How to Get All Gold Kart Parts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The Ultimate Guide

So, you’re chasing that glittering glory, eh? You want to show off your mad skills with a full gold kart build in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Well, buckle up, because getting those shiny parts – the Gold Kart, Gold Wheels, and Gold Glider – requires dedication, skill, and a whole lot of patience. The short answer? Here’s how you unlock each one: The Gold Kart is unlocked by getting a gold trophy in every cup in 200cc mode, the Gold Wheels are unlocked by beating all of the staff ghosts on Time Trials, and the Gold Glider is unlocked by collecting 5,000 coins. Read on for all the details and pro tips!

Unlocking the Gold Kart: 200cc Domination

The Gold Kart is arguably the most challenging to unlock. You need to achieve a gold trophy in every single cup in 200cc mode. This isn’t just about finishing first in each race; you need to accumulate the most points across all four races in each cup.

Mastering 200cc: Tips and Tricks

• Braking is Your Friend: 200cc is ludicrously fast. Mastering the brake is crucial for navigating tight corners. Tap the brake button (usually ‘B’ or ‘ZR’) before entering the turn.
• Drifting is Essential: Practice your drifting skills. Start your drift early to maintain speed and control through corners. Inside drifting bikes are often favored in 200cc for their tighter turning radius.
• Learn the Tracks: Knowing the layout of each track is paramount. Identify optimal braking points and shortcuts to gain an edge. Watch videos of skilled players for inspiration.
• Kart Customization Matters: Experiment with different kart combinations. Consider prioritizing acceleration, handling, and mini-turbo stats. Don’t be afraid to adjust your build for specific tracks.
• Persistence is Key: 200cc can be frustrating at first. Don’t get discouraged by early losses. Keep practicing and refining your technique.

Common 200cc Pitfalls to Avoid

• Over-Drifting: Starting your drift too early or holding it for too long can lead to spin-outs.
• Ignoring Item Management: Use items strategically to disrupt opponents and protect yourself.
• Underestimating the AI: The AI racers in 200cc are aggressive and skilled. Don’t underestimate them.
• Forgetting to Brake: Seriously, brake!

Claiming the Gold Wheels: Time Trial Triumph

The Gold Wheels are awarded for defeating all staff ghosts in Time Trial mode. Each track has a pre-set ghost racer representing a Nintendo staff member’s best time. You need to beat every staff ghost to unlock the golden rims.

Crushing Those Ghosts: A Strategic Approach

• Start with the Basics: Select a track you’re comfortable with. Familiarize yourself with the ghost’s path and racing line.
• Choose a Fast Kart Combination: Prioritize speed and acceleration. A popular choice is Waluigi/Wiggler/Roller Wheels/Cloud Glider. Experiment to find what works best for you.
• Mimic the Ghost: Initially, focus on replicating the ghost’s movements and drifting techniques. Try to understand why they take certain lines.
• Identify and Exploit Shortcuts: Look for areas where you can cut corners or take alternative routes. Even small shortcuts can shave valuable seconds off your time.
• Optimize Your Drifting: Practice maintaining a continuous drift throughout the track. Master the art of fire hopping (tapping the jump button while drifting) to maintain momentum.
• Watch Expert Runs: If you’re struggling on a particular track, watch videos of skilled players beating the staff ghost. Analyze their techniques and try to incorporate them into your own strategy.

Overcoming Tough Time Trials

• Don’t Give Up: Some staff ghosts are incredibly challenging. Be patient and persistent.
• Experiment with Different Kart Builds: Sometimes, a slight adjustment to your kart setup can make a big difference.
• Focus on Perfecting One Section at a Time: Break the track down into smaller sections and concentrate on mastering each one.
• Take Breaks: If you’re getting frustrated, take a break and come back to it later with a fresh perspective.

Snagging the Gold Glider: Coin Collecting Cavalcade

The Gold Glider is the most straightforward to unlock: simply collect 5,000 coins. While this sounds easy, it can be time-consuming.

