Should you be Aggressive or Defensive in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

What's the best strategy in Mario Kart? Should you play aggressively and try to hit other racers with your shells and items? Or should you play defensively and try to avoid getting hit? Today I test out both play styles, to see the pros and cons of attacking and defending!
How to get Better at Mario Kart: • FULL Beginner Guide | ...
Combos used:
Bowser / Donkey Kong
Mr. Scooty
Roller Tires
Paper Glider

[@HarryB208]

Nice video buddy

[@Shortcat321]

Thank you!! For some reason these words felt great to read

[@physicsandotherstuff9446]

He is right about the nice vid

[@Sphurner]

@@Shortcat321cuz the money bro

[@Unmentionabl]

​@@SphurnerI thought that was the joke....

[@ihaveaname2060]

​@@Shortcat321it is money

[@thisismalachi]

shortcat woke up today and couldn't decide between violence and peace

[@LiamSFG405]

Will be tough to beat this comment

[@anto8722]

That’s actually really funny lol

[@FootBallFan4085]

Ama sub to u @thisismalachi

[@pixel_fan1]

​@@FootBallFan4085 No

[@kellyhowe7272]

I will add on to this Shortcat woke up today and couldn’t decide between violence and peace so he just chose both

[@PlatinumComet]

"I'm ready to cause some chaos" followed with a picture of Bowser rolling in on a scooter is the funniest mental image ever.

[@Bingo_Heeler_Cross]

Man the osc is everywhere

[@gamkht]

16:35 and 18:17, Shortcat's split personalities working together

[@slimeblitz32]

Bowser looks like an adult riding a kids bike AMazing

[@Shortcat321]

Rule #1 of mario kart 8 deluxe: it's not a good combo unless it looks goofy

[@armandoromero2053]

I mean he’s got a point

[@Minetendo_Fan]

@@Shortcat321the only reason Yoshi teddy is the best combo is because it looks good

[@nikolaibeckel1071]

Haha, that could also align with the aggression, as he stole the kid's bike

[@Xris10BUL]

Dry bowser pipe frame is rly funny to me and I have no idea why

[@whiptonguebulborb]

Truly the best stat: the attack stat

[@laserfoxpro]

you’re wrong, the most important stat is the traction stat, i know because in trackmania the fastest surface is the one with the most grip

[@13Graham]

@@laserfoxpro Mariokart ≠ Trackmania

[@vantropix]

@@13Graham you don't say

[@Ufo3208_]

@@laserfoxpro Naw its the luck stat

[@Wizdabest1]

Idk about that, crit damage and crit rate are pretty important stats

[@musa4539]

The cartoony "bonk" sound effect you use whenever you get bumped is so funny every single time

[@zyble]

18:57 I think this is the first time I've ever seen shortcat happy to see the pirana plant item lol. Love the "Fuck it we ball" eenrgy of Attacking shortcat, really cool to see how down to the wire it was too! Thanks for the video :)

[@Shortcat321]

The piranha plant feels bad to get sometimes because it takes so long to use, and you might need your next item to block a red shell or take a shortcut. But sometimes it's one of the best ones you can get!

[@godzillafirefox923]

​@@Shortcat321will u do a qna at 300k??

[@lordiconix]

You've gotten better at talking to the audience and playing! Congrats

[@Shortcat321]

Thank you!! Always trying to be better!

[@kfv4]

This is my new favorite video yet!!!

[@Shortcat321]

This comment section is pay to win

[@ilovepotstickers]

@@Shortcat321Shortcat pls jperm collab

[@zek2234]

@@ilovepotstickershe cant collab with himself

[@kfv4]

​@@Shortcat321well if you admit that you are jperm, I will drop a 50.

[@kfv4]

​@@Shortcat321let's gooooo 🎉

[@Therealjosso]

20:27 “Im gonna throw this were no one can get hit by it” *proceeds to get hit by it*

[@agentshibe]

That slow-mo lore shot of bowser attacking his own child is crazy 😭

[@williamlatham8185]

On thr dk summit race, i think i know what the problem was with the shortcut. I usually use a higher speed combo like the bowser one and it happens to me a lot. Your speed is really high with the combo that you completely skip the second ramp or (if you take it the safe way) you hit the small bit of wall and completely mess it up. Hope this helps :)

[@GRsavedmylife]

Shortcat, your vids have a blend of calmness, genuinely useful information, and internet funnyman that tickles my brain in just the right way. Thank you for being you

[@erorr.sanitynotavailable6937]

Agreed.

