Coins return in Mario Kart World: What are they for, and how do they shape the race?
A classic mechanic is back, boosting speed and unlocking vehicles, but they do much more than that.
Coins have been a staple of the Mario Kart franchise, playing a dual role in enhancing gameplay. While many players remember their function in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, their return in Mario Kart World comes with extra layers to the Nintendo Switch 2.
In this newest entry, coins serve three major purposes:
- Increasing top speed, rewarding careful drivers.
- Unlocking new vehicles, expanding customization options.
- Granting stickers, allowing players to personalize their karts and bikes.
Unlike other entries, where collecting coins was fairly straightforward, unlocking everything in Mario Kart World requires strategy and persistence.
Speed matters: How coins affect racing
Throughout the race, players can collect up to 20 coins, but every hit from a rival’s item—or a course hazard—causes them to lose some coins, affecting their maximum speed.
This means smart driving isn’t just about avoiding banana peels and green shells—it’s about protecting your coins to maintain top velocity.
The result? A more strategic racing experience, where speed depends not just on vehicle choice, but on how well players dodge attacks.
The grind for unlocks: How to get new vehicles
Every 100 coins collected grants access to a new vehicle, pushing players to engage with the game’s full lineup. With 40 karts and bikes available—12 unlocked from the start—players must amass a total of 2,800 coins to access the complete roster.
These aren’t just cosmetic changes—each vehicle has unique stats, making some ideal for drifting, while others maximize acceleration.
Customization: Sticker rewards for dedicated players
Alongside vehicles, coins also unlock special stickers, allowing racers to decorate their karts and bikes. Each milestone of 100 coins unlocks a new set of stickers, giving players even more personalization options.
A familiar feature with new depth
While coins have been a long-standing element in Mario Kart, their implementation in Mario Kart World adds extra strategic layers to the racing experience.
With no 200cc speed option at launch, mastering coin collection and retention is a key factor in maintaining an edge over competitors. Whether for speed boosts, unlocking new rides, or customization, coins prove that every detail in Mario Kart World matters.
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