How Many Playable Characters are in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Your Ultimate Guide

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts a robust roster of 36 playable characters. This includes a mix of familiar faces from the Mushroom Kingdom and some welcome newcomers, providing players with a diverse selection to suit their racing style. Getting to know the full roster unlocks an entirely new level of strategic gameplay and fun.

Delving Deeper into the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Character Roster

While the headline figure is 36 characters, understanding how these characters are obtained and their unique characteristics is crucial for any aspiring Mario Kart champion. Let’s break down the roster:

The Core Crew: Default Characters

The game starts you off with a solid foundation of 16 default characters. These are your classic Mario staples, immediately accessible and ready to hit the track. This includes the likes of:

• Mario
• Luigi
• Peach
• Yoshi
• Bowser
• Donkey Kong
• Toad
• Koopa Troopa
• Daisy
• Shy Guy
• Wario
• Waluigi
• Rosalina
• Metal Mario
• Pink Gold Peach
• Baby Mario

This initial lineup provides a balanced range of weight classes and stats, allowing players to experiment and find their preferred driver.

Unlockable Thrills: Earning Your Stripes

Initially, 14 characters are locked. Don’t worry, though, unlocking them is part of the fun! The method for unlocking these characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is wonderfully straightforward: you simply need to play the game. As you compete in races across various modes, characters will be unlocked at random intervals. There is no particular order, and no need to reach any specific rank or cup position. These unlockable characters include:

• Dry Bones
• Bowser Jr.
• Inkling Boy
• Inkling Girl
• King Boo

The Golden Prize: Gold Mario

The ultimate prize for dedicated players is Gold Mario. Unlocking Gold Mario is a true test of skill and dedication. To claim this shiny variant of Metal Mario, you must achieve a gold trophy in every cup in the 200cc Grand Prix mode. This requires mastering the tracks at the highest speed and demanding precision.

Extra Characters Added with DLC

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe received a significant boost with the Booster Course Pass DLC, introducing a wave of additional characters to the mix. Characters like:

• Birdo
• Funky Kong
• Pauline
• Peachette
• Diddy Kong
• Kamek

These DLC additions not only expanded the character roster but also enriched the overall gameplay experience with new combinations of stats and playstyles.

Understanding Character Stats and Weight Classes

Each character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe possesses unique stats that influence their performance on the track. These stats include:

• Speed: Affects top speed.
• Acceleration: Affects how quickly you reach top speed.
• Weight: Affects how easily you are bumped by other racers.
• Handling: Affects how tightly you can turn.
• Traction (Grip): Affects how well you maintain control on slippery surfaces.

Characters are divided into weight classes (Lightweight, Medium, and Heavyweight), which generally correlate with their size and appearance. Lighter characters tend to have higher acceleration and handling but lower speed and weight, while heavier characters excel in speed and weight but suffer in acceleration and handling.

Choosing the Right Character for Your Playstyle

Selecting the right character is crucial for maximizing your performance. Consider your preferred playstyle and the track layout. For tracks with tight corners and frequent item battles, a character with good acceleration and handling might be ideal. For tracks with long straights and fewer obstacles, a character with high speed and weight could be more advantageous.

Experiment with different characters and kart combinations to discover what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new characters. You might be surprised by what you discover!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your knowledge of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe character roster:

1. How do I unlock all characters quickly in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

   Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed “quick” method. Simply playing through various Grand Prix cups and races will unlock characters randomly. Persistence is key!

2. Is there a specific order to unlocking characters?

   No, the character unlocks are largely random. Just keep racing, and you’ll eventually unlock them all (except Gold Mario).

3. What is the hardest character to unlock?

   Gold Mario is undoubtedly the most challenging. Completing every 200cc Grand Prix cup with a gold trophy requires significant skill and track mastery.

4. Do DLC characters come unlocked, or do I need to earn them?

   If you purchase the Booster Course Pass, the additional characters come unlocked and ready to play.

5. Are there any characters missing from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

   While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts an impressive roster, some fan favorites remain absent. For the official answer, one must always refer to the current active release of the game. However, that is always subject to change via future releases.

6. Does the character I choose affect my item probabilities?

   No, item probabilities are not directly influenced by your character choice. However, your position in the race significantly impacts the items you receive.

7. Who is the fastest character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

   With a top speed of 4.75, Bowser and Morton are among the fastest characters, closely followed by others in the heavy weight class.

8. Who is the heaviest character?

   Morton Koopa Jr. holds the title of the heaviest character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, providing excellent resistance to being bumped by other racers.

9. What is the best kart combination for speed?

   The “best” combination is subjective and depends on your playstyle. However, generally, a heavier character paired with a kart and tires that boost speed and traction (while minimizing handling loss) is ideal for maximizing speed.

10. Can I customize my Mii character with racing suits?

    Yes! Tapping compatible amiibo figures unlocks character-specific Mii racing suits, allowing you to race as your Mii dressed as Mario, Yoshi, and more.

11. Why is there no Mario Kart 9 yet?

    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s massive success and continued support are major factors. Nintendo has focused on expanding and updating MK8 Deluxe rather than releasing a full-fledged sequel.

12. What makes Rainbow Road so difficult?

    Rainbow Road tracks often lack guardrails, feature sharp turns, and have unpredictable terrain. Mastering these tracks requires precise driving and excellent awareness.

13. Does character weight affect drifting?

    Yes, character weight indirectly affects drifting. Heavier characters tend to have more stable drifts, while lighter characters may drift more easily but be more susceptible to being bumped off course.

14. What is the Boo item, and how does it work?

    The Boo item makes you invisible and allows you to steal an item from another racer. It’s a powerful defensive and offensive tool.

15. Does changing characters affect my unlocked kart parts?

    No, unlocked kart parts are available regardless of the character you choose. You can freely mix and match characters and parts to find the optimal setup.

Continuing the Conversation

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers an incredible depth of gameplay, thanks in no small part to its diverse and engaging character roster. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each character, as well as their unique stats, is essential for maximizing your performance and achieving victory on the track. The game offers valuable insights into game based learning (GBL). To learn more about the educational benefits of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.