key can be thrown forwards and upwards, like other objects that Mario can pick up, and will also be knocked out of Mario's hand if he is attacked. A unique characteristic that keys have is when they are dropped or put down by Mario, their twelve-second countdown timer is initiated, and will respawn to their original place when the timer is up.


In the Plus Levels, small Keys are attached to [[Mini Mario (toy)|Mini Mario]]s. Their purpose is the same as in earlier levels, but Mario cannot pick them up. Instead, they trail behind the Mini Mario as the toy moves. If the Key is brought the the locked door, the stage is cleared, but if the Mini Mario gets damaged, then the player has to restart the level.
Keys in the Plus Levels are smaller and attached to [[Key Mini Mario|Mini Mario]]s, which they trail behind. These keys cannot be picked up by Mario, and a Key has to be brought to the locked door to complete the stage.
 
Keys in the [[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|remake]] function similarly to their original counterparts, but if a player character runs past a key, it will rotate in place. In the newly-added [[Easy Mode|Casual]] play style, keys have a fifteen-second timer instead of twelve. Additionally, the remake also features a [[Flying key|flying variant]] of keys, with the gold variant used to unlock a chest with five [[1-Up Mushroom]]s in bonus levels, and a silver variant appearing in multiplayer only, which is mandatory to unchain [[Key Door#Mario vs. Donkey Kong|locked doors]] and [[Toy box (object)|toy boxes]] before using them.
 
====''Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!''====
While regular keys do not appear in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!]]'', [[Key Mini Mario]] reappears once again in the various "Key" levels in the game, being required to unlock the [[Goal Door (Mario vs. Donkey Kong series)|Goal Doors]] in them. They also reprise their roles in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!]]'' and in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars]]''.
 
====''Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move''====
[[File:MOTMKey.png|thumb|right]]
Keys appear in ''[[Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move]]'' as occasional level elements in [[Mario's Main Event]] and [[Many Mini Mayhem]]. In levels with keys, the goal tile is locked off and cannot be accessed unless a Mini collects a key and makes it to the goal. In Many Mini Mayhem, some Minis may spawn with a key already in possession - this Mini must reach the goal first before any of the other Minis do to unlock it.
 
=== ''Super Mario Fushigi no Janjan Land''===
Keys reappear in ''[[Super Mario Fushigi no Janjan Land]]'', where the player needs to collect at least five of them to fight [[Bowser]].


===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''===
===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''===
[[File:SSBB - Key Artwork.png|thumb|100px|Artwork of the Key from ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''.]]
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Key}}
In the Subspace Emissary mode of ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', Emissary Keys are found somewhere near locked gates. If the player finds a key and has it in hand while approaching a gate, it will be unlocked.
Keys in [[smashwiki:Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary|The Subspace Emissary]] mode of ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' are items found near locked gates. A key held by a player as they approach a gate will unlock it, although the key is disposed of in the process. These keys represent the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], and not the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]].


===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
====''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story'' / ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey''====
====''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story'' / ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey''====
[[Blue Key (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story)|Blue Key]]s, [[Red Key (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story)|Red Key]]s, and [[Green Key]]s appear as special items in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'' and its remake, ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey]]''. They are found on the second floor of [[Peach's Castle]], the last stage in the game, held by [[Fawfulcopter]]s which [[Bowser]] must chase after. The Blue Key is required to proceed the storyline; the other two are optional. Earlier in the game, the [[Stingler]] and [[Star Panel]]s behave like keys and open the doors in [[Pump Works]] and the [[Energy Hold]], respectively.
Keys in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'' and [[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey|its Nintendo 3DS remake]] appear in the form of special items, including [[Blue Key (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story)|Blue Key]]s, [[Red Key (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story)|Red Key]]s, and [[Green Key]]s. They are found on the second floor of [[Peach's Castle]], the last stage in the game, held by [[Fawfulcopter]]s which [[Bowser]] must chase after. The Blue Key is required to proceed the storyline; the other two are optional.
 
Earlier in the game, the [[Stingler]] and [[Star Panel]]s behave like keys and open the doors in [[Pump Works]] and the [[Energy Hold]], respectively.


====''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam''====
====''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam''====
[[File:Key M&LPJ screenshot.png|thumb|Mario holds a key in ''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam'']]
[[File:Key M&LPJ screenshot.png|thumb|Mario holds a key in ''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam'']]
A key briefly appears in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]'', as a teaching tutorial for the [[Trio Grab]]. The key is used to open a door in [[Twinsy Tropics Dungeon]].
A key in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]'' appears briefly as a teaching tutorial for the [[Trio Grab]], used to unlock a door in [[Twinsy Tropics Dungeon]].


