Mario Kart 8 Switch Characters

Welcome to our article on Mario Kart 8 Switch characters! If you’re a fan of Mario Kart 8 and looking to improve your gameplay, you’re in the right place. Here at Gameryard.org, we’re passionate about all things gaming, and we’re excited to share our knowledge and insights with you. Whether you’re a seasoned Mario Kart player or new to the game, we’ve got you covered with tips, strategies, and information on all the characters available in the game.

The Ultimate Guide to Mario Kart 8 Switch Characters: Unlockables, Stats, and Strategies”

Mario Kart has been a beloved racing game franchise for many years. With the release of Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo Switch, players have access to an extensive roster of characters, each with their unique stats and abilities. In this guide, we will explore the various characters available in Mario Kart 8 Switch and provide tips and tricks for unlocking them, understanding their stats, and using them effectively in races.

Unlocking Characters in Mario Kart 8 Switch

Mario Kart 8 Switch features a total of 42 characters, including some old favorites from previous installments and several new additions. Here are some ways to unlock them:

1. Complete Grand Prix Cups: By completing various Grand Prix cups, you can unlock different characters, including Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. Each cup consists of four races, and you will need to finish in the top three positions in each race to earn points and unlock new cups.
2. Beat Time Trials: If you manage to beat certain Time Trial challenges, you can unlock characters like Daisy, Baby Daisy, and Waluigi. Time Trials require you to complete a track as fast as possible, and the better your time, the higher your ranking and chances of unlocking a new character.
3. Use amiibo: Players can use amiibo figures to unlock characters like Bowser Jr., Wario, and Donkey Kong. Simply tap the amiibo on your Switch controller to unlock the character, and you can use the amiibo again to get a new in-game item.
4. Play Online: By playing online with other players, you can unlock additional characters like Rosalina and Metal Mario. You will need to accumulate a certain number of points by winning races online to unlock these characters.

Understanding Character Stats in Mario Kart 8 Switch

Each character in Mario Kart 8 Switch has unique stats that affect their performance on the race track. Understanding these stats can help you choose the best character for your playstyle. Here are the different stats to consider:

1. Speed: The speed stat determines how fast your character can go on the track. Characters with high speed stats can quickly cover long stretches of track, but they may struggle in tight turns or narrow paths.
2. Acceleration: Acceleration refers to how quickly your character can reach their top speed. Characters with high acceleration stats can recover quickly after getting hit by an item or losing momentum.
3. Weight: A character’s weight determines how much they can push other racers and how much they are affected by other racers’ attacks. Heavy characters like Bowser or Donkey Kong can easily push others out of the way, but they may struggle to avoid obstacles or recover from hits.
4. Handling: Handling determines how well your character can take turns and navigate the track. Characters with high handling stats can easily maneuver through narrow paths and take sharp turns, but they may not be as fast as characters with high speed stats.
5. Traction: Traction refers to how well your character can maintain grip on the track, especially when drifting. Characters with high traction stats can maintain control even on slippery surfaces, but they may not be as fast as characters with high speed stats.
6. Mini-Turbo: Mini-Turbo refers to the boost you get from successfully drifting around turns. Characters with high mini-turbo stats can quickly build up their boost and gain a significant speed advantage, especially on tracks with many turns.

Tips and Strategies for Using Characters in Mario Kart 8

Now that you have a better understanding of how to unlock characters and their unique stats, it’s time to explore some tips and strategies for using them effectively in races.

1. Experiment with Different Characters: Don’t stick with just one character in Mario Kart 8 Switch. Try different characters with different stats and abilities to see which ones work best for you. Some characters may work better on certain tracks, while others may be better suited for specific game modes.
2. Use Characters to Counter Opponents: Pay attention to the characters your opponents are using and choose a character with stats that can counter them. For example, if you are playing against a lot of heavy characters, choose a character with high acceleration and handling to dodge their attacks and quickly recover from hits.
3. Consider the Course: Each track in Mario Kart 8 Switch has unique features and challenges. Consider the course and choose a character with stats that can handle the track’s terrain and obstacles. For example, if the track has a lot of tight turns, choose a character with high handling to navigate the turns quickly.
4. Use Items Wisely: Items can be game-changers in Mario Kart 8 Switch. Use them wisely to gain an advantage over your opponents. For example, if you are in first place, hold onto defensive items like bananas and shells to protect yourself from attacks from behind. If you are in last place, use offensive items like lightning bolts and blue shells to catch up with the pack.
5. Practice Drifting: Drifting is an essential technique in Mario Kart 8 Switch. It allows you to take turns quickly and build up your mini-turbo boost. Practice drifting in different situations to master the technique and gain an advantage over your opponents.
6. Choose Characters Based on Game Mode: Mario Kart 8 Switch offers a variety of game modes, each with its unique challenges. Consider the game mode you are playing and choose a character with stats that can excel in that mode. For example, if you are playing Battle Mode, choose a character with high defense and speed to navigate the arena and capture the flag.
7. Use Character Combos: In addition to choosing individual characters, you can also choose character combos, which are a combination of a driver and a vehicle. Each combo has its unique stats and abilities, which can give you an advantage on the track. Experiment with different combos to see which ones work best for your playstyle.
8. Use Time Trials to Test Characters: Time Trials is a game mode that allows you to race against the clock and test your skills on a specific track. Use Time Trials to test different characters and combos to see which ones can help you achieve the best time. This is an excellent way to practice and improve your racing skills.
9. Pay Attention to Weight Class: Characters in Mario Kart 8 Switch are divided into three weight classes: light, medium, and heavy. Each weight class has its unique strengths and weaknesses, which can affect your performance on the track. For example, light characters have high acceleration and handling but low top speed, while heavy characters have high top speed but low acceleration and handling. Choose a weight class that fits your playstyle and the track you are racing on.
10. Have Fun and Experiment: Ultimately, Mario Kart 8 Switch is a game that is meant to be fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different characters and combos to see what works best for you. Try new strategies and techniques to improve your racing skills and have fun while doing it.

Conclusion:

Mario Kart 8 Switch offers an extensive roster of characters with unique stats and abilities. By understanding how to unlock characters, their stats, and how to use them effectively, you can become a skilled Mario Kart player and dominate the competition. Remember to experiment with different characters, consider the course, use items wisely, and practice drifting to gain an edge on the track. Have fun and happy racing!

We hope you found this article helpful in improving your Mario Kart 8 Switch gameplay with characters. Remember to experiment with different characters and combos, pay attention to the track and game mode, and use items wisely to gain an edge on the competition. And don’t forget to check out Gameryard.org for more gaming news and reviews!