Sombrero Guy

Sombrero Guys are a type of Shy Guy that first appear in Paper Mario: Sticker Star. They wear sombreros on their head and hold Mexican instruments. Sombrero Guys act as support for other enemies in battle, playing songs that heal and increase attack power, and will often run away when confronted.

Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Sombrero Guys are the more common Shy Guys in the various levels of World 2. Unlike standard Shy Guys, Sombrero Guys have more health and are also slightly larger than Shy Guys. If the player is battling with a Sombrero Guy as well as another enemy, the Sombrero Guy will play its guitar and temporarily double each foes' attack stat for 2 to 5 turns or if the Sombrero Guy has low HP, it may restore 10 HP to itself and its allies. If a Sombrero Guy is battled alone, it will usually run away if not defeated instantly. Occasionally, it might throw its sombrero at Mario. They sometimes drop a Sombrero upon defeat. They are found in every level in World 2 except Damp Oasis.

Unlike other enemies in the overworld, a Sombrero Guy will simply stay in place and play their guitar. If the player goes into battle with an enemy in the vicinity, the Sombrero Guy will jump into the battle as well. However if Mario runs out of HP in battle and the player does the same area again, Sombrero Guys in that area will not jump into the battle making the enemies much easier to battle.

Paper Mario: Color Splash
Sombrero Guys return in Paper Mario: Color Splash, appearing on the Sunset Express. One is first seen riding on the back of the train playing its instrument when Larry Koopa hijacks it. On the train itself, there are two Sombrero Guys riding on opposite sides of the vehicle. If Mario approaches them, their music can be heard replacing the normal Sunset Express theme. Like in the previous installment, Sombrero Guys will hop into every battle in their vicinity and begin the battle by powering up all other enemies. In these battles, Sombrero Guys will dodge most attacks, including Thing Cards. Since they hang out in the back, Line Jumps are the most reliable way to attack them. After the first turn, the Sombrero Guy will heal all enemies fully and then flee. The Sombrero Guys can be battled and attacked only if the enemy itself is attacked on the overworld. The Sombrero Guy will begin the battle by powering itself up, and will attack by throwing its sombrero. It will also attempt to reduce damage given to it by blocking attacks with its guitar. Once it is defeated, it will no longer appear in nearby battles, and it will also have a chance to drop its card.

Paper Mario: The Origami King
Sombrero Guys appear as NPCs in Paper Mario: The Origami King.

A Sombrero Guy appears on Autumn Mountain. Mario and Olivia meet him when their companion Bob-omb runs off in the Tall Grass Plains. Bob-omb is found befriending and talking to the Sombrero Guy, who is setting up for a "canned food par-tay". Later, the trio returns to the spot for help opening a can of tuna. The Sombrero Guy is waiting for two guests: a Spike and a Bone Goomba. After both arrive, the Bone Goomba uses his teeth to open the can.

Another Sombrero Guy runs the Singing Café in Shroom City. When Mario purchases a Sombrero Blend from the cafe, the Sombrero Guy performs some music with the other customers: a Ptooie and a Dino Rhino.

Concept art at the Musée Champignon shows that they were also planned to appear as Folded Soldiers.

While not available in-game, the Sombrero Guy on Autumn Mountain has code for following Mario on the overworld, along with a graphic on the party menu. However, he does not appear in battle, and does not have an attack programmed in.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
Sombrero Guys, here known as Paper Sombrero Guys, appear as enemies in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. They are encountered at the lower level of Mount Brrr, and stronger variants are encountered in Neo Bowser Castle. They only have three options for their turn: they attack by throwing sombreros at the Trio or just the Bros. which must be jumped over, if they are jumped onto the Paper Sombero Guy will run into the bro, which there is no time to jump over. They can also give all their allies and themselves the POW-Up status, or flee with no experience given. They rarely attack, and are more likely to power up their allies or run away from the fight. They don't get hit by a First Strike, even if all the enemies were defeated in one hit. Sombrero Guys are the only Paper Mario-exclusive enemies to appear in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (excluding Tower Power Pokey).

Rare, shiny variants can also appear in place of the regular Sombrero Guys in the same areas. These have greater stats, though their methods of attack remain the same, and the ones in Mount Brrr will always drop a Super Candy and a LV 1 ? Card when defeated, with the ones in Neo Bowser Castle always dropping a Max Mushroom and Shiny Battle Card when defeated.

Names in other languages
Tipo Sombrero Sombrero Guy