Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a turn-based strategy game that joins the Mario cast with the Rabbids like its predecessor Kingdom Battle. Players will take on an epic journey through space to challenge a mysterious enemy threatening the entire galaxy. Building a solid team means ensuring the right tools are used for each character.
In Sparks of Hope, Mario and the team will rescue Sparks along the way. These tiny combinations of Lumas and Rabbids lend potent skills to the characters and can eventually be equipped two at a time. Because of the limit on the number that each character can partner with, players need to make the best combinations for everyone. Mario has a specific set of Sparks that pair perfectly with his character, making him stronger and a force to be reckoned with.
8 Starburst
An effective early-game spark, when Mario has Starburst equipped, the damage he inflicts will increase with the active skill Turbocharge. Any party members nearby will also receive the effects. This active skill lasts 3 turns and cools down for 3 turns. Starburst's passive skill is Physical Protector, which reduces damage taken by the user by 15%.
Starburst should be used by activating it before using a dash or a weapon. This Spark is unlocked at the early stages of the game in "An Overall Nice Day" main story quest. Players will need to complete the battle quest "A Shot in the Darkmess," and they will receive this Spark.
7 Aquanox
The Aquanox Spark allows users to imbue their weapons with Splash damage with the active skill Splash Attack. It lasts for 3 turns and has a 3-turn cooldown. Its passive skill, Splash Protector, reduces Super Effect damage by 20% and will protect Mario from the Super Splash Effect.
Aquanox is especially useful against enemies vulnerable to Splash damage, as it will deal extra damage to them. This Spark is obtainable immediately following the battle quest "Light Your Fire" in the main story quest "Come Rain or Shine."
6 Cryobolide
The active skill on Cryobolide is Frostbite Attack, which will add Frost damage to Mario's weapons. It lasts for 3 turns and cools down for 3 turns. Its passive skill is Frostbite Protector, which reduces Super Effect damage by 20% and protects Mario from the Frostbite Super Effect.
Cryobolide will give players an edge over enemies that are weak to Frostbite, dealing them extra damage. This Spark is unlocked after the battle quest "Freeze in Your Tracks" in the main story quest "Cold Mouth of the Mountain."
5 Ethering
The Unseen active skill on Ethering will hide Mario for up to 2 turns, allowing him to sneak up on enemies without being seen. While he won't be able to be specifically targeted, he will still be susceptible to Super Effects. The passive skill Athlete allows him a 15% increase in movement.
Ethering is a great way to sneak up on enemies that generally attack before players get too close. It is unlocked once the battle quest "Wolf at the Floor" is completed in the main story quest "Cold Mouth of the Mountain."
4 Pyrostar
Pyrostar comes with the active skill Burn Attack, which gives Mario's weapon Fire damage for 3 turns, taking 3 turns to cool down. Its passive skill, Burn Protector, reduces all Super Effect damage by 20% and keeps Mario safe from the Burn Super Effect.
This Spark is ideal for battling enemies with a Burn weakness, dishing out extra damage to them. It is unlocked during the main story quest "In Deep Water" following the battle quest "Crossing the Battleground."
3 Toxicomet
The Toxicomet Spark offers Mario the active skill of Ooze Attack, adding Ooze damage to his weapons. This skill lasts for 3 turns and has a 3-turn cooldown. The Spark's passive skill is Ooze Protection, which protects Mario from the effects of the Ooze Super Effect while reducing all other Super Effect damage.
Players will want to equip Toxicomet when they have to deal with many enemies like Squashers and Stompers, who are weak to Ooze damage. This Spark is unlocked following the side quest "The Quest for Courage" in the main story quest "Uncork the Volcano."
2 Electroid
Electroid adds Shock damage to Mario's weapons with the Shock Attack active skill. It remains active for 3 turns and cools down for 3 turns. Spark Protection, the Spark's passive skill, offers Mario protection from Shock Super Effect and decreases the effect of all Super Effects by 20%.
This is an excellent Spark to equip against enemies like Sea Stooges, who are weak to Shock damage. Electroid is available from the battle quest "Icy Breath of Winter." This quest can be found in the main story quest "Cold Mouth of the Mountain."
1 Vampdash
The Vampdash Spark offers the active skill Vamp Dash for Mario's arsenal. This skill causes Dashes to deal 140 damage and return 30% of the damage dealt as HP to Mario. It is active for 2 turns and has a 2-turn cooldown. The passive skill Athlete increases healing by 15%.
Vampdash is exceptionally effective because it adds the Lifesteal Super Effect to Mario's Dashes, allowing him to heal as he damages the enemies. Players unlock this Spark by completing the "Pristine Peaks Secret Zone," they can unlock by purchasing from Salesbot.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is available on the Nintendo Switch.