===''Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker''===
===''Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker''===
[[File:Key CTTT.png|100px|thumb|A key from ''Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker''.]]
Keys in ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]'' and its Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS [[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Nintendo Switch / Nintendo 3DS)|ports]] are items that always open [[Key Door|locked doors]], and can be obtained from [[Pluck Patch]]es. Keys can also be thrown at enemies to defeat them, not unlike ''Super Mario Bros. 2''. Keys are carried by [[Captain Toad]] and [[Toadette]] atop their head, akin to other items. A key can reward one coin if the player clears the stage while that key is outside of its Pluck Patch.
Keys appear as items in ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]'' and its Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS [[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Nintendo Switch / Nintendo 3DS)|ports]]. They can be obtained from [[Pluck Patch]]es, and always open [[Key Door|locked doors]]. They can also be thrown at enemies to defeat them. Akin to other items in the game, [[Captain Toad]] and [[Toadette]] carry the keys atop their head.
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===''Dr. Mario World''===
[[File:DrMarioWorldKey.png|thumb|A key in ''Dr. Mario World'']]
Keys in ''[[Dr. Mario World]]'' are stage objects all found inside bubbles, meaning that they will float upwards until they hit an object. The [[bubble]]s containing the keys cannot be removed until it comes into contact with a [[Key Door|door]], after which it will disappear. Like the bubbles in this game, the keys that are currently floating cannot be reacted to, such as when [[Petey Piranha|Dr. Petey Piranha]]'s hits the bottom-most objects in each column (therefore the key is not treated as the bottom-most object while floating), except by pushing it upwards with a capsule. Moreover, the [[Hammer Bro.]] assistant will affect the floating speed of the key when equipped by slowing down the floating. When a capsule match is made next to the keys, the skill meter will be filled with an extra point for each key that it is made next to, even though the key will not be removed. The keys, as stage objects, appear exclusively in stage mode. Keys first appear in [[World 8 (Dr. Mario World)|World 8]].
 
Keys in versus mode are items that the player can be rewarded by winning versus matches. They are used to unlock battle boxes, of which the player can obtain three out of the nine possible rewards. The default number of keys required to unlock battle boxes is five since version 2.1.0 and seven prior to that, but only three are required on certain weeks. On certain weeks since season 3, specialists have the benefit of winning two keys instead of one if any of them are used to win the match.
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If a stage is cleared while a key is outside its Pluck Patch, the key rewards the player with one coin.
===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
In the {{file link|The Super Mario Bros Movie teaser poster.jpg|teaser poster}} for ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', voxelated keys resembling their sprite in ''Super Mario World'' can be seen being sold at the antiques store for two [[coin]]s each.


===''Dr. Mario World''===
===''Princess Peach: Showtime!''===
[[File:DrMarioWorldKey.png|thumb|left|A key in ''Dr. Mario World'']]
{{multiple image
In ''[[Dr. Mario World]]'', keys appear as stage objects where they first appear in [[World 8 (Dr. Mario World)|World 8]]. The keys in this game are all found inside bubbles, meaning that they will float upwards until they hit an object. The [[Bubble|bubbles]] containing the keys cannot be removed until it comes into contact with a [[Key Door|door]], after which it will disappear. Like the bubbles in this game, the keys that are currently floating cannot be reacted to, such as when [[Petey Piranha|Dr. Petey Piranha]]'s hits the bottom-most objects in each column (therefore the key is not treated as the bottom-most object while floating), except by pushing it upwards with a capsule. Moreover, the [[Hammer Bro.]] assistant will affect the floating speed of the key when equipped by slowing down the floating. When a capsule match is made next to the keys, the skill meter will be filled with an extra point for each key that it is made next to, even though the key will not be removed. The keys, as stage objects, appear exclusively in stage mode.  
|footer=
|image1=PPS Spades Key blue The Case of the Missing Mural.png
|width1=39
|caption1=The Spades Key
|image2=PPS Diamonds Key red The Case of the Missing Mural.png
|width2=52
|caption2=The Diamonds Key
|align=right
}}
The stage [[The Case of the Missing Mural]] in ''[[Princess Peach: Showtime!]]'' has two keys, a blue Spades Key and a red Diamonds Key, which are used to open the mummies in the room to the right of the popcorn lobby. The Spades Key is found on the right of the air duct's exit while the Diamonds Key is found to the left of the popcorn kiosk.


In versus mode, keys are items in which the player can be rewarded by winning versus matches. They are used to unlock battle boxes, of which the player can obtain three out of the nine possible rewards. The default number of keys required to unlock battle boxes is five since version 2.1.0 and seven prior to that, but only three are required on certain weeks. On certain weeks since season 3, specialists have the benefit of winning two keys instead of one if any of them are used to win the match.
If the keys are used on the mummies, the Spades Key opens up to reveal a [[Sparkle Gem]] while the Diamonds Key opens up a [[Theet]] who was trapped inside.
{{br}}


==Profiles==
==Profiles==
===''Super Mario Bros. 2''===
===''Super Mario Bros. 2''===
*'''Wii Virtual Console manual:''' ''"This item opens a locked door."''
*'''Wii Virtual Console manual:''' "''This item opens a locked door.''"
 
===''Super Mario Advance''===
*'''European instruction booklet:''' "''You'll need keys to open locked doors. Carrying them will not slow you down.''"


===''Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3''===
===''Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3''===
*'''Nintendo 3DS Digital Manual description:''' ''"Take a key to a door with a keyhole in it to open it."''
*'''Nintendo 3DS Digital Manual description:''' "''Take a key to a door with a keyhole in it to open it.''"
 
===''Luigi's Mansion'' series===
===''Luigi's Mansion'' series===
====''Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon''====
====''Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon''====
*'''Instruction Manual description:''' ''"Keys open locked doors."''
*'''Instruction Manual description:''' "''Keys open locked doors.''"


====''Luigi's Mansion'' (Nintendo 3DS)====
====''Luigi's Mansion'' (Nintendo 3DS)====
*'''Instruction Manual description (page 7):''' ''"Sometimes while exploring a lit room, you will find a key. Pick it up and use it to open doors to locked rooms."''
*'''Instruction Manual description (page 7):''' "''Sometimes while exploring a lit room, you will find a key. Pick it up and use it to open doors to locked rooms.''"
*'''Instruction Manual description (page 14):''' ''"Open locked doors."''
*'''Instruction Manual description (page 14):''' "''Open locked doors.''"
 
