FULL Beginner Guide | Tips to Help You WIN at Mario Kart 8 Deluxe!

Tips & tricks + complete tutorial for how to WIN at Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch. Beginner tips, advanced tips, how to improve, techniques to make you go faster in Mario Kart for new players.
This video will show you how to be good or get better at Mario Kart 8 Deluxe so you can beat your friends at Mario Kart, beat all the Grand Prix modes (150cc, Mirror Mode, 200cc), beat the Time Trial staff ghosts for 150cc and 200cc, and get to over 10k rating (VR) online. Also how to unlock all the vehicle parts (collect coins).
Pro guide: [coming soon]
Stats explained and building a combo: • Ultimate Guide to Buil...
How to do Shortcuts: • Shortcuts in Mario Kar...
Bullet Extension Guide: [coming soon]
Inward Drift vs Outward Drift: • Differences of Inward ...
0:00 Beginner to Advanced Guide
0:34 Choosing a Combo
3:42 How to Play
6:42 Game Modes
7:08 Racing Tips
9:53 #1 Most Important Tip
11:03 Item System
12:16 Attack Items
18:04 Speed Items
21:02 Other Items
22:47 Triple Items
23:23 Online Differences
26:10 Strategy Guide
26:48 Strategy: 1st Place
29:01 Strategy: Front
30:16 Strategy: Middle
31:09 Strategy: Back (Bagging)
33:22 Luck
33:43 200cc Differences
36:12 Wow

[@Shortcat321]

How to pick a good combo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epWtfauLdpiGnqM Thanks everyone for waiting patiently as I worked on this video! It took forever but I'm glad I had such a big backlog of recorded races to show examples from. This guide is more than enough to help you get over 10,000 VR online, so keep practicing if you're not there yet! I will be working on the Pro guide soon, which includes lots of other tips and tricks like soft drifting, glider vectoring, kusaan slides, hopping tech, more item and racing strategy, etc. I'll be watching the comments here so leave a question and I'll try to answer it!

[@skibidigyattrizzler1000]

Thanks, this will help

[@parkercoggeshall1787]

Looking forward to the pro guide

[@sirtacocat9788]

didnt you say youd link your video on inward in the description? maybe im stupid but it isnt there

[@pga0412]

I commented on one of your videos, I believe the front running only one, I said you should make a tips and tricks video for mk8d. Did I inspire you to make this video or did you decide to make it yourself

[@KrisPeter]

Thank you. I'd love to see tips on how to break incoming red shells on walls or other items.

[@user-os8gq4vq9s]

He taught us how to solve a Rubik's cube, helped us get faster times, and now helped Mario kart players get more wins.

[@oroblast]

Brooooooo i knew that i heard his voice somewhere i finally figured that it's jperm lmao

[@divertedgamer1050]

What?

[@user-os8gq4vq9s]

@@divertedgamer1050 jperm was a youtuber that made Rubik's cube tutorials and he stopped uploading. And short cat and jperm sound exactly the same and there from the same country so people think they are the same person.

[@GhxstfaceFPS]

​@@user-os8gq4vq9si mean, its obviously him, but there is no need to reassure that everytime, he got burnout from cubes, just let him enjoy mk

[@gregkaybill2162]

I really want jperm back. He I got sub 12 on 3x3 from watching him

[@SevoraLF]

500 hours on this game over the years and I’ve learned some new things. Great guide.

[@gsalex1235]

"go to bed and try again when the japaneses are sleeping" LMAOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@Luca-La-Rosa]

Problems🤨

[@gsalex1235]

@@Luca-La-Rosa duh

[@Akariasaurusz]

I realized playing online when its 6pm in Japan isnt a good idea

[@gsalex1235]

@@Akariasaurusz LMAO

[@fletch4231]

Splatoon 1&2 flashbacks before school

[@IronBlaze77]

Thank you, Shortcat! One of the best Mario Kart 8 Deluxe KZbinrs around!

