Super Mario RPG contains various unique items that players will collect throughout their journey in Mario’s world. Items that administer HP, gain boosts in specific stats, and deliver mighty attacks come in many forms. However, items such as the Quartz Charm are relatively rare to obtain. If this trinket is part of your inventory and you’re confused about what to do with it, you’re not alone.
The Quartz Charm is an item that Mario and his companions can obtain during the latter half of Super Mario RPG. It’s initially obtained by defeating a particular boss, though its properties do come into question. What exactly does the Quartz Charm do in Super Mario RPG? How important is it for Mario and company to unlock and use in the game? Whether you’re checking out the 1996 original or the recent remake for the Nintendo Switch, players will find that the Quartz Charm in Super Mario RPG is a handy tool to consider when your party gets into some trouble with the Smithy Gang.
What Is the Quartz Charm?
The Quartz Charm in Super Mario RPG is a unique accessory that Mario and his party (Bowser, Geno, Mallow, and Peach) can use during a battle to activate several boosts. Whoever wears the accessory will be granted a 50% increase in attack power while halving all oncoming enemy damage. Additionally, it prevents against any mortal blows (instant death) from enemies. It’s given to the player once they defeat Culex, the ultimate hidden boss of Super Mario RPG, who’s only accessible through a doorway in Monstro Town. Unlocking the entrance will require some steps from the player if they haven’t encountered Culex yet in the game.
In short, the Quartz Charm is essentially a Ghost Medal plus a Troopa Medal built into one. The Ghost Medal halves oncoming damage, while the Troopa Medal (known initially as the Troopa Pin) grants a 50% boost in attack power and an additional speed increase by 20 points. Arguably, the Quartz Charm is one of the best items in Super Mario RPG due to these properties.
Expert Tip
It’s relatively cheap on the market for further context on the accessory. The Quartz Charm (also known as the Crystal Amulet in Japanese and Culex’s Amulet in Italian) can only sell for three coins, so it’s best to keep it in your inventory if you need it for a character in battle. Especially with its life-saving property of deflecting mortal blows, it’s a worthwhile item that players shouldn’t discard for just a few coins.
A Guide to Culex
Players must enter the two-dimensional world with a Shiny Stone to interact with Culex, the Dark Knight of Vanda. This item is given to Mario and his pals by a mole girl in Moleville in exchange for some Fireworks. Players can obtain this information by interacting with a Piranha Plant positioned in the second accessible home in Monstro Town. For reference, the plant shares the home with a Thwomp and a Chow, the latter being a variant of the K-9 enemy. Players can unlock the sealed door in Monstro Town with the stone, which leads Mario and Co. to Culex in his unique area.
Depending on which version of Super Mario RPG you’re playing, Culex will have a different dialogue for Mario upon his entrance to the Superboss’ area. The original 1996 title sees the Dark Knight of Vanda fighting for the Dark Mage, though he notices that Mario’s World is uninhabitable for himself and his kind. Before he can return home, he wishes to challenge “your strongest knight,” with the titular hero stepping up to the test. The remake retains the backstory, though Culex knows Mario’s 3D-rendered model and wishes to gain its secret. Thus, he challenges Mario to combat.
The Quartz Charm Acquisition and Aftermath
Players must defeat Culex, who has maintained his 2D model, to acquire the Quartz Charm. Culex isn’t alone, though. He enters the battle with four elemental crystals that players must also fight: earth, fire, water, and wind, each acting independently. Upon succeeding in battle, players can then equip the accessory to any party member of their choosing. It’s an incredible item to have on you while battling against more formidable enemies.
However, the Switch remake introduces a second fight which is initiated after defeating the game’s main antagonist, Smithy. With the Star Pieces reuniting to bring back the Star Road, all wishes have come true, even from enemies.
With this in mind, Culex’s wish to obtain three-dimensional power was also granted, transforming his 2D model into the updated 3D one. Players must remember that 3D Culex provides different attacks that greatly contrast his 2D version. Be sure to keep the Quartz Charm around if you’re looking to defend yourself on all fronts against this hidden boss of Super Mario RPG.