===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''===
{{SSBB trophy
|name=Key
|image=[[File:BrawlTrophy145.png|100px]]
|appears_in='''Wii''' ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''
|unlock=Random drop
|desc=In The Subspace Emissary, there are often locked doors. This key is the item you need to unlock these doors. You can touch a door while holding the key, or you can even throw the key at a door to unlock it. If you lose the key, it will return to the place you originally found it. This item is vital to your progress, so do your best not to lose it.
}}


===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' trophy===
==Gallery==
{|border=1 cellpadding=1 cellspacing=0 width=100%
{{main-gallery}}
|-
<gallery>
!width=100px|Name!!width=100px|Image!!width=200px|Game!!|Description
SMW Artwork Keyhole.png|''[[Super Mario World]]''
|-
SMG Asset Model Key.png|''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''
! Key
SMWMAYAL Luigi Key.png|''[[Super Mario World: Mario to Yoshi no Bōken Land]]''
| [[File:BrawlTrophy145.png|100px]]
NL 60BCLOS Promotional Image.png|Promotional image for ''[[60-Byō Challenge! Luigi o Sukue!!]]'' from Nintendo Co., Ltd.'s [[LINE]] account
| align=center | '''Wii''' ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''
DMW Battle Box Boost.jpg|''[[Dr. Mario World]]''
| In The Subspace Emissary, there are often locked doors. This key is the item you need to unlock these doors. You can touch a door while holding the key, or you can even throw the key at a door to unlock it. If you lose the key, it will return to the place you originally found it. This item is vital to your progress, so do your best not to lose it.
LEGO SM-71423 Dry Bowser Castle Battle.png|[[LEGO Super Mario|LEGO ''Super Mario'']]
|-
</gallery>
|}


==Notable keys==
==See also==
*[[Keyzer]]
*[[Keyzer]]
*[[Skeleton Key]]
*[[Skeleton Key]]
*[[Yakkey]]
*[[Yakkey]]


==Gallery==
==Additional names==
<gallery>
===Internal names===
NL 60BCLOS Promotional Image.png|Promotional image for ''60-Byō Challenge! Luigi o Sukue!!'' from Nintendo Co., Ltd.'s [[LINE]] account
{{internal names
DMW Battle Box Boost.jpg|''[[Dr. Mario World]]''
|game1=''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''<br>''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]''
</gallery>
|file1=<tt>ObjectData/KeySwitch.arc</tt>
|name1=KeySwitch
|meaning1=Key Switch
|game2=''Super Mario Galaxy''<br>''Super Mario Galaxy 2''
|file2=<tt>StageData/ObjNameTable.arc/ObjNameTable.tbl</tt><br><tt>SystemData/ObjNameTable.arc/ObjNameTable.tbl</tt>
|name2=鍵スイッチ (''Kagi Suitchi'')
|meaning2=Key Switch
|game3=''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]''
|file3=<tt>content/ObjectData/DoorLock.szs</tt>
|name3=DoorLock
|meaning3=Door Key (Japanese ''kagi'' can mean key or lock)
}}


==Names in other languages==
===Names in other languages===
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=1}}
====Key====
{{foreign names
{{foreign names
|Jap=カギ
|Jap=カギ<ref>{{cite|author=Sakai, Kazuya (Ambit), kikai, Akinori Sao, Junko Fukuda, Kunio Takayama, and Ko Nakahara (Shogakukan), editors|title=『[[Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia|スーパーマリオブラザーズ百科: 任天堂公式ガイドブック]]』|language=Japanese|location=Tokyo, Japan|publisher=Shogakukan|date=October 19, 2015|page=60, 70, 91, 118, 199|isbn=978-4-09-106569-8}}</ref><br>鍵<ref>{{cite|author=---|title=『[[Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia|スーパーマリオブラザーズ百科: 任天堂公式ガイドブック]]』|language=Japanese|location=Tokyo, Japan|isbn=978-4-09-106569-8|publisher=Shogakukan|date=October 19, 2015|page=136 and 169}}</ref>
|JapR=Kagi
|JapR=Kagi
|JapM=Key
|JapM=Key
|Ger=Schlüssel
|Ger=Schlüssel<ref>{{cite|author=Menold, Marcus, Claude M. Moyse, and Andreas G. Kämmerer, editors|title=''Der offizielle Nintendo Spieleberater "Super Mario World"''|language=de|location=Großostheim|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of Europe GmbH]]|date=1993|page=17}}</ref>
|GerM=Key
|GerM=Key
|Fra=Clé
|Fre=Clé
|FraM=Key
|FreM=Key
|Dut=Sleutel<ref>Nintendo Nederland. (March 9, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV4Hwg2Y_JA Super Mario Maker - Gesloten deuren! Spijkerzuilen! Roze munten! (Wii U)]. ''Youtube''. Retrieved May 19, 2019.</ref>
|Dut=Sleutel<ref>{{cite|author=Nintendo Nederland|date=March 9, 2016|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV4Hwg2Y_JA|title=Super Mario Maker - Gesloten deuren! Spijkerzuilen! Roze munten! (Wii U)|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 19, 2019}}</ref>
|DutM=Key
|DutM=Key
|Por=Chave
|Por=Chave
Line 286: Line 337:
|Kor=키
|Kor=키
|KorR=Ki
|KorR=Ki
|KorM=Key}}
|KorM=Key
}}
 
