Mario has gone on adventures aplenty since the Super Mario series first started in 1985. He has truly been through it all - around the world, in space, and even at a tropical beach resort.
However, that isn't to say that this famous plumber has journeyed without any assistance. Throughout his many adventures, he has relied on the help of many allies to get him from point A to point B. These characters are the ones Mario can depend on the most.
Ghost
Upon completing a mission with Luigi in Super Mario Galaxy 2, a ghost will suddenly appear in the galaxy where the mission was completed. (And no, it's not the threatening kind of Mario ghost.) This ghost figure will always take on the appearance of Luigi, but never Mario.
Reflecting the efforts made by the SMG2 game designers, the ghost will typically take any available shortcuts within the galaxy, leading the player to either a Power Star or a Comet Medal. However, it won't be helpful all of the time; there's a good chance that the player will find him relaxing.
Poochy
Poochy is mainly a the Yoshi games, so anyone who sees him in Super Mario Odyssey is in for quite a treat.
As opposed to being a safe platform, in Odyssey Poochy instead helps out with hint art. He'll appear in a hint photo, signaling the presence of a hidden Power Moon. Sure, it's a minor appearance, but at least he's helping out Mario for a change (as opposed to walking on lava).
Lakitu Bros.
Not all Lakitus are necessarily bad guys - take for instance the Lakitu Bros. in Super Mario 64. This pair of brothers is always filming Mario's adventure, with only one Lakitu at a time doing the filming.
Since they're in control of the camera, they're the ones who can change the camera angles and camera modes at the player's discretion. Not only that, but they'll give Mario advice on how to deal with sleeping enemies in the Whomp Fortress. Turns out not every Lakitu isn't so bad after all.
Boards
Boards? Yes, boards. These talking signs from the Super Mario Galaxy games are at different locations, helping out Mario in his journey. Four of these boards exist - Gil Board, Bill Board, Phil Board, and Jill Board.
Usually, these sentient signposts will tell Mario how to perform a certain move. For instance, one board will teach Mairo how to wall-jump, while another can explain to him how to maneuver as Boo Mario. Regardless of what info they give out, each sign will greet Mario with a resounding "Hey!".
F.L.U.D.D.
One of Professor E. Gadd's handy inventions, the F.L.U.D.D. (AKA the Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device) is a robot that functions as a water pack. Mario can use it to spray water at enemies, clean off goop, or get some extra height.
F.L.U.D.D. comes with four different nozzles, and each one comes with a different function such as hovering in the air or moving across water. Not only that, but it's also capable of human speech, as it's able to speak with Mario and other characters - implying that it was programmed with artificial intelligence.
Plessie
If Mario ever needs to ride across the water, Plessie is his go-to guy. This dinosaur is very similar to fellow riding creature Dorrie, but the only difference is that he has much more prominence (and he can have up to four engers as well, something that Dorrie isn't capable of).
Plessie is not only capable of jumping, but he can also slide on the ground as well. He's big and strong enough to dish out damage to enemies - and his giant tail comes with a hitbox as well.
Penguins
Penguins may not seem like the most helpful bunch at first. Usually, Mario has to locate the daughter of a missing penguin in a classic Mario snowy level, or maybe he's racing these arctic birds down a wintery slope just to earn a star for his efforts.
However, there's no denying that these penguins are really good swimmers. And in the Super Mario Galaxy games, they give Mario some pointers on how to swim properly. In one galaxy - the Sea Slide Galaxy - they'll even help out with locating the five silver stars that are scattered about.
Pinatas
Pinatas are a species native to Isle Delfino and come in a variety of colors - red, blue, yellow, and more. Many of them can be found living on Pinata Island, while some sell fruits of different kinds to Mario at Delfino Plaza.
There is a more powerful kind of Pinata called the Chuckster, and they're mainly good for throwing Mario. If Mario ever needs to reach a higher cliff or fly across a pit, he can always rely upon a Chuckster to give him the necessary distance.
Yoshi
Yoshi has been with Mario (and Luigi) through the thick and thin, being their trusty steed throughout many Mario games. After hatching from his egg, this green dinosaur will shuttle the iconic plumbers around while eating fruits and enemies alike.
Aside from his large appetite, Yoshi is also capable of performing a Flutter Jump. This unique jumping technique allows Yoshi to prolong a jump and keep him suspended high up in the air. It's great for getting Mario and Luigi to places they otherwise wouldn't reach normally.
Toads
Toads are by far the most prominent species in the Mushroom Kingdom, and they're the biggest allies that Mario has on his side. They have a variety of roles throughout the series - providing hints, giving out items, ing out Power Stars, you name it.
Given how much the Toads have done over the years, it's no wonder why Princess Peach made them her servants. Some Toads have gone on to become established characters - one even went on to become the protagonist of their own video game!