Mario Kart 8 Unlockables
Everyone plays Mario Kart games a little differently, and there are lots of different characters and kart parts to accommodate just about any play style (some would say almost too many). Maybe you prefer strong, off-roader karts that can take turns well, or maybe you prefer a slick ride that slides across the track with low friction. Of course, in the face of a blue shell, it can feel like your build doesn’t matter that much, but even that’s something to consider when building your ideal machine/driver combo. While there isn’t necessarily a “best” combo, here are a few thoughts on putting together the best Mario Kart 8 character, kart, and wheels combinations.
The performance of a kart in Mario Kart 8 is determined by five stats, each of which are subtly shifted and adjusted by your chosen character, your kart body, and your wheels. Oh, and gliders, I guess, but not to any substantial degree, so those aren’t really worth worrying about. Anyway, the five stats are:
Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and play anytime, any-where! Race your friends or battle them in a revised battle mode on new and returning battle courses. Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return. Mario Kart 8 is a kart racing game and the eighth major installment in the Mario Kart series, developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. Like other games in the series, in Mario Kart 8, players control characters from the Mario franchise and participate in kart racing on various race tracks, using items to hinder opponents or gain advantages. Mario Kart 8 is the perfect Mario Kart game. It is stacked with tracks, characters, and kart options. It controls like a dream, it looks great and no matter if you are playing in single or multiplayer you are going to be having a great time. This really is a game that every Nintendo owner needs to have. Pros: Tons of tracks; Large character roster.
- Speed: How fast your kart is capable of going overall.
- Acceleration: How quickly your kart can get up to its top speed.
- Weight: How much crashes and impacts knock you around.
- Handling: How much control you have over steering and drifting.
- Traction: How well your kart handles bumpy, uneven terrain.
There are also some “hidden” stats, such as how well your kart drives underwater or handles while gliding, but those are circumstantial to particular tracks, so again, they’re not worth putting a lot of thought into.
Best Mario Kart 8 Combination
Your ideal kart build will rely heavily on how you personally prefer to play the game. I, for instance, prefer a kart that can accelerate quickly and handle well while drifting in order to efficiently chain mini-turbos. Combined with a medium to large-build character for some extra speed, and you get a pretty well-balanced machine. Here’s an example of an acceleration/drifting build:
Mario Kart 8 Menu
- Character: Rosalina, Link, or King Boo
- Body: City Tripper, Biddybuggy, Mr. Scooty, or Varmint
- Wheels: Roller or Azure Roller
But maybe drifting isn’t really your bag, maybe you’re all about that raw, straight-line speed. If you’re good at cornering on your own without the kart’s help, you put together some really mean builds that scream down the track like a comet. Just remember that high speed and weight are often mutually exclusive with good acceleration and turning. Here’s an example of a high-speed build:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Character: Wario, Bowser, or Morton
- Body: Blue Falcon, Sneeker, or Prancer
- Wheels: Slick or Cyber Slick