A Mario and Luigi Brothership menu shows how to craft plugs.
Managing Battle Plugs is crucial for success in Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey. These equippable items provide a diverse range of bonuses, simplifying even the most demanding challenges. With numerous plugs available through gameplay, purchases, and crafting, and thousands of potential combinations, choosing the right plugs for your limited Power Taps is a strategic decision. Let’s explore some of the most effective Battle Plugs to build your loadout around. Remember, certain plugs can create powerful combos, so experimentation is key! We’ll highlight any known combinations below.
Offensive Powerhouses
Surprise Iron Ball
This early-game Battle Plug remains incredibly valuable throughout the first half of the game. Achieving an “Excellent” rating on Jump or Hammer attacks triggers a spiked iron ball to drop onto the enemy, inflicting significant bonus damage. This is particularly effective against bosses.
Combining Surprise Iron Ball with the Kaboom Attack plug creates the devastating “Ka-Ball” combo. This not only enhances damage to the primary target but also deals splash damage to surrounding enemies.
Dizzifying Attack
This plug offers a two-pronged advantage. It provides a flat 15% damage boost to Jump and Hammer attacks, and “Excellent” ratings have a chance to inflict the dizzy status. Even without achieving an “Excellent” or triggering dizzy, the consistent damage boost makes this a reliable choice.
Combining Dizzifying Attack (or any status-inducing plug) with Kaboom Attack creates “Statusplosion,” significantly increasing the likelihood of inflicting dizzy.
Support and Survival
Auto Mushroom
Healing mid-battle can be detrimental, potentially leading to a cycle of healing and eventual defeat. Auto Mushroom automates this process, using a Mushroom (if available) when your HP drops too low, freeing up your turn for offensive maneuvers.
While its effectiveness might wane in later stages, combining Auto Mushroom with Deluxe Auto upgrades this functionality, utilizing your best healing item instead of just a Mushroom.
Coiniplier
While Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey doesn’t necessitate extensive coin grinding, Coiniplier offers a valuable way to accumulate wealth. This plug rewards you with coins based on the damage dealt to enemies, proving essential for acquiring expensive gear or completing coin-related challenges.
Charge Bank
This passive Battle Plug is a valuable addition if you have a spare slot and a preferred set of plugs. It absorbs charge drain from other plugs, allowing you to consistently utilize your most potent abilities without worrying about depletion.
Notdroppin
Boss battles can be particularly challenging, and a single devastating attack can quickly turn the tide. Notdroppin offers a crucial safety net. As long as you have more than 2 HP, this plug prevents your HP from dropping to zero in a single hit, leaving you at 1 HP instead. This provides a vital opportunity to heal and potentially turn the battle around.
Conclusion: Building Your Optimal Loadout
Selecting the right Battle Plugs is essential for maximizing your combat effectiveness in Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey. Experimenting with different combinations and considering the synergies between plugs will be crucial to conquering the game’s challenges. Whether you prioritize aggressive offense, reliable support, or a balanced approach, understanding the strengths of each Battle Plug will pave the way to victory.