[@untitled_unmastered]

20:10 “But this makes sense … fire under water” lol

[@13Graham]

It's hydrophobic fire

[@jeremyabbott4537]

@@13Graham how do you know the water isn't pyrophobic? 🤔

[@ShuckleShellAnemia]

Wotah in de fiyah, WHY? Wotah in de fiyah, WHYYY?!??

[@patrickbaker7014]

13:56 I would argue that triple redding first on madrid drive wasn't the correct play, depending on your definitions/interpretations. I would assume that defensive = "item strategy which always minimises the chance of you getting hit", and aggressive = "item strategy which always maximises the chance of opponents getting hit". By keeping the reds, you keep a triple defensive item, which you likely wouldn't match in your next item box pull since you were in second. This maximises your defensive capabilities, especially considering first posed no threat to you (and you had no blue shell defence), so there was no potential net defensive gain by hitting first (eg throwing a boomerang to destroy triple shells would be a net defensive gain, since it minimises your overall chance of being hit by something (This also helps differentiate from a pacifist strategy, as tossing items to chain and taking out large threats now become reasonable)). Of course throwing the shells is absolutely the reasonable play given both first's position, and the low risk since no one else would have items because of the shock; which I think highlights that in ideal item strategy, both offensive and defensive (though mainly defensive realistically) can be ideal based on your current game environment. (btw this isnt a critique at all i loved the video, just an interesting thought)

[@blobmaestro]

17:25 "Not going out of my way to back green shells and drop bananas where it would probably hit someone." *Just dropped a banana at the item box and proceeds to back green shell."

[@tupacmoseley276]

Old habits die hard, right

[@rieyyan9039]

Their goes your item there goes your race *not even 2 seconds later* Green shell: *HELO*

[@imarnonce7308]

When??

[@rieyyan9039]

0:38

[@fapkner]

i think the best thing about your videos is that you know so much about the game and you present the information very well, and without a "holier than thou" tone so it doesn't feel like you're talking down to a viewer for not knowing certain things

[@Crimsonpirate425]

I know it’s probably more optimal to play aggressive in lower positions and defensive when in the lead but I always have this itch to play very aggressively even in 1st as I like setting traps for 2nd with bananas, back spamming or trailing people with shells and I have access to the double item boxes to chain with. Backspam is something I practically had to get good with since I’m an inward main in lobbies with Yoshi’s everywhere so I gotta take advantage of the rear view mirror, all hail inward rear view making it easy to back spam

[@Marley_BS]

Backspamming at the finish line is toxic but funny at the same time right

[@victoryuji7522]

​@@Marley_BSfr i do that all the time in mario kart wii

[@Shortcat321]

In mario kart wii, it's much safer to play aggressively from 1st place because red shells are not as deadly!

[@Koulouras]

You know its a good day when shortcat uploads

[@Mandotransformers.]

Fr

[@lordiconix]

Agreed

[@muffinhgh]

True

[@_niyabella]

Love that you discuss the more technical aspects of the game. Definitely improved a bunch from watching, thank you for all you do!

[@lucienoskova2658]

Your videos just keep getting better and better!

[@Andrew-vj3yr]

Been waiting for a video where you are aggressive and attack more! Good stuff!

[@brykmcginns]

I love the audible click of the controller

[@SkyPachini]

I just recently got mario kart and after finding this channel I immediately subscribed, I love your content!

[@Ztama12]

20:27 "so we're gonna throw this where no one can get hit by it." Proceeds to run into own banana

[@mattb6522]

Good races! When I was a kid, it was all about constant attacking with items! I always threw items away. As a more experienced Mario Karter, I have learned you need a mix of both, but I usually tend to play a bit more on the defensive side. You just have to know when to protect and when to be a little more aggressive when it comes down to the wire.

[@Coffee3553]

every shortcat mk8 vid that comes out im always revved to see them, really enjoying them, keep it up :D

[@oxlynz7328]

Always happy to see a new Shortcat vid, and I've only really played Mario Kart DS back in the day

[@RemyWillard]

24:30 I miss when the Koopalings were widely accepted as Bowser's children, but Nintendo decided to retcon that and make Bowser Jr., who's not even a Koopaling, be Bowser's only child. As for their ages, I don't know if it was ever determined beyond Larry being the youngest and Ludwig being the oldest, but if we base it on Super Mario Bros. 3 going from youngest to oldest, which does keep Larry as the youngest and Ludwig as the oldest, then Iggy would indeed be the 4th oldest. And the 4th youngest too, as there are 7 Koopalings. 28:07 Peak commentary. I only have one thing to add. " Fiyah in the watah... *WHY?!?* "

[@CptJistuce]

They're still Koopa's kids. He's just a deadbeat dad.

