Best Mario Kart 8 Setup & Combos Ranked in 2023

With constant upgrades, players with amazing skills can now win with the weakest and best Mario Kart 8 Setup & builds. Since its introduction into the video gaming industry –particularly into the Mario franchise over two decades ago, the Mario Kart series has been phenomenal. 

From the speedy to slow builds, the sophistication and excitement level is increasing. Thus, skilled gamers aren’t worried any longer because each Mario Kart 8 build engine makes up for its lack with other great stats and features.  

Today, the supposedly weak and worst combinations can dare pull a stunt and surprise, resulting in consistent wins, against even the best guys in the series. Why? The feature gap between the old guards and the new ones isn’t as wide as it used to be. As a matter of fact, some new meta builds can outsmart the best on the market and guarantee players a consistent first-place rating.  

To help streamline your search for the top best builds in Mario Kart 8, we’ve come up with the most comprehensive list. Starting from the good to the best, our review features the 10 best Mario Kart 8 builds ever.  

Our 10 Best Mario Kart 8 Combination Picks

• Iggy, Inkstriker, Rollers, & Paper Glider
• Rosalina, Teddy Buggy, Rollers, & Paper Glider
• Luigi, Mach 8, Rollers, & Parachute
• Morton, Circuit Special, Slick Tires & Plane Glider
• Baby Daisy, Biddybuggy, Azure Roller Tires, & Paper Glider 
• Wario, Mercedes GLA, Gold Tires & Wario Wing
• Bowser, Landship, Azure Roller Tires & Hylian Kite
• Link, Mr Scooty, Rollers, & Paper Glider
• Rosalina, P-Wing, Cyber Slick Tires, & Bowser Kite
• Dry Bones, Biddybuggy, Azure Rollers, & Paper Glider

10. Iggy, Inkstriker, Rollers, & Paper Glider

Iggy is one of the members of the dastardly Koopalings. Although often regarded as ‘rarely picked’ and ‘less common’ among top racers, Iggy has come to cancel the age-long stereotype. 

This Mario Kart is combined with Inkstriker to give opponents a run for their money. The pair boasts extra mini turbo boost, stat, and features, making it a best-build Mario Kart 8 deluxe 2023. If you’re motivated by the instinct to face and overcome obstacles, the Iggy-Inkstriker combo is your best pick. This build is designed for easy re-modifications after a wipeout. 

What’s more, this build is an amazing glider popular for keeping your Kart’s weight down. With the weight down, you have the freedom to go at a top speed on any track. Have you heard of the famous MKTV parafoil? Iggy delivers under the same if not more severe conditions. 

Highlighted features

• Keeps weight down for balance
• Effective under severe and difficult tracts
• Offers extra mini-turbo
• Easy re-adjustment after wipeout

9. Rosalina, Teddy Buggy, Rollers, & Paper Glider

Rosalina combines with Teddy Buggy to give you a sense of what the best Mario Kart 8 cart build should look like. Its #9 position doesn’t mean it’s far outside the top 3. In fact, this is the best Mario Kart 8 deluxe setup suitable for rookies and veterans alike. 

The standout features of Rosalina and her comfy Teddy kart are acceleration and the kart’s additional mini-turbo boost. This kart combines acceleration with slow spread to make sure that even the most inexperienced racers come first when racing with the seasoned. 

Not too surprisingly, the Rosalina-Teddy Buggy combo doesn’t respect any track, including the notorious Rainbow Road. Our review also reveals that the build’s balanced weight combines fairly with quality traction to make maneuvering seamless for even the most inexpert player. The icing on the cake is that you can come first in a race against big players with your expertly built Rosalina.    

Highlighted features

• Combines acceleration with slow speed
• Guarantees quality traction, control, and handling
• Perfect for veterans and rookies
• Can race on any tracks

8. Luigi, Mach 8, Rollers, & Parachute

Just as we hailed the heroics of our dear Princess Rosalina-Teddy combo on the track, we fondly remember our Italian well-rounded master, Luigi. This build boasts several massive stats and features. First off, Luigi is sought-after due to its sizeable weight, a feature many mistakenly regard as lightweight.   

The considerable weight makes maneuvering easy while allowing players to maintain perfect traction and handling on the track. What that means is that Luigi has a quite fair balance of acceleration and speed. 

The combination of March 8 and Rollers means that this kart’s build will not be able to hit any insane speeds. Instead, the Rollers will help boost any top speed that March 8 wouldn’t have desired. In fact, Rollers are integrated to produce a small extra reinforcement to balance and neutralize any excesses caused by lack of speed on March 8. 

While Luigi may not your most sought-after combo on the market, it’s, however, is the best Mario Kart 8 builds Waluigi. 

