Honestly, nobody saw it coming. When that leaked promotional image of a Rabbid dressed as Princess Peach first hit the internet, the collective groan from the gaming community was loud enough to shake the rafters. It looked like a disaster. A collision of worlds that had no business being in the same room, let alone the same game cartridge. But then E3 2017 happened. Shigeru Miyamoto walked onto the stage with Ubisoft’s Yves Guillemot, holding a plastic arm-cannon, and the world realized Mario and Rabbids Kingdom Battle wasn't just a gimmick. It was a love letter to tactical RPGs.
It’s been years since it launched, but I still find myself popping the cart back into my Nintendo Switch. Why? Because it’s basically "My First XCOM," but with more slapstick and a surprising amount of mathematical depth.
The Bizarre Genius of Mario and Rabbids Kingdom Battle
You have to appreciate the audacity here. Nintendo is famously protective of the Mario IP. Usually, they don't let people mess with the formula. Yet, they handed the keys to Ubisoft Milan and Paris, told them to go nuts, and the result was a turn-based strategy game where Mario uses a laser gun. It sounds wrong. It feels right. The game centers on a "Washua" device—a specialized headset that can fuse objects—falling into the hands of chaotic Rabbids who accidentally teleport into the Mushroom Kingdom.
The world is a mess. It’s a gorgeous, colorful, chaotic mess.
What makes it work isn't just the humor, though seeing a Rabbid version of Luigi dabbing is weirdly memorable. It’s the movement. In most tactical games, you move your unit to a tile, and they stay there. Boring. In this game, movement is a weapon. You can "Team Jump" off an ally to reach higher ground, slide-tackle an enemy during your move phase without ending your turn, and then retreat behind a brick block. It feels fluid. It’s fast. You aren't just playing chess; you're playing aggressive, kinetic geometry.
The Learning Curve That Isn't a Wall
Most people hear "Tactical RPG" and think of spreadsheets and permanent death. Fire Emblem or XCOM can be brutal. If you lose a unit, they're gone. Mario and Rabbids Kingdom Battle doesn't do that. It’s accessible, sure, but don't confuse that with being easy. By the time you hit World 3 (Spooky Village), the game starts throwing status effects at you like "Ink," which prevents you from attacking, or "Honey," which pins you in place.
It gets hard. Like, "I’ve restarted this map five times" hard.
The skill tree is where the real meat is. Each character—there are eight total—has a distinct role. Mario is your mid-range leader. Luigi is a glass cannon sniper. Rabbid Peach is the indispensable healer. You can't just power through with your favorites; you have to actually think about synergy. If you don't bring someone who can heal or provide shield buffs, the mid-game bosses will absolutely wreck you. It’s a game of inches and percentages.
Why the Graphics and Music Still Hold Up
Visually, the game is a triumph of the Snowdrop Engine. You’ve probably seen it used in The Division, which is a gritty, gray shooter. Seeing that engine produce the vibrant, saturated greens of the Mushroom Kingdom is a trip. The textures on the Rabbids' fur and Mario's denim overalls are sharper than they have any right to be on a handheld console.
Then there's Grant Kirkhope.
If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the legendary composer behind Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007. His score for this game is whimsical but tense. It carries that classic Nintendo DNA while adding a layer of European orchestral flair. The "Phantom of the Bwahpera" boss fight? That’s a masterpiece of musical comedy. It’s rare for a game to be genuinely funny, but the Phantom’s insults toward Mario’s weight and career are legitimately hilarious.
Technical Performance on the Switch
Let's talk specs for a second. The game runs at 900p docked and 720p in handheld mode. For the most part, it stays at a solid 30 frames per second. You might notice some slight hitching when the camera zooms in for a "kill cam" shot or when there are massive explosions of Honey and Ink, but it never impacts the gameplay. Since it’s turn-based, you aren't relying on twitch reflexes anyway.
One thing that still bugs me? The lack of a manual camera in the overworld. You're stuck on a rail while exploring the hub worlds. It’s a minor gripe, but in a game that encourages exploration to find hidden chests and weapon blueprints, it can feel a bit restrictive.
