Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is the long-awaited sequel to Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle. Like its predecessor, it is a purely strategic game with turn-based combat. In this open-world concept game, players will frequently walk into battles they may not be ready for, requiring them to adjust the difficulty level. A way around this is to prepare their characters with the best skills, equipment, and Sparks.
In Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, there are special allies called Sparks. These are collected throughout the game, and a maximum of two can be assigned to the heroes. They can have powerful effects on the outcome of battles by influencing resistance, the player's battle efficiency, and elemental effects, among others. Different Sparks have varying effects on the characters, and specific Spark-character combinations are out of this world, including those for Luigi, allowing players to plow through the most challenging difficulty settings.
6 Ethering
The Spark Ethering features the active skill Unseen, which will turn Luigi for two turns when he activates it. During this time, he cannot be targeted directly but can still receive damage and will be vulnerable to Super Effects. This Spark features the passive skill Athlete, which will increase Luigi's move ability damage by 10%.
Ethering is an option to use for players to get close to enemies who activate their damaging techniques as soon as characters get within a certain range, such as Lone Wolves. During the "Cold Mouth of the Mountain" main quest, players must complete the "Wolf at the Floor" battle quest to obtain this Spark.
5 Reflector
Reflector is an excellent Spark for players to equip to Luigi, which has the active skill Reflect. When he is using it, this Spark will reflect 20% of the damage directed at him back at the enemy sending it. This is a strong tactical measure to take when battling enemies that dish out a lot of damage, such as Lone Wolves and Scopers. Once activated, it lasts for three turns and also requires three turns to cool down.
Reflector also has the passive skill Athlete. This skill increases all move ability damage by 10%. During the "An Overall Nice Day" main quest, there will be a battle quest called "Headlong Into the Unknown." Once this battle is completed, players will obtain Reflector automatically. This Spark is great for speeding up the time it takes to complete a battle by returning damage back to the sender.
4 Screech
When enemies are getting too close to Luigi, having Screech equipped is a lifesaver. This Spark comes with the active skill Whoopsgottago, which will repel enemies within its range from Luigi's vicinity. The passive skill on this Spark is Critical Buddy. With this skill, critical hit potential from weapons is increased by 10%.
Screech is an excellent tool for removing close-range enemies from around Luigi when they start to crowd in too close. This Spark is obtained in Beacon Beach during a side quest called "Beacon Beach Secret Zone" that becomes unlocked once players purchase the Sunrise Key from Salesbot.
3 Gargantu-Fan
For a powerful punch, Gargantu-Fan is essential to equip in one of the two Spark slots. Its active skill is Kong Cameo, which has Rabbid Kong unleash a wave in every direction that bounces enemies as it passes. This skill features a cooldown period of three turns. The passive skill is Healing Booster, which will increase Luigi's maximum HP.
Gargantu-Fan is obtained in Barrendale Mesa during the "It's an Ill Wind That Blows" main story quest. Players will need to complete the "Magikoopa Mayhem" battle quest to unlock it. When players are up against a tough enemy, having this Spark equipped can be the ace in the hole that turns the tide of battle.
2 Squashette Master
The Squashette Master Spark is used to summon a Squashette ally. This ally has extremely high HP and will proceed to jump on the player's enemies, dealing additional gust damage. The Spark features the passive ability Healing Amplifier, which boosts any incoming healing received from all sources.
Using the Squashette Master Spark is especially helpful in quests where players need to protect something or remain alive for a specific number of turns. Use is limited to one Squashette ally per battlefield, so players will have to wait until it is defeated to summon another one. Players must complete the Barrendale Mesa Secret Zone and then purchase the Barren Key from Salesbot to unlock this Spark.
1 Wildclaw Master
The Wildclaw Master Spark summons a powerful ally with its active skill Summon Wildclaw. This ally features a damaging claw attack that will tear through enemies. The skill has a cooldown of three turns. The Spark's passive skill is Physical Protection, which decreases all incoming damage by 15%.
Players are limited to summoning one Wildclaw per battlefield. The option to summon again will remain grayed out while an active Wildclaw ally is present. Using this spark will be particularly helpful on missions where Luigi and the team must survive for a certain number of turns or must protect something.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is available on Nintendo Switch.