If you’re a fan of racing games, you’ve probably heard of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This game is a blast to play, whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore racer. With its fast-paced gameplay, vibrant graphics, and memorable characters, it’s easy to see why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the most popular racing games around. In this guide, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know to become a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe champion.
Introduction to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a kart racing game developed and published by Nintendo. It was released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch console and is an enhanced version of the original Mario Kart 8 game, which was released for the Wii U in 2014. The game features all the classic Mario characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and more, as they race against each other in high-speed, cartoonish tracks.
Basic Gameplay Mechanics
Controls
Before you start racing, it’s important to understand the controls of the game. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be played using various control schemes, including the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and even the Wii U Gamepad. The basic controls include the accelerator button, brake button, item button, and drift button. The accelerator button is used to speed up your kart, while the brake button is used to slow down or reverse your kart. The item button is used to activate any items you’ve collected during the race, and the drift button is used to initiate a drift, which can lead to a boost.
Items
Items are a key part of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gameplay. These are power-ups that you can collect on the track by driving through item boxes. There are various items available in the game, including shells, bananas, mushrooms, and more. Each item has its own unique ability, such as throwing a shell at your opponents or providing a temporary speed boost.
Drifting and Boosting
Drifting is a technique that allows you to take sharp turns without losing too much speed. To drift, hold down the drift button while turning. While drifting, you’ll see blue sparks emanating from your kart’s wheels. Release the drift button at the right time, and you’ll get a boost of speed, indicated by orange sparks. There are three levels of boosting: small, medium, and large. The longer you drift, the bigger the boost you’ll get.
Game Modes
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features several different game modes to choose from.
Grand Prix
The Grand Prix mode is the main single-player mode in the game. In this mode, you’ll compete in a series of four races, with the goal of getting the highest score overall. There are several difficulty levels to choose from, ranging from 50cc (easy) to 200cc (very difficult).
Time Trials
In Time Trials mode, you’ll race alone on a track to try and set the fastest time possible. This mode is great for practicing your racing skills and learning the layout of each track.
Battle Mode
In Battle Mode, you’ll compete against other players in various arena-style battles. The goal is to pop as many balloons attached to your opponents’ karts as possible while avoiding getting hit yourself.
Online Play
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also features online play, allowing you to race against players from around the world. You can compete in Grand Prix races or Battle Mode battles online.
Characters and Vehicles
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a large roster of characters to choose from, each with their own unique stats. Some characters are better suited for certain types of tracks or vehicles than others. The game also features a variety of vehicles to choose from, each with their own stats for speed, acceleration, weight, handling, and traction.
Character Stats
The characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are divided into three weight classes: light, medium, and heavy. Lighter characters have better acceleration and handling, but lower top speeds and weight. Heavier characters have slower acceleration and handling, but higher top speeds and weight. Medium characters are balanced between the two.
Vehicle Types
There are three main types of vehicles in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: karts, bikes, and ATVs. Karts are the most balanced of the three, while bikes have better acceleration and handling but lower weight and traction. ATVs have the highest weight and traction, but lower acceleration and handling.
Best Combinations
The best combination of character and vehicle in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will depend on your playstyle and the track you’re racing on. It’s important to experiment with different combinations to find the one that works best for you.
Tips and Tricks for Success
To become a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe champion, it’s important to master the game’s mechanics and develop effective strategies for each track. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started.
Track-Specific Strategies
Each track in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has its own unique layout and challenges. It’s important to learn the best racing line for each track, as well as any shortcuts or alternate routes that can give you an advantage.
Item Management
Knowing how to use items effectively is key to success in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s important to use items strategically, either to gain an advantage or defend against attacks from other racers.
Defensive Strategies
In addition to using items to defend yourself, there are several defensive strategies you can use to avoid getting hit by items. For example, drifting can help you avoid incoming shells, while jumping can help you avoid banana peels.
Conclusion
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fun and exciting racing game that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master. With the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe champion.
FAQs
- Can I play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with friends? Yes, the game features both local and online multiplayer modes.
- Are there any unlockable characters or vehicles in the game? Yes, there are several unlockable characters and vehicles that can be obtained by completing certain challenges in the game.
- Can I use motion controls to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Yes, the game can be played using motion controls with the Joy-Con controllers.
- Is there a difference between the various difficulty levels in Grand Prix mode? Yes, the difficulty levels affect the speed of the racers and the effectiveness of the items.
- Can I customize my character’s appearance in the game? Yes, you can unlock and purchase various outfits and accessories for your character.