Deep Strategy: More Than Just "Jump and Shoot"
If you're looking to actually beat the ultimate challenges—like the post-game trials or the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC—you need to understand the "M-Power" and "Honey" combos.
- Mario’s Hero Sight: This is basically "Overwatch." If an enemy moves in his line of sight, he shoots.
- Synergy: Combine this with Rabbid Mario’s "Magnet Dance," which pulls enemies out of cover.
- Result: You trigger Mario’s reaction shot automatically.
That’s the kind of high-level play the game expects from you later on. It’s not just about hitting the enemy; it’s about manipulating the enemy into moving exactly where you want them. The AI is surprisingly smart. They will flank you. They will hide behind full cover. They will heal each other.
The Donkey Kong Adventure DLC is actually a masterclass in how to expand a game. It introduces DK and Rabbid Cranky. DK can pick up enemies, allies, and even pieces of the map to throw them. It changes the entire "feel" of the tactical grid. Honestly, it's one of the few pieces of DLC in the last decade that feels like a mandatory addition rather than an after-thought.
Misconceptions About the Game
A lot of people skipped this because they thought the Rabbids were annoying. Look, I get it. The Minion-esque screaming can be a lot. But in this specific context, they act as the perfect foil to Mario’s stoic, "wahoo!" personality. They provide the slapstick that the Mario universe usually avoids.
Another misconception? That it’s a kids' game.
Sure, it's rated E. But the complexity of the "Perfect" rating system—where you must finish a map in a certain number of turns without losing a single hero—is genuinely demanding. It requires a level of forward-thinking that would give a Civilization player a run for their money.
Actionable Steps for New and Returning Players
If you’re picking up Mario and Rabbids Kingdom Battle for the first time, or if it’s been sitting in your backlog, here is how to actually get the most out of it without getting frustrated.
Prioritize Movement Skills First
In the skill tree (the Tacticam), don't dump all your orbs into health or weapon damage. Focus on "Cleansing Jump" and increasing your move distance. Being able to remove a status effect just by jumping on a teammate’s head is the most valuable utility in the game.
Don't Ignore the Challenges
After you beat a world, go back and do the secret challenges. They seem like filler, but they reward you with the Power Orbs you need to max out your skill tree. If you try to rush the main story, you'll find yourself underpowered by World 4 (Lava Pit).
The "Luigi" Rule
Luigi has the best range but the worst health. Always keep him at the furthest possible point of the map. Pair him with a tank like Rabbid Mario or Peach. If an enemy gets close to Luigi, the turn is basically over for him. Use his "Steely Stare" (reaction shot) as much as possible; it can trigger up to three times per turn if upgraded.
Reset Your Skills Frequently
One of the best features of this game is that you can reset your skill tree at any time for free. Stuck on a boss? Take all your points out of "Dash" and put them into "Weapon Damage" or "Super Effects." There is no penalty for experimenting, so stop trying to find a "one size fits all" build.
Check the Weapon Effects
Not all weapons are created equal. "Bounce" is great for knocking enemies off the map for extra damage, but "Stone" is better for stopping a high-threat enemy in their tracks. Always check what the boss is weak to before starting a fight.
The game is a weird, wonderful anomaly. It proved that Mario could work in a genre nobody asked for, and it paved the way for the even more ambitious sequel, Sparks of Hope. If you want a game that makes you think but also makes you laugh when a rabbit in a wig gets hit with a giant hammer, this is it. It’s a core part of the Switch library for a reason. Go back and play it; those "Perfect" medals won't earn themselves.
🔗 Read more: Why Yandere Simulator 1980s hairs Are the Best Part of the Prequel
Essential Checklist for Success
- Master the Slide Tackle: It’s "free" damage every turn. Never finish a move without checking if you can slide through an enemy first.
- High Ground Advantage: You get a significant damage boost and a better chance to bypass cover when you're elevated. Always use Team Jump to get to the pipes or high ledges.
- Focus Fire: It’s almost always better to completely eliminate one enemy than to damage three. A wounded enemy still shoots back with 100% power.