Bowser’s Military Hierarchy, Explained

Bowser’s military hierarchy, explained

Managing a kingdom of koopas, troops and commanders is no small task. In this playful breakdown, Brian David Gilbert examines how Bowser’s military might be organised—and whether its chaotic structure could create serious legal problems.

A closer look at Bowser’s army

Bowser is usually presented as the leader of a large and varied force, but the games rarely provide a clear chain of command. That leaves plenty of room to question who reports to whom, which units hold authority and how battlefield decisions are made.

The discussion treats Bowser’s forces as more than a collection of familiar enemies. It considers the hierarchy behind them, from ordinary troops to higher-ranking figures, while keeping the tone firmly comedic.

Could Bowser be committing a war crime?

The central joke is that an unclear command structure may have consequences beyond ordinary military inefficiency. If Bowser cannot properly organise his forces, his campaigns could raise questions about responsibility and the conduct of war.

It is an intentionally exaggerated way to examine one of the Super Mario series’ enduring details: Bowser commands an army, yet the exact rules governing that army are rarely explained.

Why the hierarchy matters

For fans of arcade and retro gaming, this kind of analysis shows how much can be found in the background of a familiar character. Bowser’s troops are recognisable immediately, but their relationships and rank structure are left open to interpretation.

Explore more arcade and gaming stories, or browse arcade machines for a way to bring classic gaming into your home. If you are planning a custom project, the DIY arcade kits collection is another useful place to start.

Watch the analysis

Brian David Gilbert leads this entertaining investigation into Bowser’s command structure, asking how the villain’s army might function—and whether better organisation could keep him out of trouble.