====Treasure Room====
{{foreign names
|Jap={{ruby|宝|たから}}の{{ruby|部屋|へや}}<ref name=SML3>{{cite|title=''Super Mario Land 3: Wario Land'' instruction booklet|date=1994|language=ja|publisher=Nintendo|page=14}}</ref>
|JapR=Takara no Heya
|JapM=Treasure Room
}}
 
====Skull door====
{{foreign names
|Jap=ドクロの{{ruby|扉|とびら}}<ref name=SML3/>
|JapR=Dokuro no Tobira
|JapM=Skull Door
}}


==References==
==References==
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=1|WiKirby=1|Ukikipedia=Bowser key|ZeldaWiki=Small Key}}
<references/>
<references/>


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[[Category:Donkey Kong (Game Boy) items]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong (Game Boy) items]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Jr.]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Jr.]]
[[Category:LEGO Super Mario objects]]
[[Category:Luigi's Mansion items]]
[[Category:Luigi's Mansion items]]
[[Category:Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon]]
[[Category:Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon]]

Latest revision as of 00:36, November 11, 2024

This article is about a general overview of keys. For the specific keys in Mario's Time Machine, see Key (Mainz) and Key (Philadelphia). For the coins simply known as keys in Super Nintendo World, see Key Coin.
Key
Key CTTT.png
Artwork from Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
First appearance Donkey Kong Jr. (1982)
Latest appearance Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (2024)
Effect Unlocks a door or sealed barrier

Keys in the Super Mario franchise are items and objects typically used for opening locked doors or unlocking secret paths, and they have taken on a variety of designs throughout their appearances.

History[edit]

Donkey Kong series[edit]

Donkey Kong Jr.[edit]

Keys in Donkey Kong Jr. are used to unlock Donkey Kong's cage in the Chain Scene. In the Game & Watch version, obtaining four keys is a critical component to freeing Donkey Kong.

Donkey Kong (Game Boy)[edit]

Mario throwing a key
Artwork of Mario throwing up a key, from the Game Boy version of Donkey Kong

Keys in the Game Boy version of Donkey Kong appear in every stage from Stage 1-1 onward, all in which Mario has to find the key and take it to the correct locked door. Mario can pick up a key by standing on it and lifting it above his head, and Mario often has to throw it upwards since he cannot hold it while climbing a ladder. Keys are useful projectiles to throw at enemies and defeat them.

Super Mario series[edit]

Super Mario Bros. 2[edit]

Artwork of a key from Super Mario Advance
A Key, as depicted for Super Mario Advance

Keys in Super Mario Bros. 2 are objects corresponding to locked doors, with both objects first appearing in World 1-2. All keys are guarded by Phantos, one of which will chase the player until the key is either dropped or unlocks a door. Keys are one of the few items like Mushrooms to always be above ground and not having to be uprooted. A Key in World 7-2 is held by a Birdo, whom the player must defeat for the key.

Super Mario World[edit]

SMW Key Sprite.png

Keys and keyholes in Super Mario World appear in various levels, where carrying a key to a keyhole opens the current level's secret exit. Keys can be carried around and dropped or kicked upwards. A key can be carried by Yoshi in his mouth, but he will swallow the key if it remains in his mouth for too long. Unlike other items, the location of a key does not reset when it is scrolled off the screen.

Super Mario 64 / Super Mario 64 DS[edit]

Mario obtaining the Boss Key of Bowser in the Fire Sea in Super Mario 64

Keys in Super Mario 64 appear only as two Big Keys,[1][2][3][4] located in Bowser in the Dark World and Bowser in the Fire Sea respectively. Each Big Key can be obtained by Mario after defeating Bowser. The first Big Key unlocks the opens the door to the basement of the Mushroom Castle, while the second key opens the door to the upper floors of the Mushroom Castle. If the player tries unlocking the door to the upper floors with the basement key, a message is displayed, notifying the player that the key does not fit the lock.

Keys in the Nintendo DS version appear in more varieties, other than Big Keys. The most common types of Keys are those stolen by rabbits, and the first key that Yoshi has to obtain unlocks the door into the Mushroom Castle at the beginning. The keys held by the other rabbits are only for unlocking different minigames, but a key to the white-bordered door in the princess's room, which contains a secret Power Star, can be obtained after capturing the eight glowing rabbits. Goomboss, King Boo, and Chief Chilly are the proprietors of Mario's Key, the Luigi Key, and the Wario Key, respectively, and must be defeated for their keys so that the player can unlock the doors in the princess's room where Mario, Luigi, and Wario are imprisoned, respectively.

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3[edit]

A Key in Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 appears only in the World-e level, Doors o' Plenty, retaining its interactive properties from Super Mario World but having to open a Key Door, as in Super Mario Bros. 2.

New Super Mario Bros. subseries[edit]

Mario wins a key in World 3.
Mario gets a Key after defeating Roy Koopa, in New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Mario sees a key after defeating Roy Koopa in New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

Keys in New Super Mario Bros. are rewarded for defeating every boss from World 2 to World 7.

Keys in New Super Mario Bros. Wii and New Super Mario Bros. 2 are items that appear only after defeating one of the Koopalings at their castles, and the player has to grab the key to both complete and exit the level. Keys in the Coin Battle mode of New Super Mario Bros. Wii grant five coins to whichever player had collected it.

