Mastering the Art of Drifting: Essential Tips for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that’s all about speed and strategy. But one of the most important skills you can master is drifting. Drifting allows you to take corners faster, maintain momentum, and ultimately, win more races. But how do you actually do it? Let’s dive into the world of drifting in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and discover the secrets to becoming a drifting master.

The Basics of Drifting

At its core, drifting in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is about controlled skidding. Instead of simply turning your kart, you intentionally slide it around a corner, using the friction of the skid to maintain your speed. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the basic drifting technique:

1. Approach the corner: As you approach a corner, you’ll want to start slowing down slightly. This will give you more control and prevent you from overshooting the turn.
2. Initiate the drift: Just before entering the corner, hold down the “R” button (or the “L” button on the left Joy-Con). This will initiate the drift, causing your kart to skid sideways.
3. Steering and adjusting: Use the analog stick to steer your kart through the corner. You’ll need to adjust your steering constantly to maintain your position and prevent your kart from spinning out.
4. Release and boost: As you exit the corner, release the “R” button. This will cause your kart to snap back into a straight line and trigger a small speed boost.

Mastering the Drift: Beyond the Basics

While the basic drift is essential, there are several advanced techniques that can elevate your drifting game to the next level:

1. The Mini-Turbo

The mini-turbo is a small speed boost you get after a successful drift. To maximize your mini-turbo, you need to maintain your drift for a longer period. The longer you hold the “R” button, the more your mini-turbo meter fills up, resulting in a bigger speed boost. This can be the difference between winning and losing a close race.

2. Drifting into a Corner

Instead of starting the drift just before the corner, try initiating it a little earlier. This allows you to carry more speed into the corner and potentially gain an advantage over your opponents. However, be careful not to initiate the drift too early, or your kart might spin out of control.

3. Chain Drifting

Chain drifting is the art of connecting multiple drifts together. This technique allows you to maintain high speed throughout the entire track, especially on winding corners. The key to chain drifting is to release the “R” button just before your kart exits the corner, then immediately initiate another drift for the next corner.

4. Drift Canceling

Drift canceling is a technique that allows you to quickly exit a drift without losing momentum. To drift cancel, simply release the “R” button and immediately press the “A” button (the acceleration button). This will cancel the drift and propel your kart forward, giving you a slight speed boost.

The Importance of Practice

Drifting, like any other skill, takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t master it right away. Start by practicing in Grand Prix mode or in Time Trials. Experiment with different tracks and corner types to find what works best for you.

Choosing the Right Kart

Your choice of kart can also affect your drifting performance. Some karts are better suited for drifting than others. Look for karts with good handling and traction, as these characteristics will make it easier to control your kart during a drift.

Drifting with Items

Don’t forget about the power of items! Items like bananas and shells can be used to disrupt your opponents’ drifts. For example, throwing a banana in front of a drifting opponent can cause them to spin out, giving you a chance to overtake them.

The Final Stretch: Mastering the Art of Drifting

Drifting in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is more than just a cool trick. It’s a crucial skill that can make the difference between finishing in first place and falling behind. By understanding the basics, mastering advanced techniques, and practicing regularly, you can become a drifting master and dominate the racetrack.

What You Need to Learn

1. What is the best drift setting for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

The best drift setting is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer to use the “Standard” setting, while others prefer the “Smart Steering” setting. Experiment with both settings to find what works best for you.

2. How do I know if I’m drifting correctly?

When you’re drifting correctly, your kart will be skidding sideways, but you’ll still be able to control its direction. You should also see a mini-turbo meter filling up as you hold the “R” button.

3. What are some good tracks to practice drifting?

Some good tracks to practice drifting include:

• Rainbow Road: This track has lots of tight corners and long straightaways, making it a great place to practice chain drifting.
• Waluigi Pinball: This track features a variety of corners, including sharp turns and wide curves, allowing you to practice different drifting techniques.
• Sunshine Airport: This track has a lot of hairpin turns, which are perfect for practicing drift canceling.

4. How do I get better at drifting?

The best way to get better at drifting is to practice regularly. Start by practicing in Grand Prix mode or in Time Trials. Experiment with different tracks and corner types to find what works best for you. You can also try watching videos of experienced players to learn from their techniques.

5. Do different characters affect drifting?

While different characters have different stats, they don’t significantly affect drifting. The key to successful drifting lies in your technique and practice.