Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Unlockable Characters

Learn how to unlock Gold Mario in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The base game features all other characters readily available from the start for immediate racing.

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Unlockable Characters

Unlike previous Mario Kart titles where characters were often unlocked through specific Grand Prix victories or challenges, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch streamlines the process significantly. In the base game, all characters are available from the start, with the exception of one special unlockable: Gold Mario.

Unlocking Gold Mario

Gold Mario is a unique character variant of Metal Mario, boasting identical stats but with a dazzling golden aesthetic. To add this shimmering racer to your roster, you'll need to demonstrate true mastery of the Grand Prix circuits. Follow these steps:

  1. Master the 200cc Grand Prix: Gold Mario is exclusively unlocked by achieving a perfect record in every cup within the 200cc Grand Prix.
  2. Earn a Gold Trophy in ALL 200cc Cups: This means you must finish first overall in every single cup available in the 200cc difficulty setting. There are 12 cups in total in the base game, each containing four races.
  3. Strategy for Success:
    • Practice Makes Perfect: The 200cc speed class is significantly faster than 150cc, requiring precise cornering and excellent item management. Spend time practicing individual tracks to learn optimal lines and drift points.
    • Brake Drifting: This advanced technique is crucial for 200cc. Tap the brake (B button) while initiating a drift (R button) to tighten your turns and maintain speed through sharp corners. This is especially vital on tracks with many tight turns like Baby Park or Toad Harbor.
    • Smart Item Usage: On 200cc, races are often decided by fractions of a second. Hold defensive items like Green Shells or Bananas behind you to block incoming attacks. Use offensive items like Red Shells and Super Horns strategically to secure leads or recover from setbacks.
    • Character and Kart Combinations: While Gold Mario's stats are identical to Metal Mario, consider using high-acceleration and handling combinations for 200cc to better navigate the increased speed. Characters like Dry Bones or Baby Mario paired with lightweight karts and high-traction tires can be very effective.
  4. Confirmation: Once you've successfully earned a gold trophy in all 200cc cups, Gold Mario will automatically become available on the character selection screen, appearing as an alternate costume for Metal Mario.

DLC Characters (Booster Course Pass)

the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass introduces a substantial number of additional characters, but these are not "unlocked" through gameplay. Instead, they are made available automatically upon purchase and download of the respective waves of the DLC. There are no in-game requirements to unlock these characters beyond owning the Booster Course Pass.

  • Wave 1-6 Characters: As new waves of the Booster Course Pass are released, new characters are added to the roster. These include fan favorites and newcomers alike, expanding your character choices significantly.
  • Accessing DLC Characters: After purchasing and downloading the Booster Course Pass, simply navigate to the character selection screen. The new characters will be integrated directly into the existing roster, ready for immediate use in any game mode.

Enjoy the challenge of unlocking Gold Mario and expanding your racing options with the Booster Course Pass characters!