Captain Toad

"Ready for adventure!"

- Captain Toad

Captain Toad, originally known as the Toad Brigade Captain, is a character who first appears in Super Mario Galaxy. He is a red Toad with an oversized backpack and a headlamp, the former preventing him from being able to jump. He is the leader of the Toad Brigade, a group of Toads that provides help to Mario in the first two Super Mario Galaxy games. He subsequently appears in Super Mario 3D World in special levels known as Captain Toad's Adventures. Captain Toad is the main character of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. In the game, he must stop Wingo, who is a massive bird that kidnapped Toadette and took away his treasure.

Super Mario Galaxy
The Toad Brigade Captain debuts as the self-proclaimed captain of the Toad Brigade in Super Mario Galaxy. He appears to be one of the few characters that escaped the destruction of the Mushroom Kingdom, along with the Toad Brigade members and Luigi. The Toads lost Luigi in space, and instead found themselves in the Honeyhive Galaxy. Mario eventually finds the Toads and rescues them. He rewards Mario with the first Power Star of that galaxy.

The Toad Brigade Captain can sometimes find Power Stars for Mario. In order to follow Mario, he uses a special spaceship called the Starshroom to provide him and his brigade with transportation while traveling through the galaxies. When Mario reaches the Grand Finale Galaxy, the Toad Brigade Captain is appointed as Royal Guard Commander. If Mario is Bee Mario, the Toad Brigade Captain becomes frightened at first, though quickly recognizes him. His headlamp can be used to defeat Boos by shining his headlamp at them.

Super Mario Galaxy 2
The Toad Brigade Captain reappears in Super Mario Galaxy 2. He first appears in the mission "Digga-Leg's Planet", where he warns Mario about the "scary monster", Digga-Leg. They use their Starshroom to follow Starship Mario around the galaxies. Originally, the Toad Brigade wanted to save Princess Peach by themselves, but after finding Mario and deciding that he would do the job better, the Toad Brigade decides to assist Mario instead. In the Slimy Spring Galaxy mission "The Deep Shell Well", the Toad Brigade Captain manages to obtain the star before Mario arrives. However, he accidentally falls inside a chest that locks him inside. When Mario opens up the chest, the Toad Brigade Captain pops out and gives him the star, asking Mario not to tell the other Toad Brigade members of this event. In the ending of the game, he and his brigade accompany Mario back to their planet to celebrate his victory over Bowser. He can sometimes be seen daydreaming in various areas about resting up instead of adventuring.

Super Mario 3D World / Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
The Toad Brigade Captain, now renamed to his current name, is seen in some courses throughout Super Mario 3D World and its Nintendo Switch port ,Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, known as Captain Toad's Adventures. These courses are composed of puzzle-based stages, where the goal is to obtain all five Green Stars using Captain Toad, who is the only playable character. Aside from walking, he is not able to perform any special moves, even jumping. Instead, the player must rely on the different elements and obstacles within the course to progress, such as timed platforms which propel Captain Toad into the air instead of jumping. His headlamp can still affect Boos and other ghost-like enemies, but instead of defeating them, he can only stun them. In the original game, the player uses the Wii U GamePad to move Captain Toad around the stage. He starts in his Super form, and will shrink if he is damaged (his cap and spots will also switch colors). The music that plays in most of these levels is an extended variation of his theme in Super Mario Galaxy. In the Nintendo Switch port, the Toad Brigade members will act as the other playable characters in the multiplayer mode of Captain Toad's Adventures. They have the same powers as Captain Toad.

Captain Toad also makes cameos in some of the normal courses of the game as a non-playable character, usually in danger. If the player rescues him, Captain Toad will award a Green Star. He also appears as the conductor of the Coin Express train of World 5. In Tricky Trapeze Theater, he is seen in a hidden area after a trapeze and a Clear Pipe by a Roulette Block. His last appearance is at the end of Champion's Road, where he can be seen cheering in the crowd.

Captain Toad makes a minor appearance in the Bowser's Fury mode of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. After defeating Giant Bowser and viewing the credits for the first time, Captain Toad can be found on a small island near Scamper Shores where he is being chased in a circle by some Cat Biddybuds, similar to his appearance in Sunshine Seaside from the main game. After Mario defeats them, Captain Toad rewards him with a Cat Shine and remains on Fur Step Island with Toadette and the rest of the Toad Brigade for the rest of the game.

