Super Mario Party on the Nintendo Switch features a vibrant roster of classic Mushroom Kingdom figures, but not everyone is available right from the moment you launch the game. Four secret characters require completing specific tasks and modes across the Party Plaza before they will join your playable selection. Learning how to navigate these challenges ensures that you can quickly complete your roster and enjoy every unique character dice block available.
Unlocking Donkey Kong Through River Survival
Donkey Kong is one of the most popular secret additions, bringing his powerful exclusive dice block to your matches. To recruit him, head over to the River Survival mode in the Party Plaza and set out on a rafting adventure with your team. Navigating through three distinct river routes will trigger his appearance near the end of the course, allowing you to speak with him in the main plaza afterward to officially unlock him.
Recruiting Diddy Kong in Challenge Road
Diddy Kong requires progress through the single-player Challenge Road, which becomes accessible once you have played every main mode in the plaza. As you advance through the Chestnut Forest section, you will encounter Diddy Kong in World 2. Successfully clearing his designated minigame challenge allows you to recruit him to your character selection screen once you complete the stage.
Unlocking Dry Bones in Party Plaza
Dry Bones appears semi-randomly in the hub area after you spend time playing various board game matches. He often wanders into the background of the Party Plaza while you interact with different game modes. Once you notice him lingering near the main stage, simply walk over and interact with him directly to permanently add him to your roster.
Finding Pom Pom via Challenge Road Progression
Pom Pom is another character tied directly to your progression through Challenge Road. She acts as a opponent checkpoint in Salty Sea, which corresponds to World 5 of the mode. Defeating her in her minigame challenge will cause her to appear back at the Party Plaza, where a quick conversation seals her place on your character select screen.
