All of the characters in Mario Strikers: Battle League have the same base stat totals, though the way that they are distributed can vary quite a bit. This helps to give each of the game's ten playable characters their own unique strengths and weaknesses and places a lot of emphasis on the makeup and composition of a team.
Those looking to take on the game's toughest opponents will need to put a lot of thought into which four players they choose. Gear can also be incredibly important in this regard, with the best gear sets in Mario Strikers: Battle League able to completely transform a player. There are six sets in total, one of which is unlocked after completing the game on the normal difficulty setting.
6 The Trick Gear Set
Item | Strength | Speed | Shooting | Passing | Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trick Helmet | — | — | — | -2 | +2 |
Trick Gloves | — | -2 | — | — | +2 |
Trick Pad | -2 | — | — | — | +2 |
Trick Boots | — | — | -2 | — | +2 |
It isn't immediately obvious what the technique stat actually does, though anyone who delves deep into the game's helpful inbuilt guide will soon learn that it can have a big impact on a player's shooting. Not only can it determine a shot's accuracy, but it can also increase the amount of curl and make unleashing Hyper Strikes a little easier.
With this in mind, it could be argued that technology is only useful for strikers and advanced midfielders and ties with shooting as the least versatile stat. This is because the other three can be useful wherever a player is positioned, particularly speed and strength. There may be times when a player needs an item from the Trick Gear Set here and there, but most of the best builds in Mario Strikers: Battle League are better complemented by other gear.
5 The Cannon Gear Set
Item | Strength | Speed | Shooting | Passing | Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cannon Visor | — | — | +2 | — | -2 |
Cannon Gloves | — | -2 | +2 | — | — |
Cannon Plate | -2 | — | +2 | — | — |
Cannon Boots | — | — | +2 | -2 | — |
Though there's perhaps an argument to be made that a player's technique is a little more important than their shooting stat due to the former also having an impact on Hyper Strike execution, the Cannon Gear Set has the edge over the Trick Gear Set for one simple reason. The Bushido Gear Set does not provide an option for boosting shooting.
As a result, those hoping to boost a player's shooting stat can only do so with the help of the Cannon Gear Set. The game does make up for this somewhat, though, with no fewer than three different players having a base shooting stat of 17, ensuring that there are plenty of viable options for those looking for a maxed-out striker. Rosalina is the pick of the bunch, but Bowser and Yoshi can also reach 25 shooting with the help of the Cannon Gear set.
4 The Turbo Gear Set
Item | Strength | Speed | Shooting | Passing | Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Turbo Helmet | — | +2 | — | — | -2 |
Turbo Gloves | -2 | +2 | — | — | — |
Turbo Pad | — | +2 | — | -2 | — |
Turbo Boots | — | +2 | -2 | — | — |
Those who enjoy carrying the ball forward rather than having to rely on passes are going to need a bit of pace. Likewise, when attempting to stop an opposition breakaway, a little extra speed really goes a long way. That's where the Turbo Gear set can come in handy.
Designed to make characters faster, the set has a few excellent use cases. It can be made to turn DK into an unstoppable defender or to max out Toad's speed stat and turn him into a god-like midfielder. For anyone with a need for speed, this set should prove invaluable.
3 The Chain Gear Set
Item | Strength | Speed | Shooting | Passing | Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chain Helmet | — | -2 | — | +2 | — |
Chain Gauntlets | — | — | -2 | +2 | — |
Chain Plate | — | — | — | +2 | -2 |
Chain Boots | -2 | — | — | +2 | — |
Though speed can be important for those hoping to be the first to item drops and Hyper Orbs, a high passing stat is arguably a lot more useful. Strikers can probably get away without it, but, for accurately feeding the ball forward, it's something of a necessity for both midfielders and defenders.
The likes of Toad and DK are already pretty stacked in the passing department, but, with the help of the Chain Gear Set, they're almost able to reach the maximum amount. It can also be used to salvage Waluigi, who, with a slightly higher passing stat, can be turned into a pretty competent defender.
2 The Muscle Gear Set
Item | Strength | Speed | Shooting | Passing | Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Muscle Helmet | +2 | — | — | — | -2 |
Muscle Gauntlets | +2 | — | — | -2 | — |
Muscle Chest | +2 | — | -2 | — | — |
Muscle Boots | +2 | -2 | — | — | — |
Of the five different character stats in Mario Strikers: Battle League, none are more important than strength. Regardless of a player's position on the pitch, being able to knock opposition players off the ball and deflect incoming tackles is vital, particularly when playing the game on Galactic Mode.
Whether bulking up some of the more lightweight characters like Toad and Peach or tacking on a little extra mass to existing powerhouses like DK and Wario, the Muscle Set is perfect for boosting one's strength stat. Players will want to prioritize this over everything else, at least until they unlock the game's final gear set.
1 The Bushido Gear Set
Item | Strength | Speed | Shooting | Passing | Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bushido Helmet | -1 | -1 | -1 | +4 | -1 |
Bushido Bracers | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | +4 |
Bushido Armor | +4 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 |
Bushido Sandals | -1 | +4 | -1 | -1 | -1 |
As well as being the best-looking gear set in Mario Strikers: Battle League, the Bushido set also happens to be the most practical. Rather than forcing players to choose a single stat to sacrifice, it simply reduces four of a character's stats by one point while increasing the other one by four.
There may be rare instances in which it's better to use items from some of the other sets, but, generally speaking, the Bushido Set provides the best solution for single-stat boosting. It's just a shame that there's no Bushido gear for boosting a character's shooting stat and that it isn't unlocked until after players have completed the game.
Mario Strikers: Battle League is available now for the Nintendo Switch.
