Tips for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Double Items

It's safe to say that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fantastic game as it takes all the components of the stellar Wii-U version and then adds even more to it.  I'll post a review highlighting its strengths and weaknesses once I've had more time with the multiplayer and new battle mode components, but in the meantime, I thought I'd discuss one of this game's new features and offer some tips and tricks for such: The Double Items.

This small change to Mario Kart 8's mechanics drastically affects the dynamics of races, creating twice as much commotion and twice as many opportunities to defend.  The meta of racing now involves many more choices to be made: When to use items?  When to go for double-item boxes vs shorter routes?  What to anticipate with opponents equipped with twice as many items as before?  All these questions are constantly on the player's mind when racing around at high speeds.  So here are some strategies I've developed while playing with this new intricate system:

Use Your Coins Early

Coins increase your max speed when racing in Mario Kart, so when you get the coin item, there's no sense in not using the item early in the race.  Any time spent holding onto the item is lost ground that could have been gained from achieving higher speeds.

Don't Drag Items When in 1st

Depending on the item (such as the banana peel or koopa shell), holding the item button will drag the item behind your kart, offering nice defensive benefits.  However, if you're in 1st place, I advise you not to do this.  That's because if you're hit with a blue shell, you'll actually keep your items if they're not being dragged, which leaves you more equipped to deal with the aftermath or additional incoming fire.  Also, you typically have enough of a beeping warning when a red shell approaches to pull out your item and defend as needed.  The one exception: If your opponent is close behind you, you may want to drag your item then as there may not be enough room to react in time.  So judge your surroundings and resist the urge to be over-protective.

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

When stocked with one or two defensive items, it can be tempting to hold onto these items and ride out the rest of the race modestly equipped.  Odds are that'd be a poor choice though.  With double items, it's not uncommon to see 1-2 blue shells per race, as well as 1-3 lightning strikes (which eliminates all your items).  As such, be offensive!  When approaching item blocks, unload your items and then restock.  This will not only make it tougher for your opponents, but will give you the chance to stock up on the coveted Super Horn (the only item capable of stopping a blue shell).  From my 100+ races I've zoomed through, I've never gotten double coin items, so I don't think you need to worry about not being equipped with at least one defensive item as long as you keep yourself equipped with two items at all times.  And once you have that Super Horn, go ahead and hold onto that as long as you're leading the pack.  Keep in mind the Super Horn can fend off red shells too if needed.

Beware of Boos

You have max coins, but a coin item is in front of your more valuable defensive item.  Why keep this useless item?  Boos.  A new item to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Boos will steal your items without a moment's notice.  As such, these useless coins actually can serve as a buffer to having your better items stolen.  So hold onto them, at least until you're able to restock.

Risks vs. Rewards

Often times, the double-item boxes are off to the side of what is otherwise an easier or more optimal drifting path.  With unloading your items, you want to be offensive and better your odds of getting a Super Horn.  But if you should miss that double-item box, you may be left shorter-changed and possibly defenseless.  This is where some quick thinking is sometimes needed.  While approaching the item boxes and readying to unload, you'll have to determine how confident you are to grab that double-item box or if it's better to play it safe and only unload one item, giving you more of a safety net for defensive options.  With the high speeds and amount of chaos that ensues in these races, learning to assess these risks on the fly is an essential skill to be mastered if you are to reap the greater rewards and push a more intimidating offense.

Defending with Bob-ombs

Lastly, Bob-ombs may not seem like your typical defensive items like banana peels and shells are, but they are more than capable of doing the job.  If you hear that red shell warning beep coming, toss the Bob-omb behind you and it can intercept the incoming projectile.  Just make sure to react quickly because if you don't leave enough distance between you and the intercepting Bob-omb, you may get caught in the explosion.

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I hope these tips and tricks will help you hold the front of the packs in your Mario Kart races to come.  And if you have any tactics you've developed yourself, be sure to share in the comments below!  Thanks.  And happy racing!