Super Mario Maker
While Captain Toad himself does not make an actual appearance in Super Mario Maker, a Captain Toad costume came out on December 25, 2015, unlocked via completing the Event Course Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. Though Captain Toad is able to jump here, this level is created so that it can be completed without jumping. Also, the Toad amiibo allows Mario to gain a costume akin to the Pixel Toad sprite from Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. Additionally, when Mario rescues a Toad while wearing the Toad costume, the Toad will say "Ah, Captain! It's terrible! Princess Peach has been taken to another castle!" likely referencing Captain Toad.

Super Mario Odyssey
Captain Toad makes a reappearance in Super Mario Odyssey, now wearing the same outfit as in Super Mario 3D World and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. In this game, he is a non-playable character. He appears in most kingdoms in an often difficult-to-reach location. When Mario finds and speaks to him, he hands over a Power Moon he had found while exploring that kingdom. Like other non-playable characters, he gets scared and will not be able to talk to Mario if he is approached by the protagonist while he is capturing an enemy. The music heard when Captain Toad is talking to Mario is the same as the one heard in Super Mario Galaxy.

To commemorate Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's release on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS, Captain Toad could also be found through all released extra Hint Art in his sprite form from Super Mario Maker, which replaced the usual Luigi sprite until August 8, 2018.

Super Mario Maker 2
Although he does not physically appear in Super Mario Maker 2, it is strongly implied Captain Toad is Legendary Explorer in the game's story mode. Legendary Explorer's courses are heavily adventure-based, and they do not require jumping to complete (e.g., Fire Koopa Clown Carnage). In the same course's description, Legendary Explorer mentions "having to do the laundry" as an excuse not to go on the "grand expedition"; in Boo-ring Course's description, he mentions "attempting to recreate a star he found a long time ago." Unlike other course creators who are implied to be Mario characters, Legendary Explorer does not use the same speech pattern as Captain Toad himself in the Japanese version.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
In Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Captain Toad is the primary protagonist. He can now defend himself by using power-ups, wield weapons such as the Super Pickax, and pick turnips from the ground to attack enemies. However, like in Super Mario 3D World, Captain Toad cannot jump in this game.

In Episode 1, Captain Toad's journey begins when Toadette shows him a Power Star she found on the top of a level. However, a large bird known as Wingo swoops down and claims the Power Star for itself. Captain Toad falls backwards, however Toadette is kidnapped by Wingo after she latches onto the Power Star in an attempt to get it back. Determined to get Toadette and their treasure back, Captain Toad heads off through many puzzle-like stages to reach the top of Wingo's Watchtower where Wingo holds Toadette hostage.

Ultimately, Captain Toad finds Wingo at the top of a tower. There, Captain Toad battles Wingo and defeats the bird via the use of giant turnips. Toadette and the original Power Star are saved, which causes the two Toads to celebrate in their victory.

In Episode 2, Toadette finds another Power Star and leads Captain Toad to it; however, much like before, Wingo returns and kidnaps Captain Toad along with the Power Star. Toadette now heads to Pyropuff Peak to save Captain Toad. Upon trying to save Captain Toad, the fight fails as the Captain is knocked far away from the scene while Toadette is recaptured by Wingo. Sometime later, Captain Toad regains consciousness in a dark cavern and attempts to retrieve a lost Power Star within the level. However, Wingo reappears and steals the Power Star right before him and taunts Captain Toad with both the treasure and Toadette before flying off again.

After this, Captain Toad finally makes it back to the tower where Wingo resides and makes his way to the very top to defeat him. Upon declaring victory by throwing a giant turnip into Wingo's mouth and ultimately causing Wingo to fall from the air once more, Toadette is finally free and the stolen Power Star is retrieved. Captain Toad and Toadette get on a minecart during the staff roll of the game.

Upon the end of the minecart trip, Captain Toad notices a Green Star falling from the sky and immediately chases after it much to Toadette's dismay. He then falls into a Clear Pipe leading to the Sprixie Kingdom, which begins his adventures in Super Mario 3D World. In the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS versions, the cutscene is altered where he instead notices the Odyssey travelling overhead, thus beginning his adventures in Super Mario Odyssey.

Much like in Super Mario 3D World, Captain Toad's cap colors become inverted upon taking damage, making his cap look similar to a Super Mushroom.

