Before trying out Mirror Mode, players want to know how to unlock all characters in Mario Kart World. The popular Nintendo Switch 2 game is packed with racers, but not everyone is available from the start. There are two types of unlockable characters: Main Characters and NPCs. Main Characters are well-known faces, while NPCs are more like fun extras with lower stats.
Here is everything you need to know on how to unlock all characters in Mario Kart World. In the words of Mario, Let’s-a-go!
How to Unlock All Characters in Mario Kart World
Most main characters are unlocked by finishing Grand Prix tournaments. You don’t need to win—just complete all four races in the cup. Here’s how to unlock all characters in Mario Kart World via the Grand Prix:
| Main Character | How To Unlock | Required Grand Prix Races |
|---|---|---|
| Donkey Kong | Complete the Mushroom Cup Grand Prix (any placement) | Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Whistlestop Summit, DK Spaceport |
| Daisy | Complete the Flower Cup Grand Prix (any placement) | Desert Hills, Shy Guy Bazaar, Wario Stadium, Airship Fortress |
| Rosalina | Complete the Star Cup Grand Prix (any placement) | DK Pass, Starview Peak, Sky-High Sundae, Wario Shipyard |
| Lakitu | Complete the Shell Cup Grand Prix (any placement) | Koopa Troopa Beach, Faraway Oasis, Crown City, Peach Stadium |
| Birdo | Complete the Banana Cup Grand Prix (any placement) | Peach Beach, Salty Salty Speedway, Dino Dino Jungle, Great ? Block Ruins |
| King Boo | Complete the Leaf Cup Grand Prix (any placement) | Cheep Cheep Falls, Dandelion Depths, Boo Cinema, Dry Bones Burnout |
| Bowser Jr. | Complete the Lightning Cup Grand Prix (any placement) | Moo Moo Meadows, Choco Mountain, Toad’s Factory, Bowser’s Castle |
How to Unlock NPC Characters
NPCs are unlocked in a different way. You need to be transformed into them by the Kamek’s Transformational Power item during a race. This item is random and usually given to players who are behind. When you get turned into an NPC, you unlock that character for all modes. Here’s a table for all NPCs:
| NPC Character | How To Unlock |
|---|---|
| Cataquack | Transform into Cataquack through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
| Chargin’ Chuck | Transform into Chargin’ Chuck through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
| Coin Coffer | Transform into Coin Coffer through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
| Conkodor | Transform into Conkodor through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
| Dolphin | Transform into Dolphin through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
| Fish Bone | Transform into Fish Bone through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
| Peepa | Transform into Peepa through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
| Pianta | Transform into Pianta through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
| Rocky Wrench | Transform into Rocky Wrench through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
| Spike | Transform into Spike through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
| Swoop | Transform into Swoop through Kamek’s Transformational Power item |
And that’s all you need to know about how to unlock all characters in Mario Kart World. For more Mario Kart World content, stay tuned to RetroNoob.
