Why Can’t I Drift in Mario Kart 8? The Ultimate Drifting Guide

You’re revving your engine, ready to conquer the track in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but something’s not right. You’re trying to drift, but your kart stubbornly refuses to cooperate. What gives? The most common reason you can’t drift is simple: you’re not initiating the drift correctly. In Mario Kart 8 (and Deluxe), drifting is activated by pressing the R button (or ZR on some controllers) before you start turning. Simply turning without pressing R will result in a regular, speed-reducing turn. Drifting not only allows you to navigate corners at higher speeds, but it also builds up a mini-turbo boost that you can unleash upon exiting the drift. Master the drift, and you’ll dominate the track! Let’s delve into the nuances of drifting, common pitfalls, and how to become a drifting pro.

Understanding the Drifting Mechanic

The drifting mechanic in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is fundamental to achieving high speeds and mastering the tracks. It’s not just about holding a button; it’s about timing, control, and understanding how your kart responds.

Initiating a Drift

To initiate a drift, you must press the R (or ZR) button slightly before you begin steering left or right. This triggers a hop, setting your kart into a drift. Keep holding the R button and steering in the desired direction to maintain the drift. The longer you drift, the more powerful the mini-turbo will be.

Mini-Turbos Explained

Drifting isn’t just about sliding around corners; it’s about building up mini-turbos. There are three levels of mini-turbos, each indicated by the color of the sparks coming from your kart tires:

• Blue Sparks: A short boost, achieved after a short drift.
• Orange Sparks: A medium boost, achieved after a longer drift.
• Pink/Purple Sparks: The longest and most powerful boost, achieved after a very long drift.

Releasing the R button unleashes the mini-turbo, giving you a significant speed boost. Efficiently chaining drifts and releasing mini-turbos at the right moment is the key to maintaining a high average speed throughout the race.

Counter Steering

During a drift, you might find yourself veering too far to one side. Counter steering allows you to make slight adjustments during the drift to maintain your desired trajectory. Gently nudging the control stick in the opposite direction of the drift will help you correct your course without interrupting the drift itself.

Common Drifting Problems and Solutions

Even with a good understanding of the mechanics, several issues can prevent you from drifting effectively.

Steering Assist

One of the most common reasons players can’t drift properly is the Steering Assist feature. This feature, designed to help new players stay on the track, actively prevents you from drifting at extreme angles.

• How to Disable Steering Assist: While racing, press the + Button to open the Options menu. If the “wheel” icon has a yellow arrow symbol above it, Steering Assist is enabled. Press the Y Button on the Joy-Con to disable it. With Steering Assist off, you’ll have full control over your kart’s drifting capabilities.

Auto-Accelerate

If you have trouble drifting, check if auto-accelerate is on. It may affect the timing and control necessary for drifting.

• How to turn off Auto-Accelerate: If you turn auto accelerate off you can gain more control when going into drift mode. Press the + Button to open the Options menu. Disable auto accelerate for better drifting results.

Controller Issues

Another potential problem is faulty controller hardware.

• Stick Drift: If your control stick is drifting on its own, it can interfere with your ability to initiate and control drifts. You can recalibrate your control sticks in the Switch settings: Go to the Home page and select System Settings > Controllers and Sensors, then scroll down to Calibrate Control Sticks. Follow the onscreen instructions to recalibrate your control stick. If stick drift persists, you may need to consider replacing your Joy-Cons.
• Faulty Buttons: Ensure the R button (or ZR) is functioning correctly. Test it in other games or in the Switch settings to confirm it registers when pressed.

Kart and Character Choices

While any kart and character combination can be used to win, some are better suited for drifting than others.

• Handling Stat: Karts with higher handling stats tend to drift more tightly, making it easier to navigate sharp corners. Experiment with different kart bodies to find one that suits your drifting style.
• Weight Stat: Weight affects how far you drift off course and how easily you’re bumped by other drivers. Heavier karts drift further off course, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.
  • Morton’s GLA Mercedes build allows you to maximize your speed.

