Do You Have to Unlock the New Characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

The quick answer is a resounding no! In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch, the developers generously unlocked almost all of the characters right from the get-go. This means you can dive straight into the chaotic fun with a vast roster of racers without needing to grind through countless races. The only exception to this rule is Gold Mario, which we’ll delve into later. Forget the days of endless Grand Prix wins just to play as your favorite character.

This accessibility is a major draw for both veteran Mario Kart fans and newcomers alike. It lets everyone focus on mastering the tracks, experimenting with kart combinations, and, most importantly, enjoying the exhilarating multiplayer madness that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is known for. So breathe a sigh of relief; unlocking characters is one less thing to worry about!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Characters, Unlocks, and DLC in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to answer any lingering curiosities you might have about characters, unlocks, and downloadable content in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

1. Which characters do I need to unlock in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

As mentioned earlier, the only character you need to unlock in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is Gold Mario. To unlock him, you need to achieve a gold trophy in every cup at the 200cc engine class. It’s a challenging feat, requiring mastery of the game’s drifting mechanics and track layouts, but the bragging rights are well worth it!

2. How did unlocking characters work in previous Mario Kart games?

Previous installments, such as Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart DS, required players to complete specific challenges like winning cups or fulfilling certain race conditions to unlock new characters. This often involved a significant time investment. The Wii U version of Mario Kart 8 also had unlockable characters, granted at random after each cup win (excluding DLC characters).

3. Are all the DLC characters automatically unlocked in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Yes! If you have the Booster Course Pass DLC, all the included characters (such as Birdo, Peachette, Funky Kong, Diddy Kong, and Pauline) are immediately available without requiring any unlocking. The DLC significantly expands the character roster, giving players even more options to choose from.

4. What is the best character to use in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

There’s no universally “best” character, as the optimal choice depends on your play style and kart configuration. Heavier characters like Bowser and Wario offer higher top speeds but lower acceleration, while lighter characters like Baby Mario and Toad have excellent handling and acceleration. It’s all about finding a balance that suits you! The best character and kart combination to use in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe depends on your play style and priorities. Some popular combinations include:

• Kamek, Teddy Buggy, Roller Wheels, & Paper Glider: A well-rounded combination with good speed, handling, and acceleration.

• Luigi, Streetle, Rollers, & Parachute: Great for maneuverability and drifting.

• Yoshi, Inkstriker, Rollers, & Clouds: Provides a good balance of speed and handling.

• Rosalina, Teddy Buggy, Rollers, & Paper Glider: Similar to the Kamek setup, offering a solid all-around performance.

• Dry Bones, Biddybuggy, Azure Rollers, & Paper Glider: Ideal for players who prioritize acceleration and handling over top speed.

5. Does character weight class matter in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Absolutely. Weight class is a crucial factor in determining your kart’s overall performance. Heavier characters are less prone to being bumped around by other racers, while lighter characters can recover from collisions more quickly. The weight class impacts speed, acceleration, handling, weight, traction, and mini-turbo.

6. How do I unlock kart parts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Unlike characters, kart parts are unlocked by collecting coins throughout the game. The more coins you accumulate, the more parts you’ll unlock. Initially, you’ll unlock a new part for every 50 coins collected. Once you reach 1500 coins, parts will unlock for every 100 coins collected. Reaching 3100 coins will unlock nearly all kart parts.

7. What are the Gold Kart parts and how do I unlock them?

The Gold Kart, Gold Wheels, and Gold Glider are among the most prestigious unlocks in the game. Here’s how to get them:

*   **Gold Kart:** Achieve a gold trophy in every Grand Prix cup at 150cc. *   **Gold Wheels:** Beat all of Nintendo's staff ghost data in Time Trials. This requires serious skill and practice. *   **Gold Glider:** Collect 5,000 coins. This is a long grind but a relatively straightforward task. 

8. What does DLC stand for and is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC worth it?

DLC stands for Downloadable Content. The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass is absolutely worth it! It adds a whopping 48 new courses to the game, effectively doubling the available tracks. This significantly extends the game’s lifespan and provides endless hours of fresh racing experiences.

9. Do all players need the DLC to play the Booster Course Pass tracks?

Fortunately, no. Only one player in a local multiplayer session needs to own the Booster Course Pass for everyone to be able to play the DLC tracks together. If playing online, everyone needs to have either the Booster Course Pass or a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

10. How do I access the Booster Course Pass tracks if I have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership?

If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you can download the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC for free from the Nintendo Switch Online menu on the Nintendo eShop. As long as your membership remains active, you’ll have access to all the DLC content.

11. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC permanent?

Yes, if you purchase the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC, it’s yours to keep indefinitely. However, if you’re accessing it through a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you’ll only have access to the content for the duration of your active membership.

12. What is the best kart combination for speed in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

While “best” is subjective, some popular combinations for maximizing speed include heavier characters like Bowser or Wario paired with karts like the B Dasher or Mach 8, along with slick tires and a low-drag glider. Experiment to find what works best for your driving style.

13. Can I trick or stunt in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Yes, you can perform stunts by shaking the controller or pressing the R button (or ZR button) while launching off ramps or gliding. Stunts provide a brief speed boost, giving you an edge over your opponents. Proper timing is key to executing stunts effectively.

14. How many playable characters are in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the DLC?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a massive roster. Before the DLC, there were 42 characters. With all DLC included, the game boasts a total of 48 playable characters.

15. How does Mario Kart 8 Deluxe contribute to learning and skill development?

Beyond pure entertainment, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe encourages strategic thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. Players must learn to navigate complex tracks, manage resources (like items), and adapt to dynamic situations. The game also promotes social interaction and collaboration when played in multiplayer. It can be a fun way to engage with concepts related to game design and mechanics. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and learning. Find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

We hope these FAQs have answered all your questions about unlocking characters and navigating the world of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Now get out there and race!