Starting in Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, and returning in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch, Nintendo introduced a new 200cc speed class to the Mario Kart franchise. Unlike the more moderate increases between 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc speed classes, 200cc provides a significant, noticeable boost in speed. The increase is so substantial that it even changes the way players approach the game.
Many players rarely find a need for the brake button in most Mario Kart games, but in 200cc they’ll need to make extensive use of braking just to navigate corners safely. After all, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe explicitly mentions that “braking is crucial.” It can take a lot of time to master 200cc on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s 96 tracks, thanks to the Booster Course Pass. Thankfully, there are plenty of tips and helpful hints that apply specifically to 200cc.
Updated on August 9, 2024, by Antonio Samson: With the Mario Kart 8 Booster Course Pass fully released, there are plenty of tracks and modes to have fun in. However, if players want to put their skills to the test, 200cc is the ultimate challenge in the game. However, mastering this speed is no easy task. Luckily, there are plenty of tips to help players. This article was updated to include more information and to meet CBR’s editorial and formatting standards.
25 Start With Lightweight Drivers And Transition To Heavy Class Characters
Master Handling And Acceleration Before Focusing On Top Speed
Players will have an easier time in 200cc mode using lighter drivers. Karts, tires, and gliders that focus on handling and acceleration will be beneficial starting out. Because 200cc is such a fast mode, the extra handling will help with sharp turns, and the acceleration will help get players back up to speed quickly if they fall off the track. Lightweight drivers add to this with their increasing handling and acceleration. The precision needed for the tight corners of 200cc can be better managed with lightweight drivers, making them the ideal choice for beginners trying to master the mode.
As players get more used to 200cc mode and their skills increase, they may wish to transition over to heavier drivers that focus more on top speed. With heavier drivers, like Mario Kart roster favorites such as Rosalina and Bowser, they can easily knock lighter drivers out of their path. The fastest race times are only possible with the heaviest drivers focusing on their top speed stats. Additionally, heavier characters offer more stability on the track, which becomes critical when navigating high-speed races. As players become more confident in handling the speed, they can capitalize on the higher speeds that heavy drivers provide for an even greater competitive edge.
24 Start With 50cc And Transition To Faster Speeds
Gradual Progression Builds Better Track And Game Knowledge
It takes a skillful Mario Kart player to be able to jump into 200cc in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe without any prior experience in that game. Each Mario Kart game has its gimmicks and nuances that give it a different feeling from previous and future Mario Kart games. Learning to adjust to these nuances is crucial to mastering the different speed classes and eventually excelling in 200cc. Familiarizing oneself with the various mechanics unique to the game will also build a strong foundation for success.
Speeds In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- 50cc
- 100cc
- 150cc
- 150cc Mirror
- 200cc
Take it slow. Start at 50cc, or whichever speed that’s most comfortable, and work up to 200cc. This will provide an opportunity to learn mechanics, tracks, stats, and shortcuts. Gradually building speed will also help in understanding track layouts and item usage, which play a critical role in success. When winning becomes an almost certainty in every race, move on to the next speed class. Players can challenge themselves to perfect their racing techniques in each speed class before moving up, ensuring a seamless transition to higher speeds.
23 Remember Basic Mario Kart Strategies
Foundational Tactics That Improve Control In Every Race
While playing at lower speeds, it’s easy to develop basic strategies while racing. Getting a Rocket Start can provide an early advantage. Holding an item behind the racer can protect from incoming Red Shells. The Boo item will always steal the item a character is holding, so holding onto a coin can preserve a more important item like the Super Horn. Mastering these strategies early on gives players a better chance to control the race, especially when racing at slower speeds. Additionally, understanding how to utilize coins to increase overall speed is another foundational tactic that will pay off at higher speeds.
While not all basic strategies work for 200cc, such as when to do tricks, most strategies carry over across all speed classes. Creating good habits is one way to get a head start on 200cc. Strategies like learning how to use slipstreams, drifting, and managing boosts can make the difference between a win and a loss. The key is to combine these basics with more advanced techniques, like drift boosting and brake drifting, which become essential in faster modes.
