Ultimate Guide to Building the Best Combo in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe!

Mario Kart stats explained! And every character's best combo, combination, loadout, build, or setup!
Yoshi Teddy Buggy Roller is the best combo right now, and this tutorial will show you how to build a combo that is the best for you depending on which stats you want!
The DLC Booster course pass just released its last update (Wave 6), with new tracks, new characters, and new stat changes.
How to get Better at Mario Kart: • FULL Beginner Guide | ...
Inward Drift vs Outward Drift: • Differences of Inward ...
All Character and Vehicle Part Stats: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
MK8DX Stat Visualizer: mk8dxbuilder.com
Inward Drift vs Outward Drift: • Differences of Inward ...
0:00 The BEST Combo
1:30 Stats Explained
7:09 Why Yoshi Teddy is the Best
11:13 Stats vs The Meta
14:45 Creating a combo
16:20 Every Character!

[@thekiiing2073]

The most important stat is the hidden fashion stat, where you never really lose because you’ll simply always out-style the competition

[@Shortcat321]

Everyone out here trying to complete 3 laps when they didn't know the real competition was for style 💄💄

[@energyzss]

girl villager + biddybuggy my beloved

[@liveleaksnextsuperstar]

fr why i main mii😻

[@lukasforster6899]

Wiggler/Mr.Scooty/Button Tires/Paper Glider is cute and funny at the same time. He looks so goofy on him, i love it ❤

[@Cros9911]

To ad

[@channelknightfadran7901]

There's another hidden stat that's *extremely* important, called Tolerance. It's your ability to put up with multiple consecutive losses in the same online lobby without hurling your joycons at the monitor. Unlike most stats, this is one you want to find a healthy middle-ground with; a lot of the time, leaving and joining a new lobby is all you really need to stop your losing streak. However, being a petty little a-hole is annoying.

[@Shortcat321]

HAHA well put

[@emilionavarrobaeza3940]

@@Shortcat321 You should try to win a race backwards

[@dierare]

That stat also has a substat that determines what you count as a "win" or a "loss", like some low-tolerance people tick out for not getting first a few times in a row, other low-tolerance people might only tick out when for example they get 7th or worse, or lose VR, a couple times in a row.

[@rajamrifqi5764]

​@@emilionavarrobaeza3940you're going to need to race backwards for 2 weeks to do that

[@shereenkhan4014]

True

[@jeredgibb5064]

There is no sense of power more invigorating than seeing Shortcat show the combo I use for Dry Bones as "the best" when I just thought it looked cute.

[@waluigi6593]

Don't listen to him guys, Waluigi is the best at everything and is also very handsome and cool.

[@PotatoBeatboxer]

I agree 👍

[@PauloBorges-jf9fs]

yes indeed daddy waluigi

[@Arabicsilver]

He will always be meta

[@cristobal_x7663]

i agree

[@saranino5732]

Waluigi number 1!

[@StarkMaximum]

This is, without a doubt, the gold standard for video tutorials on any remotely competitive game. It tells you the meta with no bullshit; it tells you how the meta came to be the meta; it tells you how the stats work that lead people to understand how the meta operated; it gives you options on how you might want to tackle the meta; and it gives you the pieces to come up with something that you like whether it's the top standard or not. Giving a single "solid" combo for every character in the game is absolutely above and beyond behavior, it gives you a fantastic skeleton to work off of no matter what character you want to play. It gives you the freedom to either play what you love, play something that's solid but appeals to you, or chase the top ranks as you prefer and shows you the path for each one. Everyone can benefit from this video, and I mean everyone, and that's such a rare sight to see. Finally got the Booster Pass myself and I wanted to play Pauline, was delighted to see that one of my favorites (the Pipe Frame) is already really good with her! From there I can tweak to whatever suits me and I've found a good-looking combo that still keeps me at that 14 mini-turbo golden range. Been loving the way that combo feels! Thanks so much for all the work you did with this!

[@littlekittypro220]

"Dodging a banana peel with Petey Piranha has never happened in the history of this game" - Shortcat 2023

[@islaburchell-gray3048]

This made the stats so much more accessible to someone new to this, thank you Shortcat.