[@dani8876]

Yes and troy

[@austinrollins6819]

Shortcat really is one of the best that isn't overly enthusiastic/clickbaity

[@skeeto_04]

One of?

[@NebuIize]

That statement is wrong. Shortcat is not one of the best Mario Kart KZbinrs. He is THE BEST Mario Kart KZbinr

[@mackspowers5522]

One of the best? He is the best

[@kairotae5249]

You're honestly a treasure to any community you join

[@knoathing]

34:05 it's also worth noting that you can also use Y to accelerate, and some people find it easier to roll from that to B or X than A since you're able to work better with the length of your thumb instead of having to try and use the edge to press more buttons

[@frizzyrascal1493]

I’ve always used Y lol

[@paullogemann7512]

good note, i also prefer Y for acceleration since driving 200cc

[@robinfox4440]

It's so hard to believe this channel is only 7 months old! It's like watching a veteran KZbinr with millions of subs. Love this channel, thank you so much for reinvigorating my interest in Mario Kart ^^

[@foobguy]

hes got another channel called j perm

[@alsolii]

@@foobguy i feel stupid not knowing that lol. i watch both and didn't realize...

[@BadgerGuy9581]

​@@alsolii Not confirmed, but likely

[@JasonHolman-tn6on]

@@BadgerGuy9581 they literally sound identical, you dont need confirmation

[@BadgerGuy9581]

@@JasonHolman-tn6on Yes, It is probraly the same person, but as long as it isn't confirmed by either one of the creators, it is not confirmed

[@wind1044]

You put SO MUCH EFFORT INTO THIS, I hope this will blow up, from beginner to pro, this video will definetely enhance everyone's skill and knowledge. Great job🏅

[@MorbidlyObeseTyreese]

You scripted this so well Shortcat! Both precise and concise teaching! Honestly you should consider being a teacher because you're so good at it. It was a pleasure watching this, truly!

[@CatBattler223]

Yeah he’s extremely good at explaining Rubik’s cubes and stuff on his main channel J perm. Probably one of my favorite youtubers of all time

[@ImriGD]

😂​@@CatBattler223

[@iceheart_115]

On the start up boost, the way I figured out the timing on the longest boost was actually by watching Lakitu's lights. What I do is start holding A immediately after the 2nd light comes on, and it usually works. So that could be something to try if the number movement thing isn't helpful to some people like me. =P

[@zacharylandrum4789]

How did I NEVER think to do that?! Nearly 10 years later, I'm still learning so much about this game, thanks for the tip!

[@SweetMelaninn]

Same. Always done it like that. Can't do any other way

[@lojodamojo84]

the way I've always done it is hold A as soon as the lights starts and then release and hold again after 1

[@alivetoadstool1289]

I was a noob and didn’t know how to time the boost so I just looked at the best players screen and it was right after 2 or 2 so I got boosts everytime

[@yilsa]

I think this will really help a lot of people! Put it this way: It's just what we were waiting for from an epic creator like you! Keep up the good work!

[@Astartic.]

This guy would be great at Rubik's cube tutorials

[@dakotahernandez9511]

A note on breakaways, once you build up a small/decent-sized lead, it becomes much easier to stay in first than when you just passed someone to take first. This is because you only have one person attacking you (the person in 2nd) compared to fighting everyone in the lobby when you're in a middle spot. At this point, your only major threats are blue shells and red shells; as long as you consistently pick up a protection item, you can only be hit by a red if the person in second pulls two red shells which is pretty uncommon unless your lead gets so big that 2nd/3rd place can pull triple reds.

[@dbzcollector9963]

The only person attacking you is 2nd? Wow you’re a very lucky person cause when I try front running the only person attacking me is everyone lol cause 99% of the time I get blue shelled back to Mariokart 64 and then come all the red shells 🤣🤣. What’s worse is I can never get good defense items it’s usually always a coin or a banana which are both useless against a blue shell lol and when I block a red shell there’s always more than one 🤣💀

[@dakotahernandez9511]

@@dbzcollector9963 I'm sure blue shell dodging will be covered in the next video but having a banana is actually GOOD against a blue shell. If a blue shell is coming, throw your banana forward and drive into it just before the blue shell hits you. If your timing is decent the invincibility after getting hit will be enough to completely ignore the blue shell. You'll still spin out from the banana hit, but it's better than getting blue shelled.

