
The Pauline fight in *Super Mario RPG* is notorious for its challenge, but players have discovered clever strategies to cheese the battle, making it significantly easier. By exploiting specific mechanics, such as using the Danger! attack to stun Pauline or repeatedly using healing items to outlast her, players can bypass the fight's intended difficulty. Additionally, equipping Mario with the Lazy Shell or using well-timed timing attacks can minimize damage and turn the tide in the player’s favor. These tactics, while not conventional, highlight the game’s depth and the creativity of its player base in overcoming tough encounters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fight Location | New Donk City Hall Rooftop (Super Mario Odyssey) |
| Cheese Strategy Core | Exploiting Pauline's predictable movement patterns and limited attack range |
| Recommended Power-Ups | Capture abilities (especially Goombas, Bullets, or Chained Chomps) |
| Key Exploit | Pauline's slow turning speed and inability to track fast-moving targets |
| Movement Tactic | Constant circling/strafing around Pauline while attacking |
| Attack Pattern | Focus on ranged attacks (throwing hats, bullet bills) to avoid melee range |
| Phase 1 Weakness | Vulnerable to side/back attacks during her singing animation |
| Phase 2 Weakness | Jump-cancelling her charge attack by throwing Cappy at the right moment |
| Difficulty Reduction | Significantly lowers fight duration and damage taken |
| Required Skill Level | Moderate (timing for Cappy throws and movement precision) |
| Alternative Cheese Method | Using the 8-bit Mario transformation to tank damage (less efficient) |
| Community Consensus | Widely considered the most effective strategy for speedruns/easy wins |
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What You'll Learn
- Exploit Pauline's Slow Start: Use fast attacks to pressure her before she gains momentum
- Abuse Recovery Frames: Punish her slow recovery after attacks with combos
- Zone with Projectiles: Keep her at bay with ranged attacks to limit her approach
- Counter Her Super: Dodge and punish her Super move with well-timed counters
- Focus on Minions: Clear her minions quickly to reduce distractions and focus on her

Exploit Pauline's Slow Start: Use fast attacks to pressure her before she gains momentum
Pauline's slow start in the fight is a critical window of opportunity for any opponent. Her initial movements are deliberate, almost methodical, as she assesses her surroundings and prepares her defenses. This lag in aggression is your cue to strike—fast, relentless, and with precision. The first 10-15 seconds of the battle are crucial; use this time to establish dominance and disrupt her rhythm before she can unleash her full arsenal.
To capitalize on this vulnerability, prioritize attacks with high speed and low recovery time. Moves like dash attacks, tilts, or aerials with quick startup frames are ideal. For example, in *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*, characters like Fox or Pikachu excel here due to their rapid jab combos and mobility. Aim to land 2-3 consecutive hits within the first 5 seconds, forcing Pauline into a defensive stance and limiting her ability to counter. Avoid slow, predictable moves like smash attacks, which give her time to react and retaliate.
A comparative analysis of successful Pauline fights reveals a common pattern: players who pressure her early often dictate the pace of the match. In contrast, those who adopt a reactive strategy struggle to regain control once Pauline gains momentum. Her ability to summon stage hazards and unleash powerful specials becomes exponentially more dangerous as the fight progresses. By contrast, early aggression not only deals damage but also disrupts her ability to set up traps, effectively neutering her primary strengths.
Practical implementation requires a balance of aggression and caution. While fast attacks are key, avoid overcommitting to risky moves that leave you vulnerable. For instance, aerial attacks should be spaced to avoid being punished by Pauline’s surprisingly strong anti-air game. Use platform movement to your advantage, staying just out of her reach while peppering her with quick strikes. If you’re playing a character with a projectile, mix in occasional ranged attacks to keep her guessing, but don’t rely solely on them—Pauline’s stage layout often provides cover, rendering projectiles less effective.
In conclusion, exploiting Pauline’s slow start is less about brute force and more about strategic timing and move selection. The goal isn’t just to deal damage but to psychologically unbalance her, forcing her into a reactive mindset. By the time she’s ready to fight back, she’ll be playing on your terms, not hers. Master this early-game pressure, and you’ll transform a potentially grueling battle into a controlled, efficient victory.
