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{{item-infobox
{{item infobox
|image=[[File:MP2 Skeleton Key.png]]<br>The Skeleton Key as it appears in ''Mario Party 2''<br>[[File:MP3 Skeleton Key.png]]<br>The Skeleton Key as it appears in ''Mario Party 3''
|image=[[File:SMPJ Skeleton Key Artwork.png|125px]]<br>Artwork from ''Super Mario Party Jamboree''
|first_appearance=''[[Mario Party 2]]''
|first_appearance=''[[Mario Party 2]]'' ([[List of games by date#1999|1999]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Mario Party 3]]''
|latest_appearance=''[[Super Mario Run]]'' (version 3.2.4, cameo) (2024)
|effect=Opens a gate
}}
}}
The '''Skeleton Key''' is a [[key]] featured in two of the [[Nintendo 64]] games of the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]], and is [[Luigi]]'s favorite item. The Skeleton Key is named after an [[Wikipedia:Skeleton key|actual kind of key]] used on some types of locks. The Skeleton Key can unlock special doors throughout the various boards, usually for opening up secret paths or shortcuts. In order to use a Skeleton Key, a player must reach a door and choose to use it. In ''[[Mario Party 2]]'', it has a golden bow on its head. In ''[[Mario Party 3]]'', it does not have a bow and instead has big black eyebrows.
{{quote|I truly enjoyed the time we shared. I miss the way the inside of your pocket smells.|Skeleton Key|Mario Party Superstars}}


The Skeleton Key has not appeared since ''Mario Party 3''. The item is replaced by the [[Mini Mushroom]] in ''[[Mario Party 4]]'', which allows partiers to access new paths via [[Gate (Mario Party 4)|Mini Pipe]]s.
The '''Skeleton Key''' is an item in a few games of the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]], debuting in ''[[Mario Party 2]]''. It is a [[key]] with a golden bow on its head (replaced by angry black eyebrows in ''[[Mario Party 3]]'' only) that can unlock certain doors on a board, usually opening access to areas that cannot be reached otherwise. The Skeleton Key likes being with its owner, being relieved if they choose not to unlock a path, whilst being sad if they do use it. It is [[Luigi]]'s favorite item in ''Mario Party 2'' and ''3''. The Skeleton Key shares a name with a {{wp|Skeleton key|real-life key}}.


The only way to discard an unwanted Skeleton Key in ''Mario Party 2'' is by using it on a door, even if the player doesn't wish to travel through it. In ''Mario Party 3'', it became possible for players to "use" a Skeleton Key on their turn like a normal item, which gave them the option to throw them away.
''[[Mario Party 4]]'' appears to have [[Mini Mushroom]]s as its functional equivalent, as they allow access to different paths using [[tiny pipe]]s.


The Skeleton Key is the only item that is always for sale at an [[Item Shop (Mario Party series)|Item Shop]], regardless of whether or not [[Toad]] or [[Koopa Kid]] is running it. The exception to this rule are the shops in [[Bowser Land]] where Baby Bowser forces players to buy a particular item, though he can force a player to buy a Skeleton Key.
==History==
===''Mario Party 2''===
[[File:MP2 Skeleton Key.png|frame|left]]
The Skeleton Key can always be bought at [[Item Shop (Mario Party series)|Item Shops]] for 10 [[Coin]]s in ''Mario Party 2'', except in [[Bowser Land]], unless Baby Bowser forces the player to buy one for 12 Coins. A Skeleton Key cannot be thrown away, but only used on a door.
 
===''Mario Party 3''===
[[File:MP3 Skeleton Key.png|frame|left]]
Since ''[[Mario Party 3]]'', the Skeleton Key costs three coins to buy at Item Shops, and it also allows players to throw away their Skeleton Key without going to a door first. It is sold at Item Shops from [[Toad]] and [[Koopa Kid]] alike.
 
===''Mario Party Superstars''===
The Skeleton Key returns in ''[[Mario Party Superstars]]'', exclusively on the boards [[Space Land]], [[Horror Land]], and [[Woody Woods]]. It also makes an appearance as a selectable reaction.
 
===''Super Mario Party Jamboree''===
The Skeleton Key retains its main role in ''[[Super Mario Party Jamboree]]''. It appears only in the boards [[Western Land]] and [[King Bowser's Keep]], and is one of the eight items that can chosen for either board during Pro Rules. There is the "Friends Forever" achievement that can be obtained by having a Skeleton Key and not using it throughout the game. Like the previous game, it makes an appearance as a selectable reaction.
 