22 Learn How To Dodge Blue Shells
Prevent Game-Changing Item Hits With Smart Strategy
The Blue Shell is the most frustrating item in all of Mario Kart. The author of so many races lost just before the finish line. The Blue Shell, officially called the Spiny Shell, is an item that specifically targets first place. Some iterations of the Blue Shell can also hit other racers en route to the first-place player. Understanding how to deal with this notorious item can make or break a race, especially in competitive online play. Blue Shells often strike when victory is within reach, so learning how to defend against them is crucial for serious players.
How To Dodge A Blue Shell
- Use the Super Horn item.
- Use a Mushroom at the right time.
- Fall back to second place so the Blue Shell redirects.
- Fall off the track or get hit by another item to take advantage of invincibility frames.
There are, thankfully, numerous ways to dodge a Blue Shell in Mario Kart. The first is simply using the Super Horn. Another way is to have a Mushroom and time its use at the right frame, which is usually the moment the Blue Shell faces directly downward above the racer. Falling off the track or even letting another racer pass can also prevent the Blue Shell’s destruction. Additionally, strategic positioning in the final lap, such as staying just behind first place until the very end, can sometimes help players avoid being targeted. Players who master Blue Shell avoidance will consistently find themselves in the winner’s circle.
21 Learn The 200cc-Exclusive Shortcuts
Speed-Boosting Secrets For An Edge In High-Speed Races
One of the most interesting things about 200cc mode is its many shortcuts. Some shortcuts are only possible to do thanks to the increased speed of 200cc. If players discover and practice these, the shortcuts can really be used to their advantage for faster race times. Knowing these shortcuts can make the difference between coming in first place or trailing behind in the pack. Finding these high-speed shortcuts also adds another layer of strategy to each race.
One example is the downhill Big Blue course. There is a smaller jump shortcut that is possible to make regardless of what speed class players are racing on. But in 200cc mode, because of the increased speed and the length of time that players can stay in the air, if a mushroom is used at the right angle, players can actually skip a whole second portion of the course from the same shortcut, landing far below. Each track offers unique opportunities in 200cc, and players who spend time exploring and practicing will gain a significant edge in competitive racing.
20 Learn The Tracks To Get Ahead Of Your Oppenents
Familiarity With Courses Is Key To Handling 200cc
In 200cc, there are a lot of things a player will need to be mindful of. The last thing a player should be stressed out about is the track itself. Fully learning a track from start to finish is a good way to manage 200cc, especially on the difficult Rainbow Roads. Knowing every twist, turn, and potential hazard of a track is essential to staying ahead of the competition. The fast pace of 200cc doesn’t leave much room for hesitation, so having an intimate knowledge of the course layout can make a significant difference.
Best Mario Kart 8 Tracks
- Excitebike Arena
- Ribbon Road
- Mute City
- Mount Wario
- Rainbow Road
Becoming familiar with a track will make it easier to make quick decisions or survive a dreaded Blooper. This is also especially useful when collecting coins. Coins offer up a slight increase in overall speed for a maximum of ten coins. Knowing where coins are on the track can provide a tremendous advantage early on. The sooner one reaches ten coins, the better. Track familiarity also allows players to take advantage of hidden shortcuts, optimize their drifting points, and anticipate where items may become most useful. This all builds toward greater efficiency in racing, which is crucial in 200cc mode, where the margin for error is razor-thin.
19 Use Smart Steering As Training Wheels
A Helpful Tool For Learning High-Speed Without Mistakes
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch introduced some new accessibility features to the game. One of those is smart steering, which will automatically help players stay on the course whenever they are in danger of veering off the side. It’s especially helpful in 200cc mode, where players commonly fly off the track because of its high speeds. For new players or those struggling with the speed of 200cc, smart steering can be a valuable tool to help them learn the basics without constantly falling behind due to minor mistakes.