[@MaybeNevio]

Also, the Teddy Buggy and the Cat Cruiser do not have the same stats anymore, as the Teddy Buggy now has less Invincibility.

[@Shortcat321]

Yes you're right! But practically speaking, they never had the same stats because the teddy buggy's hitbox is smaller, and hitbox functions as a stat. I think the difference is so small that you generally shouldn't worry about their stat differences.

[@toxic_gaming8580]

@@Shortcat321 would peach, cat cruiser, button wheels, and cloud glider be a good cart setup? I kinda went with a more invincibility set up, but idk how important invincibility is. (edit, i noticed it says both invincibility and hitbox are in B category, but idk what's more important)

[@steveco75]

that's true - i get mad whenever people say that the teddybuggy is better - cat cruiser is literally better

[@RemyWillard]

@@steveco75 Players who say Teddy Buggy is better are valuing Hitbox more than Invincibility, as those are the only gameplay differences between Teddy Buggy and Cat Cruiser. That said, Cat Cruiser is *MUCH* cuter, thus I agree with you that Cat Cruiser is better.

[@TehChozen1]

​@@RemyWillardPlus, with the Cat Cruiser having a bigger hitbox, it in theory has its own advantages with grabbing coins and item boxes.

[@amir_hamzah]

Weight is F tier, I’ve been bumped off by a baby Mario on a biddy too many times

[@Shortcat321]

Yeah sometimes the weight stat feels like a lie...

[@cubecube530]

Skill issue not weight issue

[@ciberkid22]

Lag outweighs weight by at least 10 times

[@Shortcat321]

@@ciberkid22 Yeah the worst is when i get bumped 3 times in a row by the same person who is lagging through an impossible line

[@jamesds5016]

The dedication that you put into this video is insane! Thanks!!!

[@ReallyNeutral]

Agreed.

[@zyopsus5415]

​@@ReallyNeutralybbv

[@Shortcat321]

Thank you! It did take a long time but i had fun with it!

[@majororion2374]

@@Shortcat321Where do Miis fit in with these combos outside the meta? Do they share similar combos with specific characters or?

[@Vitamin_R]

​@@majororion2374 I know medium Miis share stats with Mario

[@gobboyboyrah]

This is honestly the best video I've watched on stats and combos in the game - most people will tell you what are the best combos but not be able to explain why in a easily understandable way for newcomers to the scene. I've been playing Mario Kart Deluxe for a couple months now and really want to try and get into the more nitty gritty of the game and your videos have been the best at explaining how everything works! Honestly a really good teacher and everything you say is so concise yet explains everything in really informative way. Thankyou!

[@lujyintaylor]

Nah fr bro, my family and I have been playing mario kart for a while now and we have been slowly really getting into it and so I started looking stuff up online and I came across this video. I have watched a couple by ShortCat and im just watching these people hit these shortcuts on these turns and im like 👀🤯 crazy man, im glad i came across this guy, he’s helped alot

[@buttery_gooch6]

@@lujyintaylorhis whole thing on the internet is teaching, if you google how to solve a rubiks cube, his video on his main channel, j perm, will come up first. this guy is a really good teacher id be so surprised if he isnt one if he doesnt do youtube full time

[@crystaleyesd827]

im a total mario kart noob, i used to play it on the ds a lot back in the day but thats about it. i got mario kart 8 from a friend a few days ago and im a HUGE yoshi fan (i like cute characters) so i always played yoshi on the teddy bear thing or on the vespa bc it's so so cute. i joined online races and i saw a lot of people also playing yoshi teddy combo and i was genuinely convinced everyone played it cause of its cuteness. at best i figured it was bc of the high acceleration (generally how i pick). i didnt think it was mario kart meta LMAO

[@ollifossiel2992]

Couldn’t even kart to this, I got blueshelled immediately!!! Clean up on aisle MARIO’S CIRCUIT 😂😂🚗🔥🗣️

[@ALF0MBRA.]

