Tutankoopa is the second-chapter boss in Paper Mario. He is notable for his pharaoh complex, his magic abilities (such as shattering into fragments at will, leaving only his eyes and crown visible), and his heavy association with Chomps. His name is based on the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. Though it is unknown whether he is truly a ghost or not, it is known that he serves the Koopa Troop in the present day.

In Paper Mario, Tutankoopa is the boss of the Dry Dry Ruins and the guardian of Mamar the Star Spirit. When Mario and his partners enter the Dry Dry Ruins, Tutankoopa's voice can be heard warning them to run away. He continues to deliver such warnings as the heroes progress through the ruins, losing his cool and starting to shout frantically when they approach the Super Hammer. Cortez uses similar warnings in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.

Mario and co. finally reach the Koopa's room, where he summons his pet Chomp. He then continues to attack the heroes by throwing shells at them and summoning an outline of an Chomp (mysteriously solid) to fall on them. At first he stands on a high ledge, so that he may only be hit by aerial attacks. However, after enough damage has been dealt, he messes up his Chomp spell and uses it on himself, injuring him and causing him to fall to the ground, making him vulnerable to ground attacks.

After a long battle, the team is able to defeat the Koopa pharaoh. He is then attacked by his own Chomp and chased out of the ruins.

In the ending parade of Paper Mario Tutankoopa can be seen, still being chased by his Chomps.