5 Simple Ways to Unlock Luigi in Super Mario 64

Luigi in Super Mario 64

If you’re a fan of Super Mario 64, then you’ve probably wondered how to unlock Luigi. After all, who doesn’t want to play as the taller, greener, and slightly less famous brother of Mario? The good news is that unlocking Luigi is actually quite easy and can be done within a few minutes. However, the process does require a bit of patience and precision, and it’s not always clear what you need to do. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of unlocking Luigi in Super Mario 64. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, as well as some helpful tips to make the process easier.

To unlock Luigi, you’ll need to collect 100 stars. This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually not as difficult as it sounds. There are 120 stars in total in the game, so you only need to collect 80% of them. Once you’ve collected 100 stars, you’ll need to go to the castle courtyard and talk to Princess Toadstool. She will then ask you if you want to unlock Luigi. Say yes, and Luigi will be added to your playable character roster.

There are a few things to keep in mind when unlocking Luigi. First, you don’t need to collect the stars in any particular order. You can collect them in any order you want, so long as you collect 100 of them. Second, you don’t need to collect all of the stars in one playthrough. You can collect stars in multiple playthroughs, and your progress will carry over. Finally, if you’re having trouble finding stars, you can use the star guide in the pause menu to help you find them.

Luigi’s Hidden Potential

Luigi, Mario’s enigmatic brother, possesses a latent potential that can be unlocked through a series of intricate maneuvers. Unlike his more renowned sibling, Luigi’s abilities lie not in raw power but in a combination of finesse and versatility.

To fully harness Luigi’s hidden capabilities, players must engage in a series of challenging tasks that test their dexterity, timing, and spatial awareness. These tasks involve navigating treacherous pathways, executing precise maneuvers, and solving puzzles that require Luigi’s unique characteristics. By successfully completing these challenges, players will progressively unlock Luigi’s abilities, granting him access to new areas, powers, and techniques.

The following table summarizes the key tasks involved in unlocking Luigi’s full potential:

Task	Reward
Collect 100 Green Stars	Unlocks Luigi’s higher jump ability
Perform a Backflip over Princess Peach’s Castle	Unlocks Luigi’s Green Missile, a powerful projectile
Defeat King Boo in the Haunt Manor	Unlocks Luigi’s Super Poltergust, a vacuum cleaner that can capture ghosts

Accessing the Secret Character

To unlock Luigi in Super Mario 64, you have to collect 100 Power Stars throughout the game’s various stages. Once you’ve gathered that many, a secret level will become accessible via a painting within Princess Peach’s castle. Enter the painting to face Bowser in a final confrontation. Upon defeating him, you’ll be rewarded with a key to the castle’s courtyard. Use the key to unlock the courtyard, and Luigi will materialise inside. Luigi’s stats differ from Mario’s: he has a higher jump, but he runs and swims slower.

Manipulating the Game Code

To unlock Luigi in Super Mario 64 using a code manipulator, you will need an N64 emulator and a GameShark code. Follow these steps:

1. Download an N64 emulator. There are many N64 emulators available online, such as Project64 and Mupen64. Choose an emulator that is compatible with your operating system.
2. Download a GameShark code. You can find GameShark codes for Super Mario 64 online. Search for a code that unlocks Luigi.
3. Configure your emulator. Open the emulator and go to the “Options” menu. Select the “Cheats” tab and click on the “Add” button. Enter the GameShark code that you downloaded into the box and click on the “OK” button.

Once you have entered the code, you can start the game and play as Luigi.

Alternative Methods

* Use a save file. You can find save files for Super Mario 64 online that have Luigi unlocked. Download a save file and copy it to your emulator’s save folder.
* Use a cheat device. There are cheat devices available for the N64 that can unlock Luigi in Super Mario 64. Follow the instructions that came with the cheat device to activate the code.

Glitching Into Luigi’s Dimension

Unveiling Luigi’s hidden dimension within Super Mario 64 requires meticulous timing and precise maneuvers. This glitch allows you to play as Mario’s iconic green-clad brother, Luigi, granting access to his unique abilities and perspectives.

To initiate the glitch, you’ll need to perform the following steps:

Acquire the Vanish Cap from Toad Town Tunnel.
Jump into the moat surrounding the castle.
As you submerge, press and hold the Z button to activate the Vanish Cap.
Time your descent carefully: submerge for exactly 6 frames (approximately 0.1 seconds) before releasing the Z button. This timing is crucial for transitioning into Luigi’s dimension.

