The Joy of Attacking in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Let’s be honest—attacking is fun. There’s nothing quite like sending a Green Shell hurtling toward an unsuspecting Yoshi or tossing a Red Shell to take out someone right before the finish line. When you’re playing aggressively, it feels like Mario Kart turns into a chaotic combat game where the track is just as much about dodging items as it is about driving.

Advantages of Attacking:

1. Eliminate Threats: One of the biggest advantages of playing aggressively is eliminating immediate threats. Players in your vicinity who would otherwise be a danger to you, can be hit with your items, making it easier to secure a higher position.
2. Disrupt the Field: Attacking allows you to disrupt the race flow. By targeting players in front of you with shells, fireballs, or boomerangs, you can cause chaos and potentially make space for yourself to climb the ranks.
3. Break Away from the Pack: Successfully attacking other players can create a breakaway, especially in chaotic mid-pack battles. By attacking at the right time, you can create opportunities for yourself to pull ahead and maintain a solid lead.

Disadvantages of Attacking:

1. Risky: Attacking can be dangerous if you’re not careful. If you’re too focused on hitting others, you might neglect your defense, leaving yourself vulnerable to incoming attacks.
2. Missed Opportunities: Sometimes, trying to be too aggressive can cause you to waste items that would have been better used defensively. For example, throwing a Green Shell at the wrong moment can leave you exposed to Red Shells from behind.
3. Randomness: Mario Kart is a game of chaos, and attacking introduces an element of unpredictability. You might line up the perfect shot, only for someone else to hit you with a stray item, throwing your entire plan off course.

Trying an All-Attack Playstyle

In a recent race, I decided to play as aggressively as possible. My goal was simple: use every item to attack other players, regardless of the situation. As the race started, I immediately began tossing Green Shells and Red Shells, hitting players left and right. I focused on disrupting the competition rather than maintaining a solid defensive line.

Surprisingly, the aggressive playstyle worked well at first. I eliminated nearby threats, allowing me to climb into second place. But the downsides soon became apparent. By not holding onto any defensive items, I left myself open to attacks from behind, and I quickly lost my position after being hit by multiple shells in quick succession.

Still, the thrill of sending shells flying and watching the chaos unfold was incredibly fun. Playing aggressively makes the game feel more like a battle than a race, and while it didn’t always lead to consistent wins, it made the race more exciting.

The Case for Defensive Play

Now, let’s switch gears to defense. Playing defensively is the classic Mario Kart strategy, and for good reason. Holding onto items like shells and bananas to block incoming attacks is often the safest way to secure a victory, especially if you’re already in a good position.

Advantages of Defending:

1. Survivability: Defense is all about survival. Holding onto defensive items minimizes the chances of being hit by Red Shells, Green Shells, or other hazards. This gives you a better chance of staying near the front of the pack.
2. Consistency: Playing defensively leads to more consistent results. While attacking can cause chaos, defense ensures you’re well-protected and don’t fall victim to the game’s randomness as often.
3. Item Conservation: In defense, you’re less likely to waste items. Instead of tossing away a Green Shell, you can use it as a shield, saving it when needed. This strategy gives you more control over the race and helps avoid costly mistakes.

Disadvantages of Defending:

1. Passive Play: The biggest downside to defending is that it can be passive. You’re not actively eliminating other players, which can allow aggressive racers to pass you or close the gap while you focus on protecting yourself.
2. Less Fun: Let’s be real—there’s a reason attacking is so much fun. Playing defensively can feel a little dull by comparison, as you’re constantly just waiting for someone to attack you instead of making moves yourself.

Trying an All-Defensive Playstyle

After a chaotic race filled with attacks, I decided to switch to defense mode. My goal was to protect myself at all costs. I held onto items like Red Shells, Green Shells, and Bananas, using them only to block incoming attacks.

As expected, this playstyle kept me in the race longer without being bombarded by shells. I found myself in first place at one point, and by consistently using defensive items, I could stay there for much of the race. But I also missed some key opportunities to take out opponents close behind me.

In the race’s final stretch, a well-timed Blue Shell took me down, and without any aggressive items to retaliate with, I lost the lead. Still, my defensive approach kept me in second place, proving that a cautious playstyle can pay off.

The Final Verdict: Which is Better?

After playing both aggressively and defensively, it’s clear that each strategy has its pros and cons. Ultimately, the best playstyle in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe depends on the situation:

• Attacking is perfect for players looking to disrupt the competition, eliminate threats, and break away from the pack. It’s an exciting, high-risk, high-reward strategy that can lead to spectacular wins or crushing defeats.
• Defending, on the other hand, is the more consistent approach. It’s safer and ensures that you stay protected from the chaos of Mario Kart. While it might not be as thrilling, it often leads to more consistent placements and fewer catastrophic losses.

So, what’s the takeaway? Take a balanced approach. In some situations, it’s better to attack and clear the field; in others, defending is key to securing your lead. The real trick is knowing when to switch between the two.

Final Thoughts

If you’re new to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, I’d recommend focusing on defense first. It’s easier to learn, and you’ll find that staying protected helps you achieve consistent results. Once you’re comfortable with the game’s mechanics, experiment with more aggressive strategies to see how they impact your races.

Remember that Mario Kart is ultimately a game of chaos regardless of which playstyle you prefer. Sometimes, you’ll nail the perfect strategy; other times, a random Blue Shell or Bullet Bill will completely ruin your race. But that’s all part of the fun!

Now, go out there and start causing chaos—or play it safe. Either way, the race is on!