Highlighted features

• Combines weight with excellent handling
• Capable of reaching any speed
• Highly viable for expert players
• Integrated with Rollers for balance

7. Morton, Circuit Special, Slick Tires & Plane Glider

Familiar with the notorious Japanese Bowser’s Minions also known as Koopa Kids in America, or simply Koopalings? They are the dangerous seven-member regular enemies of the Super Mario franchise. Morton is one of them and it’s ranked top alongside Bowser when it comes to weight. 

Morton is known for reaching insane speeds, making acceleration and traction second-order priority for this best-set Mario Kart 8. While it helps you navigate the most difficult track and conditions, Morton can sacrifice handling and control. 

The integration of Circuit Special and Slick Tires on this kart means that you must be skilled and experienced to handle this kart. What’s more, Morton reinforces the driver’s weight while maintaining a top speed. 

This kart is built with a Plane Glider to help add an extra boost to the weight to maintain balance and ensure relatively good traction. The truth is that you must be able to maintain a balance between weight, speed, and steep acceleration to handle this kart. 

Overall, the greatest strength of Morton is its speed and weight. 

Highlighted features

• Steep acceleration and traction cost
• Offers boost to the weight of the driver
• Perfect only for experienced drivers
• Excellent choice for great speed

6. Baby Daisy, Biddybuggy, Azure Roller Tires, & Paper Glider

Baby Daisy is another top build with the highest Mario Kart 8 rating. If you love Mario Kart with amazing traction, handling, and acceleration, this buddy comes in handy. Like Rosalina, Baby Daisy also prioritizes acceleration over speed. But unlike its counterpart, Baby Daisy doesn’t compromise speed. 

Players can choose Baby Daisy’s speed vehicle; others can opt for vehicles with quality handling and acceleration. This double-edged option offers a flexible advantage for players to go for their vehicle preference on the track. 

If you’re wondering whether Baby Daisy prefers acceleration to handle, wait until you realize that the kart is actually paired with a Biddybuggy vehicle. There and then, you come to know that handling is Daisy’s highest stat while the acceleration is runner-up.

Daisy’s Biddybuggy vehicle reinforces the acceleration stat of this kart. In addition, it provides a lift to the mini-turbo stat, ensuring a balance between handling, speed, and acceleration. 

Highlighted features

• Features counterintuitive outlook
• Prioritizes acceleration and handling
• Offers a balance between weight and speed
• Allows players to choose their stat preference

5. Wario, Mercedes GLA, Gold Tires & Wario Wing

Among the fastest best Kart Mario 8 is Wario and it belongs to the cruel clan of recurring enemies. The catch with this build is its capability to combine speed without adding extra weight. So, seasoned players can rest assured that they’re in a safe kart.   

The Mercedes trademark is nothing more than a strategy to sell and promote this combo to willing players. But it’s great leverage in that it boasts speed. The good thing is that you can be driving at top speed while maintaining an absolute calm and cool look all day. The kart is paired with Gold Tires to enhance stats, including traction, weight, speed, and handling.

The Wario Wing feature on the kart adds some small weight. This is the guy’s a great pick.

Highlighted features

• Highly-rated heavyweight Mario Kart 8
•  Boastshandy speed stat
• Perfect vehicle for skilled players
• Combines top speed with calm deportment 
• High acceleration cost

4. Bowser, Landship, Azure Roller Tires & Hylian Kite

Bowser is one of the members of the infamous Koopalings. Players choosing the Bowser Landship Mario Kart 8 can be sure of a rollercoaster speed stat that guarantees complete control over speed. This build is designed with high weight and speed stats. 

The Landship combo offers a credible reinforcement to provide overall traction to the build. In addition, the Landship vehicle also provides a boost to acceleration and the mini-turbo stat. 

The build also pairs with Azure Roller tires to enhance mini-turbo, traction, smooth handling, and perfect control. While most build with high-speed sacrifice traction and acceleration, Bowser Landship maintains relatively boosted acceleration. This is an advantage when you hit top speeds and need to maintain balance. 

Highlighted features

• Pretty high weight and speed
• Overall traction and handling
• Counteracts acceleration compromise
• High weight and boosted turbo

3. Link, Mr Scooty, Rollers, & Paper Glider

Link-Mr Scooty combination makes the list of the best Mario Kart 8 deluxe due to its exciting features. 

To start with, Link is a competition vehicle. That is why its combination with beloved Mr Scooty will provide a fantastic competitive build and edge for players.   

What’s more, Link offers the needed speed and quickness you can demand from a vehicle in the Mario Kart 8 series. It moves with the speed of light and this character doesn’t sacrifice acceleration.

 Topped off, this solid build features a higher weight that reinforces balance. The player will be able to maintain control and traction while on any track.  

It’s worth mentioning that this build is largely not considered an option for players who want something more than racing.

