Mario Kart World Character Unlock Guide (Switch 2) – Wondering how to unlock every racer in the biggest Mario Kart yet? This guide breaks down all 50 characters confirmed for Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2, including new obstacle racers, unlock conditions, and strategy tips.
Above: The Mario Kart World cast features 50 playable characters, with classic racers and unexpected unlocks.
🎮 Suggested Reading
🏁 Main Mario Kart World Characters (Available from Start)
These 24 racers are available from the beginning. They can unlock special outfits at Yoshi food stalls across various tracks:
- Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Toad, Yoshi, Daisy, Rosalina
- Wario, Waluigi, Toadette, Pauline, Bowser Jr., Koopa, Shy Guy, Lakitu
- Birdo, King Boo, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, Baby Rosalina
🎭 How to Unlock Obstacle Characters in Mario Kart World
There are 26 obstacle characters that begin as environmental hazards. If you’re hit by Kamek’s spell during a race, you may temporarily transform into one. If that racer isn’t unlocked yet, they’ll join your roster permanently after the race. These characters cannot access outfit bonuses:
- Goomba, Piranha Plant, Pianta, Spike, Moo Moo, Pokey, Flying Wiggler, Penguin, Crab
- Snowman, Nabbit, Snoozer, Dolphin, Swoop, Buzzy Beetle, Froggy, Cheep Cheep
- Condor, Thief Bunny, Hammer Bro, Thwomp, Monty Mole, Wiggler, Dry Bones
💡 Strategy Tips for Unlocking Characters
- Race near the front (2nd–3rd place) to increase your chances of being targeted by Kamek’s spell.
- Repeat races on tracks with high obstacle variety to cycle through potential transformations.
- Use characters with lower hitboxes (like Toad or Shy Guy) to avoid unintentional spell dodges.
- Costumes are only available for main characters, so unlock those early to maximize variety.
🔗 Related Guide: Want to race with voice and video chat? Read our GameChat setup guide for Nintendo Switch 2.
