How Many Characters Can You Play As in Mario Kart 8?

In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you can race with a whopping 42 characters! This extensive roster includes a mix of familiar faces from the Mario universe, ensuring there’s a racer for every play style and preference.

Unlocking the Roster: A Journey Through the Mushroom Kingdom

While not all 42 characters are available from the start, unlocking the remaining characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fun part of the game. Unlike previous installments, where specific challenges or race wins were tied to individual unlocks, the process is streamlined and a bit more luck-based. Here’s the deal:

• Random Unlocks: New characters are unlocked randomly as you play through the game’s various modes.
• Grand Prix Dominance: Winning Grand Prix races is the primary method. Completing all races in a cup guarantees a character unlock, even if you don’t come in first place overall.
• Coin Collection: While the game is slightly more random, character unlocks occur upon reaching certain coin milestones.

This system ensures that players are rewarded for consistent play, regardless of their skill level. Keep racing, keep collecting coins, and soon you’ll have the entire roster at your disposal!

The Character Classes: Weight, Speed, and Beyond

Each character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe belongs to one of three different weight classes: Light, Medium, and Heavy. This classification directly impacts their performance on the track:

• Light Characters: These racers, such as Baby Mario and Toadette, excel in acceleration and handling. They can quickly recover from collisions and navigate tight corners with ease. However, they tend to have lower top speeds and are easily bumped around by heavier opponents.

• Medium Characters: Offering a balanced blend of speed and handling, medium-weight characters like Mario and Luigi are a good starting point for new players. They provide a solid all-around performance, making them versatile choices for various track types.

• Heavy Characters: Powerhouses like Bowser and Donkey Kong prioritize top speed and can easily bully lighter racers off the road. However, their acceleration and handling suffer, making them more challenging to control in technical sections of the track.

Choosing the right character for a specific track or play style is crucial for success in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Experiment with different racers to discover which one best suits your skills and preferences.

Character Selection: More Than Just Aesthetics

The characters in Mario Kart 8 are not just for looks; they directly impact gameplay. Each character has distinct stats that affect speed, acceleration, weight, handling, and traction. These stats, combined with kart customization, create a strategic element to the game. For example, if you’re aiming for pure speed, you might choose a heavy character like Bowser and pair him with a kart build focused on top speed. Conversely, if you value maneuverability, a light character like Toadette combined with a kart built for handling would be a better choice. Understanding how character stats influence your kart’s performance is key to mastering the game.

Finding Your Perfect Racer

With 42 characters to choose from in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, finding your perfect racer is part of the fun. Take some time to experiment with different characters and kart combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are all 42 characters available from the start?

No, not all characters are available right away. You need to unlock most of them by playing through the Grand Prix modes and collecting coins.

2. Is there a specific way to unlock certain characters?

No, the character unlock system in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is largely random. You’ll unlock new racers as you play the game, usually after completing a Grand Prix or after collecting enough coins.

3. Does character weight affect gameplay?

Yes, character weight significantly impacts gameplay. Heavier characters have higher top speeds but lower acceleration, while lighter characters have better handling and acceleration but lower top speeds.

4. Who are some of the best characters for beginners?

Medium-weight characters like Mario and Luigi are generally recommended for beginners, as they offer a balanced mix of speed and handling.

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

Characters like Bowser, Wario, and Dry Bowser, are among the fastest in terms of top speed.

6. How do I unlock Gold Mario?

To unlock Gold Mario, you need to finish first in all cups in 200cc. This is one of the most challenging unlocks in the game.

7. Can I customize my kart to compensate for a character’s weaknesses?

Absolutely! Kart customization is crucial in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. You can choose different kart bodies, tires, and gliders to enhance your character’s strengths or compensate for their weaknesses.

8. Does it matter which kart I choose?

Yes, the kart body affects your kart’s speed, acceleration, weight, handling, and traction. Selecting the right kart is a vital aspect of optimizing your performance.

9. How many players can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on a single console?

Up to four players can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on a single Nintendo Switch console in split-screen mode.

10. Can I play with more than four players locally?

Yes, up to eight players can play locally by connecting multiple Nintendo Switch consoles via local wireless connection.

11. What is the best way to get better at Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Practice is key! Experiment with different characters, kart combinations, and track layouts. Watch professional players to learn advanced techniques like drifting and item management.

12. What are some advanced techniques in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Some advanced techniques include mastering the drift boost, using items strategically, and learning the optimal racing lines for each track.

13. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe good for kids?

Yes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a family-friendly game that is suitable for kids of all ages.

14. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still popular?

Absolutely! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains one of the best-selling and most popular games on the Nintendo Switch.

15. What other resources are there to help me improve my gaming skills?

There are many online resources available, including tutorials, forums, and streaming channels. Consider exploring websites like Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for educational resources on gaming and game design.

Conclusion: The Joy of Racing Awaits

With 42 characters to choose from, diverse kart customization options, and a variety of tracks and modes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers endless hours of racing fun. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, there’s always something new to discover in the Mushroom Kingdom. So, buckle up, choose your favorite character, and hit the track!