How to Play Online with Friends on Mario Kart 8?
Mario Kart 8 is one of the most popular racing games developed by Nintendo, and its online multiplayer mode is a significant part of its appeal. Playing online with friends can add a whole new level of excitement and competitiveness to the game. In this article, we will guide you through the process of playing online with friends on Mario Kart 8.
Understanding the Online Multiplayer Mode
Mario Kart 8’s online multiplayer mode, known as "Online Play," allows up to 12 players to compete in races online. The game offers various online modes, including 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc races, as well as a battle mode. To start playing online with friends, you’ll need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Set Up Your Online ID
Before you can play online with friends, you’ll need to set up your Online ID. This is a unique name that will identify you in online races. To set up your Online ID:
- Go to the "Options" menu and select "Internet"
- Choose your online ID from the list of available IDs
- Create a new ID by selecting "Create New ID" and entering a name
- Save your changes by selecting "OK"
Step 2: Invite Friends
To invite friends to play online with you, you’ll need to add them as friends on your Wii U console or Nintendo Switch. To add a friend:
- Go to the "Friends" app on your Wii U console or Nintendo Switch
- Search for your friend’s ID or enter their friend code
- Request to add them as a friend
- Accept their friend request to confirm
Once you’ve added your friends, you can invite them to play online with you. To invite a friend:
- Start a new online session by selecting "Online Play" and choosing a track
- Select the "Invite Friend" option and choose the friend you want to invite
- Enter a message to communicate with your friend, such as a racing tip or a challenge
- Wait for your friend to accept your invite before starting the race
Step 3: Start a New Online Session
To start a new online session, follow these steps:
- Select "Online Play" from the main menu
- Choose a track from the list of available tracks
- Select the mode you want to play, such as 50cc or 150cc
- Choose the type of race you want to play, such as solo or team
- Start the race by selecting "Start"
Common Issues and Solutions
- Network Connection Error: If you’re experiencing network connection errors, try restarting your console or resetting your router.
- Laggy Gameplay: If you’re experiencing laggy gameplay, try adjusting your console’s wireless settings or restarting your console.
- Missing Friends: If you’re unable to find your friends online, try searching for their names or IDs to connect.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Practice Your Skills: Before playing online with friends, practice your skills in local multiplayer mode or single-player mode to improve your performance.
- Communicate with Your Friends: Communicate with your friends during the race using the game’s chat function, and work together to achieve a shared goal.
- Stay Focused: Stay focused during the race, and avoid distractions such as noise or interruptions, to improve your performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I make sure my friend’s console is properly connected to the internet?
A: Ensure that your friend’s console is properly connected to the internet by checking their network settings or restarting their console.
Q: What are the best tracks for online play?
A: The best tracks for online play are tracks that have a good balance of speed and difficulty, such as Mario Circuit or Rainbow Road.
Q: How do I avoid laggy gameplay?
A: To avoid laggy gameplay, adjust your console’s wireless settings to a more stable connection or restart your console.
Q: How many players can play online at once?
A: Up to 12 players can play online at once in Mario Kart 8.
Q: Can I play with friends who don’t have Mario Kart 8?
A: No, to play online with friends, you both need to have a copy of Mario Kart 8 and a compatible console.
Q: How do I create a custom online playlist?
A: To create a custom online playlist, select "Online Play" from the main menu, choose a track, and then select "Custom" from the track options.
Q: Can I race with a custom character?
A: Yes, you can race with a custom character by creating a custom player icon or using a custom character unlocked through gameplay.
Conclusion
Playing online with friends on Mario Kart 8 is a fun and exciting way to enhance your gaming experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up your online ID, invite friends, start a new online session, and overcome common issues. Remember to practice your skills, communicate with your friends, and stay focused to improve your performance. Happy racing!