Will They Add Characters to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
The short answer is a resounding yes, they have already added characters to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and the final wave of additions is just around the corner! After years of anticipation, Nintendo has delivered on fan requests, expanding the roster of racers beyond the original game’s lineup. Specifically, Wave 6 of the Booster Course Pass includes four highly anticipated new characters, marking the end of character additions for this particular game. This final wave, available for download on November 9th, will bring the total number of playable characters to over 40. It’s a significant expansion, making Mario Kart 8 Deluxe an even more diverse and engaging experience for players of all skill levels.
The Final Wave: Welcoming New Racers
The excitement surrounding the final wave of the Booster Course Pass is palpable. Nintendo didn’t just add new tracks; they also responded to calls for more beloved characters. The four newcomers joining the race are:
- Diddy Kong: A long-time fan favorite, Diddy Kong finally makes his way to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, bringing his energetic personality and acrobatic style to the track.
- Funky Kong: Another popular choice, Funky Kong is known for his laid-back attitude and impressive speed. His addition offers a compelling alternative for players looking for a different kind of racer.
- Pauline: Originally a damsel in distress from the Donkey Kong arcade game, Pauline has become a popular playable character in recent Mario titles. Her inclusion adds a touch of elegance and flair to the roster.
- Peachette: This character is the result of Toadette using the Super Crown, transforming into a peach-like version of herself. Peachette is a unique and fun addition to the lineup.
The inclusion of these four characters not only fulfills fan wishlists but also adds depth and variety to the game’s already impressive roster.
Addressing the Previous Character Speculation
Prior to the official announcement of these four characters, there was a significant amount of speculation and even a character leak suggesting that as many as 14 characters might be added. This list included names like Dixie Kong, King Bob-omb, and Kamek. However, the official reveal confirmed only the four previously mentioned characters. It’s important to note that the previous leak has been proven incorrect, and while some might have been disappointed not to see more additions, the four that made the cut are sure to be appreciated by fans.
Character Availability and Unlockables
Unlike some previous Mario Kart titles where characters needed to be unlocked through gameplay, all characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are available from the start, with the exception of Gold Mario (and his gold kart). Gone are the days of grinding for specific characters. This means that new players can immediately jump into the action with their favorite characters and explore different playstyles. Gold Mario, on the other hand, is unlocked by achieving certain milestones in the game. This system ensures that everyone has equal access to all the characters without having to spend countless hours completing challenges.
The Impact of Character Choices
The addition of new characters has a significant impact on gameplay dynamics. Each character possesses unique stats, affecting factors such as speed, acceleration, and handling. This allows players to experiment with different combinations of characters, karts, wheels, and gliders to find the perfect setup for their driving style. The new characters provide fresh options for players to optimize their racing abilities and explore strategies. There is no “one size fits all” approach, making the game incredibly adaptable to different playstyles.
Looking Ahead: No More Character DLC
With the arrival of Wave 6 and its four new characters on November 9th, Nintendo has confirmed that this is the final character DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While the addition of Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette is exciting, it also means that the character roster is now complete. It seems that Nintendo is turning its focus to other projects, possibly including the next installment in the Mario Kart series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the last wave of DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe released?
The final wave of DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, including the four new characters, will be available on November 9th.
2. Who are the new playable characters in Wave 6?
The new playable characters in Wave 6 are Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette.
3. Do I need to unlock characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
No, all characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are available from the start with the exception of Gold Mario who is unlocked by achieving certain milestones.
4. Were there any character leaks before the official announcement?
Yes, there was a character leak listing 14 additional characters. However, this leak was proven incorrect, and only four new characters were officially added.
5. Is there a character limit in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
While technically there is a limit, the game now features over 40 playable characters, with no more being added.
6. Will there be more character DLC after Wave 6?
No, Wave 6 is the final DLC wave and includes the last new characters for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
7. What is Gold Mario and how is he unlocked?
Gold Mario is a special variant of Mario that is unlocked by achieving a specific set of in-game milestones.
8. What is the best combination in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
There is no single “best” combination, as different combinations suit various playstyles. A few popular combinations are Kamek, Teddy Buggy, Roller Wheels & Paper Glider and Dry Bones, Biddybuggy, Azure Rollers & Paper Glider.
9. How do new characters affect gameplay in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Each character has unique stats that impact speed, acceleration, and handling, allowing for strategic combinations with karts, wheels, and gliders.
10. Are there any hidden or secret characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
There are no hidden or secret characters beyond Gold Mario, who is unlocked by meeting specific in-game goals.
11. Where did the character Peachette come from?
Peachette is the form Toadette takes when she uses the Super Crown. She was introduced in Super Mario Bros U Deluxe.
12. Is Diddy Kong related to Donkey Kong?
Diddy Kong is often referred to as Donkey Kong’s sidekick, nephew or friend, though the exact nature of their relationship varies slightly across different games and publications.
13. Who is Diddy Kong’s girlfriend?
Diddy Kong’s girlfriend is Dixie Kong, who also appears in the Donkey Kong Country series.
14. Which characters have not been added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Characters such as Petey Piranha, Wiggler, Donkey Kong Jr, Honey Queen, Koopa Paratroopa, and R.O.B. were not added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
15. Will there be a Mario Kart 9?
Nintendo hasn’t announced an official release for Mario Kart 9, however the latest rumours hint that they are currently working on the next iteration of the game.