How good is the MOST BALANCED Combo in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

is this the most average / balanced / mid combo? should you optimize one stat? or should you balance your stats? with how good speed and mini turbo both are in this game, balanced combos can perform very well!
How to get Better at Mario Kart: • FULL Beginner Guide | ...
combo used:
mario / standard kart / standard tires / super glider
an even better balanced combo:
king boo / pipe frame / standard tires / wario wing glider

[@qwertyqwertperson]

Hey shortcat! You did so good on Singapore speedway! I think this is the first time it appeared in one of your videos.

[@tokothegecko]

I heard that's the first time he played Singapore Speedway in his entire life! Small Feline is such a talented player!

[@bludgeon1081]

​@@tokothegecko"small feline" lmao

[@landonmeyer3232]

Give or take a few.

[@samuelthecamel]

@@tokothegecko you mean Vertically Challanged Small Furry Animal?

[@ErratixSpeedruns]

@@samuelthecamel precisely. I believe saying the word "small" was unnecessary, though.

[@tokothegecko]

King Boo when Shortcat doesn't use him: *"My children, go steal all of his items"*

[@revolverrenato]

18:57 Shortcat: "I don't want either of these items" *Monkey Paw curls*

[@mini_tinibrasil3429]

Makes sense alright

[@WarioTimeWarioTimeWarioTime]

Funny thing is it’s not even a downside his wish just sucked

[@Splashy_the_III]

"I'm very very normal, but I'm darn good at it" is such a badass line lol

[@heinrichdubloon3139]

"I'm normal, but I'm not a normie"

[@liv.s.]

average isekai protagonist

[@FUNNYFARTS-yd4ms]

He just said this when I read your comment.

[@Octobeann]

I hope in a future mariokart game they'd be willing to get a lot crazier with kart stats, or even give some karts fully unique mechanics. For example, the Blue Falcon could have Anti-Gravity controls at all times to encourage playing aggressively and bumping into people, or there could be a kart that holds items in front instead of behind to sacrifice easy protection from red shells for the ability to ram people. They could also do something like Mariokart DS' karts for Peach, where they have normally low handling for slight curves but can drift ridiculously sharp (and maybe build pretty fast mini turbos while doing it).

[@Vulpercool]

so what you are trying to say is haha funny ram go brrr? because thats a good idea ngl

[@Octobeann]

@@Vulpercool yeah, more or less

[@Josue_S_6411]

I hope they bring back the special items like in Double Dash. Mario could have the Mega Mushroom and luigi could have the Ice Flower. They would have different chances of appearing (for balancing purposes) and it would be possible to disable them in VS Races.

[@shrimpy7862]

This could be alot of fun but I'd be worried if some of the unique karts would be too strong

[@Octobeann]

i think it would help variety as long as the balancing isn't completely awful. since in mk8 it's just slight stat differences most people at a high level use yoshi teddybuggy just because it's stats are very slightly more optimal than other builds. if every kart had a unique gimmick than people would use karts that aren't meta regardless because of the upsides they do bring @@shrimpy7862

[@reddeadshots1]

As a high-level player who only uses the full standard combo, I'm very happy to see it being given some love

[@hariman7727]

Honestly, it does not surprise me that a good all-rounder can do well in this game. For as much as it is claimed that mini turbo and handling are king, it's clear that other stats are worthwhile. Edit: it's actually impressive game design.

[@fusionwing4208]

I think what makes it work is the fact that items and luck do play a very major role as well. Good use of items, and a bit of luck with not getting hit constantly will get you top placements pretty often, even if you are using the worst of the worst combos in this game.

[@aboxonmydesk319]

Handling is useless

[@theperfecttroller]

@@aboxonmydesk319you serious?

