Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Secrets And Strategies (2022 Edition)

Hey, kart racers! Ready to dust off those Joy-Cons and dive back into the vibrant world of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer eager to take the checkered flag, this guide is packed with secrets, strategies, and tips to help you dominate the tracks in 2022. We'll cover everything from the best characters and karts to mastering those crucial drifts and item management. So, buckle up, grab your favorite controller, and let's get racing! This guide is tailored to help you elevate your gameplay and leave your friends eating your dust. We'll be focusing on the core mechanics, advanced techniques, and some sneaky tricks that'll give you a competitive edge. This is more than just a race; it's a battle of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck! Get ready to transform your Mario Kart experience! Keep your eyes peeled for hidden shortcuts and expert tips that will catapult you to victory. Let's make sure you're ready to win!

Choosing Your Champion: Best Characters and Karts

Alright, first things first: who are you gonna race as? Choosing the right character and kart combo can significantly impact your performance. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you have a ton of options, each with different stats affecting speed, acceleration, handling, and more. Don't worry, we're going to give you a head start.

Character Selection

• Lightweights: These characters, like Baby Mario, Koopa Troopa, and Toad, excel in acceleration and handling, making them great for beginners and anyone who prioritizes agility. They're quick off the mark and can navigate tight corners with ease. However, they lack top speed and are more vulnerable to getting bumped around. Lightweights are ideal for tracks with lots of turns and obstacles where precise maneuvering is key. These racers will find it much easier to avoid enemy attacks and navigate those tricky areas where you might find yourself slipping and sliding into the water or off a cliff. Lightweight characters are the ultimate choice for those who are new to the game or those who want to be able to make quick adjustments. This is because they can control their karts more easily and make quick turns when necessary. Remember, choosing your character is a critical step in your success.
• Middleweights: Mario, Luigi, and Peach fall into this category, offering a balanced mix of stats. They're a solid choice for most players, providing decent speed, acceleration, and handling. This is a great starting point for anyone who wants to win because they are a balanced group. They are not too slow or too fast. They are not too easy to control nor too hard to control. Middleweights are the safe bet if you want to be competitive. This is because they aren't the best at everything, so they are not easily countered. It's a great option because they can be easily adapted to any track or situation you come across. Remember, the best character is the one you feel most comfortable with, but middleweights are a good baseline.
• Heavyweights: Characters like Donkey Kong, Bowser, and Wario are all about power. They boast high top speeds and strength, making them great for ramming opponents and blasting through obstacles. However, they suffer in acceleration and handling, so you'll need to be precise with your drifts and turns. Heavyweights are excellent for tracks with long straights where you can unleash their full potential. They are not easy to control, but if you do, then your opponents are going to have a hard time dealing with you. When you have high speed and power, you have the ability to blast through any obstacle and gain the lead.

Kart Customization

Once you've picked your character, it's time to build your kart. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a vast array of kart bodies, tires, and gliders, each with unique stat boosts and drawbacks. Experiment to find the perfect combination that suits your play style. Remember to check out the stats screen to understand how each part affects your vehicle. You can customize the look of your kart to make it your own! The best kart setups depend on your driving style and the track's layout. If you need more speed, choose parts that boost your top speed stat. If you need better handling, pick out parts that increase your grip and acceleration.

• Kart Bodies: These are your foundation, influencing your kart's base stats. Different bodies offer varying balances of speed, acceleration, weight, and handling. The Biddybuggy is a popular choice for its high acceleration, while the Gold Standard provides a balanced, all-around performance. The kart body is extremely important since it affects all other stats. When choosing, consider what is most important to you: speed, handling, or acceleration? The best kart body is different depending on your preference. There's no wrong answer when picking your kart body! But consider that, in general, having a body with a good balance is the most effective.
• Tires: Tires affect your kart's grip, acceleration, and handling, particularly when drifting. Experiment with different types like Slick tires for high speed or Roller tires for improved handling and off-road capabilities. Selecting your tires will depend on your current track. For example, if you are driving on a track with tight turns, then you need tires that can handle those turns. Similarly, you need tires with high acceleration if you want to be able to catch up quickly.
• Gliders: Gliders primarily affect your kart's air speed and handling while gliding. Choose a glider that complements your kart setup and character choice. The Parachute provides balanced stats, while the Cloud Glider offers a boost to handling.