[@dbzcollector9963]

@@dakotahernandez9511 I always panic when I see the blue shell coming so I forget to do stuff like that or I get the timing wrong lol but even if I manage to dodge it I always get hit with triple red shells immediately afterwards 🤣

[@dakotahernandez9511]

@@dbzcollector9963 yeah it took me a while to start actually remembering to do it in-game. As for the reds, sometimes you just get unlucky. I’d say just keep cycling your items and go for super horn or double protection

[@kbcre8ng]

I usually look at Lakitu's light for timing the start up because it's usually more accurate. Just press and hold A or Y as soon as the middle light turns red. It takes practice but its usually much better in the long run

[@Tiger-ov4do]

You deserve every bit of fame

[@ChrisDaGamer]

21:12 Actually, in online play, it can. If you are on a laggy connection and the game doesn't know what item to give you, it will default to a coin. Even when you already have one or grab a double item box. Normally the item selection animation will play for much longer than normal when this happens. But in all other cases it will never give you two coins.

[@Shortcat321]

True! And then a red shell comes for you even though everyone else should also be getting coins and mushrooms

[@sir.mipmop2286]

True, and the game also defaults to a single mushroom in that scenario when you're not in first, although those races usually dont end up mattering because i always just disconnect afterwards anyways. the boo also defaults to a single mushroom when it cant steal anything

[@ChrisDaGamer]

​@@sir.mipmop2286 interesting, didn't know the game had any other item defaults ( expect the boo that was mentioned in the video i think ) ​

[@Hitsujiii]

You're the reason I bought mario kart deluxe recently. Now I play it like 24/7. I really appreciate your Videos they are always fun to watch thx😄

[@Hitsujiii]

Sorry for my bad English😅

[@nolanclark8723]

@@HitsujiiiYour english is great!

[@loadingname4947]

I would love to see a comparison of stats to make it easier to choose a combo that works well. If I can suggest one to start, it would be invincibility. I looked up the combos for the highest (Baby Rosalina, GLA, Off-Road tires, and Hylian Kite) and lowest (Peach, Biddybuggy, Roller, and Paper Glider) and would love to see them both used in the same video for direct contrast. The other stats too would make great videos. Also, keep up the great work, really informative and great content.

[@Shortcat321]

Great idea!

[@BrandonChen-sdef123]

Extra tip: the blue shell will always follow the path that the person it is targeting took

[@itszaque5031]

Just getting into playing this game more seriously online, the timing couldn't be more perfect!

[@skwebjacob]

You're super good at making tutorials! I hope maybe he'll teach us how to pseudo slot next

[@AColdCuber]

Yeh ii really wanna learn that

[@dread.champloo1368]

Shortcat trying not to constantly make the best mario kart 8 deluxe content: impossible

[@BuilderBasti]

Little hint: If you find it difficult to comfortably press X while holding A, you can also use Y as the accelerator :D Random fun fact: You can also use the right stick to accelerate/brake

[@Shortcat321]

I personally find it harder to spam B for brake drifting if I use Y to accelerate, and using A to accelerate makes brake drifting easier

[@blixten635real]

@@Shortcat321 huh, in smm2 I hold y to run and press b to jump. Maybe I should change the acceleration to y..

[@tokothegecko]

This is the best general guide for this game I've seen on YT yet, well done! Can't wait for the next one :D

[@notaboxofjuice]

Your videos got me back into MK and this is by far the best guide I've seen while looking for ways to introduce my friends who are new to the game!

[@SkyeB7]

He first taught us to solve a cube, now he's teching us how to be Mario Kart pros!

