Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Secrets, Strategies, And Speedruns

Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the colorful chaos and exhilarating races of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? This game, a Nintendo Switch staple, is more than just a fun party game; it's a deep well of strategic gameplay, hidden techniques, and competitive spirit. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a newcomer to the tracks, this guide is your pit stop for everything you need to know about dominating the competition. We're going to zoom through the fundamentals, unlock the secrets of speedrunning, and explore the advanced strategies that separate the casual players from the pros. So, buckle up, grab your favorite kart, and let's get racing!

Mastering the Basics: From Beginner to Better

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe might seem simple at first glance—pick a character, pick a kart, and go!—but trust me, there's a lot more to it than just mashing the gas button. Understanding the fundamentals is the first step toward becoming a better racer. Let's start with the characters. Each character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is categorized by weight class: light, medium, and heavy. These classes influence your kart's stats. Lighter characters tend to have better acceleration and handling but are more susceptible to being bumped around, while heavier characters have higher top speeds and are harder to move, but they sacrifice acceleration. Selecting the right character depends on your play style and the track. Are you a fan of rapid turns and quick recoveries? Go for a light character. Prefer to plow through opponents and reach high speeds? A heavy character might be your choice. Don't be afraid to experiment to see what feels best for you.

Next, let’s talk about karts, tires, and gliders. These components of your kart also affect your stats. Karts can have various effects on speed, acceleration, weight, handling, grip, and even the invincibility frames when getting hit. Tires significantly impact your handling, and some tires are better suited for specific track types. Gliders, though seemingly less impactful, can influence your handling and speed, particularly during gliding sections. The key is to find a combination that suits your character and play style. The game provides a wealth of options, so take the time to test different combinations to find your perfect setup. It’s a good idea to experiment with different combinations to suit each track!

Learning to use items effectively is crucial for success. Items can be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on how you use them. Know when to hold onto a shell to block an attack, when to use a mushroom for a speed boost, and when to unleash the dreaded blue shell. Practice will teach you how to time your item usage to maximize your advantage and how to anticipate what your opponents might do. Remember to aim and to anticipate how other racers are going to behave in each race to use the item more efficiently. The best players use items not just reactively but proactively, anticipating upcoming turns and potential threats.

Finally, drift-boosting and strategic use of the game's mechanics are essential. Drifting is not just about looking cool; it's a vital technique for maintaining speed through turns. Master the art of the drift boost to gain extra speed and quickly navigate corners. Understanding the track layouts and using the environment to your advantage can give you an edge. Learn where the shortcuts are, where to use items, and the best racing lines to navigate each track. These basics will form a solid foundation for your racing skills, preparing you for more advanced techniques and strategies. Always remember, the best racers are not just fast; they are smart and adaptable, and consistently use the best items. So, keep practicing, and you'll find yourself climbing the ranks in no time.

Advanced Techniques: Take Your Racing to the Next Level

Alright, you've mastered the basics, and you're ready to get serious. It's time to level up your game with some advanced techniques that will give you a competitive edge in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Let's start with some of the more complex maneuvers that separate the rookies from the veterans. One of the most important advanced techniques is “snaking”. This is an advanced technique that allows you to maintain speed and gain boosts through turns. The technique involves repeatedly drifting left and right (or vice versa), which helps you continuously gain boosts without losing momentum. It's a tricky skill to master, but it's incredibly effective when done correctly. If you've ever seen a racer zipping through a course with a continuous stream of boosts, they're probably snaking. Mastering snaking takes time, patience, and good control, but it's worth the effort. There are plenty of guides on YouTube you can study for a better idea of how to do it!

Another crucial technique is mastering the art of the perfect start. Before a race begins, you want to hold down the accelerator and watch the number countdown. When the number “2” appears, release the accelerator, then press it again right before the light turns green. This allows you to get a significant speed boost right at the start of the race. It gives you a huge advantage and can put you in the lead from the very beginning. It's also worth noting the importance of smart item usage. Don't just fire off your items randomly; learn to predict when to use them strategically. For example, if you have a green shell, it's best to save it until you're nearing a group of opponents, or when you are directly in front of someone! A red shell is best used when you are behind someone, and the blue shell should always be aimed at the player in first place. It is a critical item to obtain the top spot. Knowing when and how to use each item is a game-changer.

