How Long Does It Take to 100% Mario Kart?

The time it takes to 100% a Mario Kart game varies wildly depending on the specific title, the definition of “100%,” and the player’s skill. Generally speaking, a casual playthrough focusing on the main cups might take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours in most games. However, achieving true completion, which often involves unlocking all characters, karts, parts, earning three-star rankings on all cups, and beating staff ghosts, can extend playtime to anywhere from 15 to over 50 hours, and in some cases, even more! Each Mario Kart game has unique criteria for full completion, contributing to these varying completion times.

Understanding Mario Kart Completion

What does it really mean to “100%” a Mario Kart game? It’s a multifaceted question, as different players have different standards. Here’s a breakdown of common completionist goals:

• Winning all cups: This is the bare minimum for many players. Completing all the cups in all engine classes (50cc, 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror Mode) is a standard objective.
• Earning three-star rankings: Most modern Mario Kart games reward players with a ranking system (often using stars) based on their performance in each cup. Achieving three stars in every cup across all engine classes is a significantly more demanding task.
• Unlocking all characters, karts, and parts: Many Mario Kart games feature a roster of unlockable content. This usually involves collecting coins, achieving certain milestones, or completing specific challenges. This is a time-consuming but satisfying endeavor.
• Beating all staff ghosts in Time Trials: Each track features a staff ghost (a recording of the developers’ best time). Beating these ghosts is a challenging test of skill and knowledge of the tracks.
• Mastering 200cc (in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe): This blistering fast engine class demands precision and expert knowledge of the tracks. Mastering this mode and achieving high rankings is a serious challenge for even the most seasoned players.
• Completing all challenges/missions (in certain games): Some entries, such as Mario Kart DS, feature a separate mission mode with unique challenges to complete. These challenges can add considerable playtime to the completion goal.

How Long Does It Take to 100% Specific Mario Kart Games?

Here’s a general estimate of completion times for some popular Mario Kart titles:

• Super Mario Kart: 15-20 hours. This classic is relatively short, but mastering the drifting mechanics and earning gold trophies in all cups can take time.
• Mario Kart 64: 20-30 hours. Unlocking all characters and earning gold trophies can be grindy.
• Mario Kart: Super Circuit: 25-35 hours. Its difficulty is higher compared to the other games.
• Mario Kart: Double Dash!!: 25-40 hours. Unlocking all characters and karts can be a lengthy process.
• Mario Kart DS: 30-50 hours. Mission Mode adds significant playtime.
• Mario Kart Wii: 40-60 hours. Unlocking all characters and vehicles requires playing a lot.
• Mario Kart 7: 35-55 hours. Grinding for gold parts can be time-consuming.
• Mario Kart 8: 45-65 hours. Beating all staff ghosts and unlocking all vehicle parts takes dedication.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: 50-70+ hours. The addition of 200cc and the sheer volume of content make this one of the longest Mario Kart games to 100%.

Factors Influencing Completion Time

Several factors can affect how long it takes to 100% a Mario Kart game:

• Skill level: More skilled players will naturally complete cups faster and have an easier time beating staff ghosts.
• Familiarity with the game: Knowing the tracks and understanding the game’s mechanics greatly reduces the learning curve.
• Dedication to grinding: Unlocking all characters, karts, and parts often involves repetitive tasks. Your willingness to grind will directly impact your completion time.
• Difficulty setting: Playing on higher engine classes (like 150cc or 200cc) increases the challenge and can extend playtime.
• Help Resources: Using online guides, tutorials, and communities can significantly speed up the process. A good understanding of optimal kart combinations is crucial.
• Definition of 100%: How stringent is your personal definition? Does it include every possible achievement, or just the core ones?

The Joys of 100% Completion

While the road to 100% completion can be long and challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here’s why many players strive for it:

• Mastery of the game: Completing every aspect of the game forces you to learn every track, mechanic, and strategy.
• Sense of accomplishment: Overcoming difficult challenges and achieving all goals provides a strong sense of satisfaction.
• Extended replayability: Aiming for 100% completion keeps you engaged with the game long after you’ve finished the main cups.
• Bragging rights: Proving your dedication and skill to other players is a fun part of the experience.
• Deeper Appreciation: 100% Completion allows players to fully appreciate the nuances and details within the game.

Mario Kart offers a delightful gaming experience. For educational insights into gaming and learning, explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it possible to 100% every Mario Kart game in a week?

No, it’s highly unlikely. Even for skilled players, the amount of grinding and challenge involved in completing all the objectives across multiple Mario Kart games within a week would be incredibly difficult and time-consuming.

2. What is the fastest Mario Kart 8 combo?

For pure speed in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the Dry Bowser with B Dasher, Slick Wheels, and any Glider combination is highly regarded. This setup prioritizes maximum speed but can be challenging to handle due to its low acceleration and handling stats.

3. How long does it take to finish a Mario Kart race?

Each track takes about 2-3 minutes to complete in 150cc on average. When playing with others, it can take 3-4 minutes because the game waits for all players to finish.

4. How long is a cup in Mario Kart 8?

One cup consists of four tracks. The player with the most points after these four races wins the cup.

5. What is the hardest Mario Kart track ever?

Many consider Rainbow Road (Mario Kart Wii) to be among the most difficult tracks in the entire franchise due to its unforgiving turns and lack of guardrails. Other contenders include Donut Plains 3 (Super Mario Kart) and Bowser’s Castle (Mario Kart 8).

6. Is drifting faster in Mario Kart 8?

Drifting itself doesn’t increase your speed, but it allows you to build up a boost that you can release upon exiting the drift. The longer you drift, the greater the boost you’ll receive.

7. Do coins make you faster in Mario Kart 8?

Yes, each coin you collect boosts your overall speed, up to a maximum of 10 coins.

8. How do you unlock all characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

The characters unlock randomly as you play Grand Prix mode. Winning gold trophies is a good strategy.

9. Do characters matter in Mario Kart 8?

Yes, each character has different stat modifiers (speed, acceleration, weight, handling, etc.). Lighter characters have faster acceleration, while heavier characters have higher top speeds.

10. Do tires make a difference in Mario Kart 8?

Absolutely. Tires significantly affect your kart’s handling, speed, acceleration, and other stats. Different tires are suited for different playstyles.

11. What is the hardest Mario Kart 8 track?

Hyrule Circuit is often considered the most challenging track in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe due to its complex layout and numerous obstacles. Wario’s Gold Mine and Bone-Dry Dunes are other notoriously difficult tracks.

12. How do you do a 180 in Mario Kart 8?

To perform a 180-degree turn, hold the brake button (B) and quickly steer to the left or right.

13. Is it faster to fly in Mario Kart?

Generally, your speed on the ground is faster than in the air. It’s best to get back to the ground as quickly as possible.

14. What is the easiest cup in Mario Kart?

The Mushroom Cup is typically the easiest cup in each Mario Kart installment.

15. What Mario game takes the longest to 100 percent?

Based on the information, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team could potentially take upwards of 200 hours to complete. For Mario Kart games, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can take around 50-70+ hours to 100%.