[@DrBunneh]

I just subbed earlier after seeing your shorts thinking I should come back and learn some tips at some point, and you immediately drop everything I need. Thank you for this!

[@sceaet]

Thank you Shortcat for uploading this banger of the video! This will help a lot of new players! This is truly the Ultimate Guide to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe!

[@zacharylandrum4789]

When one of my closest friends gets Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, I'll link them this video so they can get a basic crash course on the game. This is very informative and sums up the core basics of the game better than I ever could to them. Great guide, Shortcat! Keep up the great work!

[@TK1117]

"Good luck not running into my triple green shells while I am kicking my internet router" That took me a second to understand, but if you could sum up MK8D in a sentence, that would be it.

[@TheLovedGuy]

I already knew most of this but what I really want to know is how to soft drift as it helps in many shortcuts like the dragon driftway gap jump and he mushroom Gorge gap jump

[@BBTfnC]

As someone who recently started to get better, I wish I had this when I began. I still learned a lot a got to fill a page with information on my notebook. Can't wait for the next upload!

[@str4wb3rry13]

The best and most thorough guide!! You certainly didn't take any shortcats with this video! Cant wait for the advanced guide! For the advanced guides, anyway you could overlay controller inputs to better visualize timing so I can optimize my finger tricks? 🤔😉🤫

[@BordoCop]

Great video! Lots of patience, precision and professionalism can be seen here, keep up with the good work mate!

[@casperverbergify]

This timing couldnt be better! I literally started playing mk8 today after watching a bunch of your videos when they popped up in my recommended. Really appreciate the guide and cant wait to put this stuff into practice

[@Glue_sniffer28]

IMO Mk8dx definitely needs more controller options. It’d be so convenient to be able to set accelerate to right trigger (so it’s easier to press while also using other buttons like x). I also think it’d be cool if auto-accelerate had a button that lets you stop accelerating (e.g acceleration is still automatic, but you can hold “a” to stop accelerating), which would be cool bc you’d spend less time holding the button but could still choose when to stop accelerating.

[@lunchtreyy]

You could get the Power A controller with programmable paddles and put drive on that?

[@salbains4535]

But, you can…

[@shieldlesscap6124]

You can remap the Switch pro controller itself so

[@EastbayEdits]

Please cover the best way to use gliders, ive been trying to replicate what you do in your videos but it feels slower than going normal 😭

[@woohoorandom]

I bought MK8DX because of you (+Troy) very recently, haven't played MK since wii. It's a lot of fun, your shorts and longer videos are helping a lot! Can't wait to watch this too :)

[@soup3ppee]

thank you shortcat!!! not only for the helpful tips, but for how much effort you put into the editing to show us great examples during the entire time you're explaining concepts. my fav youtuber for sure!! 🌟

[@Tk-qm8ud]

This is awesome timing! I’ve been using your videos lately to figure out how to get better at this game. Having everything in one place is so helpful!

[@delbrooke7655]

This is such an amazing guide dude! Can’t wait for the next one! I (naïvely) considered myself pretty good at this game up until i started playing online lmao. I got super comfortable playing 200cc and got all cocky thinking I got this game figured out, but have been so deeply humbled everytime I play online. I’ve got a lot to learn still and I’m having a great time learning from you! So glad I found your channel!!

[@Shortcat321]

First it's "wait I'm not that good" and then it's "wait I have so much to learn!" And that's an amazing feeling. I'm glad you're taking up the challenge!

[@crankydiff]

thank you so so much for this! amazing video and effort dude! I hope the next mario kart is just as if not, more competitive and intricate like this when it comes to skills and racing!

[@jlnschns]

Huge props! Its great to have people willing to put in the time and effort to make their communities/hobbies accessible to others

[@Tierotrix]

Best tutorial for mk8dx on earth

[@timmeeexx1998]

Ahhh so this is why he didnt upload for a while. Anyways get me some W's for shortcat

[@grandmasterafro]

I recently just got back into MK8DX so your timing for this video could not have been more perfect, awesome vid!

