20 Best Mario Kart 8 Racer & Kart Combinations

Over the years, there have been many variations on which Mario Kart 8 Deluxe racer and kart combinations have been the best, particularly with the changes that the Booster Course Pack DLCs added to the game.

The final stat adjustment came with Wave 6 of these DLCs, and although the original meta has not disappeared completely, things did change substantially. Many of the characters share the same overall stats, while the karts and attachments remain fairly limited.

However, the gap between the best and worst combinations is not as wide as it once was on the Mario Kart 8 city tracks. This means skilled players can still win first place with a build that isn’t necessarily top-tier in terms of stats. When we take into account some of the newer meta builds to give that extra boost, we have better odds no matter what level of skill we are at, but remember that even these combinations don’t guarantee a win.

Iggy & Inkstriker Make A Cool Combo

Used With Roller Wheels & Paper Glider

Iggy is probably one of the least common options when selecting a racer, but he’s been made more useful since the game’s original release. Pairing Iggy with the Inkstriker creates a combination that can become a nightmare for opponents.

With the Rollers’ additional stat increase and the mini-turbo boost, Iggy has no trouble going from last to first on any Mario Kart 8 Deluxe track.

This combination is a great choice for some of us who get up close and personal with obstacles in races, as it allows for an easier time re-adjusting after a wipeout.

Dry Bowser & Circuit Special Has High Speed

Used With Cyber Slick & Wario Wing

Although Dry Bowser and Circuit Special look awesome together, you lose a lot on Handling and Acceleration with this build. However, what this setup does have going for it is that it is actually the fastest combination in the game, with a Speed bar that is nearly all the way full.

You will do best with this combination on maps that have straighter racing lines and fewer technical tricks to pay off. If you create enough distance by simply driving faster, you can win even if you get hit with a shell because other racers cannot make up the distance.

King Boo & Cat Cruiser Are Spooky Fun

Used With Roller Wheels & Standard Glider

King Boo might be a solid choice, but the Cat Cruiser is where the heart of this build lies. The Cat Cruiser has quickly risen to the top of the list as one of the best kart options in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Not only does this build have the speed and acceleration to achieve an easy win, but the traction and handling shine.

For players who have a hard time with sharp turns and navigating their way around maps, this build is perfect. Turns that would normally have King Boo ramming into the sidelines feel almost seamless with the combination of the Cat Cruiser and Roller Wheels.

Rosalina & Teddy Buggy Are Cute And Quick

Used With Roller Wheels & Paper Glider

Many of us know that Rosalina and her Teddy Kart topped the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe meta at one point. The build was severely broken in the Wave 4 update, and although it is no longer considered the meta—at least Rosalina isn’t—it’s still a solid option that can get the job done.

Whether inexperienced or seasoned, this kart setup can help secure a win with its massive acceleration and mini-turbo boost, even on difficult Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks like Rainbow Road. On top of that, its balanced weight and traction make it easy to control—something that can’t be said for many of the light, speedy combos in the game.

Inkling Boy & Mr. Scooty May Look Innocent, But Don’t Be Fooled

Used With Roller Wheels & Parachute

This combination incorporates the idea that the Weight Stat matters. Several different drivers could give the same stats, but in this case, Inkling Boy was chosen because he has a slightly better Water Speed than some of the other options.

Mainly, the idea is that the Weight Stat increasing from 4 to 5 does make a fairly big difference, as characters will go from 30 to 45 in Mass Drift. The difference between Inkling and Yoshi on the same bike is that Yoshi will have slightly more traction, while Inkling Boy makes up for it in Weight and has an increased Water Speed.

Luigi & Streetle Make A Determinedly Adorable Build

Used With Roller Wheels & Parachute

Luigi is one of the best racers in the game in terms of overall stats. While not too bulky, Luigi can maintain a decent weight with good handling and traction. This also means that he has a pretty fair speed and acceleration balance.

The Rollers also give a small boost that adds to this Kart’s benefits.

This build may not be the top-tier option, but it’s a viable option for seasoned players looking to test their skills with something that doesn’t offer an easy win but keeps it within reach.

Diddy Kong & Inkstriker Looks Like A Natural Pair

Used With Roller Wheels & Peach Parasol

Diddy Kong and Inkstriker may not be the popular choice, but he does edge Rosalina and the Teddy Bear out with the boost to his Mini-Turbo stat. He has a little less speed than the top competitive choices but is very close to the same Mini-Turbo boost. That trade-off matters a lot, as that is the stat that matters the most in this game.

It is simply a good build that feels better and faster than the previous Rosalina combination. He may rest at the low end of competitive play, but pulling him out for a more casual game against friends might be your ticket to victory.

Funky Kong & Mr. Scooty Looks Hilarious While Winning

Used With Roller Wheels & Cloud Glider

Many of us were delighted to see Funky Kong return to Mario Kart in Wave 6. Unfortunately, he didn’t come with great stats and is comparable to Wario in terms of his base character stats. That being said, he isn’t completely unusable, either.

For those looking to play Funky Kong, pairing him with Mr. Scooty, Rollers, and the Cloud Glider is a great way to make up for some of his inferior stats. However, Teddy Buggy with the same attachments is also a good option for this character for those who aren’t tired of that Kart.

Pauline & Mr. Scooty To Change Up Drivers

Used With Roller Wheels & Cloud Glider

Pauline was added as a new character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in Wave 6. She’s another viable choice for going against some of the meta builds. While she technically could be paired with the Teddy Buggy for a better balance of stats, Mr. Scooty ensures better handling for tighter turns in 200cc races.

Pairing Pauline with Mr. Scooty means we only miss out on a slight mini-turbo disadvantage compared to the meta. For those who have more overall skill, this is likely to go unnoticed. This combination is an excellent option for racers looking for something unique with great stats.

Kamek & Teddy Buggy Could Be Mistaken For A Kid In Dress-Up

Used With Roller Wheels & Paper Glider

Making his debut in the Wave 5 update of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Kamek has made a strong first impression by being part of the previous and current meta. Though he isn’t necessarily the best racer in the game, Kamek is a solid choice.

Even though he may require a sacrifice in mini-turbo stats, he makes up for it with an equal increase in overall speed.

Not every player wants to be confined to the often-overplayed meta characters, so this is a great alternative that still holds a fair shot at pulling out the win in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.