How To Drift - Mario Kart 8 Wiki Guide - IGN

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New ChecklistAll ListsMy ChecklistsAllAll ListsMy ChecklistsChecklist CreationHow creative can you get with your first free checklist?Create a free accountHow to DriftBy Michael Koczwara, Samuel Claiborn, Brendan Graeber, +16.9k moreupdatedMar 19, 2022

Drifting is an important technique in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe you must learn to bear the competition. This page covers how to drift in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

How to Drift in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

You must learn to drift in Mario Kart 8. When turning regularly, your kart loses speed. However, if you hit R before turning, you will perform a small hop and start drifting as long as you keep holding the button and steering left or right.

Not only does this maintain your speed, it will also start building up boost power for a mini turbo. Watch the colored sparks that come out of your kart -- there are two variations on Wii U and three on Nintendo Switch:

  • Blue Sparks: Release R to get a small turbo boost
  • Orange Sparks: Release R for a medium boost
  • Purple Sparks (Switch only): Release R for a large boost

Time your drifts right so that you can skid around corners and build up your boost as much as possible -- for example, in 180 degree turns. If you risk drifting off an edge, tap the brake or turn inward and release the drift before you get too close. You can also adjust your drift by counter-steering.

In the Wii U version, Snaking (drifting on straights by going left/right) and Fire Hopping (Frogging) are effective techniques/exploits. They have been patched and lessened in the Nintendo Switch version.

Up Next: Drafting

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  • Deluxe DLC - Booster Course Pass
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Mario Kart 8
Mario Kart 8NintendoMay 29, 2014ESRB: EveryoneWii ULearn moreGo to comments

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