Always bringing AAA quality videos, love u Shortcat ❤❤

[@Shortcat321]

❤

[@Jacob-ABCXYZ]

Wait these aren't cosmetic differences

[@Jedtheabsolutelad]

Bro, your channel is SO GOOD!! Been watching for a while now and I love how you explain your thought process as you play, very helpful. Keep it up💪

[@StickFigureMan8819]

Hi ShortCat, I just wanted to say that I appreciate all the work you’ve put into this video. Your dedication to show mariokart 8 deluxe players that they do not have to stick to the yoshi teddy bear combo truly warms my heart ❤️‍🔥

[@thericeknight]

love how this is well explained! I guess it's time to experiment combos with my favorite characters!

[@SoupVat]

This is the channel that got me into seriously learning mk8dx, and while it makes it impossible to play with my friends it has upped how much fun ive had with the game an unfathomable amount. Thanks Shortcat, out here doing impeccable work for the love of the game.

[@halfyou]

you should just use a worse/scuffed combination when playing with your friends!

[@SoupVat]

@@halfyou That's what I've started doing, more fun for them and me lol

[@jetstonez7935]

dude you've singlehandedly gotten me back into mk8, i updated it the other day (last time i played was 1.7.1 lmao) and i'm having a ton of fun experimenting with different builds and grinding PBs!

[@Slame333]

Recently found your channel within the past month, and have watched dozens of videos at this point. Gotta say that I love how passionate you are about this game and teaching others how to be good at it. Plus you’re just super funny and entertaining. Easily one of the best MK KZbinrs out rn.

[@rosswinchester4367]

I have been watching so many nonstop for two weeks now

[@Canine_Medal2316]

Ive recently found your channel as well. Im glad that ive fount this video exists, but im throwing in that its ok to play what feels natural to you. I play inkling, rocket bike or ancient cycle, azure roller or monster wheels, and parachute. That combo was something i was able to handle naturally compared to some other combos that exist. Its not the best compared to real players, but its good for casual gameplay.

[@greentlii]

this video was so educational and interesting and i’m very much looking forward to the full guide!! i remember watching a full guide from someone else pre-2023 patches so im very excited to see what a modern one would look like!!!

[@Jonathan-A.C.]

This was an amazing video. Such high production and care (above already great normal standards for Shortcat), and it was well worth waiting about a week

[@Bajonkas]

the personality and wit you bring to this is really lovely. i dont even play this game, i just really think you're charismatic and fun

[@chessplayer6632]

Me, who’s never owned this game: hmm yes very helpful, better watch the whole thing

[@LukeBowman-oe9iv]

Thank you so much shortcat, I needed to learn this and really love the fact that you never fail to make it entertaining and informative at the same time. Keep it up bro.

[@maildaemon]

Thank you for this video. It is very comprehensive, and I love the graphics/editing you added to it. Hopefully this will encourage people to experiment and craft their own builds! There are a lot of good combos you can go for :)

[@americanninja7775]

Now that the final update is out, I am very invested in what you do in terms of both educational content and challenges. I wish you the best in everything you do!

[@mattb6522]

Great analysis! Yeah, I've noticed playing in Regional online lobbies, more often than not, there is a greater diversity of combinations so the meta definitely isn't required. Though, in the Worldwide lobbies, you're almost forced to go meta as they seem to be way more competitive in general. I'm a more casual Mario Karter and my favorite vehicle combo is Pipe Frame/regular tires/Cloud Glider mainly just due to how it looks. It plays fine with most characters. I usually just use my track knowledge and item management with whatever character combo I feel like playing. 😅

[@user-ri5tp5zi8u]

This is the single best mk8dx video I have ever seen. Respect man.

[@henriqueferreirabernardes6824]

I don't even own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe yet I've watched every single vídeo of yours and still could watch you talking about stats and combos in a game I've never played with the most attention ever. Its something about your voice, knowledge and way of speaking that captivates me so much, you truly have a gift Man Thanks Shortcat 👍

[@Multitasker3]

I’m forth to see this and I’m so happy you uploaded. Great job on this one shortcat. My new favorite is Shyguy streetle roller.

[@DrTrayCreeper]

Frankly, i refuse to ever play anyone other than funky kong. Mario kart wii was my entire childhood and funky man is the best in that game, and the one I played all the time.

