If you're looking for a way to make your life easier, there are two tools you'll want to unlock ASAP. One of these is extremely easy to miss and the other is also completely optional - if you haven't explored all of Toad Town's features, this might be a good idea for a return trip. In our quick guide below, I'll walk you through how to gift yourself a permanent boost of +5 / +10 / +15 seconds in every battle. It's worth your coins.
Pt. 1: Find the seed of the soul | Whispering Woods | Pt. 2: Reach Peach Castle | Toad Toad | Pt. 3: Save Luigi | Graffiti Underground | Pt. 4: tons of hidden toads | Picnic route | Pt. 5: All 4 Shell Stone Locations | Overlook Mountain | Pt. 6: Fight the first boss | Vellumental Temple of the Earth | Pt. 7: Cut the red streamer | Overlook Tower
How to save time in battles
From the start of the game, you will have two ways to extend the time you have available for puzzle battles. By pressing[[+] you can spend coins to give yourself more time, or you can press [[Yes] in the battle to pay your mob of hidden toads to throw you random power-ups. Sometimes these power-ups are extra seconds for your timer.
The problem with both of these methods is that they suck: you have to hold the button down and release it before you spend too much money, and you never really know how much you want to spend. It's weird and temperamental, and there is a better way.
How to save time permanently
At the start of the game, you can purchase an accessory called the More time. This accessory is sold by the Accessories seller at Picnic Road - he will appear, but only after saving him from the Vellumental Temple of Earth. After unlocking the door with the seashells, break the rock near the "final" exhibit to make origami insects appear.
Smash all the bugs with your hammer - there are about four of them. One of those bug Hidden Toads is the props supplier. Go back to Picnic Road and you can purchase the Time Plus accessory for 3000 parts. That's a good deal for the usefulness of this article. This gives you a permanent +5 / +10 / +15 seconds for every battle.
There are other great accessories out there, but I highly recommend getting it ASAP.
How to get the timer extender
le Timer extender is a special device that becomes available after unlocking the Battle Lab. To unlock the Battle Lab, hit the origami dog barking on Picnic Road, near the Overlook Mountain exit. This will bring the Battle Lab Toad back to its senses and unlock the area.
Go to the Battle Lab and get to know Toad Town - after a while you will receive a message that the Battle Lab Toad has a surprise for you. This can only happen after cutting the red banner or defeating one of the Boss VR Simulator bosses.
Whenever the message appears, return to the Battle Lab to pick up the Timer Extender - this device can be accessed from the [[Setting]tongue. Here you can activate / deactivate the timer extender or set a room limit. The Timer Extender works by automatically spending coins to give you more time. Instead of manually putting parts with [[+], the Timer Extender will enter the parts for you. Set a limit you're comfortable with and you'll always have a few extra seconds on the clock.
Personally, I turn off the Timer Extender and stick with the Time Plus accessory. But, if you are low on health and need to survive the next fight, the Timer Extender comes in handy.
