Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Boost Tips - How to Slipstream, Jump Boost, Trick Boost
How to reach maximum speed in the Switch version of Mario Kart 8, including the starting boost, trick boost, and coin boosts.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't just about going fast, but speed will play a major part in how well you do while out in the game's many twisting and turning tracks. In this guide we'll detail how to boost in Mario Kart 8, whether that's from the starting grid or while racing behind opponents.
If you're after something different to a Mario Kart 8 Boost Guide, have a little look at our Mario Kart 8 Deluxe guide hub. It's got useful articles on the weapons in Mario Kart 8 and how to win in Battle Mode.
How to Perform the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Starting Boost
Winning in Mario Kart 8 can be a very fine thing indeed, so you might as well get off to the very best start possible. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe wouldn't really be a Mario Kart 8 if it didn't have the Starting Boost, so thankfully it does.
Just after the number two in the starting count appears, you press the accelerator (A button). Do it too early and you'll stall and get off to a painfully slow start, do it too late and you'll have a normal start. Nail this and every race will begin perfectly.
How to Drift Boost in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart as a series lives and dies by the drift and the Drift Boost. When you're heading into a turn, hit the R button to hop and keep holding it down. You can still steer while in the drift, as moving the analog stick left or right will steer you towards the inside or outside of the turn. You can use this to stay in control. Just don't expect to be able to switch directions completely.
Blue sparks coming from your tires signifies the first level of Boost, while orange sparks are level two. New to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch is a third level of boost, which comes with a pink colored spark. When you release the R button, you'll boost forward with flames coming from your tailpipe. This basic move is integral to playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and is something you'll need to master in order to win all the gold cups.
You might have heard of something called Snaking. This move allowed players to gain incredible speed, but it's an exploit that isn't possible to do in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Another move, dubbed Fire Hopping, has also been removed. If you attempt the hopping sliding move in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe you'll actually slow down.
Mario Kart 8 Stunt Boost, Slipstreaming, and Coins
Stunt Boosts return from Mario Kart Wii. When you're heading over any major ramp or small bump you press the R button. If you time this right your character will perform a stunt and get a boost forward, but if you time it incorrectly you'll just do a jump and lose speed as you fumble up and over the ramp.
Slipstreaming doesn't give you a massive boost, but if you tail an opponent you'll be enveloped in a pocket of air. This will give you a small speed increase and allow you to move past other racers.
In the new anti-gravity sections of Mario Kart 8's tracks, the physics of racing not only change, you'll also gain access to another method of boost. The Spin Boost is all-new; if you run into another racer while in anti-grav mode, you both get a small boost. Like slipstreaming, this changes your strategy if you're in the midst of a bunch of racers. Ramming into other racers, even the heavier characters, will net you some speed. Try to do so from the side, so you're not boosting into their rear end.
You shouldn't forget about Coins in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Coins can be collected as you race, with your top speed increasing each time up to a maximum of 10 coins. If you get hit you'll lose some and have to build the total up again. All coins also get added to your overall total and can be used to unlock customisation parts.
In 50cc, you can probably get by without using any of these methods as it's really a mode for newcomers to the game. In 150cc, 200cc and online, you'll need to use them all in tandem with track shortcuts to stay ahead. Good luck!
For more on the game head to our Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Weapons Guide and our detailed look at Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Battle Mode.