Hot on the heels of Cow’s growing popularity, Mario Kart World’s Spike is dominating the game’s highest ranks. While this is largely due to his strong stats, you cannot rule out Spike’s wide-eyed expression and luscious lips.
As a Featherweight-class racer, Spike boasts exceptional acceleration and handling. In addition to his base stats, Spike has a hidden terrain bonus that makes it easier for him to navigate smooth road courses. Most characters have a terrain bonus that gives them an advantage on specific courses, but Spike’s specific stat combination makes him a top-tier racer right off the bat.
The downside of Spike’s superb control is that he isn’t as fast or heavy as other racers. However, due to how easy it is to offset Spike’s shortcomings by choosing the correct vehicle, it’s no wonder why so many players are choosing him as their preferred racer.
Another possible explanation for Spike’s popularity is his goofy design. As with Cow, Mario Kart World players seem to gravitate towards strange and unusual-looking characters. This popularity snowballs into the higher tiers where, according to some, choosing a popular character prevents opponents from targeting you. Should you happen to knock the first-place racer with a Spiny (Blue) Shell, they are less likely to exact their revenge on you if you are disguised as one of the many Spikes on the track.
Mario Kart World seems to be doing just fine without guest racers from other franchises. Its base roster is currently the biggest in Mario Kart history, and the new Mario-based racers are well-received by casual and pro players.
Mario Kart World is available for the Nintendo Switch 2.