Super Mario Galaxy[edit]

Keys in Super Mario Galaxy can be collected to automatically open locked doors or cages. A Key in the Gateway Galaxy and the Ghostly Galaxy is held by a Grand Goomba and a Boo, respectively, both releasing the Key after the enemies have been defeated.

Super Mario Galaxy 2[edit]

A Key on the Jack O' Goomba Planet in the Battle Belt Galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy 2

Keys in Super Mario Galaxy 2 are functionally identical to their appearance in Super Mario Galaxy, and appear in galaxies such as the Haunty Halls Galaxy, the Battle Belt Galaxy, and also briefly in the Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy.

Super Mario Maker / Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS[edit]

A Key, in Super Mario Maker.

Keys in Super Mario Maker can be added to levels ever since the update released on March 9, 2016. Keys can be placed in blocks, or in an enemy, making them obtainable after Mario defeats it. Additionally, another new item included in the update, the Pink Coin, reveals a key once Mario collects every single one in the level. Keys cannot be carried by Mario, since they now follow him automatically, not unlike the keys of the Yoshi's Island series. Up to eight keys can be obtained at one time.

Super Mario Run[edit]

Keys in Super Mario Run are used to unlock Key Doors. They take on their design from the New Super Mario Bros. U style in Super Mario Maker. Keys can be found inside of Boos and ? Blocks inside of Ghost Houses, and are a requirement to beating level 5-3: Boohind Lock and Key.

Super Mario Odyssey[edit]

Keys in Super Mario Odyssey received a slight redesign, and are used for opening locked panels, which contain Power Moons when collected.

Super Mario Maker 2[edit]

A key in Super Mario Maker 2

Keys in Super Mario Maker 2 retain their function and purpose from Super Mario Maker, and additionally appear in the added fifth game style, Super Mario 3D World, where they resemble the key symbols seen on Key Coins in the original game. In multiplayer, a player can stomp on another player who is holding a Key to grab the Key for themselves. If the player holding the Key is defeated, the Key enters a bubble, allowing other players to grab it.

Keys in the version 3.0.0 update were given a variation exclusively in the Super Mario Bros. game style, Cursed Keys, which spawn a Phanto when picked up, just like keys do in Super Mario Bros. 2.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury[edit]

Keys with cat ears appear in the Bowser's Fury campaign of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, specifically when a Key is needed to open a cage containing a Cat Shine. Unlike in previous games, the key must be carried all the way back to the lock, rather than simply touching it. They also disappear if they are on the ground other than their initial spawn point for too long, or if they get thrown into water, the black goop, or lava. In these cases, the key will respawn back at its original location.

Super Mario World animated series[edit]

Key
King Koopa holding a key in the Super Mario World episode "Mama Luigi".

Keys in the Super Mario World cartoon have a purpose in two episodes, "Ghosts 'R' Us" and "Mama Luigi". A Key in "Ghosts 'R' Us" is spawned by Oogtar from a ? Block after Wizenheimer is defeated, and uses it for the door. This key plays the same sound effect as a Cape Feather. A Key in "Mama Luigi" is shown off by King Koopa, who gloats that the Mario Bros. will never be able to find Princess Toadstool without it. However, Yoshi then eats it, and after Koopa retreats, Yoshi spits out the key to open the cell the Princess was being held in.

Wario Land series[edit]

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3[edit]

A key and the treasure door in Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario carrying a key to a skull door in Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3.

Keys in Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 are hidden throughout many stages of the game, and are required to open the skull door[5] (also called Skeleton Door[5][6] or Treasure Room Door[7]) to a Treasure Room.[5] A key can sometimes be found inside of a Face Block. The keyhole in which the key fits is always found in the same stage as the key and the key can not be taken out of the stage, so it has to be recollected after leaving the level. Inside the Treasure Rooms, Wario can find one of the collectible treasures. However, he cannot be Small Wario as he needs to Body Slam the treasure chest to open it (although breathing fire also works).

Virtual Boy Wario Land[edit]

Gate Keys in Virtual Boy Wario Land are a requirement for unlocking the elevator at the end of each stage.

Wario Land 3[edit]

The keys as they appear in the levels of Wario Land 3
The keys as they appear in the levels of Wario Land 3
The keys as they appear in the levels of Wario Land 3
The keys as they appear in the levels of Wario Land 3
The keys as they appear in the levels of Wario Land 3

While being absent in Wario Land II, keys reappear in Wario Land 3. Four differently colored keys are hidden throughout the level: a Gray Key[8] (or Silver Key[9]), Red Key,[10] Green Key,[11] and Blue Key.[12] Wario can only clear a level if he finds one of the keys and manages to take them to their respective treasure chest. By doing so, he earns himself a new treasure that helps the player to proceed and find new levels. Usually, not all keys in a level are available from the start. The player has to obtain new abilities and meet certain requirements to find them all. After a key is taken to a treasure chest, the chest gets replaced by a goal door. After acquiring all treasures in every level and beating the final boss, starting the game will result in Time Attack, in which the objective of every level is to instead collect all four colored keys and exit through one of the goal doors. The fastest possible time will be recorded based on how fast this objective is achieved. Every key can be obtained in a level no matter if it is day or night, so the player will not be locked out of completion in any condition.