However, there are some downsides to using smart steering. For one thing, players can’t reach the new third stage of drift boosts, called Ultra Mini Turbos. An even more detrimental downside is that smart steering always tries to keep players on the main track, prohibiting them from taking most shortcuts. Using smart steering as a learning tool can be beneficial at first, but as players improve, transitioning away from it becomes necessary to unlock the full potential of their karts and gain access to every advantage available in 200cc mode.
18 Get Familiar With The Brake Button And The Brake Drifting Technique
Essential Techniques For Mastering 200cc Corners
Many players who are used to playing the normal speeds in Mario Kart games will find it strange if someone mentions the brake button. It’s rarely necessary to even use it, Mario Kart 8 included. Most of the game can be successfully navigated just using the acceleration button, the hopping shoulder buttons, and the item buttons. However, 200cc completely changes the dynamic, and players must adapt their racing techniques to accommodate the extreme speed. Using the brake button becomes an essential part of a player’s toolkit for mastering this mode.
200cc changes things. Not only will players need to use brakes frequently just to make it successfully around corners, but a new technique, brake drifting, will come into focus for many. Brake drifting is easy to learn but challenging to master. If players brake for too long, it will cancel out their drift boost. Practicing brake drifting in Time Trials or versus matches is a great way to get accustomed to how much braking is needed on specific corners, allowing players to maintain their lead without losing valuable time in the race.
17 Turns Come Up Much Faster, So Drift Earlier
Perfect Timing Is Crucial For Control And Speed Boosts
When playing 150cc or other speed classes, it’s easy to develop habits that best suit that speed. With 200cc, those usual habits will need to be adjusted, as tough as that might be. One habit worth working on is when to drift. Drifting is one of the key mechanics in Mario Kart, providing players with necessary boosts and enhanced control around corners. In 200cc, getting the timing just right becomes crucial as the extra speed makes every second count.
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One of the biggest reasons players struggle with 200cc early on is that they’re drifting much later than they should be as they’re relying on muscle memory from a slower speed class. Getting into the habit of drifting earlier will increase the control a player has over their vehicle, making it easier to navigate tracks. Practicing on different tracks to memorize exactly when to start drifting for each corner is crucial. Mastering early drifting in 200cc can be the key to shaving off valuable seconds in a race.
16 Don’t Forget To Let Off The Accelerator
Slow Down To Navigate Tough Corners More Effectively
Decelerating probably runs contrary to what most players would be used to doing. Letting off the accelerator can actually be a benefit in 200cc mode. It’s especially helpful to assist with canceling drift boosts to get around multiple sharp corners. Knowing when to stop accelerating can prevent players from flying off the track or crashing into walls, a common problem in 200cc when relying too heavily on speed alone.
On sharp S curves, if players drift boost during the first turn, they are likely to go flying off the track. Players can instead use a combination of decelerating and even braking as needed to cancel their first drift boost. “Slow in, fast out” is a popular technique for approaching corners in high-speed racing. This allows for taking the second corner sharply, and players can successfully boost out of the second turn without going off course. Players who can master letting off the accelerator at the right time will be able to maintain their position in the race.
15 Play Around With Item Selector
Customize Item Loadouts To Develop Specific Skills
Dodging a Blue Shell, especially with a Mushroom, can take practice. Luckily, Nintendo recently updated Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the ability to select items before a race, similar to Super Smash Bros. This gives players the unique opportunity to customize their racing experience and hone specific skills. The freedom to change item selection opens up a world of possibilities for changing gameplay tactics and overcoming challenges that may seem overwhelming at first, such as dodging tricky items like Blue Shells.
This feature is only available in Versus mode and Online lobbies, but it can be a good way to practice 200cc. Having only Blue Shells and Mushrooms is chaotic, but can be a big help with Blue Shell dodging. Also, having no items can allow a player to focus purely on racing without having to worry about items. Mixing and matching items can fine-tune a 200cc experience to help develop the necessary skills for 200cc Grand Prix or Worldwide online. This customization lets players work on specific aspects of their racing skills.