Coin Collecting Strategies

• Race, Race, Race: The more you race, the more coins you’ll accumulate. Focus on finishing as high as possible to maximize your coin earnings.
• Balloon Battle Bonanza: Balloon Battle is an excellent source of coins. Target opponents with high balloon counts to earn more coins.
• VS Race Farming: Set up VS races with minimal AI opponents and high item frequency. This allows you to control the races and maximize your coin collection.
• Coin Rush Mode: While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn’t have a dedicated Coin Rush mode, certain custom race settings can mimic the experience.

Maximizing Coin Gains

• Choose a High-Speed Kart: The faster you go, the more coins you collect that are on the track.
• Focus on Staying Ahead: Finish races in first place whenever possible for bonus coins.
• Use Items Strategically: Use items to protect yourself and disrupt opponents, ensuring you maintain a good position.

FAQ: Your Burning Gold Kart Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about unlocking the gold kart parts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:

1. Do I need to get three stars on every cup in 200cc to unlock the Gold Kart?

No, you only need to get a gold trophy in each cup. The number of stars doesn’t matter for unlocking the kart.

2. Can I use assists in 200cc to unlock the Gold Kart?

Yes, you can use smart steering and other assists. However, keep in mind that assists might hinder your ability to take certain shortcuts or perform precise maneuvers.

3. Do I need to beat the staff ghosts on every track in a specific class (e.g., 150cc) to get the Gold Wheels?

No, beating the staff ghosts in any class will count towards unlocking the Gold Wheels. It is common for players to choose 150cc to unlock it.

4. Are there any “easy” tracks to beat the staff ghosts on first for the Gold Wheels?

Yes, some tracks like Mario Circuit and Yoshi Circuit are generally considered easier to beat the staff ghosts on.

5. Can I use a DLC character or kart to get the Gold Kart parts?

Yes, you can use any character or kart combination, including those from DLC packs, to unlock all the Gold Kart parts.

6. Does playing online races contribute to unlocking the Gold Glider?

Yes, coins earned in both online and offline races count towards the 5,000 coin total needed for the Gold Glider.

7. Is there a way to track my coin progress for the Gold Glider?

Unfortunately, the game doesn’t directly display your coin count. You’ll have to estimate based on your play time and coin-collecting habits.

8. What’s the fastest kart combination for 200cc?

There’s no single “fastest” combination, as it depends on personal preference and track layout. However, many players favor Waluigi/Wiggler or Yoshi Bike/Roller Wheels/Cloud Glider for their acceleration and handling.

9. Are the Gold Kart parts worth the effort? Do they have special stats?

The Gold Kart parts are purely cosmetic. They don’t offer any stat boosts compared to other parts. They’re all about bragging rights and showing off your dedication.

10. Can I unlock the Gold Kart parts in Mario Kart 8 (Wii U version)?

No, the method for unlocking the gold parts is the same in both versions. However, Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U unlocks the gold parts a bit differently. For the Gold Kart you’ll need a gold trophy in every cup in 150cc mode, the Gold Wheels require you to beat all of the staff ghosts on Time Trials in 150cc mode, and the Gold Glider is unlocked by collecting 10,000 coins.

11. If I unlock the Gold Kart parts on one profile, are they unlocked for all profiles on the same Switch?

Yes, the Gold Kart parts are unlocked account-wide on your Nintendo Switch.

12. What is “fire hopping”?

Fire hopping is a technique where you repeatedly press the jump button during a drift to maintain or slightly increase your speed. It’s particularly effective in Time Trials.

13. Does Mirror Mode affect unlocking the Gold Kart?

No, Mirror Mode is separate from the 200cc requirement. You only need to get gold trophies in all cups in 200cc mode.

14. Are there any cheats or glitches to unlock the Gold Kart parts faster?

While some glitches might have existed in the past, they are generally patched out. The intended way to unlock the Gold Kart parts is through legitimate gameplay.

15. What are some good resources for learning advanced Mario Kart 8 Deluxe techniques?

There are many online resources available. YouTube channels dedicated to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are a great place to learn about techniques and strategies. You might also find valuable information at the Games Learning Society website, which explores the educational aspects of gaming: GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: Embrace the Gold Rush!

Unlocking all the Gold Kart parts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires dedication, skill, and a willingness to learn and improve. So, get out there, master the tracks, and claim your golden prize! Good luck, and may your drifts be ever in your favor!