Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the best games to play with family and friends. It would be hard to not have played this game with over 55 million units sold. Whether you are a casual player or die hard fan, it can be hard to choose the best kart combination for your favorite characters. Currently there are 49 characters to play (50 if you include the Mii) and each fall into a different weight class.
There are three different weight classes and each one has a subclass to it. The three main weight classes are light, medium and heavy. The subclasses are very light, medium heavy, and very heavy. Some characters also share the same stats as each other so they share the best kart combination. With a plethora of kart combinations choosing it can be confusing to choose the right one. In this guide we will be going over the best kart combination for every medium weight character.
As of March, 2024, this guide also includes the characters introduces on Wave 6, released on November, 2023. For Medium weight characters, the Wave added Peachette and Diddy Kong. Peachette shares the same stats as Peach and Diddy Kong shares stats with Inkling Girl, so they are each named in their respective sections and would benefit from the same kart configuration.
Make sure to check out our other guides for the best kart combinations in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for every weight class:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Best Kart Combination for Every Lightweight Character
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Best Kart Combination for Every Heavyweight Character
Medium Weight Characters
Medium weight characters are the “standard” characters. Their stats are often evenly distributed making them a jack of all trades play style. Although they do not have the highest stats in any category, they also do not have the worst. Players will not have to worry about them falling behind. Medium Weight characters are perfect for beginners who are still getting used to the game. Because their stats are so evenly distributed, this makes medium weight characters excellent for experimentation. Players can see what kart and wheel combinations compliment each other and use that with different characters.
Cat Peach, Inkling Girl, Villager Girl. Diddy Kong
Speed: 3.5
Acceleration: 4
Weight: 2.75
Handling: 4
Traction: 3.75
Miniturbo: 3.75
Cat Peach Kart Combination
Cat Peach, Inkling Girl, and Villager Girl all made their first appearance in Mario Kart 8. All three of these characters are the lightest in the medium weight class. The rest of their stats are otherwise evenly distributed with their highest being in acceleration. The best kart combination for Cat Peach, Inkling Girl, and Villager Girl is the Splat Buggy paired with the Retro Off-Road and the Paper Glider. This setup leans into evenly distributed stats. The kart has excellent speed and acceleration due to their lighter weight. The handling and traction are also perfect for taking those corners thanks to the Retro Off-Road.
Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Birdo, Peachette
Speed: 3.75
Acceleration: 3.75
Weight: 3
Handling: 3.75
Traction: 3.75
Miniturbo: 3.75
Yoshi Kart Combination
Princess Peach and Yoshi made their first appearance in Super Mario Kart. Princess Daisy and Birdo made their first appearance in Mario Kart: Double Dash. These are some of the most balanced characters in the game. The only stat that is not the same is their weight. The best kart combination for Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and Birdo is the Standard Bike paired with the Retro Off-Road, and the Paper Glider. This setup has excellent traction which is perfect for drifting around tight corners. This setup also has good minturbos that take advantage of its traction. The acceleration and speed are also great where players can achieve their top speed right away.
Tanooki Mario, Inkling boy, Villager Boy
Speed: 3.75
Acceleration: 3.75
Weight: 3.25
Handling: 3.75
Traction: 3.25
Miniturbo: 3.75
Inkling Boy Kart Combination
Tanooki Mario, Inkling Girl, and Villager Boy all made their first appearance in Mario Kart 8. These characters’ stats are distributed almost perfectly even. Because of this, players can fit them into almost any setup and would be manageable. However, we will be leaning into their even distribution. The best kart combination for Tanooki Mario, Inkling Girl, and Villager Boy is the Pipe Frame paired with the Off-Road, and the Cloud Glider. This is one of the best balanced karts in the game. It has great acceleration and speed and enough handling and traction to complement those stats.
Medium Heavy Weight
Medium heavy weight characters like medium weight characters are well rounded. They also have evenly distributed stats. However, where there is a difference is in their higher stats in weight and speed. Even though this is the case no one stat outshines the other. Medium heavy weight characters are also perfect for new players. As said previously, medium heavy weight characters are perfect for experimentation. Medium heavy characters have a higher top speed so players can experiment with faster karts if they so choose.
Luigi, Iggy, Kamek
Speed: 4
Acceleration: 3.5
Weight: 3.5
Handling: 3.75
Traction: 3.25
Miniturbo: 3.5
Luigi Kart Combination
Luigi made his first appearance in Super Mario Kart. Iggy made his first appearance in Mario Kart 8. Kamek made his first appearance in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 5 DLC. However, Kamek was originally planned to be a playable character in Mario Kart 64. Their stats are evenly distributed with handling having a slight lead above the rest. The best kart combination for Luigi, Iggy, and Kamek is Pipe Frame paired with the Slim Tire and Cloud Glider. This setup does not have the fastest speed however the acceleration more than makes up for it. The kart also has a decent mini turbo that takes advantage of since there is also good handling and traction.
Mario, Ludwig
Speed: 4
Acceleration: 3.5
Weight: 3.5
Handling: 3.5
Traction: 3.5
Miniturbo: 3.25
Mario Kart Combination
Mario of course made his first appearance in Super Mario Kart. Ludwig made his first appearance in Mario Kart 8. Mario, and by stat association Ludwig, is the standard character in the game. Because of this players can use any combination and it could be viable. The best kart combination for Mario and Ludwig is the P-Wing paired with the Retro Off-Road and the Cloud Glider. Since their stats are so well balanced we can focus on speed more than we could with other characters. However, handling takes a hit, the weight complements the speed that was added. The Retro Off-Road also adds some needed traction so we do not lose control with the speed.
Matthew
WHERE IS THE MII SECTION I NEED TO N
KNOW THE MII COMBONATION