14 Knowing The Y-Button Also Accelerates Can Make Driving More Comfortable
Improve Control With Alternative Button Configurations
Because 200cc relies heavily on braking, players will need to actually press the B-button. After spending so much time rarely ever pressing the B-button in a race, it can be uncomfortable learning to shift a thumb back and forth. The constant need for precision can cause strain, especially when trying to navigate tight turns while managing speed boosts.
The A-button isn’t the only way to accelerate. The Y-button does as well. This can be especially useful on 200cc and moving a thumb between the Y and B-buttons feels much more natural since a thumb can simply rock back and forth. Comfort matters when trying to win a difficult race, so learning to use the Y-button to accelerate can be a difference-maker. Players who become adept at using alternative buttons may find themselves with greater control over their racing experience, allowing for more fluid transitions between braking and accelerating.
13 Finding A Comfortable Controller Makes Playing Easier On The Hands
Discover The Right Hardware For Better Performance And Less Fatigue
It’s not just the button layout that players should get comfortable with. The Switch has numerous different controllers to play on. There’s a single Joy-Con, two separate Joy-Cons, Joy-Cons attached to the Switch itself, the motion control wheel, the Pro Controller, and so on. The faster the gameplay, the more critical it becomes to have responsive and comfortable controls that allow quick reactions without causing strain.
Finding the right controller, and one that works, can make a big difference because of how important comfort is when playing any game. The last thing a player wants to do is fight their controller, so having a controller that’s functional and comfortable makes it much easier to get used to 200cc. Trying out different controllers to see which suits individual play styles best is a smart investment, as it can significantly enhance overall gameplay and enjoyment.
12 Drift Over Boost Ramps As Tricks Can Cause Unintended Consequences
Balance Speed And Control By Choosing When To Skip Tricks
Most players have gotten used to doing tricks when they go off ramps to get an extra boost of speed. In 200cc mode, that extra speed can do more harm than good sometimes. This is especially true for boost ramps that already give players a quick burst of speed. Going airborne in 200cc can result in less control and make it harder to land accurately, especially on tricky tracks with sharp curves immediately after the ramps.
Sometimes it makes sense to try drifting off of certain boost ramps instead. Players can maintain their drift boost even while in the air, and they don’t have to compensate for even further speed boosts. If it happens to be on a curve or corner, it can also help with cornering at faster speeds as well. This is especially useful in the later stages of 200cc races where mistakes can be punishing. A player who understands when to forego tricks in favor of controlled drifting can maintain a lead even on the most chaotic tracks.
11 Hopping To Align Makes It Easier To Position The Kart
Precision Alignment Can Enhance Trajectory And Speed Boosts
Players are used to hopping off ramps to perform tricks and get an extra boost of speed. Hopping has other benefits as well. In 200cc mode, it can be crucial to help align the direction a racer is pointed while going through turns and can position players ideally for using items. Hopping isn’t just about speed boosts, but also about maintaining control at key moments in the race.
This can be especially beneficial when combined with mushroom items. As players take a particular turn or cut a corner in preparation for using a mushroom to get a speed boost, hopping will help align the trajectory of their boost. When aimed well, it can give players an ideal line coming off of the mushroom boost, letting them continue racing at optimal speeds. Players who practice using hops to align their kart during tricky turns or after jumps will find they can shave precious seconds off their race times.
10 Control A Character’s Descent Ensures A Smooth Landing
Mastering Air Time Improves Control And Can Unlock New Shortcuts
Controlling the angle of descent after hitting a ramp is a technique that is possible in other speed classes, but really becomes more pronounced and useful in 200cc mode. After hitting a ramp, players can hold up to guide their kart back to the track quickly. Holding down instead helps to prolong the time spent in the air. Each method has its strategic advantages depending on the track layout and the position of other racers.
