How to get the most elusive character in the game.
Golden Mario in Mario Kart 8 is a new character added to the Switch version of the game.
While there are still plenty of other unlockables when it comes to kart parts, when it comes to characters, all the others are available from the start – aside from that elusive golden skin.
Unlocking Gold Mario requires one of Mario Kart 8’s toughest challenges – and if you want a full game Gold kart parts together, then there is more to accomplish.
If you need more help with other parts of the game, check out our Mario Kart 8 guide, tips and tricks page.
How to Unlock Gold Mario in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
To unlock Gold Mario – which is a skin replacement for Metal Mario – you need to come first in all Grand Prix cups at 200cc, the fastest speed and also the hardest difficulty in the game.
To clarify, you just need to place first overall – not win every course in this cup, or get three stars – in order to unlock Gold Mario.
Even with those slightly lenient requirements, 200cc is very tough. Most courses are not designed with such high speed in mind, requiring heavy use of the brake while keeping aggressive competitors at bay.
It’s worth working each cut in order to learn each track and adopt good Grand Prix strategies, and have plenty of luck and patience on your side. Good luck!
How to Unlock Gold Standard, Gold Wheels, and Gold Glider Kart Parts
In addition to Gold Mario, there are three Gold parts that you unlock by playing, whether on Wii U or Switch:
- Kart Gold Standard: Win all cups with a single star in 150cc and mirror mode in Grand Prix.
- Golden tires: Defeat all staff ghosts in 150cc time trial mode.
- Gold glider: Collect 5,000 coins in total (or 10,000 coins in Mario Kart 8 on Wii U).
You don’t need to have Gold Mario unlocked to unlock the above – so feel free to work through any of the challenges above in an order that works for you.
Once done, you will be the envy of everyone online. Good luck!
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