[@Shortcat321]

I think if Nintendo regularly patches their games and looks at top strategies, it's not too hard to balance a game like Mario Kart. Since mini turbo and speed are about equally important, what makes this game so balanced is that most characters and parts have the same speed + mini turbo sum. For example, Yoshi has 6+4 and Waluigi has 1+9. Most Mario Kart games have 1 best stat (either speed or mini turbo), and all they had to do was make both stats equally important. No other stat compares in importance, but acceleration is a pretty clear 3rd place. So that's part of why everyone chooses high accel + MT instead of high speed + nothing else.

[@aboxonmydesk319]

@@theperfecttroller yes

[@akarien1395]

This video was truly in the spirit of mario kart, in the spirit of the combo : you start by having fun, you then appreciate the good things, and then you unleash your wrath on other people trying your best to ruin their day. And then you get mario karted.

[@TheJackMouse]

Shortcat: *Explains why a King Boo combo is actually superior to the one he's using* King Boo: "And so I took that personally..." *Several worst possible timing boos for the rest of the video*

[@LuckyDove728]

When?

[@onebear6504]

3:40 Apologies, my memory failed me that time hahaha 14:09 that brings back memories, I used Yoshi first I think. But my younger kid self thought Bowser was cool and uses it when I have the "I'm gonna win this time!" feeling. On the other hand, if I feel like I'm not in my best or don't care bout winning, I'll use Toad lmao. 22:24 typical Mario plot armor using Luigi as a shield lol

[@Shortcat321]

No worries, your comment spoke singapore speedway into all my track selects haha. I love toad but he's definitely a contender for worst stats in the game :(

[@onebear6504]

@@Shortcat321 Before long you may get a new streak haha. Tbh, the reason I picked toad when I'm not feeling well is cause I'm least attached to it ... (Sorry Toad fans)

[@relaffub]

Your channel actually got me into Mario kart and using my switch again. I thought I wasted the 350 but you saved it for me

[@destroyermcw626]

Yeah just get Mario kart 8 deluxe.

[@piplupempoleon4225]

bruh, mario kart is best selling game on switch

[@aneasteregg8171]

I feel like people overestimate how important kart combos are. They're actually pretty balanced in standard races. Makes it pretty silly that so many people are slaves to the "meta" build when it really isn't making their chances of winning much better, if at all.

[@fusionwing4208]

it definitely improves chances of getting high placement, but it really matters how well you the player drive, use items, and get a bit lucky with items not targeting you or avoiding items like green shell and fire flower.

[@MrOiram46]

The MK8 Wii U definitely had a meta build that was more OP due to fire hopping and sliding 🤣

[@Shortcat321]

Yeah this game is so balanced, and everything else (driving skill, item strategy, dodging items, shortcuts) all matter WAY more. But using the same combo all the time definitely makes the game easier. Until recently, anytime I switched combos I would instantly start making a million mistakes. It takes a ridiculous amount of practice to get used to combos that charge mini turbos a few frames slower, and turn slightly less sharply, to be able to switch between them and not think about it. But I want to be good with them all so I keep practicing!

[@theomitchell416]

Yeah I have been thinking this a lot lately. Maybe it's also because I'm at a fairly low VR but there isn't that much of an association between picking meta builds and getting top results. While I'm sure it helps (and some builds are awful like inline bikes) it's certainly not NEARLY important enough to justify the sheer number of people using Yoshi + Teddy Buggy or equivalent. I don't like playing low mini turbo builds but that still leave a huge amount of variety. Yoshi is one of my favourite characters though so I look like a meta obssessor anyway lol.

[@Shortcat321]

@@theomitchell416 The other thing I will add for why it can be beneficial to play the "best" combo even if you're not that good: You will never question your combo or focus on whether or not it's good enough. If you can't complain about your combo, you will try to look for improvements in your own gameplay!

[@datuschultz8077]

Hey Shortcat! I understand if you don’t want to reply to this comment, but I at least hope you read all of it. I found out about your channel from the whole thing about you being J Perm. Despite that, your videos were the reason I started up my copy of Mario Kart 8 (which I hadn’t played in 2 years). I love your videos on both channels and can’t wait for more.

