Unlocking the Thrill: Are There Unlockables in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC?
Yes, absolutely! While the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC, officially known as the Booster Course Pass, primarily focuses on injecting a massive dose of retro track goodness and some new courses, it also brings unlockable elements to the game. The most significant additions are the new playable characters added with the DLC, specifically in Wave 6. But the essence of the DLC is more about expanding the racing experience through an abundance of tracks, offering exceptional value and endless hours of gameplay.
Decoding the DLC Unlockables
The core appeal of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC lies in the sheer volume of content it adds to the game. With 48 additional tracks, it effectively doubles the number of courses available, drawing from the rich history of the Mario Kart franchise. Although the unlockables might not be as extensive as in the base game, they do add another layer of excitement for dedicated players.
The Key Unlockables: New Characters
The most significant unlockables in the Booster Course Pass are undoubtedly the new characters. While earlier waves focused primarily on tracks, Wave 6 delivered the highly anticipated additions of Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette. These characters add variety to the roster and offer different stats, affecting kart handling and performance. Diddy Kong and Funky Kong are particularly exciting for long-time fans, as they bring back beloved characters from previous iterations.
More Tracks, More Fun
Beyond the characters, the DLC’s unlockable potential largely stems from the sheer number of tracks. Each wave introduces eight new courses, divided into two cups. While the tracks themselves aren’t technically unlockable (they are immediately available upon downloading the wave), mastering them, discovering hidden shortcuts, and achieving top rankings in each cup certainly constitutes a form of progression and accomplishment, which aligns with the spirit of unlocking new content.
How To Access the DLC
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC is accessible in two primary ways:
- Purchasing the DLC: Players can buy the Booster Course Pass outright from the Nintendo eShop. This grants permanent access to all content released as part of the DLC.
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack receive access to the Booster Course Pass as part of their membership. However, access is contingent on maintaining an active membership. If the membership lapses, access to the DLC content is revoked until the subscription is renewed or the DLC is purchased separately.
Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Worth It?
Absolutely! For fans of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the Booster Course Pass is a worthwhile investment. The sheer volume of content added to the game—48 tracks taken from previous Mario Kart titles—significantly expands the racing experience. The final wave released at the end of 2023 brought even more excitement with the introduction of new characters and classic courses like Daisy Circuit. The value for money is undeniable, providing countless hours of entertainment and replayability. If you’re a fan looking for an enhanced and extended racing experience, don’t hesitate to dive into the DLC.
FAQs: Your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Questions Answered
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC, providing further insights into its content and features:
1. How many tracks are included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
The Booster Course Pass adds a total of 48 tracks to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, effectively doubling the base game’s track selection.
2. Are the tracks in the DLC completely new, or are they from previous Mario Kart games?
The tracks are primarily retro tracks taken from previous entries in the Mario Kart series, such as Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart DS, and Mario Kart 7. However, there might be a few original tracks included as well.
3. Does the DLC add any new cups to the game?
Yes, the 48 tracks are divided into 12 new cups, with each cup containing four tracks. This brings the total number of cups in the game to 24.
4. How many waves of the DLC are there?
The Booster Course Pass is released in six waves, with each wave containing eight tracks. All waves have now been released, so there will be no further waves.
5. What new characters are included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC?
The DLC introduces four new playable characters: Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette. They were released as part of Wave 6.
6. How do I unlock the new characters in the DLC?
The new characters are immediately available once Wave 6 of the DLC is downloaded. There are no special requirements to unlock them.
7. Do I need to purchase the DLC to access the new characters?
Yes, you need to either purchase the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC or have an active membership to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to access the new characters.
8. If I subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, do I permanently own the DLC?
No, access to the Booster Course Pass is only available for the duration of your active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. If your membership lapses, you will lose access to the DLC content unless you purchase it separately.
9. Can I play the DLC tracks online with friends who don’t have the DLC?
Yes, if one player in an online lobby owns the Booster Course Pass, the other players in the lobby can race on the DLC tracks, even if they don’t own the DLC themselves.
10. Does the DLC include any new karts, wheels, or gliders?
No, the Booster Course Pass focuses primarily on adding new tracks and characters. It does not include any new karts, wheels, or gliders.
11. What is the best way to unlock all the vehicle parts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
You unlock vehicle parts by collecting coins. Initially, you’ll unlock a new part for every 50 coins collected until you reach 1500 coins. After that, you’ll unlock a new part for every 100 coins collected. It takes 3100 coins to unlock nearly every part.
12. Are there any secret characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Yes, Gold Mario is the only character not immediately available at the start. To unlock Gold Mario, you need to win all cups in 200cc Grand Prix mode with a gold trophy.
13. What are some of the best kart combinations in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Some popular and effective kart combinations include:
- Kamek, Teddy Buggy, Roller Wheels, & Paper Glider
- Luigi, Streetle, Rollers, & Parachute
- Yoshi, Inkstriker, Rollers, & Clouds
These combinations balance speed, handling, and acceleration.
14. How does the DLC enhance the overall Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience?
The DLC significantly enhances the game by doubling the number of tracks, adding new characters, and providing a vast amount of additional content. This offers greater variety, extended replayability, and a richer racing experience overall.
15. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC still being updated?
No, the Booster Course Pass concluded with Wave 6. There are currently no plans for further updates or additions.
We hope this comprehensive overview has shed light on the unlockables and features available in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC. With its wealth of content and engaging gameplay, it’s an excellent addition to any Mario Kart fan’s collection. For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming and how they can enhance learning, consider exploring the work of organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Engaging with video games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe may not seem educational, but it promotes problem-solving, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination.