Super Mario RPG: How To Defeat Bowyer

Welcome to our boss guides for Super Mario RPG on Nintendo Switch and SNES.

Bowyer is the second of Smithy's minions that you'll encounter in Super Mario RPG. Found in the Forest Maze, he's one of the tougher boss fights in the game, and we've got the best strategies on how to face him.

This is also your first fight with Geno in the party too, so you need to get accustomed to your new character fast. Plus, you'll find out about the Nintendo Switch version's new feature, Triple Attacks.

In this guide, we'll give you tips on how to defeat Bowyer and get your second Star Piece.

How to defeat Bowyer

Recommended party: Mario, Mallow, Geno (you don't really have a choice!)

Bowyer doesn’t have any particular weaknesses, but he does have access to several spells that hit all your party members at once. As a result, feeding each of your individual party members a mushroom might not cut it – you’re going to want to focus on using Mallow’s HP Rain spell to its fullest extent.

Geno’s special attack, the Geno Beam, is strongest if you let go of the button when the third indicator appears on-screen. Make sure you time it perfectly to deal the most damage.

One thing Bowyer will do is lock one of your party’s actions. You’ll have to be flexible in your offense, prioritizing Mario and Geno’s special attacks when possible and switching to physical moves if those are unavailable.

Bowyer also uses a powerful spell called Static E! which hits your entire party. Make sure to heal using Mallow or items whenever possible.

Bowyer's last big attack is a Bolt spell that deals noticeable damage. If your entire party is weakened, the Croaka Cola / Kerokero Cola you’ve obtained is incredibly useful. It restores every party member’s HP in a single turn! Keep hitting Bowyer with your strongest attacks and he’ll eventually go down.

In the Switch version, he'll proceed to turn off all of your buttons, leaving you with seemingly no options! However, you'll be told about Triple Attacks.

Activate your Triple Attack with Mario, Mallow, and Geno by pressing the + button and watch as Bowyer is defeated in sparkling style.

For more help on getting through Super Mario RPG, check out our full Super Mario RPG guide for everything you need.