Hey there, Karting fans! If you’ve been doing endless laps in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, then you know that half the fun comes from picking the right racer. The game is close to hitting 40 million sales and is the best-selling Mario Kart ever made.
It’s clear that people are in love with zooming through those fantastical tracks, but how about the Mario Kart Characters themselves? With so many to choose from, making the right pick can feel like dodging a Blue Shell on the final lap. That’s where we come in!
Meet the Mario Characters in Kart Racing
Let’s face it: Choosing the right character is crucial for victory. Whether you prefer the heavy hitters or nimble navigators, understanding each character’s weight class will give you a leg up in the race.
The World of Mario Characters
The game offers a colorful tapestry of characters, each unique in its own way. We’re not just talking about Mario; the game expands into an entire universe of Mario Kart character’s names you need to know. Peach, Bowser, Yoshi—you name it!
Weight Classes Explained
Choosing a character isn’t just about the looks; it’s also about how they perform on the racetrack. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Heavy Characters: High top speed and weight, but vulnerable to turns.
- Medium Characters: All-rounders who balance speed, weight, and agility.
- Light Characters: Excellent at handling and acceleration, but get pushed around easily.
And let’s not forget about the Mii character, whose weight class is determined by its dimensions. Yep, you read it right! The characters of Mario Kart are that customizable!
Mario Kart Characters List
| Characters | Unlockable Characters |
|---|---|
| Bowser | Birdo |
| Pink Gold Peach | Princess Daisy |
| Toad | Lemmy Koopa |
| Cat Peach | Dry Bones |
| Yoshi | Donkey Kong |
| Luigi | Bowser Jr. |
| Tanooki Mario | Iggy Koopa |
| Lakitu | Petey Piranha |
| Toadette | Dry Bowser |
| Metal Mario | Peachette |
| Rosalina | Gold Mario |
| Baby Daisy | Roy Koopa |
| Baby Luigi | Inkling |
| King Boo | Mii Outfit A |
| Mario | Morton Koopa Jr. |
| Wario | Link |
| Shy Guy | Ludwig von Koopa |
| Waluigi | Dark Wendy O. Koopa |
| Baby Rosalina | Baby Mario |
| Princess Peach | Honey Queen |
| Mii | Fire Mario |
| Baby Peach | |
| Ice Luigi | |
| Funky Kong | |
| Shy Guy | |
| Strawberry Don-Chan | |
| Inkling | |
| Mametchi |
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Full Character List
| Rank | Character | Weight Class |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mario | Medium-Heavy |
| 2 | Luigi | Medium-Heavy |
| 3 | Peach | Medium |
| 4 | Daisy | Medium |
| 5 | Rosalina | Heavy |
| 6 | Tanooki Mario | Medium |
| 7 | Cat Peach | Medium |
| 8 | Birdo | Medium |
| 9 | Yoshi | Medium |
| 10 | Toad | Light |
| 11 | Koopa Troopa | Light |
| 12 | Shy Guy | Light |
| 13 | Lakitu | Light |
| 14 | Toadette | Light |
| 15 | King Boo | Heavy |
| 16 | Petey Piranha | Heavy |
Unlocking Characters
On the Switch, you get most characters off the bat except for Gold Mario. For him, you’ll need to win a Gold trophy in every 200cc Cup. On the Wii U, the game gets a bit more challenging, unlocking new characters as you win cups.
Building the Fastest Kart
Choosing the right kart is as crucial as selecting a character. And when it comes to multi-track races, it’s really hard to recommend a one-size-fits-all kart. Instead, start with lighter characters to give you more room to catch up if you’re knocked out, and then gradually move to heavier setups.
Time Trials and Ghost Data
For those looking to set some serious lap times, check out the ghost data set by Nintendo staff. These ghosts give you a decent idea of what kart pieces to pick for a specific track. But, remember, beating these times will require a profound knowledge of the track and impeccable reflexes.
Upcoming Characters
With the latest Booster Course wave in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, there are slots open for newcomers. Could we see a comeback for classics like R.O.B. or the pixelated charm of Donkey Kong Jr.?
Conclusion
So there you have it! Now that you’re acquainted with all the Mario Kart characters, you’re well-equipped to dominate the tracks. Not satisfied with virtual racing? Then hop on to our guide about the best Switch racing games for even more adrenaline-pumping action.
Feel the need for more speed? Then let’s-a-go!