[@alexandrepr5534]

You should have done a third where you play "normal", which is a mix of both defence and offence depending on the situation :)

[@TP39_vgmusic]

You were talking about grey areas with what considered aggressive and defensive. My personal definition is aggression is using items to gain positions, defense is using items to maintain your current position. Boomeranging the guy with triple greens before they trail you? Defensive. Triple redding first place? Aggressive.

[@euanberesford9974]

Of course another great video. I thought this challenge was creative and really interesting and entertaining. Keep it up!!

[@BlueThunderO7]

These informative videos are one of the reasons why I'm subbed to you, Shortcat.

[@Jedtheabsolutelad]

Love your vids shortcat, even if you uploaded a video with no set theme we would still find it entertaining!! Keep up the grind💪

[@Positivity4ever]

YES I WAS WAITING FOR THIS I've always wanted to watch a video where you constantly just attack everyone the moment you get an item

[@chrismorgan8911]

19:08 Shortcat: Go Go Go *hits Funky Kong with Pirana Plant* this doesn't feel right, I'm so sorry 19:25 Shortcat: I'm so sorry Funky Kong Shortcat apologizing for attacking Funky Kong while he was attacking Shortcat almost every race prior to that

[@MagnetCrocodile]

fr that Funky Kong is a menace

[@MilesGonzaloMorales.]

omg I've been waiting for you to upload i love shortcat

[@Galaxy_1432]

Before watching the video- I’m assuming the final results are gonna be smth like “it’s completely situational, you can’t stick to one playstyle and always expect to win” I’ll come back after I finish the vid

[@jayschoenherr9911]

This video was awesome thank you

[@soup3ppee]

always so fun to watch shortcat be an absolutely menace on the racecourse

[@Mandotransformers.]

I love shortcat vids!😊

[@Diancie7246]

I hope he returns with that 1v1 funny videos!

[@Mandotransformers.]

@@Diancie7246 yeah!

[@pankeque284]

Can't wait for the Shortcat short explaining what happened at 9:59 (tbh I just need more shortcat content in my life)

[@sophiam6692]

Shorcat you made me love Mario kart and you taught me a lot

[@Lockerus]

The best path to victory I've found is to only play with people worse than myself. To quote Principal Skinner, "up yours, children!".

[@sakuyaizayoi9235]

Always love a new shortcat video

[@Diancie7246]

Shortcat is back! With amazing vids! We want that funny 1v1 videos

[@nathanh2523]

always worth the wait

[@michaelromo3407]

awesome video! next time you should do front running vs bagging!!!

[@KamawnTH]

Not only is this cat short, but it's also now contemplating between chaos and order.

[@henrydaniels4647]

I naturally use items for attack, but I've been more defensive since watching your videos. Knowing what strategy to use has improved my win/loss ratio. Thanks budd!

[@VHMA4LIFE]

Hi shortcat love your vids keep up the good work

[@brownbuns3445]

Shortcat, now that you’ve improved so much at bagging, could you give the fastest combo another try for the memes? Love your stuff btw❤

[@kingkoller1503]

Hey man, thanks to you i learned the 3x3 and got into cubing :))

[@ItzLarry_]

by far the best mario kart 8 deluxe content creators ever, your content is always so fun to watch as you explain everything so well!

[@user-ox6zx4eo5t]

Shortcat, You are just the best. 👍great video

[@adierez1154]

From today I am only defence in MK8D❤❤❤BTW thank you so much on these videos ❤❤❤

[@tally_ish]

Can you make a vid analyzing the pros and cons of each and examples of when we’d want to play each strategy? This is a great vid and I feel like a more in-depth one would be helpful for newer players or aspiring comp players :)c

[@Girlilla-n-4eyes]

30:51 I didn’t know that what my day was missing was Shortcat singing a High School Musical song while playing as a gorilla on a tiny scooter, but my day is now complete

[@IsisOsirisHorus]

Next, you should make a part two of this video playing how you normally would. So not just attacking or just defending but the hybrid style you would typically race with. And one where you play passively and don’t use items at all. I would love to see the final comparison of them all.