As of the 1.1.0 update of the Nintendo Switch version, a palette swap of Captain Toad called "Purple Captain Toad" is playable in multiplayer mode except in the Special Episode. Like its name indicates, it is a purple version of him with a purple cap similar to that of a Poison Mushroom, a purple scarf and purple shoes instead of red ones.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
Captain Toad is mentioned in Toad's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, while in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Captain Toad and the Toad Brigade make an appearance as a trophy. The Toad Brigade trophy is depicted in the style of how the Toads appeared within the Super Mario Galaxy games.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Captain Toad makes a cameo appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the New Donk City Hall stage, standing near the top of the building. He also appears in this game as an Ace-class Grab-type primary spirit, obtainable by enhancing Toad's spirit at level 99. When equipped, items gravitate towards the fighter.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
Three different Battle Cards appear in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam appear that depict Captain Toad upon scanning the Toad amiibo.

Mario Kart Tour
Captain Toad makes his Mario Kart series debut as a tour-exclusive High-End driver in Mario Kart Tour, introduced as the Week 1 Spotlight driver for the Exploration Tour. His special item is the Hammer. In this game, he will jump during most of his trick animations, despite of his heavy backpack still being on.

Other appearances
Captain Toad makes a few cameo appearances (in puppet form) via the video series The Cat Mario Show that appear on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U's eShop. Additionally, a collectible stamp of Captain Toad's appearance from the show can also be unlocked in the 3DS Nintendo Badge Arcade for The Cat Mario Show theme.

In the Super Mario Mash-up in Minecraft, Captain Toad appears as a playable skin. His artwork in the game is a Minecraft-esque rendering of his artwork from Super Mario 3D World.

Physical description
Captain Toad is a member of the Toad species, and as such, is short, usually smiling, with a mushroom cap with red spots. In his earlier appearances, his attire was more simplistic, with a red vest and white pants. As a result, his appearance was similar to many other red-spotted Toads. His key, distinguishing features include his large, oversized backpack, which prevents him from jumping, except in Mario Kart Tour. He has a headlamp, which distinguishes him from his fellow Toad Brigade members as their captain. Captain Toad can defeat Boos and Peepas simply by shining the light from his leadlamp at them for a moment, similar to Light Boxes.

From Super Mario 3D World onwards, Captain Toad wears a beige explorer's outfit with two chest pockets on both sides, a red neckerchief, a brown belt with a gold buckle, and red shoes - he retains his headlamp and large backpack. In the most recent update for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS versions of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Captain Toad gains an alternate, purple color scheme for the new co-op mode.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Captain Toad has a more subdued color scheme than in the Mario games, while his outfit appears to be more detailed.

Personality
Despite being the leader of the Toad Brigade organization in both Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, Captain Toad is extremely cowardly. His cowardice often leads to his fellow Toad Brigade members sometimes talk negatively about the Captain behind his back. The captain also tends to be accident-prone and as a result, often lands himself into danger. Captain Toad can also be seen to be lazy as he can be seen daydreaming about relaxing in various galaxies. Despite his tendency to land himself into trouble, Captain Toad appears to be extremely quick at making tall tales to make himself appear braver than he truly is to the rest of his brigade members.

Regardless of his negative traits, Captain Toad is seen to be highly resourceful in the Super Mario Galaxy titles. He (or at least one of his brigaders) is seen to be a highly experienced mechanic as he was able to repair the Starshroom that he and the other Toad Brigade members used every time it broke. He also rewards Mario or Luigi with coins to replenish health and even power-ups. Captain Toad does occasionally find Power Stars himself; however, he is always ready to give it to either Mario or Luigi in an attempt to help the hero in his adventures as well as for the cause of saving the universe.

Captain Toad is described to being the "fearless" hunter of Green Stars within Super Mario 3D World and proves this title by being on a constant hunt for the exclusive stars despite lacking the ability to jump (as a result of his heavy backpack.) Regardless, he maintains his gracious character from Super Mario Galaxy and constantly rewards Mario, Luigi, Toad, Peach, and Rosalina with Green Stars or even coins and Power-Ups when encountered.

