10 Hidden Video Game Companions You Didn’t Realize Can Be Recruited

Curses and debuffs are popular concepts in the world of video games. They strike unsuspecting players when they least expect it and bombard them with weaknesses, penalties, and other "fun" mechanics designed solely to ruin your day.

Debuffs tend to act like sticks for beating unruly and careless players, but this said, sometimes there can actually be a hidden benefit to being cursed and weakened.

You see, some games like to pose a challenge to the player. They put you in a terrible situation by giving you a permanent debuff, but once you prove you're capable of dealing with it, your weakness can become your strength!

From removing curses from powerful objects to overcoming your weaknesses and turning them into strengths, and even receiving special abilities from grave injuries, not every debuff you come across is designed to make you miserable.

When like gives you lemons, make lemonade. And when games give you curses, find a way to turn them into the greatest asset at your disposal!

If you're curious as to how, check out the tips below!

All of your companions in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door are tied to the game's plot and get automatically recruited to your party as soon as you reach a specific point in the main storyline.

This is why it usually comes off as a shock when you realize there is actually one optional companion in the game—Ms. Mowz.

Ms. Mowz is a thief mouse whose special ability allows you to sniff out any valuable loot that may be hidden around you. To get the character, you need to complete a side mission that appears on the Trouble Center board after you gain at least four stars in the Creepy Steeple.

The mission will start with a quick chat with Ms. Mowz, who will inform you that she wants to obtain a rare item called the Elusive Badge from Hooktail's Castle.

Once you find the badge and bring it to her, Ms. Mowz will give you the option to recruit her, making her the only Paper Mario companion that you can miss out on.

So if you're not one to leave any potential allies behind, make sure to spend some extra time in Hooktail's Castle and get Ms. Mowz what she wants.