Most players know to do this with the blue glider ramps already, but it applies even to normal ramps and boost ramps as well. With downhill descent courses especially, players can stay in the air for a surprising amount of time. It’s even possible to bypass certain obstacles, such as in Mute City, where players can glide straight over a curved stretch of track near the finish line. Mastering descent control gives players an additional level of precision in their racing and can often lead to more creative shortcuts.
9 With A Star, Hopping Around Turns Is Faster Than Drifting
Gain Speed Without Losing Control On Tight Turns With A Star Power-Up
The star power-up item gives players a natural boost in speed when used. In 200cc mode, the increase becomes even more pronounced. The combination of the star’s speed boost and the inherent quickness of 200cc can make controlling your kart difficult. Surprisingly, on some corners, hopping rather than the usual drift boost technique works out better overall when using the star. This is because drifting can sometimes lead to loss of control at such high speeds, especially in narrow areas of the track.
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Hopping around corners with a star doesn’t work perfectly with every vehicle type, though. Bikes that have sharp inner turning when they drift will not really work the intended way for this particular technique. However, for the scenarios where it does work, it can be a beneficial timesaving approach to cornering in 200cc. Using this method can help players maintain better control of their kart without compromising on speed. This technique is especially useful when approaching sharp S-curves or multiple corners in quick succession, where drifting might result in going off-track.
8 Learn By Watching Other People Play In 200cc
Study Top Racers To Uncover New Techniques And Track Strategies
Of course, the best way to learn good ideas and strategies is to watch other players play in 200cc mode. Some players know secrets about the game that others haven’t discovered yet, and that includes advanced techniques. A technique known as Fire Hopping is one such example in the original Mario Kart 8, but it was removed by the developers for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as it was an unintended feature. Watching skilled players, whether through online streams, replays, or ghost data, can give new insights into how to best approach specific challenges in 200cc.
Watching other players play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is also a great way to discover the best racing lines to take for the fastest times. It’s a great way to determine the best character and vehicle combinations to use for the best results as well.There is a lot that players can gain when they experiment and share their findings, and 200cc mode is no exception. Watching videos of professional racers or expert ghost data can help players internalize better racing habits, such as when to drift, when to brake, and how to anticipate shortcuts.
7 Racing Ghosts Can Help Players Get A Real-Time Sense Of How To Approach Each Course
Consistent Practice Against Ghosts Sharpens Drifting And Shortcut Skills
Watching other players is a great way to learn vital strategies for 200cc. A great way to practice that is by racing Ghosts in Trial mode. Staff Ghosts may not have world record times, but they have expert driving lines. They can also give players a consistent benchmark to test their skills against without the unpredictability of item use, allowing for a more focused practice session where the track itself is the only obstacle.
Staff Ghosts often take advantage of large shortcuts, making them a great way to learn the ins and outs of a track on 200cc. Players can also download a maximum of 32 Ghosts of other players. Being able to see how friends and other players approach 200cc can be a significant learning experience. By racing against Ghosts, players get a real-time sense of how to time drifts, when to use items, and where shortcuts can be effectively utilized. It’s also an excellent way to track personal improvement, as racing Ghosts allows players to compare their current runs to past performances.
6 Avoid Drifting on Sharp Turns by Using Brake Drifting
Master Controlled Deceleration To Conquer Tight Corners
In 200cc mode, the overwhelming speed makes drifting around sharp corners risky. Players accustomed to drifting through turns in 150cc might find themselves overshooting curves and flying off the track due to the increased velocity. This is where the brake drifting technique becomes a critical tool. Unlike the lower-speed classes, where drifting often provides all the control a player needs, 200cc demands a balance between acceleration and braking to navigate tighter turns.
Brake drifting involves initiating a drift as usual, but tapping or holding the brake intermittently during the drift to slow down without completely canceling the drift boost. This controlled deceleration allows the player to maintain the sharpness of the drift while preventing their kart from veering off course. Brake drifting is especially helpful when using faster karts or heavy drivers with worse handling. Learning when to brake during a drift without losing momentum can significantly improve the player’s race times and control, giving them a competitive edge in 200cc mode.