How to Master Drifting in Asphalt Games: A Comprehensive Guide

The thrill of a perfectly executed drift is a cornerstone of the Asphalt gaming experience. Whether you’re playing Asphalt 8: Airborne or the newer Asphalt 9: Legends, mastering the art of drifting can dramatically improve your race times and overall enjoyment. The core concept remains the same across the franchise: initiating and controlling a slide while maintaining speed, but the specific mechanics can vary slightly depending on the game and your control setup. Let’s delve into how you can become a drift pro.

The fundamental approach to drifting in Asphalt games involves manipulating the car’s momentum and traction to initiate a controlled slide. While some games simplify the process with dedicated drift buttons, others rely on a more traditional approach. Here’s a breakdown of the general method:

1. Approach a corner at high speed: Before you attempt a drift, ensure you’re carrying sufficient speed. This momentum is essential to break traction.

2. Initiate the drift: The method for initiating a drift depends on which game you are playing and which control type you are using:

   • In Asphalt 8 and using tilt controls or wheel: Brake slightly and then steer sharply in the direction you want to drift. This combination causes the car to lose traction and begin to slide.
   • In Asphalt 9 with TouchDrive: Hold the brake icon and steer. This activates the drift mode, and your car will slide. Note that this method requires you to hold the button down to maintain the drift.
   • In Asphalt 9 using manual controls (tilt or wheel): Briefly tap the drift button (usually S key on the keyboard or X on a controller) then turn in your desired direction. You do not have to hold the button down unless you want to maintain a more extreme drift.

3. Control the Drift: Once the drift has started, use subtle steering adjustments and throttle control to maintain the slide and prevent spinning out.

   • Steering: Counter-steer by turning the wheel slightly into the direction of the slide. This will help you keep control and keep the car on course.
   • Throttle: Reducing the throttle reduces the drift angle, and applying more throttle will increase it. This allows you to subtly adjust the drift during the turn.

4. Exit the Drift: Gently straighten the steering and apply the throttle to smoothly transition back into regular driving.

   Mastering the drift will take time and practice, but understanding these core principles will give you a strong foundation to build upon.

Understanding Asphalt Drift Mechanics

While the basic steps to drifting are similar, each Asphalt game presents its own nuances. Here’s how drifting works specifically in Asphalt 8 and 9, as well as a brief overview of why drifting is valuable in the game.

Drifting in Asphalt 8

In Asphalt 8, you don’t have a dedicated drift button per se. The method of drifting involves braking slightly and then quickly turning. This transfers the vehicle’s weight to the front, making the rear lose traction and begin to slide. The key here is timing and precision. A delicate touch on the brake, coupled with a sharp turn, is what will initiate a drift. The vehicle will continuously drift for as long as you’re controlling it with these slight maneuvers. In Asphalt 8, drifting is paramount in successfully negotiating corners, especially those of a tighter nature.

Drifting in Asphalt 9

Asphalt 9 offers two different drifting experiences depending on your control settings. If you use TouchDrive, a more simplified driving mechanic, you must hold the brake icon to initiate and maintain a drift. The car will automatically steer you along the track whilst drifting. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, you can switch to manual controls (either tilt steering or wheel steering) and use the dedicated drift button (S key or X on controller). In this case, you will tap the drift button and turn in your desired direction. This allows you to drift with a more conventional approach with a finer level of control. It’s very important to consider which control method you are using because the methods are very different. In Asphalt 9, drifting helps you gain Nitro boosts, as well as maintain speed around sharp corners.

Why Drift in Asphalt?

Drifting isn’t just for show in Asphalt games. It is a highly efficient way of maintaining speed while navigating corners. Here’s why you should drift:

• Cornering Speed: Drifting allows you to take sharp corners without losing as much speed as you would with conventional steering.
• Nitro Boost: In Asphalt 9, drifting actively generates Nitro, giving you a speed boost for an even greater competitive edge.
• Style Points: Executing a drift with flair and precision earns you style points and can enhance your gaming experience overall.
• Mastering Control: Drifting is a key part of mastering the game and having full control over your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Drifting in Asphalt

Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify drifting in Asphalt games even further:

What is the drift button in Asphalt 9?

The drift button in Asphalt 9 using manual controls is the S key on the keyboard or the X button on a controller. If you are using TouchDrive, you will need to hold the brake button.

How do I do a 360 spin while drifting in Asphalt 9?

You can execute a 360 spin by quickly double-tapping the drift button on a keyboard or controller while drifting using manual controls. Touchdrive users will not be able to do a 360.

Does drifting damage my car in Asphalt?

No, drifting in the Asphalt games doesn’t cause any damage to your virtual car. The games are designed with this type of driving in mind, and any damage is not permanent.

Can I drift using the touch control/steering wheel in Asphalt 8?

Yes, you can drift using touch controls or a steering wheel in Asphalt 8 by braking and then turning sharply into your desired direction.

How do I brake in Asphalt 8?

If you are using touch controls, there will be a brake icon on your screen. Tapping this will engage the brakes.

What is a Barrel Roll in Asphalt 9?

A Barrel Roll is an aerial maneuver initiated by driving off a curved ramp at high speed. It causes the car to spin in a corkscrew trajectory.

Is drifting faster than traditional cornering in Asphalt?

In the context of Asphalt games, drifting is often as fast, if not faster, than traditional cornering. It helps to maintain speed during sharp turns, and also generates nitro. However, a straight line will always be faster than any turning method.

What cars are easy to drift in Asphalt?

Although Asphalt games don’t focus on realism to that extent, generally lightweight and nimble vehicles will be easier to handle and drift. Experiment with different cars to find your personal preference.

Do I brake before or during a drift?

In Asphalt games, the braking is often brief and used to initiate the drift. Once the drift is established, the car’s momentum and steering control the slide.

How can I avoid crashing when drifting?

Avoid collisions by being mindful of your trajectory during drifts. Practice in open areas before tackling tricky corners. Avoid keeping the throttle fully down at all times, and ease off when you feel like you are going to crash.

Is it possible to get banned in Asphalt 9?

Yes, accounts can be banned if the system detects suspicious activity or cheating. Always play fairly to avoid a ban.

Can I control my car without TouchDrive in Asphalt 9?

Yes, you can! In the options menu, you can change to manual controls and select tilt or wheel steering to have a more hands-on driving experience.

What gear should I be in to drift?

Asphalt games do not use a gear system. Instead, the focus is on speed, acceleration, and maintaining momentum. You are always in the optimal gear.

Is it easier to drift in Asphalt 8 or Asphalt 9?

This can be based on preference. Asphalt 8 has a simple drift mechanic, where a quick brake and turn initiates the slide, whilst Asphalt 9 relies more on a dedicated drift button, or a held brake in touchdrive.

What does ‘drifting’ mean in Asphalt?

In Asphalt games, drifting refers to intentionally oversteering and sliding the car to maintain speed around corners.

Conclusion

Drifting is a crucial skill to master in Asphalt games, allowing you to navigate corners efficiently and generate Nitro. Whether you are playing Asphalt 8 or 9, learning to drift will greatly enhance your gaming experience. Experiment with the different methods and practice regularly to hone your drifting skills. Happy racing!