Wario Land 4[edit]

WL4-keyanim.gif

When Wario Land 4 was in development, Wario originally needed a key to unlock the four boxes (much like Wario Land 3) to gain the four Jewel Pieces. In the final game, Wario merely has to touch the box in order to open it. Besides the Keyzer, no other key is seen in the game.

Yoshi franchise[edit]

Keys in Yoshi appear after the player clears levels 22 through 24 of the B-Type game, rewarding the player with 1,000 points.

Keys in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (and its reissue), Yoshi's Story, Yoshi's Island DS, Yoshi's New Island, Yoshi's Woolly World, Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World, and Yoshi's Crafted World can be collected and carried like Yoshi Eggs, taking up one space of the player's maximum number of eggs. They can be used to unlock Mini Battle houses, locked doors in castles, and Corks that block pipes. Additionally, during the cutscene following the defeat of a castle boss, a large key appears and unlocks a keyhole.

Keys in Yoshi's Story are required to open locked doors in the Lift Castle, Ghost Castle, and Magma Castle. They are obtained by defeating a certain ComBat in the Lift Castle, popping a certain ? Bubble in the Ghost Castle, and defeating the two slugs in the Magma Castle. One key in the Ghost Castle is out in the open in an underground section.

Donkey Kong franchise[edit]

Donkey Kong 64[edit]

Keys in Donkey Kong 64 appear only in the form of Boss Keys, which are rewarded after each boss battle, and are used to unlock padlocks on K. Lumsy's cage.

Donkey Kong Country Returns[edit]

A key in Donkey Kong Country Returns known as a Map Key can be purchased from Cranky Kong's Shop in each world, for a total of eight keys. Each key costs 20 Banana Coins, and when purchased, unlocks an alternate route on the world map that will allow Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong to reach additional levels. This totals up to a price of 160 Banana Coins for buying all 8 keys.

Mario Party series[edit]

Main article: Skeleton Key

Keys in the Mario Party series appear in different varieties. Keys owned by Bowser are called Bowser Keys, and appear usually in Bowser Minigames, where using them is a requirement to escape from Bowser. Bowser Keys in earlier games of the Mario Party series are simply keys shaped like Bowser's head, but later installments engrave Bowser Keys with Bowser's likeness. Keys in Mario Party 3 appear in the minigame Locked Out, and have key heads shaped like mushrooms, flowers and stars.

Paper Mario series[edit]

Paper Mario[edit]

From left to right: A Castle Key in Tubba Blubba's Castle, a Castle Key in Bowser's Castle, and a Castle Key in Hooktail Castle.
From left to right: Tubba Blubba's, Bowser's, and Hooktail's keys
Door lock (conjectural name)

There are many key designs in Paper Mario and its sequel, but each only opens doors in the area they are found. There are Castle Keys for every castle and fortress, and various others keys in different locations. Keys in Paper Mario are used in Tubba Blubba's Castle, Bowser's Castle, and Peach's Castle. Tubba Blubba's keys look like three-leaf clovers, while Bowser's look like a gold three-leaf clover with a blue ball in the middle. There are about three of Tubba's keys and five of Bowser's keys. Peach's Castle Keys are pink versions of Bowser's Castle Keys. Also, a living key called Yakkey locked the Gusty Gulch Windmill.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door[edit]

It has been requested that this section be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: Many keys are missing: Steeple Keys, Palace Keys / Tower Keys, Shop Key…

Keys in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door appear in two varieties: the four Castle Keys, which open the doors in Hooktail Castle, and a Grotto Key, which opens the door to the south area in the Pirate's Grotto.

Super Paper Mario[edit]

Keys in Super Paper Mario appear more prominently than in the previous installments. They are used in many levels to unlock doors.

Luigi's Mansion series[edit]

Luigi's Mansion[edit]

A key from Luigi's Mansion.

Keys in Luigi's Mansion and its Nintendo 3DS version are used for unlocking the different rooms of the mansion. Keys can usually be obtained from a treasure chest that appears when clearing a room of every ghost. Keys in certain rooms like the Wardrobe Room or Bathroom spawn on a higher shelf once Luigi hes captured all ghosts in the room. In the Fortune-teller's Room, Luigi must utilize a specific method to acquire the Laundry Room key, by lighting all four candelabras using the Fire Element Medal.

Also, there are four special keys, with each one having a different card suit: heart, club, diamond, and spade.

  • The key to Area 2, the Main Hall Key[13] (obtained from Chauncey): This heart-shaped key unlocks the door with the heart imprint on the first floor of the Foyer.
  • The key to Area 3, the Courtyard Key[14] (obtained from Bogmire): This club-shaped key unlocks the door with the club imprint that is near the Bathroom on the first floor and the Conservatory.
  • The key to Area 4, the West Wing Key[15] (obtained from Boolossus): This diamond-shaped key unlocks the door with the diamond imprint on the west side of the Balcony on the third floor.
  • The key to the Secret Altar, the Secret Altar Key[16] (obtained from Vincent Van Gore): This spade-shaped key unlocks the door with the spade imprint at the end of the hall in the basement that leads to King Boo's Secret Altar. It is the only special key that is not dropped by a boss Portrait Ghost nor leads to a different area.

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon[edit]

Keys in Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon are differently designed, disintegrate upon being used, but retain their usual role of unlocking doors.