Understanding the tracks' layout is also an important technique. Each track has its own unique features and shortcuts. Know where the shortcuts are and practice taking them. Some shortcuts may be tricky, requiring precise movements and timing, but they can dramatically cut down your lap times. Knowing the best racing lines, the fastest route around the track, will help you maintain your speed through corners and reduce the distance you travel. Observe how professional racers navigate the tracks to learn the best strategies. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your lines! It is all about finding the optimal line for you. In each race, the goal is always to reduce the time. You may have the best kart set up, but without good techniques, your time will never be fast. Finally, practice. The more you race, the better you'll become. Practice consistently and in all the cups to become more versatile. Keep a good mindset, and focus on improving your skills with each race. It may be the difference between winning and losing. With these advanced techniques in your arsenal, you'll be well on your way to becoming a true Mario Kart 8 Deluxe champion!

Speedrunning: Breaking Records and Chasing Glory

For some, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is more than just a game; it's a competitive sport. Speedrunning is the art of completing a game or a level as quickly as possible, and the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe community is filled with dedicated players constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The speedrunning scene in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is very active, with players constantly discovering new techniques, glitches, and strategies to shave fractions of a second off their times. If you're looking to get into speedrunning, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. First, you'll need to choose a category. Popular categories include all cups (150cc), individual tracks, and time trials. Each category has its own set of rules and limitations. For example, some categories might restrict the use of certain characters or items. Familiarize yourself with these rules before you start. The goal is to always have the fastest time possible.

Next, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the tracks. Speedrunners spend countless hours learning every nuance of each track. They memorize the best racing lines, the locations of shortcuts, and the optimal timing for boosts and drifts. Track knowledge is absolutely critical. You will want to watch videos of other speedrunners to see what techniques they are using and learn from their experience. There are many speedrunning videos online. YouTube and Twitch are excellent resources. Watch other speedrunners and study their techniques. Analyze their strategies, learn from their mistakes, and try to replicate their success. Don't be afraid to ask for help from the community! There are plenty of communities out there that focus on speedrunning, with people always ready to provide advice and tips. Speedrunning is all about pushing your limits and finding the fastest possible time. You will need to take the time to practice techniques and improve your skills. Consistency is key! The more you practice, the faster you will become, and the closer you will get to breaking records. And, if you are looking to become a speedrunner, remember to have fun. It is a competitive sport, but it is all about having fun and challenging yourself.

Strategies for Online Play: Compete with the World

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't just a solo experience; it's a social one, too. The online multiplayer mode lets you compete against players from all over the world, adding a whole new layer of excitement and competition to the game. If you're looking to dominate the online scene, here are some strategies that can give you the edge. First, master the lag-free connection. In online races, your connection speed can greatly impact your performance. A poor connection can lead to lag and stuttering, which can throw off your timing and make it difficult to compete. To minimize lag, make sure you have a stable internet connection. A wired Ethernet connection is always preferable to Wi-Fi. It's also a good idea to close any unnecessary applications running in the background that might be eating up your bandwidth. Always make sure to check your connection before starting. And make sure to find the best kart setup that works for you. When online, your opponents may be tough, but remember to stay calm and focus on your game.

Selecting the right kart and character is just as important in online play. Because you will go up against random players from all over the world, you will need to prepare for different racing styles. The kart builds will impact your speed, acceleration, and handling. And remember, the character will change the overall setup. Adjusting to a new character or kart during the middle of the race is not ideal. And the best kart will always depend on the track. You will need to study the tracks before jumping into online play. Also, the type of track matters. Try to determine the kind of tracks that fit your style the most. You will need to familiarize yourself with all the different kinds of maps.

Understanding the game's mechanics and items is also crucial for online play. Make sure to have a good understanding of the track layout and the best racing lines, just as we covered in the previous topics. And pay close attention to the items you collect. Using these strategically can give you a crucial advantage. Don't hesitate to use the defensive items when you are attacked by others. The items can change the outcome of the race. And knowing when to use each item strategically can make all the difference. Practice makes perfect. To improve your skills, participate in online races. You can test your skills against the world.

The Future of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Updates, Community, and Beyond

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has enjoyed a long life, but the fun doesn't stop. Nintendo continues to support the game with updates and content, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for players. The game's vibrant community is constantly generating new challenges and sharing strategies. Keep an eye out for any new updates or new content that could change the meta and strategies. New items could appear in the future, and tracks could be added as well! Nintendo keeps updating the game! Stay active within the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe community. The game has a huge online presence! Join online forums, social media groups, and Discord servers. You can interact with other players, share tips and strategies, and learn from each other's experiences. Participate in online events and tournaments to test your skills against others. By staying involved in the community, you can stay informed about the latest developments and learn from other players. The community is there to help each other out! By constantly exploring and playing the game, you can always improve! And you will be ready for any content updates or changes that may come. Keep playing, keep learning, and keep the karting spirit alive. The world of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is vast and full of excitement. So, keep racing, keep practicing, and enjoy the ride!