Ready to build the ultimate roster in Mario Tennis Fever? You're looking at 38 total characters waiting to hit the court, but only 18 are available from the start. The remaining 20 need to be earned through matches, tournaments, and special challenges. Don't worry though, most of these unlocks happen naturally as you play.
How Many Characters Are in Mario Tennis Fever?
At launch, Mario Tennis Fever gives players access to 18 characters. By meeting specific requirements, the roster expands to 38.
In addition to the main roster, the game includes 20 color variants and 24 unique rackets. Many of these unlock by simply playing more matches, making match count one of the most important progression factors.
Characters Unlocked by Playing Matches
Several characters are unlocked based on total matches played. Match count carries across Singles, Doubles, and Special Matches, so every game contributes.
| Character | Playing Style | Matches Required |
|---|---|---|
| Kamek | Tricky | 1 Match |
| Spike | Powerful | 5 Matches |
| Diddy Kong | Speedy | 10 Matches |
| Chain Chomp | Powerful | 20 Matches |
| Birdo | All-Around | 30 Matches |
| Koopa Paratroopa | Technical | 40 Matches |
| Petey Piranha | Powerful | 50 Matches |
You'll grab Kamek after your very first match, making him the fastest unlock in the game. Keep grinding to 50 total matches and Petey Piranha joins your squad. These matches count across all modes, so play whatever you enjoy most.
Tournament Character Unlocks
Tournament Cups reward Baby characters and Nabbit. Each cup must be cleared in either Singles or Doubles.
| Character | Playing Style | Tournament Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Mario | All-Around | Win Mushroom Cup (Singles) |
| Baby Luigi | All-Around | Win Mushroom Cup (Doubles) |
| Baby Peach | Technical | Win Flower Cup (Singles) |
| Nabbit | Speedy | Win Flower Cup (Doubles) |
| Baby Wario | Powerful | Win Star Cup (Singles) |
| Baby Waluigi | Defensive | Win Star Cup (Doubles) |
Tournament cup menu
Start with the Mushroom Cup since it's the easiest difficulty. Work your way up through Flower and Star Cups as your skills improve. Playing both Singles and Doubles formats doubles your character rewards.
Trial Tower Character Unlocks
Trial Towers offer tougher challenges and unlock three characters once fully cleared.
| Character | Playing Style | Tower Required |
|---|---|---|
| Boom Boom | Defensive | Tower of Resolve |
| Goomba | All-Around | Tower of Growth |
| Dry Bowser | Defensive | Tower of Trickery |
Tower of Trickery is significantly harder than the others. Players may need to refine timing and positioning before clearing it. It is recommended to attempt these towers after gaining comfort with advanced mechanics.
Score Challenge Character Unlocks
Score Challenges on Advanced difficulty unlock four additional characters.
| Character | Playing Style | Challenge Required |
|---|---|---|
| Piranha Plant | Tricky | Piranha Plant Challenge (Advanced) |
| Blooper | Tricky | 4P Co-op Ring Shot (Advanced) |
| Dry Bones | Tricky | Auto Tennis (Advanced) |
| Wiggler | Defensive | 2P Co-op Ring Shot (Advanced) |
Score Challenges menu
Co-op challenges require additional players. Piranha Plant and Dry Bones can be unlocked solo. These challenges demand strong timing and consistency, so they are best tackled after gaining experience in standard matches.
How to Unlock All Color Variants
Color variants give select characters alternate looks. Most unlock through match milestones, while others require S Rank results in Score Attack modes.
Match-Based Color Variants
| Variant | Matches Required |
|---|---|
| Blue Luma | 15 Matches |
| Blue Yoshi | 25 Matches |
| Blue Shy Guy | 35 Matches |
| Blue Koopa Troopa | 45 Matches |
| Blue Koopa Paratroopa | 55 Matches |
| Light Blue Yoshi | 60 Matches |
| Green Shy Guy | 65 Matches |
| Red Koopa Troopa | 70 Matches |
| Green Koopa Paratroopa | 75 Matches |
| Orange Yoshi | 80 Matches |
| Light Blue Shy Guy | 85 Matches |
| Yellow Koopa Troopa | 90 Matches |
| Yellow Koopa Paratroopa | 95 Matches |
| Orange Shy Guy | 100 Matches |
Reaching 100 total matches unlocks most color variants automatically.
Special and S Rank Variants
| Variant | Unlock Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pink Shy Guy | Play Ring Shot (Singles) in Special Matches |
| Yellow Shy Guy | Play Ring Shot (Doubles) in Special Matches |
| Yellow Yoshi | Earn S Rank in Score Attack Auto Tennis |
| Pink Yoshi | Earn S Rank in Score Attack 2P Co-op Ring Shot |
| Purple Yoshi | Earn S Rank in Score Attack 4P Co-op Ring Shot |
| Red Yoshi | Earn S Rank in Score Attack Piranha Plant Challenge |
Fastest Way to Unlock Everything
Players looking to unlock everything efficiently should prioritize match count first. Reaching 100 matches unlocks multiple characters, most color variants, and several rackets.
After that, clearing Tournament Cups in both Singles and Doubles secures the Baby characters and Nabbit. Trial Towers and Advanced Score Challenges should come later once mechanics are mastered. Adventure Mode progression naturally unlocks its exclusive rackets along the way.
Consistent play across modes is enough to unlock the full roster without focusing on a single grind. Over time, the character select screen fills out naturally as players improve.
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