In Party-Planner Trek, [[Kamek]] gives a Skeleton Key to the player at King Bowser's Keep, wanting them to use it on the gate nearby.<ref>{{cite|quote=Test out this {{color|orange|Skeleton Key}} for me. Use it at the {{color|orange|gate}} closest to here and tell me how it goes.|author=[[Kamek]]|title=''Super Mario Party Jamboree''|date=2024|publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> The Skeleton Key cannot be used on the gate until the player honors its request of riding through the red pipe with it.<ref>{{cite|timestamp=37:11|url=youtu.be/U60bhcUIQJg?feature=shared&t=2231|title=''Super Mario Party Jamboree'' - Party Planner Trek (King Bowser's Keep 100%)|date=October 18, 2024|author=JSkeleton's Nintendo World|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=March 7, 2025}}</ref>
 
==Profiles==
===''Mario Party 2''===
{{multilang profile
|type=manual
|Eng=Use this Item to open Locked Gates on the ADVENTURE BOARDS. This can only be used when you are in front of a Locked Gate.<ref>{{cite|date=2000|title=''Mario Party 2'' Instruction Booklet|url=cdn02.nintendo-europe.com/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/nintendo_8/Manual_Nintendo64_MarioParty2_EN.pdf|format=PDF|publisher=Nintendo|language=en|website=Nintendo of Europe|page=14|accessdate=October 25, 2024}}</ref>}}
 
===''Mario Party 3''===
{{multilang profile
|type=manual
|Eng=The Skeleton Key unlocks gates to certain paths on the boards. It's a must for shortcut lovers.<ref>{{cite|date=2001|title=''Mario Party 3'' Instruction Booklet|url=ia601206.us.archive.org/27/items/Nintendo64GameManuals/MarioParty3u.pdf|format=PDF|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en|website=Internet Archive|isbn=|page=22|accessdate=October 25, 2024}}</ref>}}
 
===''Mario Party Superstars'' / ''Super Mario Party Jamboree===
{{multilang profile
|type=game
|Eng=Open a gate. Can only be used when you're next to a gate.}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
SkeletonKey SuperMarioKun.jpg|''[[Super Mario-Kun]]''
SkeletonKey SuperMarioKun.jpg|''[[Super Mario-kun]]''
MarioParty2Art3.png|''Mario Party 2''
MarioParty2Art3.png|''Mario Party 2''
MP3keyman.jpg|''Mario Party 3''
Skeleton Key MP2.png|''Mario Party 2''
Skeleton Key mini-game sprite MP2.png|''Mario Party 2''
Skeleton Key Dialogue Portrait MP2.png
Skeleton Key MP3.png|''Mario Party 3''
Skeleton Key Item player panel sprite.png
Skeleton Key mini-game sprite MP3.png
Skeleton Key Dialogue Portrait MP3.png
MP3 Skeleton Key Artwork.jpg
Item MPS Skeleton Key.png|''[[Mario Party Superstars]]''
MPS Skeleton Key.png|''Mario Party Superstars''
Sticker Skeleton Key - Mario Party Superstars.png|''Mario Party Superstars''
SMPJ Skeleton Key.png|''[[Super Mario Party Jamboree]]''
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{br|left}}