[@Mr_Spudder]

Same. I don’t even play Mario kart but I just got hooked by his channel. (Should I buy the Dayan Guhong newest one?)

[@kaiiskai3450]

@@Mr_Spudderyes, get the Guhong pro

[@steveco75]

i saw a video on this and I've heard of jperm

[@ZeRo_BMG]

Agreed the reason I started mk was because of shortcat and jpgivener I had so much fun learning new techniques shortcuts and gotten really good at the game

[@penguineapig1719]

@@Mr_Spudder Yes i have used it it is very good.

[@farbencut]

Now the question that remains is how good is full gold?

[@SillySillygoose_]

Good question

[@Shortcat321]

Imagine unlocking gold tires

[@cosmicminun59]

It's terrible

[@KingBob42O]

It's not good unless your trying to show off

[@deltaalex8253]

I like to rock the gold glider with Rosalina for looks but in honesty I’ve been rocking G Mario more often he’s pretty ‘solid’

[@Dan_K_Meme]

Word on the street is that they removed bagging

[@callacar11]

Bagging is s strat you can't really remove

[@Unprotected1232]

But it's not perfectly balanced. This is not how things should be.

[@phheonnixx]

99% of players who play mario kart for the first time has picked mario

[@linow5975]

Would be nice if you went through the best combos for the new characters once wave 6 comes out.

[@wildwestshyguy]

Funky kong flame rider better be meta

[@prettyl3oyflow619]

I like the combo with the mii character and gold glider better, but the fact that you are not bad in any category on top of being skilled, it’s a good combo to use

[@Shroom-Mage]

I use an equivalent combo to King Boo/Pipe Frame, and it actually used to have exactly even stats, but they buffed its speed by one point in a recent patch. The perfectly balanced stats was what made me try it, and it was so effective that I stuck with it. Also, I assume Luigi is in that combo in his render because the parts are long and slim like himself.

[@wqken]

watching u play this game is so relaxing and fun man, i also just ordered a copy of this game yesterday

[@Wolfiyeethegranddukecerberus17]

If Shortcat had a rapper name, it would be MF Bagg

[@SutheeraSuraphee]

Shortcat actually just convinced me to come back and play this game after 4 years, thank you for bring back my good feelings back bro❤❤

[@jawgboi9210]

I really appreciate how you take the time to read our comments. Thanks for another entertaining video!

[@mockspeed33]

mario kart is so relaxing even when you get mario karted it’s still fun to watch. commentary is great too!

[@mwperk02]

Then why did my friends start screeching whenever they got blue shelled by the ai?

[@javtendogaming9109]

As someone who normally uses the standard combo, I can 100% relate to this

[@Boosterboy1994]

I would actually love a video series where you try out everyones signature Combos (as far as one is known). Some are obvious from the part names, like Link with that weird Horse-Bike, others like Luigi in Mach with slim tires we only assume because of the trailer. Would be funny to see how well they perform😄

[@cultofmrozinski368]

I never noticed how high pitched Charles went with Mario’s voice in this game.

[@destroyermcw626]

Since 2014 you didn’t know?

[@die_buzzies]

Can you please do max waterspeed

[@OLplays]

the least important speed🤣

[@OLplays]

or the non-ground speeds like different kart combos for different races

[@NebuIize]

automatic win condition

[@kogmawmain8872]

@@OLplays are you saying water speed is less important than water handling?

[@OLplays]

@@kogmawmain8872 i said the least imprtant speed

[@YoutubeHandle0000]

This combo reminds me of a track set I used to have when I was younger. Good times. Love your videos btw!

[@Dr18Registered]

ive been using this combo for a good bit myself, it's really fun to play just really wacky and out there builds but this one is unique just by being default and i like that, it's great

[@michaelback1429]

Honestly, these higher VR videos are so exciting to watch, especially when you're in the middle of the pack!

[@N0_wifi]

Hello mr shortcat. Im a new viewer but i have been enjoying your content a lot and dont normally comment but just wanted to say that your upbeat positive content is a great watch and keep up the great work :D

[@Shortcat321]

Thank you so much!!

