Mastering Mario Kart 8: A Step-by-Step Guide to Outrunning the Competition

“Get Your Engines Roaring! How to Play Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe like a Pro”

Are you ready to rev up excitement and have some fun? Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe allow you to drive as your favorite characters from the Mario series while racing your friends through exciting tracks.

But if you’re new to the game, the frenzied gameplay and multitude of options can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got you covered with an in-depth guide to help you play like a pro.

The Basics

Before diving into the nuances of gameplay, it’s essential to understand the basics. Here’s what you need to know:

How to Choose Your Character

Selecting your favorite character is a fun and easy process. The game has an array of iconic figures from the Super Mario Universe. From Mario himself to Donkey Kong, If you are unable to choose a character, we recommend using the character that has good speed and excellent acceleration.

The Game Modes

Mario Kart 8 and the deluxe version have several game modes. Here are the most popular ones:

  • Grand Prix mode: This is where you can race on courses and earn points based on your finishing position.
  • Time Trials: Choose your track and drive it as fast as possible, then race against your own ghost to beat your time.
  • Battle mode: This mode allows you to fight against the other drivers in various battle modes.

The Controls

The controls are simple and easy to learn. Here is a breakdown of each button on the controller:

  • A: Accelerate
  • B: Brake
  • Y or X: Use Items
  • L: Drift
  • R: Hop
  • Left Stick: Steer
    • or -: Pause the game

Now that you understand the basics, let’s move on to some advanced techniques to help you win races.

Advanced Techniques

Drift like a Pro

Drifting is critical in achieving fast speeds and maintaining your momentum around corners. To execute a drift:

  1. Hold down the L button.
  2. Steer in the corner’s direction.
  3. Release L to get a speed boost.

Collecting Coins

Collecting coins is more than just a point system. You can collect up to 10 coins which helps you increase your speed, it also makes it harder for you to lose them when you get hit by an opponent’s weapon.

Master Item Usage

Timing when to use items is crucial. You can either use them defensively or offensively.

  • Bananas are great for creating obstacles to slow down your opponents.
  • Shells can be thrown as weapons, or you can use them to create a defensive barrier protecting you from attacks.

Boosts

Boosts are essential for speed and maintaining momentum. You can get a boost in the following ways:

  • Jumpboosting: Jump over obstacles and gain a speed boost.
  • Draftboosting: Draft behind other racers to gain speed.
  • Slipstreaming: When your rival is in front of you following their slipstream will make you go faster, just don’t collide with them from behind.

Master the Tracks

Learning the tracks is essential, as it allows you to anticipate when to use boosts, weapons, and techniques that will help you win the race.

Differences between Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the more recent version, includes many changes and additional features. Here are some of the differences:

  • Additional characters, including the Inklings from Splatoon and Link from The Legend of Zelda.
  • More race tracks, items, and vehicles
  • Battle modes upgraded with more maps and challengers.
  • All DLC from the original Mario Kart 8 pre-installed

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unlock characters?

For Mario Kart 8, some characters require you to complete specific tasks or win a certain number of races to unlock them. In the Deluxe version, all characters are unlocked from the beginning.

Can I use the same controller as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Yes! You can use the same controller for both games.

How can I play with Friends Online?

Create a room, invite your friends, and enjoy racing together.

Conclusion

Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe are engaging games that are guaranteed to bring excitement and fun to your gaming sessions. Understanding the basics, advanced techniques, and differences between both versions can make all the difference in winning the race. So, what are you waiting for? Start driving today!