Bandai Namco and Sora Ltd. have brought Kirby racing back in style with **Kirby Air Riders**, and the game’s roster is packed with a wealth of classic and fan-favorite Kirby characters. This is great news for a game where players can engage in races and activities with up to 16 participants. So, who all is in the game? We know quite a few for sure, and we’ve gathered them here for your convenience.
_Last updated on October 23, 2025, at 7:36 a.m. PT._
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## Kirby Air Riders Confirmed Characters
Kirby Air Riders’ roster, as confirmed and shared by Nintendo channels so far, includes:
### Kirby (Colors: Pink, Red, Yellow, Blue)
The main guy is here, of course. Kirby is the star of the show, and this time around, the various colors of Kirby matter. His Special move changes based on the color of Kirby you’ve chosen. By default, his Special is the **Ultra Sword**, which sweeps up and slashes all opponents in front of him.
### Starman
Starman might not be a main character in the Kirby universe, but he’s undeniably cute. Really cute. That makes Starman a very important character in Kirby Air Riders—perhaps the second-most important, or even the first-most cutest. Just look at him and understand!
### Bandana Waddle Dee
Bandana Waddle Dee is a much-beloved character in Kirby’s world and one of Kirby’s best friends. Wielding his spear with deadly efficiency, Bandana Waddle Dee can clear out the field around him in a pinch.
### Cappy
Cappy is a fairly regular enemy in the Kirby universe who brings defense into play. When Cappy has its mushroom cap, it can withstand attacks that would spin other riders out. Just be careful when the cap gets knocked off!
### Chef Kawasaki
The chef is cooking as he takes his culinary arts to the track in Kirby Air Riders. Chef Kawasaki can whip up spicy dishes and fling them onto the field to damage other riders.
### Daroach
Watch your Copy Abilities when the thieving Daroach is about! This conniving trickster can use his special ability to disappear and steal Copy Abilities from other players.
### Gooey
Gooey is a slime with a tongue that stretches quite a distance. He uses that tongue to dodge danger. If someone threatens Gooey with attacks or specials, a carefully timed dodge with his tongue can get him out of harm’s way.
### King Dedede
The greedy king of the region brings his hammer with him to the track. King Dedede is prepared to throw his weight around, including clubbing other riders with that mighty hammer.
### Knuckle Joe
Knuckle Joe is a martial artist bringing his punchy composure to Kirby Air Riders. He can strike nearby opponents with a flurry of fists.
### Lololo & Lalala
Also known as LoloLala, this duo always goes everywhere together. They can swap positions on machines with their Quick Turn, though their stats are otherwise similar.
### Magalor
A mage wielding color-themed magic, Magalor is a tricky character who can cast spells on the track to trip up opponents.
### Meta Knight
The legendary swordsman Meta Knight is almost without peer. He can attack nearby riders with his sword and is also a nimble racer.
### Susie
Susie is an interesting Kirby friend and sometimes enemy who first appeared in Kirby: Planet Robobot. She’s a CEO and entrepreneur always looking to further her career.
### Taranza
Taranza is a spider-like being that uses webs to her advantage. She can whip webs at walls and use them to pull herself along tracks for a speed boost.
### Waddle Doo
Waddle Doo is the big-eyed cousin of Waddle Dee and brings eye lasers to the race as it speeds down the track.
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With this diverse and colorful lineup, Kirby Air Riders promises exciting gameplay and unforgettable racing moments. Who’s your favorite character to hit the track with?
https://www.shacknews.com/article/145564/kirby-air-riders-confirmed-characters
