Balance has finally come to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the final Wave 6 Booster Pack and stat adjustment. Though the previous meta is not necessarily gone, it does have some variation, as many of the characters now share the same overall stats. Unfortunately, though there is character variation for players, the Karts and attachments themselves remain limited.

However, the gap between the best and worst combinations is not as wide as it once was on the Mario Kart 8 City Tracks. This means skilled players can still win first place with a build that isn't necessarily top-tier in of stats. Using some of the new meta builds to give that extra boost could help players have better odds, but that the meta doesn't guarantee a win every time.

20 Iggy & Inkstriker

Roller Wheels & Paper Glider

Iggy is probably one of the less common options when selecting a racer, but this update is bound to change that. Pairing Iggy with the Inkstriker creates a combination that can become a nightmare for opponents.

With the Rollers' additional stat increase and the mini-turbo boost, Iggy has no trouble going from last to first on any Mario Kart 8 Deluxe track.

This makes this build a solid option for players who tend to encounter more obstacles in their race than normal, as it will allow for an easier time re-adjusting after a wipeout.

19 Dry Bowser & Circuit Special

Cyber Slick & Wario Wing

This one may not win you many competitions, as you lose a lot on Handling and Acceleration. However, this is a very fun and very aesthetic combination, featuring the skull and bones look of Dry Bowser with the purple traits of the Kart and mods. What this combination does have going for it is that it is actually the fastest combination in the game, with a Speed bar that is nearly all the way full.

You will do best with this combination on maps that have straighter racing lines and fewer technical tricks to pay off. If you create enough distance by simply driving faster, you can win even if you get hit with a shell of various colors because they cannot make up the distance. You can see this play out in YouTuber Shortcat’s video showcasing the combination and how good and bad it is.

18 King Boo & Cat Cruiser

Roller Wheels & Standard Glider

King Boo might be a solid choice, but the Cat Cruiser is where the heart of this build lies. The Cat Cruiser has quickly risen to the top of the list as one of the best Kart options in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Not only does this build have the speed and acceleration to achieve an easy win, but the traction and handling shine.

For players who have a hard time with sharp turns and navigating their way around maps, this build is perfect. Turns that would normally have King Boo ramming into the sidelines feel almost seamless with the combination of the Cat Cruiser and Roller Wheels.

17 Rosalina & Teddy Buggy

Roller Wheels & Paper Glider

Every Mario Kart 8 Deluxe player has seen the previous meta featuring Rosalina and her cozy Teddy Kart. The build was severely broken in the Wave 4 update, and although it is no longer considered the meta—at least Rosalina isn't—it is still a solid option that can get the job done.

Whether inexperienced or seasoned, this kart setup can help secure a win with its massive acceleration and mini-turbo boost, even on difficult Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks like Rainbow Road. On top of that, its balanced weight and traction make it easy to control, something that can't be said for many of the light, speedy combos in the game.

16 Inkling Boy & Mr. Scooty

Roller Wheels & Parachute

This combination, shown off by YouTuber Shortcat, is mostly built on the idea that the Weight Stat matters. You could use several different characters to gain the same stats, but in this case, Inkling Boy was chosen because he has a slightly better Water Speed than some of the other options. While he may not be the best racer, he does have some things going for him.

Mainly the idea is that the Weight Stat increasing from 4 to 5 does make a fairly big difference, as characters will go from 30 to 45 in MassD. The difference between Inkling and Yoshi on the same bike is that Yoshi will have slightly more traction, while Inkling Boy makes up for it in Weight and has an increased Water Speed. For players looking to try something new, this could be a great combination to experiment with.

15 Luigi & Streetle

Roller Wheels & Parachute

When factoring in all overall stats, Luigi is one of the best racers in the game. While not too bulky, Luigi can maintain a decent weight with good handling and traction. This also means that he has a pretty fair speed and acceleration balance.

The Streetle Kart got an increase in Ground Speed in Mario Kart 8's Wave 5 DLC, helping it reach pretty decent speeds and be one of the best options in the game.

The Rollers also give a small boost that adds to this Kart's benefits.

This build may not be the top-tier option, but it is a viable option for seasoned players looking to test their skills with something that doesn't offer an easy win but keeps it within reach.

14 Diddy Kong & Inkstriker

Roller Wheels & Peach Parasol

The combination of Diddy Kong and the Inkstriker may not be a popular online choice right now, but he does edge Rosalina and the Teddy Bear kart out with the boost to his Mini-Turbo stat. He has a little less speed than most of the top competitive choices but is very close to the same Mini-Turbo boost, and that trade-off matters a lot, as that is the stat that matters the most in this game. Additionally, that means that Diddy moves very smoothly in this setup and can still pull off wins in the right setting.

There is not that much to say about this combination other than that, as YouTuber JpGiviner points out in his video. That is because it is simply a good build that feels better and faster than the previous Rosalina combination. He may rest at the low end of competitive play, but pulling him out for a more casual game against friends might be your ticket to victory.

13 Funky Kong & Mr. Scooty

Roller Wheels & Cloud Glider

Many were delighted to see Funky Kong return to Mario Kart in Wave 6. Unfortunately, he didn't come with great stats and is comparable to Wario in of his base character stats. That being said, he is not completely unusable, either.

Regardless of which combo is selected, Funky Kong will generally have a harder time going up against meta combos.

For those looking to play Funky Kong, pairing him with Mr. Scooty, Rollers, and the Cloud Glider is a great way to make up for some of his inferior stats. However, Teddy Buggy with the same attachments is also a good option for this character for those who aren't tired of that Kart.

12 Pauline & Mr. Scooty

Roller Wheels & Cloud Glider

Pauline, another new character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with Wave 6, is another option completely viable against some of the more obvious meta choices. While she technically could be paired with the Teddy Buggy for a better balance of stats, Mr. Scooty ensures better handling for tighter turns in 200cc races.

Pairing Pauline with Mr. Scooty means players only miss out on a slight mini-turbo disadvantage compared to the meta, which, for those who have more overall skill, is likely to go unnoticed. This combination is an excellent option for racers looking for something unique with great stats.

11 Kamek & Teddy Buggy

Roller Wheels & Paper Glider

Making his debut in the Wave 5 update of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Kamek has made a strong first impression by being part of the previous and current meta. Though he isn't necessarily the best racer in the game, Kamek is a solid choice.

Though there is some flexibility among the top choices between characters and Karts, the Roller Wheels and Lightweight gliders are undeniably some of the best options for Kart attachments, regardless of whatever other options are selected to be paired with them.

Even though he may require a sacrifice in mini-turbo stats, he makes up for it with an equal increase in overall speed.

Not every player is looking to be confined to the often overplayed meta characters, so this is a great alternative that still holds a fair shot at pulling out the win in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.