Decoding the Roster: Unlocking Characters in Mario Kart 8

The number of characters you need to unlock in Mario Kart 8 depends entirely on which version you’re playing. In the original Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U, there were 14 unlockable characters. However, in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch, the unlocking system has been streamlined. Almost all characters are available from the start, leaving only one special character, Gold Mario, requiring specific in-game achievements. So, technically, in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you only “need” to unlock one character.

Delving Deeper: Mario Kart 8 vs. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The core gameplay of Mario Kart remains consistently fun across versions, but character accessibility is a key difference. Let’s break it down:

• Mario Kart 8 (Wii U): Players started with a limited roster and unlocked the remaining characters by winning cups in Grand Prix mode. The unlock order was largely random, except for the Mii character, which was always the 8th character to be unlocked. Each cup could only unlock one character.

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch): A vast majority of the characters are unlocked from the very beginning. This allows players to immediately experiment with different weight classes and driving styles. Gold Mario remains the only unlockable character, providing a long-term goal for dedicated players.

This change in approach significantly impacts the early game experience. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, players can jump straight into competitive play with their preferred character, rather than grinding through Grand Prix races to unlock them. This makes the game more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.

Gold Mario: The Ultimate Unlockable

So, how do you unlock Gold Mario in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? This gleaming racer requires a demonstration of exceptional skill and dedication:

• You need to win every cup in Grand Prix mode at the 200cc difficulty level with a gold trophy. This means dominating every race across all the cups. This requires mastery of drifting, braking, and item usage at blistering speeds.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Mario Kart 8 Characters and Unlocks

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your Mario Kart 8 knowledge:

1. Do I have to unlock all characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

No, you do not have to unlock all the characters. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, almost every character is available from the start. You only need to unlock Gold Mario.

2. How do I unlock Gold Mario in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

You unlock Gold Mario by winning every cup in Grand Prix mode at the 200cc difficulty level with a gold trophy.

3. What is the easiest way to unlock characters in Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)?

The easiest way is simply to play through Grand Prix mode and win cups. The unlocks are random, so focus on winning consistently. Since the Mii is always the 8th unlock, you will know when that one is coming.

4. Does character choice matter in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Yes, character choice does matter. Different characters have different stats, such as speed, acceleration, weight, handling, and traction. Lighter characters have better acceleration, while heavier characters have higher top speeds.

5. How many playable characters are in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a total of 42 playable characters, including the DLC characters.

6. What are the best characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

The “best” characters depend on your play style. Heavy characters like Bowser and Wario are good for speed, while lighter characters like Baby Mario and Toadette are good for acceleration and handling. Meta builds tend to use medium-heavy characters like Waluigi and Rosalina.

7. How long does it take to unlock everything in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Unlocking everything, including Gold Mario and all gold parts, can take upwards of 50 hours, depending on your skill level and dedication.

8. What are the hardest unlocks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

The hardest unlocks are Gold Mario and the gold kart parts (gold kart, gold wheels, and gold glider). Gold Mario requires winning all 200cc Grand Prix cups. The gold kart parts require specific achievements, such as collecting a large number of coins or achieving a high VR (Versus Rating) score.

9. How do I unlock vehicle parts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Vehicle parts are unlocked by collecting coins. Initially, parts unlock frequently. After collecting 1500 coins, parts unlock every 100 coins.

10. Do coins make you faster in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

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

11. Is 200cc mode harder than 150cc mode?

Yes, 200cc is significantly harder than 150cc. The increased speed requires precise drifting and braking skills.

12. What is the fastest kart combination in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

There isn’t one definitive “fastest” combination, as it depends on your play style. However, popular combinations involve heavy characters like Bowser or Wario with high-speed karts like the P-Wing or Blue Falcon, coupled with the Slick or Gold tires.

13. How do I improve my drifting skills in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Practice makes perfect! Focus on initiating drifts early, adjusting your angle mid-drift, and using the mini-turbo boost effectively. Watching professional players can provide valuable insights.

14. What is the importance of slipstreaming in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Slipstreaming is crucial for gaining speed. By driving directly behind another kart for a short period, you’ll gain a speed boost when you break free from the slipstream.

15. Can I change the difficulty of Grand Prix races in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Yes, you can select the difficulty level (50cc, 100cc, 150cc, or 200cc) before starting a Grand Prix. Unlocking Gold Mario specifically requires success on 200cc.

Mastering the Game: Beyond Character Unlocks

While unlocking characters is a fun goal, mastering Mario Kart 8 Deluxe involves more than just collecting racers. It requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics, including drifting, item usage, and track knowledge.

• Drifting: Mastering drifting is essential for maintaining speed around corners and charging up mini-turbos.

• Item Usage: Effective item usage can turn the tide of a race. Learn to use each item strategically, both offensively and defensively.

• Track Knowledge: Knowing the layouts of the tracks, including shortcuts and item box locations, gives you a significant advantage.

By combining character knowledge with gameplay mastery, you can become a formidable Mario Kart 8 Deluxe competitor. The strategic depth provides a solid foundation for serious gameplay and learning. Discover more about the educational benefits of gaming at the Games Learning Society, GamesLearningSociety.org.

This exploration of character unlocks and related gameplay elements hopefully sets you on the path to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe success!