Mario Kart World: How to Unlock Rainbow Road & All Characters

Mario Kart fans, rejoice! A fresh new installment of the beloved racing series, Mario Kart World, is here, and it’s packed with exciting courses, new drivers, and features that will make your racing experience better than ever. Whether you’re zooming through mountainous terrains or dodging obstacles in a bustling city, the new Mario Kart World offers an expansive and interconnected racing environment that elevates the gameplay.

But amidst the endless challenges and stunning vistas, two major questions persist: How do you unlock Rainbow Road, and how can you access all the amazing characters? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking Rainbow Road and all characters in Mario Kart World—from Grand Prix modes to the elusive NPC drivers. Ready to race? Let’s hit the track!

Unlocking Rainbow Road in Mario Kart World

The Iconic Rainbow Road Returns

One of the most iconic tracks in the Mario Kart series, Rainbow Road, makes a spectacular return in Mario Kart World. This fan-favorite track has seen many renditions over the years, but this time around, it comes with a dazzling visual overhaul and challenging new features. But before you can race through this vibrant, twisty road, you'll need to unlock it—and we’re here to show you how.

How to Unlock Rainbow Road

Rainbow Road in Mario Kart World is a part of the Special Cup, which is hidden until you’ve completed all seven main cups in the Grand Prix mode. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Complete All Seven Grand Prix Cups

The Grand Prix mode is at the heart of Mario Kart World's progression system. Upon selecting Grand Prix mode, you'll see seven different cups—Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup, Shell Cup, Banana Cup, Leaf Cup, and Lightning Cup.

To unlock the Special Cup (which contains the Rainbow Road track), you must complete each of these seven cups. It doesn't matter which placement you achieve in these races, as long as you finish them. That means you can place 1st, 5th, or even 22nd—just make sure to complete all races in every cup.

2. No Need to Worry About CC or Rank

One of the best things about unlocking Rainbow Road is that you don’t need to finish in 1st place or even race on a specific CC (Cubic Centimeters) difficulty. The key requirement is simply to finish each cup. We’ve tested this out ourselves, and whether you end up on the podium or at the back of the pack, you will unlock the Special Cup, and with it, Rainbow Road.

3. Triggering the Special Cup

After completing all seven cups in Grand Prix mode, a cutscene will trigger, unveiling the Special Cup. This is where you’ll finally get to race on Rainbow Road. This stunning iteration of the track is full of color, twists, and unexpected challenges, so be ready for a high-stakes, heart-pounding ride!

What Makes Rainbow Road Special?

Rainbow Road isn’t just about the visual appeal. The track itself is an adrenaline-fueled challenge that tests your racing skills to the max. With no guardrails, sharp turns, and a series of obstacles that change based on the environment, Rainbow Road will require all your skills and reflexes to navigate. From jumping across gaps to racing through narrow segments, mastering this track is a true accomplishment.

Mario Kart World - How to Unlock Rainbow Road (Special Cup):

How to Unlock All Characters in Mario Kart World

Now that you’ve unlocked Rainbow Road, let’s dive into unlocking the characters. Mario Kart World boasts a roster of 50 drivers, including both main characters from the Mario universe and various NPC racers. Whether you’re a fan of Mario, Peach, Bowser, or you’re interested in unlocking some of the wacky NPC creatures, there’s plenty to discover.

Unlockable Characters

In Mario Kart World, you start with access to 17 main characters and 15 NPC drivers. That leaves 18 more characters for you to unlock through gameplay. These include fan favorites like Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina, Lakitu, Birdo, and even some more obscure racers like King Boo and Bowser Jr.

Main Characters

To unlock all the main characters, here’s what you need to do:

1. Complete Grand Prix Cups

- Just like unlocking Rainbow Road, unlocking main characters is tied to completing Grand Prix Cups. After finishing the four courses in each cup, you'll unlock a specific character related to that cup.

- For example, completing the Star Cup might unlock Rosalina, while the Lightning Cup could unlock the electric-themed Toadette.

2. No Ranking Requirements

Again, Mario Kart World doesn’t penalize you for your placement. You can rank anywhere from 1st to last, and as long as you finish each race in the cup, you will unlock the corresponding character.

NPC Drivers and Creatures

Unlocking the NPC drivers and creatures (such as the Goomba, Wiggler, or Penguin) is a bit trickier than unlocking the main characters. Here’s how you can unlock them:

The Kamek Item

NPC drivers can be unlocked by using the Kamek Item, a random item that can be found in ? Item Blocks scattered across the track. But here’s the catch: the Kamek Item doesn’t directly unlock an NPC driver for you. Instead, when used, the Kamek Item transforms a nearby racer into an NPC character.

The Random Nature of Kamek's Transformation

It’s important to note that receiving a Kamek Item doesn’t guarantee an NPC character transformation for you. In fact, Kamek only transforms the players who are ahead of the user of the item. So, while you might use Kamek and expect to become a new character, it’s the racers ahead of you who get transformed.

NPCs Are Region-Specific

Some NPC characters are more likely to appear in certain regions of the game. For example, if you’re racing on Koopa Troopa Beach, you might be more likely to transform into the Dolphin NPC. If you’re racing through Dandelion Depths, expect more chances to become a Swoop.

Permanently Unlock NPCs

Once a racer is transformed into an NPC, they can be unlocked permanently. Keep using the Kamek Item until you get the transformation, and you’ll be able to race as that NPC in future races. Keep in mind that the transformation is random, so patience and a bit of luck are key.

Unlocking the Secret Characters

Some characters in Mario Kart World can only be unlocked by completing specific in-game tasks, like collecting special items or finishing certain time trials. These hidden characters may require additional challenges or tasks, such as completing a set number of time trials with a specific character or finishing a race under a certain time. They can’t be unlocked through typical Grand Prix or Kamek transformations alone, so be on the lookout for those extra challenges!

Tips for Racing and Character Unlocking

Play with Friends: Racing with friends not only adds fun but also gives you more chances to unlock characters through multiplayer races. You’ll be able to use the Kamek Item more frequently, as more racers on the track means more potential transformations.

Master the Time Trials: Time Trials offer a great opportunity to unlock secret characters and improve your racing skills. Plus, beating your own personal best will give you a sense of accomplishment!

Stay Persistent with Kamek: Since NPC transformations are random, it can take some time to unlock all the NPC drivers. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a while—keep racing, and eventually, you'll unlock all the cool characters.

How to Unlock All Costumes, Characters, & Karts in Mario Kart World:

Final Thoughts

Mario Kart World brings a fresh twist to the beloved series with its interconnected racing world, stunning visuals, and a huge roster of characters. Unlocking Rainbow Road and all the characters adds an exciting layer of depth to the game, and with these tips, you’ll be zooming through new tracks and conquering new challenges in no time.

Whether you're racing solo or with friends, Mario Kart World promises hours of fun and adventure. Keep racing, keep unlocking, and most importantly, enjoy the ride!