For a game series where you control a paper cutout of an Italian plumber trying to save a kingdom from an evil origami figure, the world of Paper Mario: The Origami King takes itself rather seriously in some odd ways. Most specifically is how the game acknowledges and embraces all aspects of its paper-crafted art style. Bosses are giant scissors or rolls of tape, and there are countless examples of how Mario as a 2D cutout can interact with the world in a way a 3D version couldn’t.
It’s as though Nintendo wanted anyone to be able to make their own paper Mario and be able to fully recreate his adventures. But, that level of detail includes the unfortunate faults with things made from paper. Items in the game can get shriveled and faded, making them unusable. Unlike real life, there is a way to restore them to perfect condition and we want to let you in on the secret of how to do it.
There are multiple types of shriveled and faded items in Paper Mario: The Origami King, but only one way to make them as good as new.
Shriveled/Faded Items And Characters
You can find most of the shriveled and faded items by pulling vines hanging from trees to launch items free. If you head to where they land you can collect them to restore later.
Shriveled items are objects that have become dehydrated, such as the Shriveled Seed item. The only clue the description gives you is that it has become shriveled due to a lack of water. Once you find a way to restore it, the item can be used.
Shriveled characters can also be found around the Mushroom Kingdom and are essentially the same as shriveled items. If you can find a way to restore them, they may join your party or be called on in battle for an extra attack.
Faded items don’t look to be in as poor a condition as shriveled items, but need to go through the same restoration process. These are typically items you will want to use for battles once restored.
How To Restore Shriveled And Faded Items
If you pay attention to the trees in Whispering Woods you may catch one asking “Has he found the spring?” That’s your clue to seek out this secret water source. To find this spring you first need to find the area of the woods with the vines hanging down and pull on the one in the far back right three times. After the third pull a log will fall out of the tree and roll away. Make your way left and up the platforms using the log to get higher up and find a vine connected to a big golden ball. When you attempt to pull the vine it will snap, so hit the tree behind with your hammer to make a magic circle you can use to open the ball, releasing the Shriveled Seed.
Keep adventuring on through a misty path until your reach a fork in the road. They both loop back around, so just take whichever one you like until a little cut scene is triggered. Once it has played out, take the right path until you encounter some Goombas you’ll need to battle with. After that, just fill up a hole on your left and keep pushing on until you reach the edge of the spring. Interact with the water and you will be able pick any of your shriveled or faded items to toss in and restore them to their former glory.