If executed successfully, you’ll experience a brief moment of darkness before reappearing in the castle courtyard as Luigi. The game will now recognize you as the green plumber, allowing you to explore the world from his perspective.

This glitch grants access to Luigi’s distinct attributes, such as his higher jump, improved traction, and unique voice acting. It also unlocks exclusive areas and challenges within the game, further enhancing the Super Mario 64 experience.

The Wall Kick Technique – Step by Step

This essential technique in Super Mario 64 allows you to ascend walls and reach previously inaccessible areas. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it’s done:

Step 1: Position Yourself Parallel to the Wall

Start by facing the wall you want to scale, then move parallel to it while pressing and holding the A button to run.

Step 2: Angle Yourself Towards the Wall

Once you’ve reached a comfortable distance from the wall, turn slightly towards it while still holding the A button. The angle should be around 30-45 degrees.

Step 3: Initiate the Slide

Without releasing the A button, tilt the control stick towards the wall. Mario will start sliding along it.

Step 4: Kick the Wall (Optional)

As Mario slides down the wall, you can press and release the B button once to give him a small boost upwards. This step is optional but can help you scale taller walls.

Step 5: Repeat the Slide and Kick

Continue alternating between sliding and kicking until you reach the desired height. Each time you repeat this sequence, Mario will gain more elevation.

Slide Direction	Kick Direction
Towards the wall	Away from the wall
Down the wall	Up

Remember to adjust the slide angle and kick timing as needed to maximize your ascent. With practice, you’ll master the wall kick technique and unlock new possibilities in Super Mario 64.

Behind-the-Scenes Backdoor

Luigi’s hidden character model was discovered in the game’s code by dataminers who were able to unlock him through a variety of methods.

The most popular method involved editing the game’s save file to change Mario’s character model to Luigi’s. This required specific hexadecimal values to be modified, and it was a relatively complex process.

Another method involved using a cheat device to activate Luigi’s model within the game. These cheat devices would modify the game’s memory in real-time, allowing players to access Luigi without modifying the save file.

Additionally, some versions of the game included a debug menu that contained an option to toggle between Mario and Luigi models. However, this option was only accessible to developers and not available in the retail release.

The discovery of Luigi’s hidden model led to increased interest in the game’s unused content and prompted the development of various hacks and mods that allowed players to fully unlock and play as Luigi.

In 2020, an update to the Super Mario 64 ROM hack SM64 Star Road introduced a new method for unlocking Luigi that exploited an oversight in the game’s code.

To access this backdoor method, players must perform the following steps:

Step	Action
1	Collect the 70 stars required to unlock the final Bowser battle.
2	Begin the battle with Bowser and allow him to grab Mario.
3	While Bowser is holding Mario, hold down the L and R buttons on the controller.
4	Press the Z button to make Mario perform a ground pound.
5	As Mario is performing the ground pound, press the Start button to pause the game.
6	Select the “Reset Mario” option from the pause menu. Luigi will now be unlocked and playable.

Unlocking Luigi with a Controller

Requirements:

Nintendo 64 console
Super Mario 64 game cartridge
Nintendo 64 controller

Instructions:

Insert the Super Mario 64 cartridge into the N64 console.
Turn on the console and start the game.
Press the Start button on the main menu screen.
Select the “File Select” option from the menu.
Use the D-pad to select an empty file slot.
Press the A button to create a new file.
Enter the name “L is Real 2401” without quotes using the controller buttons.
Press the Start button to save the name.
Luigi will now be unlocked and available to play.

Tips:

Entering the name incorrectly will not unlock Luigi.
Luigi’s gameplay is slightly different from Mario’s, so be sure to experiment with his abilities.

In-Depth Explanation of Step 7: Entering the Name

The name “L is Real 2401” is a reference to a popular rumor that circulated during the N64 era claiming that Luigi could be unlocked by entering this name as a file name. The rumor originated from a misinterpretation of a message found in the game’s code that appears when certain conditions are met during gameplay. This message, which reads “L is Real 2401,” does not actually unlock Luigi, but it has become a well-known Easter egg among Super Mario 64 enthusiasts.

