The Best Combo in the Game

For most players, if you’re looking for a tried-and-true setup, go with:

• Character: Yoshi
• Vehicle: Teddy Buggy
• Tires: Roller
• Glider: Paper or Cloud Glider

This combo is considered the best due to its high acceleration, handling, traction, and the hidden mini turbo stat. It’s easy to use at all levels, from casual play to world-record time trials. Yoshi and the Teddy Buggy received buffs thanks to recent balance changes, making this setup the go-to choice for many top-level players.

Beginner-Friendly Combos

If you’re new to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or want something simple, prioritize high acceleration and handling. Here’s a great beginner setup:

• Character: Baby Mario
• Vehicle: Streetle
• Tires: Roller
• Glider: Parachute

This combo is forgiving for new players and has a strong mini turbo stat, compensating for its lower speed. It’s perfect for learning the mechanics without feeling punished for mistakes.

Understanding Stats: What Makes a Combo Good?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has numerous visible and hidden stats that affect your performance. Let’s break them down:

Key Stats to Focus On

1. Mini Turbo (S-Tier)

   • Determines how fast you charge mini turbos, their duration, and the boost they provide.
   • Essential for maintaining speed on all tracks.

2. Ground Speed (S-Tier)

   • The maximum speed your kart can reach on flat surfaces and during boosts.
   • Critical for both running and bagging strategies.

3. Acceleration (A-Tier)

   • Helps you recover speed after being hit.
   • More important for beginners than advanced players who rely on defensive items.

4. Anti-Gravity Speed Bonus (A-Tier)

   • Determines your speed in anti-gravity sections, which are common on many tracks.

Lower Priority Stats

• Traction, Weight, Handling, Water Speed, and Glider Speed are situational and rarely affect the outcome of races.
• Hitbox Size impacts how easily you’re hit by items, with smaller characters and vehicles offering better survivability.
• Visibility helps you see better while gliding, with certain gliders like the Cloud and Paper Glider being optimal.

How to Build the Best Combo for You

1. Start with the S-Tier Stats

   • Prioritize mini turbo and ground speed. Never trade these for improvements in lower-priority stats.

2. Use the A-Tier Stats to Break Ties

   • If multiple options have similar mini turbo and ground speed, compare their acceleration and anti-gravity speed.

3. Consider Your Play Style

   • If you prefer running (leading the race), prioritize mini turbo, speed, and acceleration.
   • For bagging (staying behind to get powerful items and making comebacks), emphasize speed and mini turbo.

4. Avoid Bouncy Tires and Inward Drift Bikes

   • Tires like the Cushion or Monster can cause inconsistent landings, and inward drift bikes have unique handling that limits some advanced techniques.

Why Yoshi Teddy Buggy Is the Best Combo

Yoshi’s combination of high mini turbo and ground speed makes him the ideal character for competitive play. Paired with the Teddy Buggy, Roller Tires, and Paper Glider, this combo excels in all key areas:

• Mini Turbo: Charges quickly and provides substantial boosts.
• Ground Speed: High enough to stay competitive on straight paths.
• Acceleration: Allows for quick recovery after hits.
• Anti-Gravity Bonus: Ensures strong performance on tracks with anti-gravity sections.

Creating a Combo That Works for You

While the Yoshi Teddy combo dominates the meta, it’s not the only viable option. You can design a setup tailored to your preferences:

• For Beginners: Focus on high acceleration and handling for easier control.
• For Anti-Gravity Tracks: Use vehicles like the Teddy Buggy, which excels in anti-gravity sections.
• For Bagging: Opt for setups with higher ground speed to maximize your comeback potential.

Example combos:

• Running: Yoshi + Inkstriker + Roller + Cloud Glider
• Bagging: Waluigi + Wild Wiggler + Roller + Parachute

Racing Strategies and the Meta

Your combo’s effectiveness depends on the strategy you employ:

Running

• Drive forward, avoid falling behind, and focus on defensive play.
• Best on tracks with minimal shortcuts.

Bagging

• Stay behind early, collect powerful items, and use shortcuts to overtake.
• Best on tracks with multiple shortcuts and heavy item play.

Nintendo’s recent updates shifted the meta toward running, making high-mini turbo setups like Yoshi Teddy more dominant.

Best Combos for Every Character

While some characters perform better than others, you can still find strong combos for your favorite racer. For example:

• Toad: Streetle + Roller + Paper Glider
• Bowser: Wild Wiggler + Roller + Cloud Glider
• Isabelle: Biddybuggy + Roller + Parachute

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right character and vehicle combo in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can significantly impact your performance. While Yoshi Teddy Buggy is the best all-around setup, the beauty of Mario Kart lies in its flexibility. Experiment with different combos, practice advanced techniques, and find the setup that matches your play style.

No matter what you choose, remember: the key to success is mastering your driving and having fun on the track. So pick your combo, hit the gas, and race to victory! 🏁