[@deekai09]

yeah i use funky even though he isnt the best in mk8d but i just wanna have fun and yeah mkwii was my childhood too i miss it 😍💔

[@ItsManu001]

Loved your explanation. I personally use *Rosalina + Comet + GLA Tires + Cloud Glider* Rosalina is my favourite character and this combo actually looks like a real racing bike, while also being excellent for bagging and mixed gameplay (probably one of the best bagging combos) and still good for frontrunning. I'm an Inside Drift enjoyer, but when I want to use Outside Drift I go with Teddybuggy. Your suggested combo for Rosalina seems really cool and I looked at the stats. Seems very good for me and I'll try it! Maybe it will be my new main for Outside Drift.

[@CptJistuce]

Rosalina biker gang represent!

[@V33EX]

I always thought the princesses in their biker outfits were way superior, in fact as a kid I refused to put the princesses in karts because I disliked the fact that they were racing in dresses as a daisy player I was glad to hear that the combo that I use was actually good 😅

[@ItchyBurritoActual]

I don't use the princesses (Technically I use Baby Rosalina) but I thought it was cool they got different outfits for biking

[@alejandrogermosen5764]

No way!! Found my combo twin ToT

[@tally_ish]

I use this for Rosalina but with the Blue Standard instead :D

[@blemmy]

All your content is awesome, I've been binging all of your videos lately. Thank you for making everything concise and easy to understand!

[@yehooo32]

This is easily the best video on stats and for helping people find a cool combo for themselves. Great job and thanks!

[@SpanishGarbo]

Please do more of these guide videos. I prefer them much more over the regular gameplay videos, though I know they much longer to make.

[@NoahGray-zk5sk]

Would love more guides like this, specifically intermediate and expert guide to go with his beginner guide video

[@airplanecakes73]

This video reminds me a lot of the best speed cubes videos. Although i do miss them, I really enjoy this new mariokart content and hope you're enjoying making these videos too.

[@_puduposting]

Hey shorcat I really love your videos, you manage to talk enough about competitive stuff to learn but still considering there's a more casual viewer that doesn't like repeating combos too much, keep up

[@mricci07]

I wanna see you playing battle mode, it will be very hilarious!! Also nice video!

[@llamarama6976]

This is such a nice video for people who like a specific character and doesn't just want to pick the meta due to being faithful

[@thattubaguy217]

I would never betray my boy light blue shy guy, no matter how good Yoshi is

[@llamarama6976]

@@thattubaguy217 the day i discovered waluigi was top tier was truely an peak moment for me. I cant betray my funny purple robbie rotten

[@ciberkid22]

​​@@llamarama6976me neither I now main him and Funky Kong on Scooty

[@llamarama6976]

Funky and Kamek has grown on me​ kamek is actually viable too@@ciberkid22

[@monk2780]

he did neglect the mii fans tho

[@flowerzforsaturn]

Thank you so much for this! I’ve been looking for more combos, Yoshi has always been my favorite but I wanted to try new ones since using the same ones takes away a bit of the fun

[@jade_14]

Oh god. Perfect timing! I just joinked the game from a friend (yes, after seeing all you videos recently I wanted to play it!), and, as a main green shy guy at heart, I wanted to know the best combo for him!

[@Zerba4]

I love how half of this video is shortcat roasting the mk8d community

[@Reapertips]

WHAT. A. VIDEO! 👏 - Shortcat this is TOP quality! So polished and well explained. Thank you so much for this!

[@Shortcat321]

Thank you!! :)

[@Vitamin_R]

I just wanted to say you piqued my interest in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online and the fact you make it as easily accessible as possible for new players by covering shortcuts, driving mechanics and techs, building combos and anything else that's important to learn is awesome

[@mateusisraelsilva5934]

I’ve never played a single game of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, I still always watch every video you upload, even on a tutorial I already knew most things by watching your other videos. Thanks for all the great content!

