Paper Jam is a turn-based RPG primarily based on the Mario & Luigi series gameplay. Players control Mario, Luigi, and Paper Mario (a character based on Mario's appearance in the Paper Mario series) both in battles and on the overworld. In addition to the moves Mario and Luigi can perform in their series, Paper Mario can use his paper-thin body to perform his own actions, such as squeezing through tight gaps or turning into a paper airplane to help the brothers. Like previous games, battles incorporate various mechanics, such as timing attacks or using combination attacks with multiple characters. During battle, Paper Mario can make copies of himself, allowing him to deal extra damage or attack multiple enemies at once, as well as use special techniques called "Trio Attacks" that involve him with his counterpart, Mario, and Luigi to attack together. There are also bosses where players control giant papercraft versions of Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi to fight other papercraft enemies.