==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
{{foreign names
|Jap=アカズキーちゃん (''Mario Party 2'')<br>''Akazukīchan''<br>キーマン(''Mario Party 3'')<br>''Kīman''
|Jpn=アカズキーちゃん
|JapM=Little Key Riding Hood (pun of 開かず (''akazu'', do not open), キー ('''', key) and 赤ずきん (''Aka Zukin'', Little Red Riding Hood))<br><br>Keyman
|JpnR=Akazukīchan
|Spa=Llave Esqueleto
|JpnM=Pun on「開かず」(''akazu'', "can't open"), "key", and「赤ずきんちゃん」(''Akazukin-chan'', "{{wp|Little Red Riding Hood}}")
|SpaM=Skeleton Key
|JpnN={{nw|''Mario Party 2'' / ''Mario Party Superstars''}}
|Fra=Clé Squelette
|Jpn2=キーマン
|FraM=Skeleton key}}
|Jpn2R=Kīman
|Jpn2M=Key Man
|Jpn2N=''Mario Party 3''
|ChiS=开不开钥匙
|ChiSR=Kāi bù kāi yàoshi
|ChiSM=Can't open the key
|ChiT=開不開鑰匙
|ChiTR=Kāi bù kāi yàoshi
|ChiTM=Can't open the key
|Dut=Hoofdsleutel
|DutM=Means "main key" or "head key"
|FreA=Passe-partout
|FreAM=Skeleton Key
|FreAC=<ref>{{cite|author=Polo|date=November 10, 2021|url=youtube.com/watch?v=PM0C0Yf_UiE|title= JE SUIS DEVENU UN PRO SUR MARIO PARTY SUPERSTARS EN LIGNE !|timestamp=12:29|publisher=YouTube|language=fr|accessdate=September 25, 2024}}</ref>
|FreE=Clé squelette
|FreEM=Skeleton Key
|FreEC=<ref>{{cite|author=Guillaume & Kim|date=October 30, 2021|url=youtube.com/watch?v=6K9CbvOJW3o|title= MARIO PARTY SUPERSTARS EPISODE 2 : STATION SPATIALE (NINTENDO SWITCH) |timestamp=22:55|publisher=YouTube|language=fr|accessdate=September 25, 2024}}</ref>
|FreE2=Clé Squelette
|FreE2M=Skeleton Key
|FreE2N=''Mario Party 2'', ''Mario Party 3''
|Ger=Generalschlüssel
|GerM=Master Key
|GerC=<ref>{{cite|author=Domtendo|date=November 4, 2021|url=youtube.com/watch?v=lZAB3_dd-C4|title= MARIO PARTY SUPERSTARS 🎲 #13: Astronomische Party im Space Land |timestamp=7:44|publisher=YouTube|language=de|accessdate=September 25, 2024}}</ref>
|Ger2=Skelett-Schlüssel
|Ger2M=Literally means "Skeleton Key"
|Ger2N=''Mario Party 2'', ''Mario Party 3''
|Ita=Schelechiave
|ItaM=Skele-key
|ItaN=''Mario Party 2''
|Ita2=Chiave
|Ita2M=Key
|Ita2N=''Mario Party Superstars''
|Kor=게이트 키
|KorR=Geiteu Ki
|KorM=Gate Key
|Por=Chave mestra
|PorM=Master Key
|Rus=Мастер-ключ
|RusR=Master Klyuch
|RusM=Master Key
|SpaA=Llave maestra
|SpaAM=Master Key
|SpaE=Llave maestra
|SpaEM=Master Key
|SpaEN=Since ''Mario Party Superstars''
|SpaE2=Llave Skeleton
|SpaE2M=Skeleton Key
|SpaE2N=''Mario Party 2''
|SpaE3=Llave Esqueleto
|SpaE3M=Skeleton Key
|SpaE3N=''Mario Party 3''
}}
 
==References==
<references/>
 
{{MP2}}
{{MP2}}
{{MP3}}
{{MP3}}
{{MPS}}
{{SMPJ}}
[[Category:Keys]]
[[Category:Keys]]
[[Category:Animate Objects]]
[[Category:Animate objects]]
[[Category:Mario Party 2 Items]]
[[Category:Mario Party 2 items]]
[[Category:Mario Party 3 Items]]
[[Category:Mario Party 3 items]]
[[Category:Mario Party Superstars items]]
[[Category:Super Mario Party Jamboree items]]
[[de:Skelett-Schlüssel]]
[[de:Skelett-Schlüssel]]
[[it:Schelechiave]]
[[it:Schelechiave]]

Latest revision as of 22:13, March 17, 2025

Skeleton Key
Artwork of a Skeleton Key from Super Mario Party Jamboree
Artwork from Super Mario Party Jamboree
First appearance Mario Party 2 (1999)
Latest appearance Super Mario Run (version 3.2.4, cameo) (2024)
Effect Opens a gate
“I truly enjoyed the time we shared. I miss the way the inside of your pocket smells.”
Skeleton Key, Mario Party Superstars

The Skeleton Key is an item in a few games of the Mario Party series, debuting in Mario Party 2. It is a key with a golden bow on its head (replaced by angry black eyebrows in Mario Party 3 only) that can unlock certain doors on a board, usually opening access to areas that cannot be reached otherwise. The Skeleton Key likes being with its owner, being relieved if they choose not to unlock a path, whilst being sad if they do use it. It is Luigi's favorite item in Mario Party 2 and 3. The Skeleton Key shares a name with a real-life key.

Mario Party 4 appears to have Mini Mushrooms as its functional equivalent, as they allow access to different paths using tiny pipes.

History[edit]

Mario Party 2[edit]

Skeleton Key

The Skeleton Key can always be bought at Item Shops for 10 Coins in Mario Party 2, except in Bowser Land, unless Baby Bowser forces the player to buy one for 12 Coins. A Skeleton Key cannot be thrown away, but only used on a door.