Luigi's Mansion 3[edit]

Keys in Luigi's Mansion 3 are functionally identical to their appearances in Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, and their design is complementary to that of the architecture of the Last Resort, where they appear throughout.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong series[edit]

Mario vs. Donkey Kong[edit]

Artwork of Mario holding a Key in Mario vs. Donkey Kong.
Mario with a Key in Mario vs. Donkey Kong

Keys in Mario vs. Donkey Kong have to be collected to progress through the levels, similarly to the Game Boy version of Donkey Kong. Keys need to be carried to locked doors in order to open them and move on to the next area. A Key can be thrown forwards and upwards, like other objects that Mario can pick up, and will also be knocked out of Mario's hand if he is attacked. A unique characteristic that keys have is when they are dropped or put down by Mario, their twelve-second countdown timer is initiated, and will respawn to their original place when the timer is up.

Keys in the Plus Levels are smaller and attached to Mini Marios, which they trail behind. These keys cannot be picked up by Mario, and a Key has to be brought to the locked door to complete the stage.

Keys in the remake function similarly to their original counterparts, but if a player character runs past a key, it will rotate in place. In the newly-added Casual play style, keys have a fifteen-second timer instead of twelve. Additionally, the remake also features a flying variant of keys, with the gold variant used to unlock a chest with five 1-Up Mushrooms in bonus levels, and a silver variant appearing in multiplayer only, which is mandatory to unchain locked doors and toy boxes before using them.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again![edit]

While regular keys do not appear in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!, Key Mini Mario reappears once again in the various "Key" levels in the game, being required to unlock the Goal Doors in them. They also reprise their roles in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! and in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars.

Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move[edit]

A key from Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move.

Keys appear in Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move as occasional level elements in Mario's Main Event and Many Mini Mayhem. In levels with keys, the goal tile is locked off and cannot be accessed unless a Mini collects a key and makes it to the goal. In Many Mini Mayhem, some Minis may spawn with a key already in possession - this Mini must reach the goal first before any of the other Minis do to unlock it.

Super Mario Fushigi no Janjan Land[edit]

Keys reappear in Super Mario Fushigi no Janjan Land, where the player needs to collect at least five of them to fight Bowser.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

SmashWiki article: Key

Keys in The Subspace Emissary mode of Super Smash Bros. Brawl are items found near locked gates. A key held by a player as they approach a gate will unlock it, although the key is disposed of in the process. These keys represent the Super Smash Bros. series, and not the Super Mario franchise.

Mario & Luigi series[edit]

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

Keys in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and its Nintendo 3DS remake appear in the form of special items, including Blue Keys, Red Keys, and Green Keys. They are found on the second floor of Peach's Castle, the last stage in the game, held by Fawfulcopters which Bowser must chase after. The Blue Key is required to proceed the storyline; the other two are optional.

Earlier in the game, the Stingler and Star Panels behave like keys and open the doors in Pump Works and the Energy Hold, respectively.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam[edit]

A Key in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam.
Mario holds a key in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

A key in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam appears briefly as a teaching tutorial for the Trio Grab, used to unlock a door in Twinsy Tropics Dungeon.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker[edit]

Keys in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and its Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS ports are items that always open locked doors, and can be obtained from Pluck Patches. Keys can also be thrown at enemies to defeat them, not unlike Super Mario Bros. 2. Keys are carried by Captain Toad and Toadette atop their head, akin to other items. A key can reward one coin if the player clears the stage while that key is outside of its Pluck Patch.

Dr. Mario World[edit]

Key from Dr. Mario World
A key in Dr. Mario World

Keys in Dr. Mario World are stage objects all found inside bubbles, meaning that they will float upwards until they hit an object. The bubbles containing the keys cannot be removed until it comes into contact with a door, after which it will disappear. Like the bubbles in this game, the keys that are currently floating cannot be reacted to, such as when Dr. Petey Piranha's hits the bottom-most objects in each column (therefore the key is not treated as the bottom-most object while floating), except by pushing it upwards with a capsule. Moreover, the Hammer Bro. assistant will affect the floating speed of the key when equipped by slowing down the floating. When a capsule match is made next to the keys, the skill meter will be filled with an extra point for each key that it is made next to, even though the key will not be removed. The keys, as stage objects, appear exclusively in stage mode. Keys first appear in World 8.

Keys in versus mode are items that the player can be rewarded by winning versus matches. They are used to unlock battle boxes, of which the player can obtain three out of the nine possible rewards. The default number of keys required to unlock battle boxes is five since version 2.1.0 and seven prior to that, but only three are required on certain weeks. On certain weeks since season 3, specialists have the benefit of winning two keys instead of one if any of them are used to win the match.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie[edit]

In the teaser posterMedia:The Super Mario Bros Movie teaser poster.jpg for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, voxelated keys resembling their sprite in Super Mario World can be seen being sold at the antiques store for two coins each.

Princess Peach: Showtime![edit]

The Spades Key in The Case of the Missing Mural in Princess Peach: Showtime.
The Spades Key
The Diamonds Key in The Case of the Missing Mural in Princess Peach: Showtime.
The Diamonds Key

The stage The Case of the Missing Mural in Princess Peach: Showtime! has two keys, a blue Spades Key and a red Diamonds Key, which are used to open the mummies in the room to the right of the popcorn lobby. The Spades Key is found on the right of the air duct's exit while the Diamonds Key is found to the left of the popcorn kiosk.

If the keys are used on the mummies, the Spades Key opens up to reveal a Sparkle Gem while the Diamonds Key opens up a Theet who was trapped inside.

Profiles[edit]

Super Mario Bros. 2[edit]

  • Wii Virtual Console manual: "This item opens a locked door."