[@mariuschampagnat]

Really good vidéo! Also would it be intresting to play without the map? I don't know imo it would be a cool video

[@Firestar4041]

Odd theming quirk of Bowser and DK this helped me pick up on; Going aggressive, with the giant hostile turtle man, that has defensive super armor in almost every game iteration he has And going defensive, with the very ready to throw hands, aggressive monkey, who often times never has a shield ready

[@psychoticape424]

awesome

[@bonthecuber]

I love as shortcat slowly goes from loving to hating attacking

[@kamranhussain2210]

Amazing content as usual. I’m not a bot, I just genuinely want to share these thoughts with you.

[@A4Funcool2022]

Yay Bowser and Donkey Kong on mr scooty i love it

[@-xcelsior-]

I think tossing those triple red shells was actually playing aggressive, not defensive. Given the position you're in, triple reds (or any revolving item besides mushrooms) is the best defense item. Chaining it into a box will almost certainly take out the person ahead of you, but the item you get will likely be worse for defense than a triple revolving. Playing defensive means playing with a lean towards keeping your items as defense rather than tossing them to attack as well as accumulating all the best defense items, so throwing away triple reds is really playing more offensive than defensive. Either way, I really love these comparison/challenge videos and would like to see more like these in the future! Keep up the great work!

[@XxXStoneFingerXxX]

30:50 kongs in sync and then the trick off the glider xD

[@Sebboebbo]

Da king is back baby he neva miss

[@Bryan.Hernandez]

Shortcat has such a positive impact in this world. Shout out to him

[@iainandnegarmackie2884]

Shortcat's videos are amazing

[@ClanDomino]

You should totally do a video on the all gold Mario combo and trying to win with it

[@johannesli4184]

Nice Video! Question concering attack😂: What would you say is the best combo when you play with furious items?

[@boogiebear3095]

I love that you’re using the heavy weights in this one

[@maccook9951]

Dk scooty has been my main for many years as a 200cc only player. So satisfying to see how consistent it is

[@Hallaaballaaa]

You’re the best mk8dx youtuber

[@Xylax.]

Just another goated video

[@MP39]

that mushroom at the end was insane

[@mr.pllupp3903]

Mr.Shortcat can you please show us how you make your vids (btw I’ve gotten very good since watching ur vids) 😃

[@RobbyForShort]

Hear me out: Offense is the best defense! 🤷‍♂️

[@katefarce6213]

The vine boom shock is soooo funny 😂

[@245HappyRock]

Can you make a short on dodging red shells?

[@Bayzer0191]

If you ever do a sequel/part 2 to this, maybe run Inside Drift during attack mode? The Inside Drift Bikes excel at trailing and sniping. It would make item play even *more* nasty. 😈

[@ally-pt1sf]

shortcat u shld add a hand cam !! after ur controller video im so curious what it looks like now :3

[@Onceuh]

Ik it’s gonna be a good day when Shortcat posts

[@nicoelpro996]

I learned cubing from you, and now I learn mariokart from you

[@420aroe]

Thanks!

[@NoahGray-zk5sk]

Question for you shortcat, when is the pro guide coming, bc im on my schools e-sports team, and i want to make sure im ready (we're playing mk8dx btw)

[@onebear6504]

I long to see the day of a "I chose violence" video starring Bowser Cat

[@v4n1ty92]

This is about what I expected. Attacking is very much high risk, high reward, while defense is a lot more consistent at getting around a top 5 placement. Obviously nothing is a 100% rule in this game cause you can play perfectly and still get screwed, but still a good experiment and entertaining video!

[@mahmoudrayaneelhajji]

Damn i really liked this vid. Even tho defense won,i still think attack is better bc its just waaaay more fun.

[@WaddleMoogle]

Hi Shortcat! I have a question: do/did you play other kart racing games like Crash, Sonic, or Chocobo, and how do you feel they compare to Mario Kart proper? I personally have a lot of nostalgia for Bomberman Fantasy Race on the PS1 though I haven't played it in more than a decade it might be rougher that I remember it.

[@un4bl3]

Could you do top 10 combo challenge next?

[@Shortcat321]

What do you mean by that?

[@sonku2152]

After watching every video and short shortcat has made on this channel, we finally get our first swear. Almost a second swear but he stopped himself at 19:07

[@epiccake7781]

I think it’d be cool if you did a challenge where you have to use any item you get instantly. No item strategy allowed 👀

[@callsomehelp]

nice

[@GamerThatExists]

You're first congrats

[@caitlintaylor9160]

Hey, can you do a series on fan combos?

[@caitlintaylor9160]

For example, my main is light blue shy guy ,biddy buggy,a, rollers and M.K.T.V glide

[@thedabmaster287]

I'd honestly love to see you play NSMB Online

[@coffinflop]

the "fourth oldest son" editing was so funny. quite literally lol-ed