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. A red Toad dressed with an oversized backpack and a headlamp, he is the leader of the Toad Brigade, a group of Toads that provides help to Mario in Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. He subsequently appears in Super Mario 3D World as a playable character in special levels called Captain Toad's Adventures.

Captain Toad earns a starring role in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, which revolves around a tale of the hard-working Toad going out of his way to stop a massive bird from taking away both his treasure and his friend Toadette.

Super Mario Galaxy
Captain Toad appears as the self-proclaimed captain of the Toad Brigade. In the game, he appears to be one of the few that had escaped the destruction of Mushroom Kingdom, along with his fellow Toad Brigade members and Luigi. The Toads soon lost Luigi in space, and soon all of them found themselves in the Honeyhive Galaxy. Mario eventually finds the Toads and rescues them. Once he meets Mario, however, Captain Toad is at first scared that a bee is in his face, though quickly recognizes the plumber. He rewards Mario with the first Power Star of that galaxy.

As thanks, Captain Toad and his brigade attempt to help Mario on his quest by going adventuring alongside him. Sometimes, Captain Toad even finds a Power Star for Mario. Captain Toad's headlamp can also be used to defeat Boos by shining his headlamp at them. To follow the hero, Captain Toad uses a special spaceship called the Starshroom to provide him and his brigade with transportation while traveling through the galaxies. Generally, Captain Toad appears to want to help Mario but is sometimes cowardly and lazy throughout the adventure. Despite his cowardliness, Captain Toad is portrayed as being extremely loyal throughout the game (as even described by his official biography) and tries his best to help Mario to save Princess Peach from Bowser without giving any signs of giving up.

Super Mario Galaxy 2
In Super Mario Galaxy 2, Captain Toad makes an appearance once again as the Toad Brigade Captain (even naming himself as he has a special item that the other members of the Toad Brigade do not have - a headlamp). He is first met by Mario in the mission, "Digga-Leg's Planet" where he warns Mario about the "scary monster", Digga-Leg. He is found nearby from his Starshroom. Additionally, Captain Toad's Starshroom, at this point, has a Checkpoint Flag on the underside of the spaceship that Mario can use to save his progress before facing Digga-Leg. After getting the Power Star, Captain Toad and the other members of the Toad Brigade decide to assist Mario (like the first game), and they use their Starshroom to follow Starship Mario around the galaxies. It is revealed that in this game, Captain Toad and the other members of the Toad Brigade had asked the Lumas to help them build the Starshroom to save Princess Peach. However, after finding Mario and deciding that he would do the job better, the Toad Brigade follow and help Mario on his quest to rescue the princess instead. In the ending of the game, he and his brigade accompany Mario back to their planet to celebrate his victory over a shrunken Bowser.

Very much like in the first game, Captain Toad is again loyal to his friends, but extremely cowardly. He can also be seen daydreaming in various areas about resting up instead of adventuring. However, Captain Toad does occasionally get to be successful as he sometimes finds a few Power Stars for Mario (though he often needs to find Captain Toad in the level to obtain the Power Star). One prime example of Captain Toad's generosity for a free star is in the Slimy Spring Galaxy, in the mission The Deep Shell Well, where Captain Toad manages to snatch the star from the end of the level before Mario arrives. However, after obtaining the Power Star, Captain Toad accidentally falls inside a chest that locked him inside. After Mario opens up the chest, Captain Toad pops out and gives him the star (though not before asking Mario to not tell the other Toad Brigade members of this event).

Super Mario 3D World
Captain Toad is seen in a series of courses throughout Super Mario 3D World known as Captain Toad's Adventures. These courses are composed of a puzzle-based stage, where the goal is to obtain all five Green Stars using Captain Toad, who is the only playable character. This is also the first time he is playable in the series. Also, he wears a new uniform. Asides from walking, he is not able to perform any special moves, such as Jump, Roll, etc., most likely due to his heavy backpack which weighs him down. 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 is also capable of stunning ghost-like enemies, such as Boos. 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 these levels is an extended variation of his theme in Super Mario Galaxy.

Captain Toad also makes an appearance in some of the normal courses of the game as non-playable. In some instances, he will be 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 of the same world, 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, as he can be seen cheering in the crowd.

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. 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 as a non-playable character, this time wearing the same outfit as in Super Mario 3D World and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. He appears in most kingdoms in an often hard-to-reach location, and when found by Mario hands him a Power Moon that he had found while exploring that kingdom. He, like other NPCs, will get scared and 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
Captain Toad stars in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker as the primary protagonist. In comparison to his specific levels from Super Mario 3D World, he can do more than just walk, as 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.

Captain Toad's journey begins when Toadette shows him a Power Star she found on the top of a level. However, both Toads were in for a shock when a large bird known as Wingo swoops down and claims the treasure for itself. Stunned by Wingo's sudden appearance, Captain Toad falls backwards; however, Toadette is unfortunately 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 a plethora of 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 and fights his way to the very peak of the tower. There, Captain Toad battles Wingo and defeats the greedy bird via the use of giant turnips. Toadette and the original Power Star are saved by this point which causes the two Toads to celebrate in their victory.

Later on, Toadette finds another Power Star and leads Captain Toad to it; however, much like before, Wingo returns with revenge and kidnaps Captain Toad along with the Power Star. Devastated, 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, he is cruelly met by Wingo who steals the Power Star right before the Captain and taunts the Captain even more with both the treasure and Toadette (who is once again attached to its necklace) before flying off again.

Frustrated by various scenes of Wingo flying past him, Captain Toad finally makes it back to the tower where Wingo resides and makes his way to the very top (while avoiding Wingo) to have a final battle against the bird boss. 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 at last retrieved. Both Captain Toad and Toadette get on a minecart soon afterwards 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. It is then revealed as to how Captain Toad arrived into the Sprixie Kingdom as he falls into the pipe leading into the area after the Green Star tumbles within the pipe. Thus, this begins Captain Toad's adventures within Super Mario 3D World. In the Switch and 3DS version, the cutscene is altered where he instead notices the Odyssey travelling overhead, thus continuing his adventures in Super Mario Odyssey.

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.

Other appearances
Captain Toad makes a few cameo appearances (in puppet form) via the video series The Cat Mario Show that feature 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 Pack 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, and 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 throughout most of the main game 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 appear to 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..."

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."