Master the Mechanics: Drifting, Items, and Shortcuts

Now that you've got your ride sorted, it's time to learn the techniques that separate the casual players from the karting legends!

Drifting and Boosting

Drifting is one of the most important mechanics in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Hold down the R button (or ZR on the Switch) while turning to initiate a drift. Successfully drifting builds up a boost. You'll see blue, orange, and purple sparks emanating from your kart as you drift, indicating the level of boost you'll receive. Releasing the drift button at the right moment will give you a speed boost, allowing you to quickly accelerate out of turns. Mastering drift boosts is crucial for maintaining your speed and gaining an advantage over your opponents. You can also use drifting to navigate the tight turns and avoid crashing. Drifting also creates opportunities for shortcuts and gaining momentum when in a turn. Practicing drifting in time trials is an excellent way to hone your skills. Learn the tracks, and practice your drifting until you get it perfect! Don't worry, everyone starts somewhere, and it will become second nature as you play more. Try to find spots on the track where you can practice drifting. Doing this will significantly improve your skills and ensure that you are winning races.

Item Management

Items are the lifeblood of Mario Kart, providing offensive and defensive capabilities that can turn the tide of a race. Understanding how to use items effectively is key to victory. Here are some essential tips:

• Offensive Items: Red shells and green shells can be fired to attack opponents. The Triple Red Shells and Triple Green Shells are particularly potent for clearing the way ahead. The Bullet Bill transforms you into a speeding bullet, allowing you to plow through the competition. The Lightning Bolt shrinks all other racers, making them easier to hit and slowing them down. Remember to consider the distance to your opponents, whether there are obstacles, and the likelihood of hitting your targets. You can also use the red shells to block any incoming green shells. There are many offensive items to use, but mastering their use is key to winning!
• Defensive Items: The Green Shell can be used defensively by trailing it behind your kart. The Banana Peel can be dropped to create a hazard. The Super Horn can deflect incoming attacks and also eliminate any nearby hazards. Understanding when to use these items can save your skin. If you are being targeted by other players, then having a defensive item in hand can save you a lot of time and let you get ahead. Defensive items can really give you the edge, since you can block any attack from other players. The defensive items have the potential to win you the race, so it's a good idea to keep some of those.
• Item Placement: You can strategically place bananas and green shells on the track to create hazards for your opponents. Remember that the placement of your items can be just as crucial as the items themselves. Consider where opponents will be, and place your items accordingly. Place them at the end of a long straightaway, so they can't avoid your traps! This is a great trick that will definitely help you win.
• Item Blocking: Hold an item behind your kart to block attacks from behind. This is especially useful for protecting yourself from red shells and other projectiles.

Mastering Shortcuts

Shortcuts can shave off valuable seconds and give you a huge advantage. They're often hidden paths or tight turns that allow you to bypass sections of the track. Here's how to master them:

• Track Exploration: Spend time exploring each track in time trials to identify shortcuts and learn their locations. Look for ramps, grass patches, or narrow paths that could offer a quicker route.
• Item Usage: Use items like mushrooms to boost through off-road areas or ramps to reach shortcuts. A well-timed mushroom can make all the difference.
• Drifting into Shortcuts: Practice drifting into shortcuts to maintain your speed and avoid losing time. You want to make sure you are drifting as you enter the shortcut so that you can maintain your speed. Entering a shortcut at the wrong angle could cost you time and put you behind. Many shortcuts require precise timing and control. You might need to experiment and practice to master each shortcut.

Advanced Techniques: Boosting, Snaking, and More

Ready to step up your game? Let's dive into some advanced techniques that will give you a competitive edge.

Start Dash

The start dash is a simple, yet effective way to gain an immediate advantage at the beginning of the race. Just before the countdown hits