Mario Kart DS
Mario Kart DS

Unlockable Characters

Expand your Mario Kart DS roster by unlocking new characters. Learn the Grand Prix requirements to gain access to every racer and their unique kart stats.

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Unlockable Characters

Beyond the initial roster, Mario Kart DS offers a fantastic selection of unlockable characters, each bringing their own unique stats and kart preferences to the race. Unlocking them requires dedication in Grand Prix mode, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Here's how to expand your character selection:

Unlocking Specific Characters

The core method for unlocking new racers involves achieving Gold Trophies in various Grand Prix cups. The specific character you unlock depends on which Grand Prix series you conquer and on what engine class.

  • Daisy: To add the spunky Princess Daisy to your roster, you'll need to demonstrate your racing prowess in the 50cc Retro Grand Prix. Achieve a Gold Trophy in every cup within this series. This means conquering the Shell Cup, Banana Cup, Leaf Cup, and Lightning Cup with a first-place finish in each. Focus on consistent driving and mastering the retro tracks.
  • Dry Bones: For those who prefer a lighter, more agile racer, Dry Bones awaits. Unlock him by earning a Gold Trophy in every cup of the 50cc Nitro Grand Prix. This includes the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup, and Special Cup. Dry Bones' low weight can be a significant advantage on certain tracks, allowing for tighter turns and quicker acceleration.
  • Waluigi: The lanky rival, Waluigi, becomes available after you secure a Gold Trophy in every cup of the 100cc Retro Grand Prix. Prepare for increased speed and more challenging AI opponents as you revisit the classic tracks. His balanced stats make him a versatile choice for many players.
  • R.O.B.: The iconic Robotic Operating Buddy, R.O.B., is the final character unlock and requires the most skill. To bring R.O.B. into the fold, you must achieve a Gold Trophy in every single cup across the entire 150cc Nitro Grand Prix. This means dominating the Mushroom, Flower, Star, and Special Cups at the highest standard speed. R.O.B. is a heavyweight character, excelling in top speed and ramming opponents.

General Strategies for Grand Prix Success

To consistently earn those coveted Gold Trophies, keep these strategies in mind:

  • Master Drifting: Drifting is crucial for maintaining speed through turns and building up mini-turbos. Practice the snaking technique (rapidly drifting left and right on straightaways) to gain significant speed boosts.
  • Item Management: Don't just use items haphazardly. Hold onto defensive items like Green Shells or Bananas for protection against incoming projectiles. Use offensive items like Red Shells and Stars strategically on straightaways or to cut through traffic.
  • Learn Track Layouts: Familiarize yourself with shortcuts, boost pads, and item box locations on every track. Knowing when and where to take an alternate path can shave precious seconds off your lap times.
  • Choose Your Kart Wisely: Each character has access to different karts with varying stats in speed, acceleration, weight, and handling. Experiment to find a kart that complements your chosen character and driving style for each track. For example, a heavy kart might be great for maintaining speed on wide-open tracks, while a lighter kart excels on twisty courses.
  • Restart if Necessary: If you have a particularly bad race, don't be afraid to restart the cup. It's better to replay a few races than to struggle through an entire cup with a low score, potentially missing out on the Gold Trophy.

By following these guidelines and putting in the practice, you'll soon have the full roster of Mario Kart DS characters at your disposal, ready to tackle any race!