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Abuse Recovery Frames: Punish her slow recovery after attacks with combos
Pauline's recovery frames after attacks are her Achilles' heel. Unlike faster characters, she takes a noticeable amount of time to regain composure after being hit, leaving her vulnerable to follow-up attacks. This "slow recovery" window is your golden opportunity to rack up damage and gain control of the match.
Think of it like this: while she's still reeling from your initial strike, she's essentially a sitting duck. This is where your combo game comes into play.
Step 1: Identify the Openings
Not all attacks leave Pauline equally exposed. Focus on moves that knock her back or leave her in a stunned animation. For example, a well-timed smash attack or a projectile that connects cleanly will often leave her vulnerable for a few crucial frames.
Observe her recovery patterns in training mode. Pay attention to how long she remains in a vulnerable state after different attacks. This knowledge is key to exploiting her weaknesses.
Step 2: Chain Your Combos
Once you've identified the openings, it's time to string together your combos. Start with a reliable opener that guarantees a hit, then immediately follow up with a series of quick, low-commitment attacks. Aim for moves with fast startup and good range, like jabs, tilts, or short-hop aerials.
Example Combo:
- Opener: Forward Smash (connects cleanly, knocks Pauline back)
- Follow-up: Short-hop Nair (quick, covers a good distance, keeps pressure on)
- Finisher: Dash Attack (if Pauline is close enough, this can rack up significant damage)
Caution: Don't Get Greedy
While chaining combos is effective, avoid overcommitting. Pauline can punish overly ambitious strings with her powerful counterattacks. Always be mindful of your positioning and spacing. If you miss a follow-up, be prepared to retreat or shield.
Remember, the goal is to chip away at her health bar consistently, not to land a single, high-damage combo.
Abusing Pauline's recovery frames through well-timed combos is a highly effective strategy. By identifying her vulnerabilities, practicing your timing, and chaining together quick, low-risk attacks, you can control the pace of the match and secure the victory. Remember, patience and precision are key. Don't get greedy, and always be ready to adapt to Pauline's counterattacks.
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Zone with Projectiles: Keep her at bay with ranged attacks to limit her approach
In the Pauline fight, maintaining distance is crucial to survival. Her melee attacks are devastating, and her agility allows her to close gaps quickly. By employing a zoning strategy with projectiles, you can dictate the pace of the battle, forcing her to engage on your terms. This approach leverages the safety of range while chipping away at her health, minimizing the risk of taking damage.
To execute this strategy effectively, prioritize weapons with high range and consistent damage output. Bows, crossbows, or magic staves are ideal choices, as they allow you to attack from a safe distance without sacrificing damage potential. Aim for a steady rhythm of attacks, focusing on precision rather than speed. Each shot should count, as reloading or casting times can leave you vulnerable if Pauline manages to close the distance.
Positioning is equally critical when zoning with projectiles. Use the environment to your advantage by staying near obstacles or elevated areas that limit her approach angles. This not only restricts her movement but also provides additional cover if she launches ranged attacks or summons minions. Keep a mental map of the arena to anticipate her movements and adjust your position accordingly, ensuring you always have an escape route.
However, this strategy is not without its challenges. Pauline may adapt by employing ranged attacks of her own or summoning projectiles to disrupt your rhythm. To counter this, invest in defensive upgrades such as increased health, damage reduction, or mobility enhancements. Potions or abilities that provide temporary invincibility can also be lifesavers during critical moments. Remember, the goal is to outlast her, not to rush the fight.
In conclusion, zoning with projectiles is a methodical and effective way to cheese the Pauline fight. By combining the right weapons, strategic positioning, and defensive preparations, you can neutralize her strengths and turn the battle into a controlled, low-risk engagement. Patience and consistency are key—keep her at bay, and victory will be within your grasp.
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Counter Her Super: Dodge and punish her Super move with well-timed counters
Pauline's Super move is a game-changer, but it's not invincible. With precise timing and a bit of practice, you can turn her most powerful attack into an opportunity to gain the upper hand. The key lies in understanding the rhythm of her Super and mastering the art of dodging and countering.