The Mystery of the “L” Button

In the original Nintendo 64 release of Super Mario 64, there was a peculiar rumor circulating among players: pressing the “L” button on the controller would unlock a secret character – Luigi. This rumor spread like wildfire, tantalizing fans with the prospect of playing as Mario’s iconic brother.

Upon further investigation, however, it became evident that pressing the “L” button alone did not yield any tangible result. The mystery remained unsolved, leaving many players disappointed and eager for an explanation.

Years later, with the advent of emulation and ROM hacking, the truth behind the “L” button myth was finally revealed. It turned out that the rumor had a grain of truth to it, but it was far more intricate than merely pressing a single button.

The 8-Step Process

Unlocking Luigi in Super Mario 64 requires a meticulous 8-step process:

Step	Action
1	Start a new game with Mario.
2	Complete “Bob-omb Battlefield” and “Whomp’s Fortress.”
3	In “Jolly Roger Bay,” collect 8 Red Coins and 100 Coins.
4	In “Dire, Dire Docks,” collect 8 Red Coins and 100 Coins.
5	In “Snowman’s Land,” collect 8 Red Coins and 100 Coins.
6	In “Wet-Dry World,” collect 8 Red Coins and 100 Coins.
7	In “Tall, Tall Mountain,” collect 8 Red Coins and 100 Coins.
8	Go to the castle’s courtyard and jump into the painting labeled “L.”

Upon completing these steps, you will gain access to Luigi, who possesses unique abilities and moves different from Mario.

Breaking the Boundaries of Mario 64

To unlock Luigi in Super Mario 64 involves an advanced technique called BLJ (Backwards Long Jump). This technique allows Mario to propel himself to incredible heights, reaching areas that were previously inaccessible.

9. Execute the BLJ

Mastering the BLJ requires precise timing and execution. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Position Mario facing a wall or steep slope.
Hold the Z (ZL on Nintendo Switch) trigger twice to trigger a short, quick jump.
Immediately after the second jump, press the A button to execute a backwards long jump.
Release the Z trigger to gain maximum height.

BLJ Input Sequence
Input	Timing
Z trigger	Press twice quickly
A button	Press immediately after second Z trigger press
Z trigger release	Release to gain height

With practice, you’ll be able to perform BLJs consistently and utilize them to explore the vast world of Super Mario 64.

Unveiling the Green-Capped Superstar

1. Collect 100 Stars

To unlock Luigi, you must first acquire an impressive amount of 100 stars by successfully navigating the vast worlds of Super Mario 64 and triumphing over various challenges.

2. Head to the Courtyard

Once this stellar feat is accomplished, proceed to the Courtyard, which can be accessed from the castle’s central hub.

3. Enter the Wing Cap Vanish Room

In the Courtyard, locate the aptly named Wing Cap Vanish Room, which is conveniently situated adjacent to the fountain.

4. Activate the Switch

Within this obscure chamber, you will find a conspicuous switch. Engage with it to initiate the magical transformation.

5. Jump and Hold Z

As the switch activates, swiftly hop into the air and maintain a firm grip on the Z button.

6. Perform a Wall Kick

With the Z button held firmly, execute a precise wall kick off the adjacent wall, propelling yourself into the hidden alcove.

7. Navigate the Maze

Once inside the concealed passage, navigate the labyrinthine layout, carefully avoiding any obstacles that may hinder your progress.

8. Retrieve the Green Cap

At the culmination of the maze, you will be rewarded with the coveted Green Cap, the symbol of Luigi’s presence in the game.

9. Equip the Cap

Don the Green Cap with pride and witness the remarkable transformation as Mario transforms into his agile and elusive alter ego, Luigi.

10. A Comprehensive Guide to Luigi’s Abilities

Attribute	Description
Height	Slightly taller than Mario, providing a slight advantage in certain jumps.
Speed	Somewhat faster than Mario, allowing for quicker movement and increased momentum.
Jump	Luigi’s jump has a slightly lower trajectory and glides longer, enabling him to cover longer distances.

How to Unlock Luigi in Super Mario 64

To unlock Luigi in Super Mario 64, you must first collect 100 Stars. Once you have done this, you can go to the castle courtyard and enter the painting on the right-hand wall. This will take you to the bonus stage, where you must collect 100 coins. Once you have done this, you will be able to play as Luigi.