[@DaShikuXI]

Man that race on hyrule circuit felt like it was a 200cc race.

[@New_memess]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGe2lmBpd6d6hqcsi=hdBKkZV02HJOssuk

[@OrangieZ1]

been watching since 20k subs and the content is still as good, keep it up i watch you all the time.

[@xxsnowninja2896]

I found your channel today and been binge watching them all day.

[@jaydenriley3236]

Love your videos shortcat they always make my day better thank you

[@New_memess]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGe2lmBpd6d6hqcsi=hdBKkZV02HJOssuk

[@azzlckdavid517]

I like how everytime he laughed at the blue yoshi(65k) the items backfired onto Shortcat 😂

[@Shortcat321]

That's the 65k x-factor!

[@hyperdense8589]

This combo has been my main for a while, and I’m so glad you decided to play it

[@Shortcat321]

I can't believe someone actually mains this!

[@BrandonChen-sdef123]

Great job on Singapore Speedway! I think it was your first time in a video!

[@naotoueda2838]

I have Mario Kart 8 on Wii U and hadn't bought the Switch version until recently with wave 5. Before the season pass annoucement, the Waluigi wiggler was boring and my experience from the Wii U online matches was average. I got 10k points but the early matches were kinda boring But after watching your videos when I was watching the new courses on youtube, I started to appreciate Mario Kart 8 Deluxe now. The only problem now is I have to play some hours to get at least 10k points. The early 1k matchmaking is ... indeed the matchmaking for beginners.

[@Black-nf3tx]

I recommend trying out regionals instead of worldwides until you're around 3k VR. Before 3K, you can only get 100cc but in regionals theres a wide VR range so you're more likely to get 150cc from the other players and play against some better players.

[@TonaS96]

Hey Shortcat, I was looking at my "recently played" players on MK8 and you were listed! Apparently we were in the same lobby back in April of this year. Would be awesome to race together again

[@Shortcat321]

Wow, in April I must have been like 5K VR. Feels like forever ago!

[@twintale]

i look forward too your uploads. when you do not upload i just rewatch your older videos. i learn so much and i started playing the game as a result.

[@kidinadinosaur7354]

when hand reveal?

[@DeathDefyingDemon]

GOODBYE TO BAGGING!

[@Dan_K_Meme]

Actually crazy that they removed it lol

[@prestonkitty7109]

Something Funny I Just Found out after Watching this video. I Wanted to see how my Yoshi on Yoshi Bike Combo Went up against the Meta Yoshi Teddy Buggy Combo and to my Surprise I Was Still Using The Meta Build. But the Inside Drift Version. Now It makes a lot more sense how I Was Out Performing 20,000 and 30,000 VR People while being only at 11,000 VR Myself.

[@pinkpeacok1273]

Shortcat you are so amazing and so are your videos. You have changed the way I view Mario Kart. I used to think stats were the most important and everywhere I went I would see yoshi I teddy buggy. But know I play baby rosalina city tripper without caring about my stats thank you. Keep doing what your doing

[@Shortcat321]

Baby rosalina mains rise up!! I've mained baby rosalina, peach, and king boo in this game.

[@arnoldsweltern897]

Can you please try a combo with 0 traction. I think that would be funny❤

[@GeneralPenguinIsCool]

I've never been interested in Mario Kart before watching shortcat, but now I feel like I really want to play it! Shortcat, you're amazing. Keep doing what you're doing 👏 ❤️.