[@aquawrld]

Thank you Shortcat! Now I know the best ways to win in Mario kart 8 deluxe!

[@Davmz91]

This video is sooo good! Your "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" content is always fun and informative, but I believe this is one of your best videos so far. I'm really looking forward for the next guide.

[@Fool-lh9lf]

I just got into the more competitive side of Mario Kart 8 and was wondering if it is considered more optimal or the same to use d-pad/directional buttons instead of joystick since some people tell me to use joystick instead. Great videos btw, love all of them.

[@twhylerm]

joystick is definitely more optimal because you can’t soft drift with a dpad

[@burnt-potatoes]

Wait you can use the d-pad

[@Fool-lh9lf]

Instead of soft-drifting I alternate the d pad left and right to get more or less the same results when I have to make a turn that requires it but I can definitely see how joystick could be better@@twhylerm.

[@twhylerm]

@@Fool-lh9lf mini turbos charge slower that way…

[@Fool-lh9lf]

Interesting... so I've been handicapping myself.

[@WiiManLei]

Man is out here giving better tutorials than Nintendo 🔥

[@azuremk__3101]

This guide is so helpful to people at all skill levels! The amount of work you put into this is insane! Keep up the great content!

[@Korokninja]

IMPORTANT NOTICE!!! BAGGING HAS BEEN NERFED AS OF NOVEMBER 6 2023!

[@SpanishGarbo]

In this video I learned that the piranha plant can eat the blooper and the ghost only works with players ahead of you. I would've included that some items have a max number at play like shocks and bullets. Also there is a time minimum between the start of the race/last time used and when you can get that item (again).

[@oinaosoucriativabjs]

Haven’t even watched it yet but I’m so excited!! I always try to get some tips from your usual videos even though I’m a beginner because I really like the way you play and comment throughout the video, but a video exclusively about tips? From Shortcat? Let’s go!!

[@HudsonBanks-lt2qx]

Thanks so much! This is one of the best KZbin game guides I’ve ever seen and that’s saying something. Really appreciate you releasing that video!

[@mrping2603]

Good visual examples, very informative!

[@DARKNESSIST]

Thanks shortcat or should I call you by your real name Dylan wang 🤨

[@Sam-dd8cl]

Been binge watching your vids for the last couple days, you're funny and sympathetic. Keep up the great work ma man

[@hfido_]

Thanks for the video! I'll be watching out for the pro guide since I basically already know basic stuff. I love your content Shortcat, been watching you for a long time, great editing, great videos, great everything! You are the reason I started playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe again! Thank you.

[@syn3rgyz]

the lag is why I don't play online

[@user-oy2xo7si9s]

Are you JPerm ???????😢

[@yoshivolk5831]

The rubix cube guy?

[@andrewmarin3941]

yo wtf y is he jperm whut

[@vanezavilchez7662]

They sound really similar 😰

[@user-oy2xo7si9s]

@@yoshivolk5831 Yes

[@yoshivolk5831]

@@user-oy2xo7si9s he is

[@blixten635real]

Watched the entire video even though I knew most of the things. It was still awesome!!

[@maildaemon]

This is great, thank you! Looking forward to the follow-up with more advanced tips :)

[@edgaru4324]

My 8 year old sister stands no chance

[@LONGplays1]

J perm

[@moschmo7978]

this video is awesome!! i've been absolutely loving your cantent and am super excited about a more in depth tutorial on your strategies

[@Dexman-yo]

This was one of the most helpful videos I’ve ever watched! Thank you Shortcat!

[@AstralNic]

Great guide that I know many people will learn a lot from. Keep up the content man :)

[@PaulMenden5659]

Amazing video. Can't wait for the second part and the bullet extension guide. Keep it up

[@frowwll]

Proud to have been here since you were as little as 10k 😢❤

[@mondooowadalover]

your videos are so perfect to have in the background while i draw, and even though watching people rage at mario kart is fun (poofesure) you laughing everything off is a nice change ^^ i’m happy i discovered your channel

[@gympy88]

I don't even own a switch. I literally can't even play this game, and I still was excited to watch this. The information was really well presented and since I spend so much time watching your videos, having a better idea of what is happening made this super worth it.