Super Mario Advance[edit]

  • European instruction booklet: "You'll need keys to open locked doors. Carrying them will not slow you down."

Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3[edit]

  • Nintendo 3DS Digital Manual description: "Take a key to a door with a keyhole in it to open it."

Luigi's Mansion series[edit]

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon[edit]

  • Instruction Manual description: "Keys open locked doors."

Luigi's Mansion (Nintendo 3DS)[edit]

  • Instruction Manual description (page 7): "Sometimes while exploring a lit room, you will find a key. Pick it up and use it to open doors to locked rooms."
  • Instruction Manual description (page 14): "Open locked doors."

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

Trophy
Key
BrawlTrophy145.png
Appears in:
Wii Super Smash Bros. Brawl
How to unlock: Random drop
In The Subspace Emissary, there are often locked doors. This key is the item you need to unlock these doors. You can touch a door while holding the key, or you can even throw the key at a door to unlock it. If you lose the key, it will return to the place you originally found it. This item is vital to your progress, so do your best not to lose it.

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Key.

See also[edit]

Additional names[edit]

Internal names[edit]

Game File Name Meaning

Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy 2
ObjectData/KeySwitch.arc KeySwitch Key Switch
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy 2
StageData/ObjNameTable.arc/ObjNameTable.tbl
SystemData/ObjNameTable.arc/ObjNameTable.tbl
鍵スイッチ (Kagi Suitchi) Key Switch
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker content/ObjectData/DoorLock.szs DoorLock Door Key (Japanese kagi can mean key or lock)

Names in other languages[edit]

Key[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese カギ[17]
[18]

Kagi
Key
Chinese (simplified) 钥匙[?]
Yàoshi
Key
Chinese (traditional) 鑰匙[?]
Yàoshi
Key
Dutch Sleutel[20] Key
French Clé[?] Key
German Schlüssel[19] Key
Italian Chiave[?] Key
Korean [?]
Ki
Key
Portuguese Chave[?] Key
Russian Ключ[?]
Klyuch
Key
Spanish Llave[?] Key

Treasure Room[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese たから部屋へや[21]
Takara no Heya
Treasure Room

Skull door[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ドクロのとびら[21]
Dokuro no Tobira
Skull Door

References[edit]

  1. ^ December 1996. Nintendo Power Volume 91. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 63.
  2. ^ February 24, 1998. Items | Nintendo: Super Mario 64 Strategy. Nintendo.com (American English). Retrieved February 23, 2018. (Archived March 3, 2000, 13:59:44 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  3. ^ Prima Bath (April 7, 1999). Nintendo 64 Game Secrets, 1999 Edition Prima's Official Strategy Guide. Prima Games (American English). ISBN 0-7615-2103-8. Page 84 and 86.
  4. ^ Prima Bath (April 21, 1999). Ultimate Nintendo 64 Pocket Power Guide, 1999 Edition Prima's Official Strategy Guide. Prima Games (American English). ISBN 0-7615-2083-X. Page 56 and 57.
  5. ^ a b c 1994. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 instruction booklet. Redmond, WA: Nintendo of America (American English). Page 15.
  6. ^ Hamm & Rudolf GmbH, Frankfurt (1994). Super Game Boy Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 28.
  7. ^ September 1996. Nintendo Power Volume 88. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 77.
  8. ^ June 2000. Nintendo Power Volume 133. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65.
  9. ^ Official American Wario Land 3 website. Nintendo.com (American English). Archived April 29, 2001, 17:27:37 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine.
  10. ^ June 2000. Nintendo Power Volume 133. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 60, 62, 63, 64, 66.
  11. ^ June 2000. Nintendo Power Volume 133. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 61, 62, 64, 65, 66.
  12. ^ June 2000. Nintendo Power Volume 133. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 65.
  13. ^ 2001. Luigi's Mansion Nintendo Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). ISBN 1-930206-14-3. Page 29.
  14. ^ 2001. Luigi's Mansion Nintendo Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). ISBN 1-930206-14-3. Page 46.
  15. ^ 2001. Luigi's Mansion Nintendo Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). ISBN 1-930206-14-3. Page 62.
  16. ^ 2001. Luigi's Mansion Nintendo Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). ISBN 1-930206-14-3. Page 75.
  17. ^ Sakai, Kazuya (Ambit), kikai, Akinori Sao, Junko Fukuda, Kunio Takayama, and Ko Nakahara (Shogakukan), editors (October 19, 2015). 『スーパーマリオブラザーズ百科: 任天堂公式ガイドブック』. Tokyo, Japan: Shogakukan (Japanese). ISBN 978-4-09-106569-8. Page 60, 70, 91, 118, 199.
  18. ^ --- (October 19, 2015). 『スーパーマリオブラザーズ百科: 任天堂公式ガイドブック』. Tokyo, Japan: Shogakukan (Japanese). ISBN 978-4-09-106569-8. Page 136 and 169.
  19. ^ Menold, Marcus, Claude M. Moyse, and Andreas G. Kämmerer, editors (1993). Der offizielle Nintendo Spieleberater "Super Mario World". Großostheim: Nintendo of Europe GmbH (German). Page 17.
  20. ^ Nintendo Nederland (March 9, 2016). Super Mario Maker - Gesloten deuren! Spijkerzuilen! Roze munten! (Wii U). YouTube. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
  21. ^ a b 1994. Super Mario Land 3: Wario Land instruction booklet. Nintendo (Japanese). Page 14.