Culex is one of the best secrets in Super Mario RPG, and this guide will show you how to unlock the secret boss in the Nintendo Switch version.
Culex is an optional hidden boss. Initially, he appears as a 2D sprite inspired by the Final Fantasy series. In theNintendo Switchremake, he also has a brand new second form when you rematch him after completing the game.
He’s also one of the most challenging bosses in the game, with more HP than even Mario RPG’s actual final boss, so you’ll want to have your party of characters levelled up a fair bit before you face him.
Read on to find outhow to unlock Culex inSuper Mario RPG,how to unlock Culex’s rematchandhow to beat Culex.
How to unlock Culex in Mario RPG
to unlock Mario RPG’s secret boss, Culex, you need to unlock the locked door in Monstro Town, which will lead you to the battle.
To unlock theMonstro Town locked door, you’ll need to perform the following steps:
How to unlock the rematch, Culex 3D
In the Nintendo Switch version of Super Mario RPG, there is a brand new second phase rematch,Culex 3D, in which the boss finally trades his pixels for polygons.
In order to unlock the Culex 3D rematch, you’ll first need tofinish the game. Then you can visit theMarrymore Innand use your free voucher for a night in the honeymoon suite.
Next, you’ll need to head to Star Hill and find one of the newpink stars.
Now, head to the Tadpole Pond and speak to theFrog Sage. He’ll tell you to revisit the Belome Temple next to Monstro Town, where you’ll fight Belome again.
After defeating Belome, the Frog Sage will tell you to rematch other bosses in the game. Eventually, you’ll obtain theSuper Shiny Stoneand be able to unlock the locked Monstro Town door once more.
How to beat Culex
Combined with his four crystals, Culex has the most HP of any boss in Mario RPG. It also means he dishes out tons of magic attacks with each turn.
You’ll want to prioritise Peach in your party, ideally equipped with the Lazy Shell Armor so she can stay alive, reviving allies and dishing out healing magic.
Each crystal has around 2,000 HP. Target those first to limit Culex’s attacks, before moving on to Culex himself.
In Culex’s second phase, he has a magic attack that can wipe out your entire party if you’re unlucky, so make sure you always have somebody alive in reserve, and a full inventory of revive items.
