Best Kart Combinations and Strategies in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
January 21, 2025 8:13 am
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is more than just a racing game for the Nintendo Switch; it’s an exhilarating experience that combines speed, strategy, and a little bit of luck. While it may seem easy to pick up and play, mastering its intricacies requires skill and practice. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned racer, this guide will provide you with the insights and techniques needed to dominate the tracks and outsmart your opponents.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands out with its unique blend of classic gameplay and innovative features that enhance the racing experience:
- Revamped Battle Mode: This mode returns with five distinct styles and eight dynamic arenas, offering a fresh take on competitive racing.
- Dual Item System: The ability to hold two items simultaneously adds a strategic layer, allowing you to plan your attacks and defenses more effectively.
- Exciting New Items: With the Boo, which lets you steal items, and the Feather, enabling jumps, the game introduces new ways to gain advantages over opponents.
- Pink Boost Level: Achieve a third drift level for a pink boost, providing an extra burst of speed during turns and giving you the edge in tight races.
- 200cc Racing: For those seeking a challenge, the 200cc race level pushes your skills to the limit with breakneck speeds.
- Enhanced Visuals: Enjoy stunning graphics at 1080p60 on TVs and 720p60 on handheld devices, delivering a visually immersive experience.
- Robust Multiplayer Options: Race locally with up to 8 friends or online with up to 12 players, and swap karts and characters in online lobbies for added flexibility.
- Smart Steering: This feature assists beginners by keeping them on track, making the game accessible to all skill levels.
Timing is everything at the start of a race. To get a head start, press ‘A’ as the countdown from 2 disappears. This will propel you forward, helping you navigate the chaos of the first lap. Be careful—pressing too early or too late can lead to a stall or a smaller boost.
Drifting is a cornerstone of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. By maintaining a drift, you can trigger a speed boost, which activates once you release the drift button. Mastering this technique is essential for climbing the leaderboard.
Align your kart behind an opponent to benefit from a slipstream boost. This occurs when you see swirling air streams around the leading kart, offering a handy acceleration to overtake them.
If you’re struggling with time trials, download top-performing player ghosts from the leaderboard. Race against them to learn their strategies and improve your own performance.
Press ‘R’ when jumping off ramps or platforms to gain a speed boost. This applies to regular ramps, logs, and wavy track sections, helping you shave seconds off your lap time.
In high-speed races, especially at 200cc, it’s often better to brake than risk flying off the track. Don’t be afraid to slow down to maintain control and avoid costly mistakes.
Hold ‘L’ to carry items for protection against shells. Avoid using Bob-ombs as they can backfire. Keep a Super Horn if you’re in first place to fend off the notorious Blue Shell.
Save mushrooms for shortcuts. The extra speed can help you cross grass or off-road surfaces, turning potential obstacles into opportunities.
Gather coins early to slightly boost your maximum speed. Up to 10 coins provide extra engine power, while additional coins offer temporary boosts and contribute to unlocking new kart parts.
Each track has hidden shortcuts. Spend time in single-player mode to explore and learn these secrets, giving you an edge in competitive races.
In anti-gravity sections, bumping into other players provides a small speed boost. This can be a strategic move to gain momentum without losing control.
Activate Smart Steering on challenging tracks to stay on course. This feature is especially useful in the fast-paced 200cc mode, helping you navigate tight turns.
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, customizing your kart can significantly affect your performance. Choose from various parts, including bodies, tires, and gliders, to create a combination that suits your playstyle. Experiment with different setups to find the best balance of speed, acceleration, weight, handling, and traction that works for you.
In battle mode, holding the brake and quickly turning left or right will execute a sharp 180-degree turn. This maneuver is sharper than normal turns or drifts, allowing you to quickly change direction.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers auto-steering and auto-acceleration settings, which are helpful for newcomers or those struggling with default controls. These settings are enabled by default but can be turned off for a more challenging experience. Check these settings on the kart selection screen by pressing the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ button.
Conclusion
By incorporating these tips and strategies into your gameplay, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Whether you’re racing against friends or competing online, understanding the game’s mechanics and optimizing your strategy will help you claim victory on the track.