Highlighted features

• Can go at top speed
• Relatively sizeable weight
• Fast as the speed of light
• May not be suitable outside of racing

2. Rosalina, P-Wing, Cyber Slick Tires, & Bowser Kite

Occupying the number 3 position on our list is Rosalina, P-Wing. This is a Mario Kart 8 build deluxe 2023 that sacrifices acceleration for speed. Yet, it offers amazing traction and handling all day. Thanks to its new upgrade, Iggy comes with matchless stats and features.

 Even when players are a top speed, the kart doesn’t add excessive weight as it searches for balance.

Despite her little weight added by P-Wing, our intergalactic Rosalina will race on rarely-treaded tracks unperturbed. 

That’s not all. It doesn’t only counteract compromised acceleration, Rosalina also provides accelerated speed thanks to its Cyber Slick Tires.

Due to its viability, Rosalina has won the heart of many players and veterans intent on testing their expertise and skills on tracks. It features Bowser Kites that enhance mini-turbo capacities and acceleration. 

Overall, you won’t go wrong choosing this combo in the Mario Kart 8 deluxe track.

 Highlighted features

• Heavy enough against any competitor
• Highly ranked for weight 
• Combines weight and speed
• Quality traction and control

1. Dry Bones, Biddybuggy, Azure Rollers, & Paper Glider

The #1 kart on our list of the 10 best Kart Mario combinations is Dry Bones. Regarded as one of the best characters in the Mario franchise, Dry Bones combines with Biddybuggy to produce what appears less threatening from the surface.  

However, the combo comes with ultra-high acceleration that will deliver the first position against any opponent. It is pretty in doubt if the distance this build will cover can be bridged by any guy in the franchise. 

The Azzure Roller Tires installed on the vehicle help maintain moderate speed while creating equilibrium when you’re on a top with a weighty frame

The Paper Glider integrated into this build makes any catch-up from any opponent almost impossible. Due to its wide range of features and stats, especially amazing speed and acceleration, many players mistake Dry Bones for baby Daisy. 

Highlighted features

• Can be interchanged with Baby Daisy
• Features ultra-high acceleration
• Top Mario kart build and character
• High speed with moderate weight

How to be the Best at Mario Kart 8: Everything about the Basics

Whether you’re exploring Mario Kart 8 for the first time or you’ve been there for ages but need a refresher, there are tricks and tips to follow to be the best at Mario Kart 8. The objective of playing one of Wii U’s best games is to be in a pole position in a race. These essentials will help you learn how to be the best at Mario Kart 8.

• Smash into other players’ tracks. But never lose your blue anti-gravity zones. You need the gravity-defying wheels out to outpace your competitor
• Use your eight power-ups. But never allow your opponent to steal your invincibility star 
• To extend your speed boosts, you must learn how to fire hop. But do this only if you’re on the Wii U version, not on Switch.
• Master the drifting technique. That is, sustain and take advantage of the drifting systems for a certain period.  
• Don’t give up your first place in a race. Never throw away the green shell 
• Align yourself with the Mario Kart ahead of you by using the slipstream mechanic to be ahead.
• Master the shortcuts and use them to your advantage 
• Obtain as many coins as you can during the early stages of the race

FAQ

What is the best build for handling in Mario Kart 8?

While some opt for a pretty high speed (about 60 miles per hour) and a large displacement (up to 200cc), Baby Daisy is built for incredible handling and relative acceleration. Unlike other guys on our list, Baby Daisy is integrated with speed-regulating wheels, the Azure Roller Tires. Ultimately, the tires help reinforce the capabilities of the mini-turbo engine while slowing down speed for effective handling and quality maneuvering.    

Which is the fastest character in Mario Kart 8 Builds? 

Each character is built for a specific purpose. We also have all-purpose Mario Kart 8 characters. Notwithstanding, when it comes to speed, no other character does it better than Bowser. How? With a top speed of 4.75 boosted by Meta tires and circuit special kart, Wario has no match when it comes to a combo-built speed. However, Wario’s speed may come at the expense of handling, traction, and control.   

What is the slowest character in Mario Kart 8 Builds?

Baby Rosalina leads the pack when it comes to Mario Kart 8 character with the slowest speed. Maybe it’s true that slow and steady wins the race. Rosalina helps you balance speed with acceleration to ensure a smooth sail. 

A Wrap on the best Mario Kart 8 Setup & Combos

Picking the best Mario Kart 8 Setup & Combinations can be tricky given the wide array of options available. With our review, choosing from a speedy series of historic Mario multiplayer games the next time becomes a walk in the park. It’s a series designed for diehard and casual gamers alike. This review comes in handy as it details everything this video game franchise has brought to bear in its game integration and development. 

While Bowser Landship offers speed, Baby Rosalina represents the slow-and-steady-wins-the-race category. Our review also shows several other games in the loop with incredible key features and stats that include quality handling and traction. If you desire reinforcement to mini-turbo and acceleration, Kart 8 Mario has a lot of vehicles under its belt. We hope you’d find our recommendations of the 10 best Mario Kart items helpful. We’ll update you if anything comes up again. Stay tuned.