[@aduck4720]

Thank you so much shortcut for making this video. The strategy part helped me so much so now I know when to bag and front run. Keep up the good work ❤❤

[@dylanbillen1]

cant wait for the next guide, ive got the basics down, but i really need to learn the more advanced techniques

[@edwinjonah]

Great work! Love the fun bits and frustration sprinkled in between the tips haha

[@theeditorofalltime]

Can't wait to see this blow up, great video!

[@zyferion]

Shortcat always delivers! Your vids have helped me SO MUCH. Thank you for all your hard work 🧡

[@Pro-tf2om]

I have been wanting to get good at Mario kart for a while, ever since I started watching your videos. Now, I have the resources and the motivation to get better. Great Video!

[@Aymer]

This is gonna be so helpful, thanks Shortcat! Also, have you considered streaming? I think it's a great way to connect more with the community and a chance to answer more specific, obscure questions

[@ShyGal3]

Amazing guide, so much effort. I learned so much. Thanks Shortcat! Can't wait for the pro guide!!

[@thebartender1886]

This video alone was worth it for me with the 200cc differences part. I have been struggling on 200cc rainbow road for almost a year and a half but that mini turbo cancel thing is mind blowing. Thank you so much

[@alexconnolly5448]

I love This Guide.I love the inclusion of item management and how to play based on placement. I recently started playing Lounge and the skill gap is even bigger to close so this next video I cant wait for.

[@kirbeex3]

Tysm for the guide! I only really got into Mario Kart recently but I’ve been watching your vids so this guide is really helpful!

[@user-gq2ze9yl2u]

Best mario kart youtuber alive. Thank you for entertaining me and helping me get through tough days!!!!

[@Absolutepower7]

Shortcat this video was so well explained and detailed. Thank you so much. I hope to one day be as good as you.

[@lamisha5081]

I binged all your videos this week. New subscriber here. I really look forward too your uploads

[@GameMaster-sh7tr]

Ever since watching your videos I have been interested in competitive Mario kart 8 so this is really nice!

[@ArgZagone]

Hi Shortcat, I really like your videos! I have a little challenge for you : Win by using the combos that can be seen on the loading screen before starting a race (the silhouettes that can be seen scrolling at the bottom of the screen with the Mariokart logo) Also, you can't bag ! That's it ! Good luck !

[@medabest909]

I’ve been waiting for something like this, thank you

[@RingoNLH]

Good job this was a very well made video! I learnt quite a bit. I cant wait for the pro guide!

[@BrandonChen-sdef123]

This is such a great guide! Thanks Shortcat!

[@auntboomcat6699]

Can't wait for the Pro Guide!!!!

[@user-sb1fe6qc1x]

Shortcat I didn’t even like Mario kart before your videos, but just listening to you talk about it is so entertaining! Keep up the good work!!!

[@RlrOfWorldzYT]

Thank you for this!!!! It answers so many questions I had watching mk youtubers

[@mishpuff167]

this is one of the most straightforward and informative tutorials for mk8dx ever. my guy really did all of this without shrooms

[@PeanutDragon]

Great video! This was a nice refresher for me because I haven’t played in a while. Even good players can forget simple things!

[@SanchoRegiSuthrsan]

Watching you r videos made me feel better even if I wasn’t a novice and we all are waiting to see the pro guide that I am . Keep up those greats contentes:)

[@TheRennanzao]

In the last weeks i watched literally all of your videos. You're the best mk youtuber around. Keep going the awesome work. Regards from Brazil!

[@1draigon]

I don’t even play the game online 😭 But shortcat’s shorter videos (not these long explanatory ones) are actually so entertaining