A decade after its initial release, Mario Kart 8 is still going strong and is arguably Nintendo's most successful franchise and this beginner's tips and tricks guide will help get the jump on other racers.
The base game is one of the best games on the Wii U and its Deluxe version has given the series a new lease on life after being released on the Nintendo Switch. The newer version compiles all of the previously available DLC and adds a variety of new features and tracks.
Master the Drifting System
(Photo : Nintendo / Screenshot taken from official website)
It's safe to say that Mario Kart 8's drifting system is probably the most important feature and could make or break your top spot in a race. If you are able to sustain a drift for a certain period of time, you can trigger a speed boost that will automatically occur when you let go of the drift.
On the Nintendo Switch, there are three different types of boost available, the first stage is marked by blue sparks, the second stage is marked by orange flames, and the third stage is marked by a pink tier and provides an even longer boost, according to Eurogamer.
Take Advantage of the Slipstream
The slipstream is the area behind another kart in front of you where you will be faster due to reduced air friction. This means that if you are able to align yourself with the kart in front of you for a few seconds, you'll get a speed boost.
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Pick Up Coins
In Mario Kart 8, there are tons of coins littered across the race tracks and it is recommended to gather as many as you can in the early stages of a race. Every single coin will give your kart's engine a little bit of a tune-up, making it have a higher maximum speed.
However, the limit that you benefit from this particular effect is 10 coins, and any that you get after this will only give you a temporary speed boost. When you get hit by an enemy's power-up, you will lose some of your coins, so having a lot can give you leeway in maintaining a higher maximum speed.
Stack Defensive Items
Mario Kart 8 has no shortage of items and power-ups that help you get an edge over other racers. Fortunately, there are also some defensive options that you can use to either prevent or reduce the effects of other people's attacks, said NintendoLife.
Holding items behind you, by holding the left shoulder button, lets you keep yourself safe from any shell attacks that come from behind. This is particularly useful if you are trying to maintain your lead over other racers.
When the game was first released in 2014, it became the biggest deal on the least incredible platform. It featured gravity-defying tracks that confused players' brains and it being as polished as it was only made it even more distinguished.
At the time that the Wii U servers were shut down, Mario Kart was the best-selling game on the console, peaking at around 8.5 million copies sold. But the Nintendo Switch's Mario Kart 8 Deluxe edition made the title shine even brighter, according to Kotaku.
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