Welcome to the vibrant, chaotic world of Kirby Air Riders on the Nintendo Switch 2. More than 20 years after the cult-classic GameCube original, director Masahiro Sakurai has delivered a sequel that’s both a loving tribute and a complete reinvention. It’s a game of simple controls and dizzying depth, where you don’t just race—you fight, steal, power up, and explore. This guide will help you find your footing in the clouds without spoiling any of the sweet surprises (or cosmic horror) waiting for you.
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Core Gameplay: One Button to Rule Them All
Forget complex button combos. Kirby Air Riders is built on a brilliantly simple foundation: your machine accelerates automatically. This frees you up to focus entirely on the game’s unique rhythm of attack and defense.
Here’s the breakdown of your main actions :
| Action | Button(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Steer | Left Stick | Move left or right. Tilt up or down to aim your projectiles. |
| Boost Charge / Drift | B (or A/X) | Hold to brake and drift. The longer you drift, the more your Boost Gauge fills. Release for a massive speed boost. |
| Attack / Inhale | B (while near an enemy) | Hold B near an enemy (or other rider) to suck them in. Release to spit them out as a projectile, or hold longer to copy their ability. |
| Rider Special | Y | Unleash a powerful, unique attack. The gauge fills over time. |
- The Secret to Success: Mastering the Boost Charge is everything. It’s a trade-off—you slow down to build power. Learning when to drift and when to boost is the key to victory.
- Steal and Survive: You can knock other riders off their machines and claim their ride for yourself. This is especially crucial in City Trial mode, where finding the perfect vehicle is a core strategy.
Riders and Machines: Mix, Match, and Master
Gone are the days of only playing as Kirby. The roster has expanded to include a host of characters from the Kirby universe, each with their own stats and special moves.
- Riders: Characters like Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee, Magolor, Waddle Doo, and even the mysterious Susie are ready to go. Your choice matters! A character’s stats (like Offense, Defense, and their unique Special) will influence your playstyle.
- Machines: From the classic Warp Star to the agile Jet Star, the bulky Tank Star, the bouncy Hop Star, and the returning Wheelie Bike, there are over 50 vehicles to discover. Each machine handles differently—some are built for speed, others for combat.
- Copy Abilities: The signature Kirby mechanic is here in full force. Inhale enemies (or even other riders, if you’re playing as Kirby!) to steal their powers. This gives you a temporary edge, from new attacks to stat boosts.
Game Modes: Choose Your Adventure
The game is packed with content, but these are the four pillars you’ll spend most of your time with.
| Mode | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Air Ride | Classic circuit racing on wild, themed tracks. | Traditional racing fans. |
| Top Ride | A top-down, slot-car style race on smaller, tighter courses. | Quick, chaotic, arcade-style action. |
| City Trial | A free-roam arena where you power up for 5 minutes before competing in a final Stadium event. Supports up to 100 players online. | The ultimate sandbox of chaos and strategy. |
| Road Trip | The single-player story mode. You choose your path on a highway, completing challenges to unlock the tale of a mysterious machine named Zorah. | Unlocking the story, secret characters, and the true ending. |
Beginner’s Strategy: Your First Steps to Glory
Ready to drop in? Here’s what to do first.
- Do the “Lessons”: It sounds simple, but this mode is a must-play. It walks you through the nuances of drifting, boosting, and using your copy abilities in a low-pressure environment. It even rewards you with goodies for completing it.
- Start with Kirby on a Balanced Machine: For your first few races, stick with the pink puffball. His stats are well-rounded, and his copy ability is incredibly useful. A machine like the standard Warp Star or Wagon Star is a great, forgiving place to start.
- Learn to Boost Charge, Don’t Just Steer: This is the biggest hurdle for new players. Remind yourself constantly: you don’t need to hold a gas button. Your finger should be on the B button, learning the feel of a perfect drift.
- Don’t Fear City Trial: It might look like chaos, but it’s the best way to learn. Drop in, grab a machine, and just explore. You’ll learn the map, discover power-up locations, and get a feel for different vehicles without the pressure of a traditional race. You can even knock someone off a great bike and steal it for yourself.
- Hop into Road Trip: Once you’ve got the basics, the Road Trip mode is a fantastic solo experience. It gently introduces you to all the other game modes through short, digestible challenges, all while unfolding its surprisingly deep story.
Pro-Tips for New Racers
- You Can Aim Your Projectiles: After inhaling an enemy or an item, you can tilt the Left Stick up or down to aim your spit attack before releasing B. This is a game-changer for sniping other racers.
- The Glowing Machine is Your Friend: In City Trial, keep an eye out for machines with a special aura. Finding and completing a “legendary machine” (like the Hydra) can give you a massive power spike.
- Your Special Follows You: If you steal a new machine in City Trial, your Special gauge will stay with you, so you can immediately pop off in your new ride.
- Miles are Everything: You earn “Miles” (the in-game currency) no matter what you play. Spend them on the “My Rewards” board, which is like a giant checklist of challenges. Clearing squares unlocks new characters, machines, customization parts, and music.
The sky above Planet Popstar is vast and full of surprises. With these basics in your pocket, you’re ready to take flight. Now get out there and find your perfect ride