Step 1: Recognize the Pattern
Pauline’s Super typically involves a charged, sweeping attack that covers a wide area. Pay attention to her wind-up animation—a slight pause or glow-up effect often signals the attack is imminent. This is your cue to prepare. Position yourself at the edge of her range, where you can quickly dash out of harm’s way.
Step 2: Time Your Dodge
As she initiates the Super, execute a well-timed dodge roll or side-step. The goal is to move just as the attack connects, minimizing the risk of getting hit. Practice this timing in low-stakes scenarios to build muscle memory. Remember, dodging too early leaves you vulnerable, while dodging too late is pointless.
Step 3: Punish the Opening
After Pauline’s Super, she’s momentarily stunned—a golden window to strike back. Immediately follow your dodge with a high-damage combo or a Super of your own. Focus on moves that deal quick, sustained damage to maximize your advantage. For example, a well-placed dash attack or a charged projectile can capitalize on her vulnerability.
Caution: Avoid Overcommitting
While punishing her Super is tempting, be mindful of your positioning. Overcommitting to a counter can leave you exposed if Pauline recovers faster than expected. Always keep an escape route in mind, especially in close-quarters combat.
Countering Pauline’s Super isn’t just about reaction time—it’s about anticipation and precision. Dedicate time to studying her attack patterns and refining your dodges. With consistent practice, you’ll transform her most feared move into a predictable, exploitable weakness.
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Focus on Minions: Clear her minions quickly to reduce distractions and focus on her
In the Pauline fight, her minions are more than just nuisances—they’re a tactical barrier to your success. Every second spent dodging or attacking them is time Pauline uses to charge her next move, increasing the fight’s complexity. Clearing minions swiftly isn’t just about damage output; it’s about controlling the battlefield. Prioritize area-of-effect (AoE) abilities or weapons like the Splat Roller or Explosher to wipe them out in one or two hits. This minimizes their ability to flank or stun you, allowing you to focus solely on Pauline’s patterns without peripheral distractions.
Consider the minions as a resource drain: they consume your ink, attention, and positioning. For example, a single minion’s ink splash can force you to retreat or waste time cleaning your weapon. By eliminating them early, you conserve resources for Pauline’s more demanding phases. If you’re using a charger weapon, take advantage of its range to pick off minions from a distance before they close in. For close-quarters combat, time your jumps and dodges to avoid their attacks while lining up AoE strikes to clear multiple targets at once.
A common mistake is underestimating the minions’ cumulative threat. While individually weak, their swarm behavior can overwhelm you during Pauline’s high-damage attacks. Imagine trying to dodge her guitar swing while being flanked by three minions—it’s a recipe for chaos. Instead, adopt a "clear first, engage second" mindset. Use the first 10-15 seconds of the fight to eliminate all minions, creating a clean arena. This not only reduces immediate threats but also prevents them from respawning during critical moments later in the battle.
Finally, adapt your strategy based on Pauline’s phase. During her first phase, minions spawn frequently but are less aggressive, making it the ideal time to practice efficient clearing. In later phases, when she introduces more complex attacks, a minion-free zone becomes non-negotiable. For instance, during her triple guitar swing, having no minions allows you to focus on the predictable pattern of her jumps, giving you a clear path to dodge and counterattack. Master this approach, and you’ll transform the fight from a chaotic scramble into a controlled, methodical takedown.
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Frequently asked questions
The most effective cheese strategy involves using a high-damage, long-range weapon like the Splat Roller or the E-liter 4K to attack Pauline from a safe distance, minimizing the risk of taking damage.
Yes, Pauline has predictable movement patterns. Stay on the outer edges of the arena and dodge her attacks while consistently dealing damage from afar, using her slow turns to your advantage.
Gear with abilities like Ninja Squid or Comeback can help you stay stealthy and survive longer. Additionally, using Sub Power Up to enhance your sub weapon can provide extra damage opportunities while keeping your distance.