[@JPablo_V]

It is so entertaining seeing ShortCat having random nemesis on the video for any reason, like having the same combo, mario and luigi, the points hahaha so fun

[@exxy9931]

When you mentioned Double Dash, it made me remember that I used the Koopa brothers (I miss red shell) near exclusively (I hated getting bumped around so much lmao). Didn’t play Mario Kart again until 8 Deluxe on Switch and your vids have been very appreciated

[@conman-sr5md]

Hey dude I like that you bring up past comments on your videos! Makes it seem like you really enjoy making content and interacting with viewers

[@fatguy338]

shoutout to the slowmo editing, love those moments every time 🎉

[@user-ie4vk4qp7j]

*the red shell just hit you like a Aim-9X* 🤣

[@d_00]

I love watching J Perm's videos, jumping to a random point in time and see if I can land on "shortcut" or "bag"

[@jordanvankay4119]

I’ve watched j perm for ages and that’s how I got good a cubing since than I’ve taken an interest in Mario kart and it both cases they are my favourite channels I’ve never even thought about Dylan wang being shortcat! Regardless if this is a coincidence I love both channels and u should keep up tho e incredible content. I’m truly exited every time I see a new shortcat video and before a j perm one!!!

[@cubinginatree-3040]

Your videos always put a smile on my face. :)

[@celessilverfrond8944]

My go-to combo for so long was Rosalina Standard Bike/Tires/Glider and it served me very very well

[@b.n9076]

Idk why but listening to this man geek and yap about this game for the past 30 mins is very entertaining! The way he speaks and comments is really relaxing lol.

[@Nicholas86753]

I can't wait to see the max Traction vs the min Traction videos

[@satan-kun8974]

Fun video you’re so good at this game. Cool to see what mk8 looks like at high level

[@thecyberpirate]

my favorite line in mario kart is when mario says “wahoo! i’m in the mario kart!”

[@destroyermcw626]

I could say the same

[@Octobeann]

1:11 wifi so bad that the red shell thought it was in mariokart ds

[@byzantine5761]

11:18 "I have a coin to hide this bomb. Nobody can see my bomb." TSA Airport Security did not approve of this statement

[@RandomStufLemGD]

these videos got me back into mk8dx, now I have 6k vr and I’m trying to get as close to wr time trials as I can (I’m 7 seconds away from wr on toad harbor)

[@nekorion]

its so wild to me that young you defaulted to mario i was like 5 and picking koopa troopa in snes mario kart, i knew what i wanted

[@New_memess]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGe2lmBpd6d6hqcsi=hdBKkZV02HJOssuk

[@New_memess]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGe2lmBpd6d6hqcsi=hdBKkZV02HJOssuk

[@JesusOnABuffGuy]

I love that you teach me about mario kart I started using defensive items after watching you the only thing i dont do is use the combos im okay using whatever i think looks good while getting stats i like

[@New_memess]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGe2lmBpd6d6hqcsi=hdBKkZV02HJOssuk

[@donnyduncan]

Holy cow! I've been watching your Mario Kart videos for weeks and thought "wow this dude sounds so much like J Perm, it's uncanny", and it turns out that you are J Perm, my favorite cube content creator after all? Wild lol. Also, J Perm is best perm, my go-to fidget algorithm. J Perm for life! Keep up the great work man, your content is always good.

[@okuu_utsuho]

Have you tried the Luigi Death Stare combo online?

[@dymaz6282]

Its always good to go back to the fundamentals -Beyblade burst

[@ult_Violet]

Little late lol, but what’s funny is that the combo you use, is my main thing i use EVERY-TIME i play the game!

[@rachelcb123]

Now i wanna see you do a tier list of the classic/meta combos

[@KuKuKlock123]

Yo!!! That’s crazy I was asking this in the mii Mario short. 😂😂 Ty Ty I’ll sub.

[@malmansoori2384]

I don’t even play this game but it’s so entertaining watching these videos cuz u never know what’s gonna happen 😂

[@kamranhussain2210]

Video idea: ranking all courses from the biggest running track to the biggest bagging track

[@weaponofwar8574]

Thanks bro you learn stuff that I didn’t know

[@anajuliarios7384]

I can't really explain why, but you should totally use this combo: daisy + city tripper + sponge wheels. It feels really smooth, please try it

[@suspectv322]

What?! The Mario Kart Tour tracks are designed with Mario Kart Tour's gameplay in mind?!? That's mind blowing and thought provoking, thank you for this sage wisdom.

