Though Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be a fun, casual game, those who hope to rank high in online matches or against friends will need to implement some of the tips and tricks used by pro players. During a race, there are several things players can do to increase their odds of reaching first place and staying there.

Some of these tips include holding onto specific items, choosing your setup carefully, and even practicing course shortcuts. Though this may not guarantee a win every time, playing more strategically can increase the odds significantly, more than just running the current meta.

Select The Right Kart & Racer

One of the most important choices a player can make in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is selecting their racer and their Kart. Though selecting the current meta is always the right choice, the right Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Racer and Kart combo for you is the one that is strong where you need it. For example, the meta often revolves around lightweight characters with high acceleration. While they are fast combos, they can be increasingly hard to control, especially on tracks with many turns.

Instead, players should focus on their strengths and weaknesses and select their racer and Kart according to that. If you struggle to make turns and control your Kart, then the meta will not be of any assistance. Instead, something a little heavier will be easier to control and give you a better chance to make up for the areas where you may need help. So focus on the areas where you know you have trouble while racing and test out some other combos until you find one that feels the best.

Consider selecting features like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's smart steering. Though this can help you avoid swerving off-road, it may also make it harder to utilize shortcuts since its goal is to keep you on the main track.

Practice On Less Familiar Cups

Another key point of races, especially online, is selecting the track. Unfortunately, players don't get the luxury of choosing from all available tracks in the game, only from a pre-selected group of tracks that are randomized. At that point, everyone in the race has the option to vote on the track they would like to race or select the option to choose one at random. For this reason, it's recommended that players who hope to become pros at Mario Kart 8 Deluxe practice and familiarize themselves with every track available.

There are shortcuts on every track in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and they can save time. However, some can be difficult to execute or even require specific timing, so don't use them just because it's there. Only use shortcuts when you're 100% sure you can make it. Otherwise, this will have the opposite effect and cost you time instead.

This may seem like a lot of work, but track familiarity can go a long way in a race. Knowing when turns are coming or where a shortcut could be can make the difference between coming in last or 1st. This also ensures that no matter what random batch of tracks appears as options, you will be comfortable with any of them. However, always vote for the most familiar one.

Utilize Speed Boosts, Drift Boosts, and Coins

When it comes to having a good headstart, players will want to be sure they get the starting acceleration boost. Unfortunately, if this is timed incorrectly, then the Kart will spin out and delay the start, so it must be done simultaneously for every race. The sweet spot for timing when to hit the gas is right as the countdown lowers the number 2.

Though the starting boost in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is only available at the beginning of the race, there are other ways to gain boosts throughout the race to maintain that momentum. These other options include both speed boosts and drift boosts. Speed boosts are more obvious as they are the markings on the track with arrows that indicate a temporary speed increase and should be utilized as often as possible. Drift boosts must be initiated by the player but are even more powerful.

Drift boosts happen when players initiate a drift when going around a curve or turn. These boosts have three different levels that include Mini-Turbo, Super Mini-Turbo, and Ultra Mini-Turbo. The longer the drift is held, the more likely you are to get the higher-level turbo, and it can be easily identified by the color around the tires while drifting. A Mini-Turbo will have blue sparks, a Super Mini-Turbo will have orange sparks, and an Ultra Mini-Turbo will have purple sparks.

Certain racer and Kart combos can perform the Ultra Mini-Turbo better than other combinations.

As for maintaining a constant speed, you should collect as many coins as it affects your overall speed. Every coin collected increases your base speed while you have them, and they max out at 10. Note that you lose coins when hit by items, so ensuring this number is always at 10 is an excellent way to ensure maximum speed.

Hold On To Certain Items & Stay Aware Of Opponents

While it is easy to relax once reaching first place, this is perhaps one of the biggest mistakes players can make. This is because making a significant gap between first and second place takes a lot of work. However, players can do a couple of things to try to maintain their winning spot, including holding on to certain items and being aware of what's coming.

In addition to continuing to do all of the other things that got you to first place, there is now one major obstacle to stay aware of, and that is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Blue Shell. This item only targets first place and creates an eruption that affects first place and anyone within the radius. Unlike some other shells, avoiding this one is extremely difficult, but there is a way. Specifically, players should aim to acquire the Super Horn item.

With this item, as the Blue Shell begins to approach, the Horn can be used, and it will immediately destroy the Blue Shell without it going off. The easiest way to acquire this is to grab as many boxes as possible and dump all other items. Once you have the Super Horn, hold onto it while you're in first place. This can also be used on other shells and opponents if necessary, making it the most valuable item for the first-place racer.

Overall, though there is no way to guarantee a first-place win every time, there are several things players can do to improve their odds. Note that practicing on tracks and experimenting with other setup combos should be done offline so you can focus on that and not on the race. Once you feel comfortable, go back to online racing and keep racing because the best way to improve is simply by playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.