Bandai Namco and Sora Ltd. have brought Kirby racing back in style with *Kirby Air Riders*, featuring a robust roster filled with classic and fan-favorite Kirby characters. This comes just in time for a racing experience that supports up to 16 players, making the character lineup all the more exciting. Curious about who’s in the game? We’ve gathered the confirmed characters below for your convenience.
_Last updated: October 23, 2025, 7:36 a.m. PT_
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### Kirby Air Riders Confirmed Characters
Here is the lineup of characters confirmed so far, as shared by official Nintendo channels:
#### Kirby (Colors: Pink, Red, Yellow, Blue)
Of course, the main star, Kirby, is here. This time, Kirby comes in various colors, which actually matter for gameplay. Each color changes Kirby’s Special move. By default, Kirby’s Special is the **Ultra Sword**, a powerful attack that sweeps up and slashes all opponents in front of him.
#### Starman
While not a main character in the Kirby universe, Starman is incredibly cute—and that cuteness makes him an essential addition to the roster. Perhaps he’s the second most important character, or even the cutest!
#### Bandana Waddle Dee
One of Kirby’s best friends, Bandana Waddle Dee wields his spear with deadly efficiency. In the game, he uses it to clear out the field and defend himself when needed.
#### Cappy
Cappy is a regular enemy but brings a valuable defensive edge to the track. When Cappy has its mushroom cap, it can withstand attacks that would otherwise spin riders out. Just watch out when the cap is knocked off!
#### Chef Kawasaki
The culinary master brings his cooking skills to the race. Chef Kawasaki can whip up spicy dishes to fling onto the track and damage rival racers.
#### Daroach
This thieving trickster is a crafty opponent. Daroach can disappear using his special ability and steal Copy Abilities from other players, so keep an eye on him!
#### Gooey
Gooey is a slime with a stretchy tongue that helps dodge danger. If threatened, a well-timed dodge with its tongue can save Gooey from attacks or specials.
#### King Dedede
The greedy king arrives armed with his iconic hammer. King Dedede uses his strength to club other riders and control the race.
#### Knuckle Joe
A martial artist known for his powerful punches, Knuckle Joe can unleash flurries of fists to strike nearby opponents.
#### Lololo & Lalala
Known collectively as LoloLala, this inseparable duo races together. They swap positions on machines with their Quick Turn ability, although their stats are quite similar.
#### Magalor
A mage with colorful magic tricks, Magalor casts spells to trip up opponents and gain an advantage on the track.
#### Meta Knight
The legendary swordsman Meta Knight is as nimble as he is deadly. He attacks nearby riders with his sword while weaving through the race with ease.
#### Susie
Susie, who first appeared in *Kirby: Planet Robobot*, is an ambitious CEO and sometimes rival. She brings a competitive edge to the racing lineup.
#### Taranza
This spider-like character uses webs to her advantage. Taranza can whip webs at walls and pull herself along tracks, earning speed boosts during the race.
#### Waddle Doo
Waddle Doo, the big-eyed cousin of Waddle Dee, adds eye lasers to the mix as it dashes down the track, making it a formidable contender.
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With such a rich and diverse cast, *Kirby Air Riders* promises thrilling races and exciting abilities! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to launch.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/145564/kirby-air-riders-confirmed-characters