[@insertname5997]

“And cheatin- I mean bagging” 💀💀💀

[@uliseschavira3315]

Lemmy's green shell boost is my favorite

[@mikyap02grunt_M2G]

My main has been Yoshi on Gla, Button and Cloud Glider for almost 5+ years and I gotten really used to the Gla! I bought this game back in early 2018, knowing that Gla once had the worst stats but I was still was using it over the meta really says something how much i like this combo. Love your entertaining videos keep it up!😉

[@Jup_TV]

Really great comprehensive video. I couldn't have asked for any more from it!

[@venomgaming7014]

Teddoshi may be strong, but we can’t forget the absolute DOMINATION that waluwiggler held.

[@BrapStephens]

I really wish we had gotten a buff to make some other wheels equal to the rollers. They look so gross! Do you think that was the FINAL update to Mario Kart? If so, how do you feel about the item roulette changes?

[@Shortcat321]

Wave 5 did buff the other tires, so at least they're not unviable, just worse than roller and button. I'm not sure about the item roulette changes. I like that bagging is nerfed but i don't fully understand how this works now and what items i should expect to get

[@SweetMelaninn]

They look really nice imo

[@BrapStephens]

@@Shortcat321 Yeah, I don't mind a bag nerf, but it feels like all the knowledge of the past 10 years is just gone hahaha

[@BrapStephens]

@@SweetMelaninn Worst looking wheel in the game by far imo

[@SweetMelaninn]

@@BrapStephens Nope. Not even close

[@David-ts2lg]

Yay! Been waiting for your video all week! Keep up the good work!❤

[@antonihabsburg3322]

king of repping the importance of the cute stat, winning will never be as fun as the noises shy guy makes or the way his little arms wave after the race ends

[@luuk3731]

I'm genuinely surprised that I was actually using one of the best inward-drifting setup in this game without knowing about these rules. Link, Jet bike, Azure roller and Cloud glider! I really like the feeling of inward drifting carts, so I think I'm going to use this one for now...

[@marcwu3233]

It’s obvious it’s the luck stat.

[@cytrusik]

You are helping me get better at MK8D, now I am sending your videos to my friend who has had MK8D for just a few weeks, because he wants to be good player. Thank you

[@novemberguy7087]

I bet nobody who bought a Mario Kart game thought they'd be looking a spread sheets and doing maths to figure out the best driver lol. I just pick whichever character and kart I like the look of but this stuff is super interesting so thanks for the videos.

[@markuskronstennygren8197]

Hi Shortcat, Ive been looking at twd mkwii videos and Ive heard him say that speed is the most important stat in that game. But from mk8d videos mini turbo is the best stat, why is speed better in mkwii and miniturbo better in mk8d?

[@Quonk.jpeg1]

im not shortcat but a decent player of mk8dx mini turbo and acceleration are very similair stats in this game and so when you get hit you need to be able to get to top speed as much as possible and better mini turbo stat will make your mini turbo last for longer and i was a mkwii player before mk8dx so since stand still mini turbos are in mkwii that makes speed the best stat but since they dont exist in mk8dx mini turbo is the best so if they existed in mk8dx speed would be the best stat

[@BloxianCode]

JPEEEEEERMMM!!!

[@pilotharibo5410]

man have you grown...been here since the first 1000 followers and now look what you have achieved. keep it up man❤

[@ursamajo.r]

This is very very well produced!! Great work and ty

[@VictorIsHereD2]

Imagine using funky kong 🥱

[@aquawrld]

The most important stat is actually the negative magnetic stat where greens just magically hit you every time 😍

[@brickthecat]

Great and high quality video! I’ve been running Yoshi teddy buggy since I’ve started playing the game again because I just heard it was the best and I liked how it looked. But now that I know that Yoshi biddy buggy is the best front running combo, and I don’t bag, I might consider changing up my combo. Very useful info.

[@dolphinpal7863]

Thanks for making this video! I love Rosalina so I gotta play her but I wanted to know other kart combos so I'll be sure to try the one you recommended!

[@Weeb_Goblin]

Peachette, Flame Rider, Crimson Slim, and Peach Parasol is the best combo because it's the one I'm only using forever (except for Yoshi's Island 150cc I need to redo that at some point)

[@arkimpossible]

but doesn't the cat cruiser have more invincibility than the teddy buggy?