Mastering Advanced Drifting Techniques

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to refine your drifting skills with advanced techniques.

Drift Steering

• Drift Steering involves using subtle adjustments to the control stick during a drift.
• This technique allows for maintaining sharper turns.

Fire Hopping

Fire Hopping is an advanced technique that involves jumping (pressing the jump button) repeatedly after releasing a mini-turbo. This can extend the duration of the boost and maintain a higher speed, especially on straightaways.

• This requires precise timing and coordination.
• Not necessary for basic drifting

Inside Drifting vs. Outside Drifting

The choice between inside and outside drifting depends on the angle and shape of the corner. Inside drifting involves starting the drift closer to the inside of the track, allowing for a tighter turn. Outside drifting involves starting the drift further out, allowing for a wider, more sweeping turn.

Resources for Improvement

To further improve your drifting skills, consider the following resources:

• Online Tutorials: YouTube is filled with tutorials demonstrating drifting techniques, kart customization strategies, and track-specific tips.
• Ghost Data: Use ghost data to race against your previous best times or the best times of other players. This allows you to analyze their drifting lines and improve your own.
• Community Forums: Join online Mario Kart communities to discuss drifting techniques, kart builds, and track strategies.
• GamesLearningSociety.org: Explore resources related to game-based learning and skill development at the Games Learning Society website. Explore resources related to game-based learning and skill development at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about drifting in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:

1. Why is my kart barely moving in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

   • Check if Steering Assist is enabled. Disable it in the Options menu.

2. How do I fix stick drift in Mario Kart?

   • Recalibrate your control sticks in the Switch settings (System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Calibrate Control Sticks).

3. What stat affects drifting in Mario Kart 8?

   • Handling affects how tightly you can turn, while Weight affects how far you drift off course and how easily you’re bumped.

4. Are certain cars faster in Mario Kart 8?

   • Yes, some kart combinations have higher speed stats. Morton’s GLA Mercedes build is known for its high speed.

5. Can I win with no drifting?

   • While technically possible, it’s extremely difficult. Drifting is essential for maintaining speed and building up mini-turbos.

6. What does R do in Mario Kart 8?

   • The R button (or ZR) initiates a drift when pressed before turning.

7. Can you auto drift in Mario Kart 8?

   • No, there is not an auto drift feature, drifting is activated with the R or ZR button.

8. What is the best kart combo in Mario Kart 8?

   • There are many effective combinations, but some popular choices include Kamek, Teddy Buggy, Roller Wheels, & Paper Glider.

9. How do I reset my drift controller?

   • Turn the controller around and look for a small hole on the back of the controller. Press the button in the hole with a paperclip and hold it for 5 seconds.

10. How do you become a pro in Mario Kart 8?

    • Master drifting, use slipstreams, know shortcuts, collect coins, and optimize your kart build.

11. What is the slowest vehicle in Mario Kart 8?

    • Baby Rosalina, with the slowest cart combo is the slowest vehicle in Mario Kart 8.

12. Do tires matter in Mario Kart 8?

    • Yes, tires affect speed, handling, traction, and other stats.

13. Who is the heaviest character in Mario Kart 8?

    • Morton Koopa Jr. is the heaviest character.

14. Does using a heavier character in Mario Kart slow you down?

    • Lighter characters have faster acceleration but lower top speed, while heavier characters have slower acceleration but higher top speed.

15. What is the fastest character setup in Mario Kart 8?

    • Wario, Circuit Special Kart, Metal Tires & Wario Wing is a popular speed-focused build.

Conclusion

Drifting is an essential skill in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, unlocking faster lap times and a more enjoyable racing experience. By understanding the mechanics, addressing common issues, and practicing advanced techniques, you can become a drifting master and dominate the track. So, get back in the driver’s seat, practice your drifts, and leave your opponents in the dust!