There are 13 different subspecies of Koopas in Super Mario, the adorable yet dangerous turtle-like creatures who try their hardest to make Mario and Luigi's life as difficult as possible. Under the evil orders of King Koopa, the various creatures possess specific strengths and skills that allow them to defeat their foes during battles.
Some Koopas throw deadly objects, some wield magic, and others simply use their hulking frame to overpower their enemies. From Spikes, Spinies, and Sumo Bros to Magikoopa, Mechakoopa, Boom Booms, and more, each Koopa type has unique strengths and weaknesses.
Rocky Wrenches
The weakest and most harmless Koopa species belongs to Rocky Wrenches, mole-like turtles that dwell below the decks of airships. Rocky Wrenches are known for popping up from manholes and launching bolt wrenches at enemies with agog.
While the wrenches incapacitate enemies for a second, the real strength comes from surprising enemies by randomly leaping up from the ground without notice. However, due to their lack of protective shells, taking out Rocky Wrenches is pretty easy.
Koopa Troopas
Akin to expendable infantrymen, Koopa Troopas are the most common type of species in Super Mario World. While they do possess a modicum of strength in numbers, they aren't terribly formidable on their own. They aren't as ridiculous as some of Mario's enemies though, that's for sure.
Koopa Troopas typically have no special offensive attack abilities but do possess removable shells that they can also retreat into and shield themselves from enemy attacks. Being able to walk on two or four legs also gives them the flexibility to navigate different terrain, which increases their overall prowess.
Lakitus
Despite their adorable appearance, Lakitus are small goggle-eyed Koopas that are identified by their lack of beaks or snouts. They often seem to be having a leisurely time by snorkeling in the water or pipes. Don't be fooled, these creatures are relentless.
To attack, Lakitus rifle a neverending clip of spiny eggs at their foes, which often overpowers them with an undying onslaught of pain. With the ability to grant players 1-up mushrooms, the Lakitus' biggest strength is their ability to use clouds in the sky to travel.
Buzzy Beetles
The strengths of the Buzzy Bettle Koopas are almost entirely defensive. Found in caves and dark areas, the rolly-polly-like hermits can climb walls and ceilings, drop onto enemies when they least expect it, and hide inside their shells to remain impervious to such harm as fireballs and being stepped on.
However, if a Buzzy Beetle hides inside its shell, it can be kicked to wipe out more foes. Still, with the ability to traverse all surfaces, mount effective ambushes, and remain hard to injure in the process.
Spinies
In many ways, Spiny Koopas are the opposite of Buzzies. Vulnerable to fire but impervious to being stepped on, Spinies are small creatures who deliver considerable damage due to their sharply-pronged shell.
Spinies cannot be defeated by jumping on them like most foes. Instead, fireballs, iceballs, and more advanced attacks are required. Moreover, they can roll themselves into Spiny Eggs, spherical orbs with deadly spikes jutting from all sides. In this form, they are nearly impossible to defeat.
Spikes
More or less equal to the might of the Spinies, Spike Koopas are slightly differentiated by their ability to launch spiked balls and spiked horizontal bars from their mouths. With a Buzzy Beetle-like shell to add protection, Spikes are far more formidable than they appear.
Despite their strong attack modes, Spikes are pretty easy to defeat, often requiring a single stomp or a direct hit with a hammer and/or fireball. However, their bipedal nature gives them more agility than quadrupedal Spinies.
Hammer Bros.
The Hammer Brothers and their object-throwing brethren Ice Bros., Boomerang Bros. Fire Bros., etc., rank in the middle of the pack in terms of overall prowess. Armed with helmets, these upright-standing baddies launch hammers at foes at a relentless clip.
Over time, Hammer Bros. went from spitting hammers from their mouths to being able to pull them out of thin air at all times, making them extremely difficult to defeat. If close enough, they will beat you with mallets by hand. With superior agility and jumping skills, Hammer Bros' biggest strength is their Skill Shot, which allows them to wield a giant hammer.
Chargin' Chucks
Introduced in arguably the best Mario game in the series, Super Mario World, Chargin' Chucks are baby-faced Koopas found in the best Mario sports games who use specialized American football uniforms and accessories as lethal weapons. Protected by helmets, shoulder pads, and red-spiked cleats, Chucks rapidly fire baseballs and kick footballs at foes and can even split into three teammates at a time.
Chargin' Chucks can also dig in the ground and cause landslides that release giant boulders upon enemies. In Mario Golf: Super Rush, one of the best Super Mario sports games, Chuck's mechanical strengths include his Scrimmage Stinger, Special Dash, and End-Zone Dash moves.
Sumo Bros
With a hulking body type and superior wrestling skills, the Sumo Brother Koopas are a real handful. If smothering opponents to oblivion wasn't powerful enough, the Sumos can stomp on the ground and produce thunderbolts that explode on impact.
On par with Boom Booms and Chargin' Chucks in terms of brute strength, Sumos can rain fire down on Mario by stomping on his head, delivering considerable damage in the process.
Mechakoopa
Essentially a mini-mechanical King Koopa, Mechakoopa derives its strength from its impenetrable exterior and near immortality. However, due to its wind-up nature, they can be easily stunned by jumping on top of them. They can also be held down and tossed, but will not die easily.
If enlarged by a Super Mushroom, the Mega Mechakoopa will grow 10 times its original size, making it one of the most indestructible Koopas in the entire kingdom.
Magikoopa
As their namesake suggests, Magikoopas have the strength to conjure an array of magical spells that helps them overcome their foes. Also known as Koopa Wizards, the high-ranking creatures are immune to fireballs and can also fly on broomsticks as a means of easily avoiding ground and air attacks.
Led by Kamek, a Magikoopa who often advises the big bad Bowser, the species is said to draw unknown powers from their mystical blue robes. Magical blast attacks include circles, triangles, and rectangles, which deal increasing amounts of pain. They can even summon Goombas and Lil' Cinders to fight on their behalf, easily making them one of Mario's toughest foes.
Boom Booms/Bowser's Species
Under the guidance of the game's main villain, Boom Booms and Bowser's Koopas are nearly identical. Boom Booms are extremely large, ultra-aggressive Koopas with spikes on their shells. They use their huge arms to spin around like a whirling dervish to destroy enemies in a blink. Their arms can even be replaced with wings at times, giving them extra strength to maneuver.
Differentiated by the underside of its belly, Bowser's Species of Koopa function in the same way. With sharp claws, horns, teeth, and a spiky shell, these supreme meat-eating monsters can breathe fire, see in the darkness, wield magical powers, and endure severe damage. As such, Boom Booms and Bowser's Koopas are the elite of the elite.