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 players who will be able to engage in races and activities with up to 16 players simultaneously.
So, who exactly is in the game? We know quite a few confirmed characters, and we’ve gathered them all 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
The roster we know of so far, as shared by Nintendo channels, includes the following characters:
**Kirby (Colors: Pink, Red, Yellow, Blue)**
Of course, the main guy is here. Kirby is the star of the show, and this time around, the various colors of Kirby matter. His Special move changes depending on the color of Kirby you choose. 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 it’s undeniably cute. Its adorable appearance makes Starman a very important character in *Kirby Air Riders*. Possibly the second-most important character, and arguably the cutest.
**Bandana Waddle Dee**
Bandana Waddle Dee is a beloved character and one of Kirby’s best friends. Wielding a spear with deadly efficiency, Bandana Waddle Dee can clear out the field around him when needed.
**Cappy**
A fairly regular enemy in the Kirby universe, Cappy brings defense into gameplay. When Cappy has its mushroom cap, it can withstand attacks that would normally spin other riders out. Just be careful when the cap gets knocked off!
**Chef Kawasaki**
The chef is cooking up a storm as he takes his culinary arts to the track. Chef Kawasaki can whip up spicy dishes to fling onto the field, damaging other riders.
**Daroach**
Watch your Copy Abilities when the thieving Daroach is around! This conniving trickster can disappear and steal Copy Abilities from other players with his special ability.
**Gooey**
Gooey is a slime with a long, stretchy tongue that it uses to dodge danger. If threatened with attacks or Specials, a carefully timed tongue dodge can get Gooey out of harm’s way.
**King Dedede**
The greedy king of the region brings his massive hammer to the track. King Dedede is ready to throw his weight around, including clubbing other riders with that hammer.
**Knuckle Joe**
A martial artist known for his punchy skills, Knuckle Joe brings a flurry of fists to strike nearby opponents.
**Lololo & Lalala**
Also known as LoloLala, this duo always goes everywhere together. They swap positions on machines with their Quick Turn ability. Otherwise, their stats are similar.
**Magalor**
A mage wielding a variety of 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 unmatched in skill. He can attack nearby riders with his sword and is known for being a nimble racer.
**Susie**
An interesting character who is both a friend and sometimes an enemy to Kirby, Susie 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 onto walls and use them to pull herself along tracks for a speed boost.
**Waddle Doo**
The big-eyed cousin of Waddle Dee, Waddle Doo brings eye lasers to the race, using them to great effect as it speeds down the track.
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With such a diverse and exciting roster, *Kirby Air Riders* promises to be a thrilling experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Get ready to race with your favorite characters and master their unique abilities!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/145564/kirby-air-riders-confirmed-characters
