I’m going to go over how to unlock all the characters in Super Mario Run, as well as the abilities each character gets.
How to Unlock All Characters
Every character except Toad and Peach can be unlocked by placing specific buildings. You must have a certain number of Toads for each building. Not any Toad will do, each requires specific colors.
You can collect these Toads by winning games in Toad Rally.
For the different colored ones, check the opponent before selecting them. It will show you which colored Toads will be available after winning. Pick an opponent that has your desired colored Toad, and repeat until you collect enough.
Luigi
How to Unlock - You unlock him by building Luigi’s House. You unlock it by collecting 150 Green Toads and 150 Purple Toads. Ability - Luigi jumps higher than all other characters, allowing him to reach places you would not otherwise be able to reach.
Yoshi
How to Unlock - You unlock him by building Yoshi’s House. You unlock it by collecting 30 Red Toads and 30 Yellow Toads. Ability - Yoshi gets a Flutter Jump, which allows him to flutter in the air for a short time when you hold down the jump.
Toadette
How to Unlock - You unlock her by building Toadette’s House. You unlock it by collecting 200 of each colored Toad (Red, Blue, Green, Purple, and Yellow). Ability - Currently unknown, but most likely runs faster like Toad. I will update when I get confirmation.
Peach
How to Unlock - You unlock her by rescuing her in World Tour. Ability - Peach gets a Floaty Jump, which allows her to float for a short time when you hold down jump.
Toad
How to Unlock - You unlock him by linking your Nintendo account in-game. You can go here to create a Nintendo account if you do not already have one. Ability - Toad runs faster than other characters.
That’s it for my guide on how to unlock all characters in Super Mario Run. Let me know if you have any questions! Be sure to check out my beginner guide for more help and info!