Captain Toad also has a bit of a greedy side, as it seems he cannot help but try to snag any treasure he sees. This is shown in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's ending, where he does not hesitate to chase after the Green Star he sees falling from the sky, and after it falls into the Clear Pipe that leads to the Sprixie Kingdom, he tries to get it but falls into the pipe too (which explains how he got there in the first place in Super Mario 3D World). The director of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Shinya Hiratake, describes Captain Toad to being so engrossed with finding treasure to the point where his obsession is akin to a crow attracted to shiny things or a moth to a flame. As a result, Hiratake even questions Captain Toad's loyalty to the Mushroom Kingdom due to him being oblivious to his surroundings as long as the captain finds any treasure.

Going along with the common frightful characteristic of the Toads, Captain Toad is no exception as he can be seen to be panicking in a comical sense from various enemies in his appearances in Super Mario 3D World courses (often requiring one of the other playable characters to help him out).

Identity
Upon the release of Super Mario Galaxy, the Prima Games guide stated that the Toad Brigade leader was the main Toad character, using Toad's artwork as his. Due to his similarities to the aforementioned character, confusion arose between the two characters when it was stated that Captain Toad was the same Toad as in Super Mario Galaxy. However, it has since been confirmed that Toad and Captain Toad are not the same character. Him being a separate Toad with a unique name was confirmed in the Super Mario Pia, an official memorial book written for the 30th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros. In the North American website for Super Mario 3D All-Stars, one of the "Fabulous Firsts" listed for Super Mario Galaxy is "First appearance of Captain Toad!"

With the Toad Brigade and Toadette
When first introduced in Super Mario Galaxy, Captain Toad introduces himself as the self-appointed leader of the Toad Brigade much to the disdain of the other members of the Toad Brigade. It is later revealed that the other Toads of the group felt that he was not suitable to be a leader due to his cowardice and his tendency to abandon his team at the first sight of danger. Despite this, Captain Toad values his team deeply and always goes back to help rescue his team with the help of Mario or Luigi regardless of the dangers (though he prefers to avoid direct combat in each instance). Additionally, the other Toads of the brigade do express some form of concern for the captain whenever he goes missing during his various exploration trips around the galaxy and often call for the help of Mario or Luigi to help them look for him at times.

In Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Captain Toad is shown to have a close bond with Toadette and appears to enjoy going on expeditions with her. While his greedy desires for treasure do occasionally distract the captain from spending time with Toadette (as evidenced in the ending of the game where Captain Toad is seen chasing after the green stars that fall from the sky after rescuing Toadette), Captain Toad does genuinely care for her as he goes through various dangerous worlds in order to rescue her and their treasure from the clutches of Wingo (vise-versa for Toadette herself who returns the favor in rescuing Captain Toad when he's captured). Rare emotions of deep concern for Toadette and frustration are also expressed by Captain Toad during the various cutscenes in the game.

Additionally, it appears that the other members of the Toad Brigade have gained further respect for Captain Toad in this title as they trust his decisions in retrieving treasure and are even seen cheering for him whenever Captain Toad clears certain levels. The Toad Brigade even go to the point of allowing Captain Toad to lead them during certain levels; thus, showing off their agreement in seeing Captain Toad as the true leader of the group.

Super Mario Galaxy
Toad's Collectible Card bio: "Toad is Princess Peach's closest confidant and sworn protector. Typically Toad is a happy character, as seen by the constant smile on his face. But now he has reason to be concerned. His beloved princess has been kidnapped by Bowser, and Toad will stop at nothing to help find her. Just when all is feared lost, Toad and his friends appear in their Mushroom-shaped ships and help guide Mario on his quest to save Princess Peach."

Mario Kart Tour

 * Mario Kart Tour Twitter:
 * "Captain Toad's treasure sense is tingling, and he's come to blue in search of more adventures! With his head-mounted flashlight and backpack full of supplies, he's ready for whatever lies ahead. If only his Hammer special item could be used to clear away roadblocks..."
 * "Two explorers are roaming through the vast wilderness in blue. Captain Toad and Toadette (Explorer) are back and featured in part two of the Sunset Tour! But what's with that map? Could it be that their goal isn't the finish line, but some treasure instead?"

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

 * Website bios:
 * Flag of USA.png "He'll find the courage to carry on through all traps, tricks, and enemies. Treasure has that effect on him."
 * Flag of Europe.png "The sometimes cowardly, sometimes courageous leader of the Toad Brigade."