Most of Mario’s companions in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door will unlock as you complete the story, but there’s actually an optional companion that you may end up skipping if you’re not paying attention: Ms. Mowz, the fabulous mousey thief, requires a short side quest in order to unlock.
Ms. Mowz is great for literally sniffing out treasure and stealing loot from enemies, so if that’s of interest to you, you’ll want to add her to your party. Below we detail how to get Ms. Mowz in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and where to find the Elusive Badge she requires.
How to unlock Ms. Mowz in Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door
In order to unlock Ms. Mowz, you’ll need to at least have gotten the fourth star from the Creepy Steeple. After this, her request will appear in the Trouble Center (the building with the sheets of paper on it in eastern Rogueport). The request is “Elusive badge!” and it’s requested by “???.”
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Image: Nintendo EPD/Nintendo via Polygon
Of course, after accepting the task and heading to the designated location (on the roof of Zess T.’s house, next to the badge shop) you’ll realize that it was none other than Ms. Mowz who sent that request. She’ll gripe about how she wants a specific badge in Hooktail’s Castle, but she can’t find it. That’s your job! Once you get the badge and bring it back to Ms. Mowz, she’ll join your party.
Where to find the Elusive Badge in Paper Mario: TTYD
The Elusive Badge itself isn’t super hard to find, but you will need to backtrack Hooktail’s Castle, all the way up to the top of the tower where you originally fought him. Once you’re up there, use Flurrie’s wind ability in the center of the room, like so:
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Image: Nintendo EPD/Nintendo via Polygon
She’ll blow away a piece of paper covering a chest with the Elusive Badge inside. Nice! Grab it and walk back to Ms. Mowz on top of Zess T.’s house.
For more Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door guides, learn all Thwomp quiz answers and check out Great Boggly Tree walkthrough. You can also see where to find all Star Pieces and all Shine Sprites.