Categories Game Guides

How to Unlock Characters in Mario Kart World

Unlocking characters in Mario Kart World revolves around two methods:

  • Completing specific Grand Prix Cups
  • Encountering the Kamek item during races

While some unlocks are predictable, others depend on luck and persistence.

Grand Prix Cup Unlocks

This method guarantees character unlocks if you:

  • Play in Grand Prix mode (not Free Roam or Knockout)
  • Complete the required cup—no need to win first place

Check your progress by confirming you’re in the correct game mode if a character doesn’t unlock immediately.

Kamek Item Transformations

This method is random and happens only if:

  • Kamek appears in a race and transforms you into a new character
  • You’re not the one using the Kamek item

There’s no way to force Kamek to appear—just keep racing and hope for the best.

Confirmed Kamek Unlocks

  • Spike
  • Conkdor
  • Dolphin
  • Coin Coffer
  • Rocky Wrench
  • Pianta
  • Chargin’ Chuck
  • Cataquack

FAQ

Q: Do I need to win the cup to unlock the character?

No, just finish the Grand Prix version of the cup.

Q: What if I used Kamek but didn’t unlock anyone?

You have to be the one transformed by Kamek, not the one casting it.

Q: Can characters be unlocked in Free Roam?

No. You need to be in Grand Prix races for cup unlocks and standard races for Kamek unlocks.

Q: Can you unlock every racer through cups?

No, some are Kamek-only. The rest are tied to specific Grand Prix cups.

Q: Is there a way to increase the chance of Kamek showing up?

Not right now. It seems to be random across normal races.