Mario Party 3[edit]

Skeleton Key

Since Mario Party 3, the Skeleton Key costs three coins to buy at Item Shops, and it also allows players to throw away their Skeleton Key without going to a door first. It is sold at Item Shops from Toad and Koopa Kid alike.

Mario Party Superstars[edit]

The Skeleton Key returns in Mario Party Superstars, exclusively on the boards Space Land, Horror Land, and Woody Woods. It also makes an appearance as a selectable reaction.

Super Mario Party Jamboree[edit]

The Skeleton Key retains its main role in Super Mario Party Jamboree. It appears only in the boards Western Land and King Bowser's Keep, and is one of the eight items that can chosen for either board during Pro Rules. There is the "Friends Forever" achievement that can be obtained by having a Skeleton Key and not using it throughout the game. Like the previous game, it makes an appearance as a selectable reaction.

In Party-Planner Trek, Kamek gives a Skeleton Key to the player at King Bowser's Keep, wanting them to use it on the gate nearby.[1] The Skeleton Key cannot be used on the gate until the player honors its request of riding through the red pipe with it.[2]

Profiles[edit]

Mario Party 2[edit]

  • Instruction booklet description:
    • English:
      Use this Item to open Locked Gates on the ADVENTURE BOARDS. This can only be used when you are in front of a Locked Gate.[3]

Mario Party 3[edit]

  • Instruction booklet description:
    • English:
      The Skeleton Key unlocks gates to certain paths on the boards. It's a must for shortcut lovers.[4]

Mario Party Superstars / Super Mario Party Jamboree[edit]

  • In-game description
    • English:
      Open a gate. Can only be used when you're next to a gate.

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese アカズキーちゃん[?]
Akazukīchan
Pun on「開かず」(akazu, "can't open"), "key", and「赤ずきんちゃん」(Akazukin-chan, "Little Red Riding Hood") Mario Party 2 / Mario Party Superstars
キーマン[?]
Kīman
Key Man Mario Party 3
Chinese (simplified) 开不开钥匙[?]
Kāi bù kāi yàoshi
Can't open the key
Chinese (traditional) 開不開鑰匙[?]
Kāi bù kāi yàoshi
Can't open the key
Dutch Hoofdsleutel[?] Means "main key" or "head key"
French (NOA) Passe-partout[5] Skeleton Key
French (NOE) Clé squelette[6] Skeleton Key
Clé Squelette[?] Mario Party 2, Mario Party 3
German Generalschlüssel[7] Master Key
Skelett-Schlüssel[?] Literally means "Skeleton Key" Mario Party 2, Mario Party 3
Italian Schelechiave[?] Skele-key Mario Party 2
Chiave[?] Key Mario Party Superstars
Korean 게이트 키[?]
Geiteu Ki
Gate Key
Portuguese Chave mestra[?] Master Key
Russian Мастер-ключ[?]
Master Klyuch
Master Key
Spanish (NOA) Llave maestra[?] Master Key
Spanish (NOE) Llave maestra[?] Master Key Since Mario Party Superstars
Llave Skeleton[?] Skeleton Key Mario Party 2
Llave Esqueleto[?] Mario Party 3

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Test out this Skeleton Key for me. Use it at the gate closest to here and tell me how it goes." – Kamek (2024). Super Mario Party Jamboree. Nintendo.
  2. ^ JSkeleton's Nintendo World (October 18, 2024). Super Mario Party Jamboree - Party Planner Trek (King Bowser's Keep 100%) (37:11). YouTube. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  3. ^ 2000. Mario Party 2 Instruction Booklet (PDF). Nintendo (English) via Nintendo of Europe. Page 14. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  4. ^ 2001. Mario Party 3 Instruction Booklet (PDF). Nintendo of America (English) via Internet Archive. Page 22. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  5. ^ Polo (November 10, 2021). JE SUIS DEVENU UN PRO SUR MARIO PARTY SUPERSTARS EN LIGNE ! (12:29). YouTube (French). Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  6. ^ Guillaume & Kim (October 30, 2021). MARIO PARTY SUPERSTARS EPISODE 2 : STATION SPATIALE (NINTENDO SWITCH) (22:55). YouTube (French). Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  7. ^ Domtendo (November 4, 2021). MARIO PARTY SUPERSTARS 🎲 #13: Astronomische Party im Space Land (7:44). YouTube (German). Retrieved September 25, 2024.