How to Drift in Mario Kart 8
Are you looking to master the art of drifting in Mario Kart 8? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Drifting is a crucial technique that can give you a competitive edge on the race track. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps on how to drift effectively and maximise your speed around those hairpin turns.
To start drifting in Mario Kart 8, simply hold down the R button (or ZR if using a Nintendo Switch controller) while turning your kart. This will initiate a drift and allow you to maintain control while taking sharp corners. The longer you hold the drift, the more speed boost you’ll receive when releasing it.
Timing is key when it comes to releasing your drift. As you approach the apex of the turn, let go of the R button and watch as your kart surges forward with a burst of speed. It’s important to practice finding that sweet spot for releasing your drift to achieve optimal acceleration.
Mastering the Basics of Drifting
Drifting is a crucial skill in Mario Kart 8 that can give you a significant advantage over your opponents. It allows you to maintain speed while taking sharp turns and navigate tricky corners with ease. In this section, I’ll guide you through the basics of drifting and help you become a pro at it.
1. Understanding the Mechanics
Before diving into advanced techniques, it’s important to grasp the basic mechanics of drifting in Mario Kart 8:
- Hold the drift button: Press and hold the drift button (usually the R or ZR button on your controller) while approaching a turn.
- Steer into the turn: As you enter the turn, steer your vehicle in the direction of the curve.
- Maintain balance: Find a balance between steering into the turn and maintaining control over your kart.
2. Timing is Key
Timing plays a vital role in executing successful drifts. Here are some tips for mastering timing:
- Start drifting early: Begin your drift before reaching the actual turn to maximise your speed boost.
- Release and reapply drift: Release the drift button briefly, then press it again to initiate another boost. This technique, known as “snaking,” can help maintain momentum during long turns.
3. Choosing Your Lines
Selecting optimal racing lines is essential for effective drifting:
- Take wider lines: To set up better angles for drifting, take wider approaches to corners.
- Cut tight corners: Once you’ve initiated a drift, cut tight corners by hugging close to inside edges.
Remember that each track has its own unique layout and dynamics; experiment with different lines to find what works best for each course.
4. Utilising Boost Pads and Tricks
Boost pads are strategically placed throughout tracks in Mario Kart 8, providing additional speed boosts when hit while drifting:
- Spotting boost pads: Keep an eye out for colourful arrows on the track indicating the presence of boost pads.
- Combine tricks with drifts: Perform tricks while mid-air after jumps or ramps to gain additional speed upon landing.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, mastering drifting in Mario Kart 8 requires practice and repetition. Here are a few tips to help you improve:
- Time Trials: Challenge yourself in Time Trials mode to focus solely on improving your drifting technique.
- Study top players: Watch replays of skilled players or competitive tournaments to learn advanced drifting techniques and strategies.
Final Thoughts
By understanding the mechanics, practising your timing, choosing optimal lines, utilising boosts, and putting in dedicated practice time, you’ll soon become a formidable drifter in Mario Kart 8. So hop into your kart, hit those drifts with confidence, and leave your opponents in the dust!
