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 that supports races and activities with up to 16 players!
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_
—
## Kirby Air Riders Confirmed Characters
The following roster of characters has been confirmed and shared through Nintendo channels so far:
### Kirby (Colors: Pink, Red, Yellow, Blue)
The main guy is here, of course! Kirby is the star, and this time around, the various colors of Kirby matter. His Special move changes based on the color you’ve chosen. By default, Kirby’s 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. Look at how adorable he is! His cuteness makes him a very important character in *Kirby Air Riders*—perhaps the second-most important, or maybe even the cutest of all.
### 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, he can clear out the field around him in a pinch.
### Cappy
Cappy is a fairly regular enemy in the Kirby universe, bringing 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 to fling onto the field and damage other riders.
### Daroach
Watch your Copy Abilities when the thieving Daroach is about! This conniving trickster can disappear and steal Copy Abilities from other players using his special ability.
### Gooey
Gooey is a slime with a remarkably stretchy tongue. He can use that tongue to dodge danger—if someone threatens him 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 to the track. King Dedede is ready to throw his weight around, clubbing other riders with his massive hammer.
### Knuckle Joe
A martial artist with punchy composure, Knuckle Joe brings a flurry of fists to strike nearby opponents.
### Lololo & Lalala
Also known as LoloLala, this duo goes everywhere together. They swap positions on machines using their Quick Turn, but otherwise, their stats are quite similar.
### Magalor
A mage with all sorts of color-themed magic, Magalor is a tricky trickster who can cast spells on the track to trip up opponents.
### Meta Knight
The legendary Meta Knight is a swordsman almost without peer. Besides being a nimble racer, he can attack nearby riders with his sword.
### Susie
Susie is an interesting Kirby character—sometimes friend, sometimes foe—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 who 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. He brings his eye lasers into play as he races down the track.
—
Stay tuned for more updates as *Kirby Air Riders* brings these beloved characters to life on the racing stage!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/145564/kirby-air-riders-confirmed-characters