[@paquiward8201]

Love your videos, very fun and i dont even have mario kart 😂. Greetings from Argentina!!

[@santiagoruiz3244]

It would be awesome to see a Shortcat stream of he speaking about MK8 as he just chills playing

[@amlopresidente6357]

I dont know if anyone has told you this but i really like hearing your controler during gameplay, its like asmr to me

[@New_memess]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGe2lmBpd6d6hqcsi=hdBKkZV02HJOssuk

[@tc_bathwater]

This channel is just "Mario Kart 8 Bagging compilation" and I am here for it

[@christianhernandezgarcia4010]

I really like the sound of your controller when you use an item. It is like an asmr session to my ears lol

[@ashglezo]

I love that in every new video shortcat has a temporary nemesis when he's racing lol

[@New_memess]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGe2lmBpd6d6hqcsi=hdBKkZV02HJOssuk

[@anshitsrivastava1081]

You're so good at this man. Lovely. I think I need to play this game again.

[@New_memess]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGe2lmBpd6d6hqcsi=hdBKkZV02HJOssuk

[@New_memess]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGe2lmBpd6d6hqcsi=hdBKkZV02HJOssuk

[@RedZenGaming]

Coming from more serious driving simulators. Mario Kart def takes some inspiration from some of them and the whole speed vs accel thing in other games like forza motorsport or even the horizon series. Tuning and choosing the right car set up is essential for victory. Acceleration is ideal for very winding tight technical tracks while speed can be better for tracks with more straightaways or less technical corners. The introduction of tire types in their own simplistic way also adds a fun layer of complexity that i really enjoyed from more “realistic” racing games in this game. Track knowledge and the right setup seems to be the age old fallback that even in this game rings true. Doesn’t surprise me that a well balanced combo does very well.

[@the_real_boogeyman]

The comedic timing in this episode was on point

[@nolanscherzer1911]

Whenever there’s a moment for the x-file stinger to play in a shortcat video it cracks me up

[@MasterSMG3]

I figured out the pipe frame with the rest of the average combo is somewhat better then the present go kart.

[@TheNetflixGamer]

The double Mario and Luigi combo was weeeeird! And I can’t believe they don’t show the mini turbo stat in game…

[@vittosphonecollection4134]

I use it a lot because it fits with a lot of tracks, especially the most Wii U looking ones

[@sicklyeel]

if you ever decide to do another video rating viewers' combos my main combo is Larry + Biddybuggy + Monster tires + Bowser Kite and it's surprisingly decently balanced (i actually made it by accident and it's been my go-to ever since) also whenever i see a King Boo + Teddy Buggy + Rollers combo online i think "ah they must be a Shortcat watcher" 😂

[@JustCallMeTiff.]

the 3rd blueshell in peach gardens was CRAZYYYYY

[@ryan_raus]

Someone mentioned you were J perm (I didn’t know what that meant so I looked that up), pretty cool that you’ve got multiple successful channels. Idk anything about Rubik’s cubes and I don’t play Mariokart like ever, yet here I am subbed and binging your videos still lol

[@spinceiling7442]

This has to be one of your funniest videos

[@MiniVoltar]

A cool video idea would be you using all the characters and karts shown on the title screen menus.

[@str4wb3rry13]

I love your emphasis on defensive play and yet unlock full rage mode on the blue Yoshi 😂 New video idea? Play as aggressive as possible: Trail everything, go for every snipe imaginable, throw red shells immediately, cycle for attack items?

[@New_memess]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGe2lmBpd6d6hqcsi=hdBKkZV02HJOssuk

[@betsevenuti]

Love this video. Very helpful to play Nintendo. Love MarioKart 8 deluxe

[@DanielDeLeon69]

Shortcat is the smartest person who knows all the knowledge in Mario Kart 8 deluxe history

[@funbottlegames4158]

When I first started I thought this combo was the best because it is all balanced and I didn’t think much of mini turbo and speed.