[@its0dill659]

yes, but with a larger hitbox. you take your pick im taking the smaller hitbox

[@JollyGiant64]

This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for, thank you!!

[@vado_falconi]

This video helps a lot to everybody who wants to enjoy at it's best Mario Kart 8 deluxe without being boring, thank You Shortcat!

[@connormraz6628]

isn't the cat car just better tedddy bugy becuase it has more invincibility and same stats?

[@Shortcat321]

It has a bigger hitbox, which makes it better or worse depending on the situation. But overall this difference will hardly ever matter

[@TehChozen1]

​@@Shortcat321Could a bigger hitbox have its own advantages? Example: grabbing coins/item boxes

[@tally_ish]

Yeah, big hitbox helps you get coins more easily! Usually doesn’t matter for items though since items are quite easy to grab.

[@cihan370]

The teddy buggy is worse than the cat car because it has less invincible stats, with all other stats being the same.

[@maxwellbrownfield9826]

You are such a great MK8D KZbinr and there is no one else who gos to the extent you do and puts out this amazing content to better the Mario kart community

[@coleliazos-coffey8005]

This guide is honestly awesome. After careful consideration I think I'm gonna have to go with Mario, Pipe Frame, Roller, Cloud

[@pixelatedgaming9293]

Ive been watching your videos for a while and they helped me improve more than you would think im 4k vr now and still climbing

[@Jkirek_]

I knew the high quality cubing guides were going to spill over into high quality mario kart guides eventually! Awesome video

[@Luragon9876]

Great informative video. I feel like this kind of simple-to-understand yet comprehensive content is awesome ressource for newer players.

[@evanalexander7706]

I've been using Cat Peach + Cat Cruiser for ages now, way before knowing about hidden stats, and am so glad that the stats are great on it! I've gotten very comfortable with the build and love the style synergy.

[@SirQuack-mi9sz]

When ur just looking for good stats on ur fav vehicles (landship and blue falcon) Thnx man it is so nice to see someone break it down, really helped a ton

[@BDPR07]

Thank you so much for this video! I already had my own combo but with your advice I improved it and made a cool new one! Thx

[@krabbe3093]

finally new video. love your content, keep it up!

[@philippsteiner7731]

nah m8 yesterday i was just wishing for such a video and u delivered❤

[@LaggyPizza101]

I saw your short bird video and I just want say that this video was really good and very helpful, I’m now rocking the shy guy streetle combo because of this

[@Stoobid123]

Shortcat, ever since you joined KZbin I've watched every single video. Every time you upload a video, you just make my day. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK 💪

[@Bukayo_Saka0]

Always lover Mario Kart 8 on the Wii u. Didnt thaught I would buy deluxe, but bought it after watching your video’s for a while. Thank you

[@FadiKor]

I was waiting for this :) thanks shortcat!

[@theorangeone420]

My main combo has been white shy guy, silver arrow, azure rollers, cloud glider pretty much because it looks good. But compared to your recommended combo, it comes really close! Great vid

[@AT-qm8gv]

One of my favorites now is Male Villager, Inkstriker, Leaf Tires and Paper Glider. Just has a really good feel to it. Kamek, Azure Rollers, Pipeframe, Cloud Glider is also one of my favorites too and finally Yoshi, Biddybuggy, Azure Rollers and Cloud Glider. So many fun combos.

[@ExoTheFish]

Thanks for the amazing guide shortcat

[@crunchyfootfungus3909]

Thanks for this video! I always want a good combo but I never wanted to get rid of my main, dry bones. Now dry bones will rock the competition!

[@Dead_by_Design]

Phenomenal video! Explained everything so well

[@500werewolf]

I have been waiting for someone to explain technical details like this for a long time.

[@WaseemEzzaid]

Thank you for making this ultimate video! ❤🎉

[@fco64]

Finally someone is encouraging people to pick original combos

[@SweetMelaninn]

This video was amazing and so helpful. Thank you

[@starportolko]

First taught us how to build (solve) a rubix cube and now how to build a good combo

[@V33EX]

It feels good to know that daisy, the character I've been playing since i was a kid, has good stats lol

[@VenkBellamkonda]

Extremely well done video!