Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: How to Perfect the Boost Start Every Time
So, you want to know how to perfect the Rocket Boost Start in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, huh? Well, you’re in the right place! If you’ve already mastered it in Mario Kart 8, then good news—you’re already good to go because the mechanics haven’t changed. But if you’re new to the game or just want to make sure you’re nailing that boost every time, stick around because we’re going to break down exactly how to get that perfect start every single race.
A well-timed Boost Start can give you an early advantage, getting you to that crucial first coin ahead of the pack and setting the pace for the entire race. Conversely, if you mistime it, you’ll not only miss the boost, but you might even burn out, putting you behind before you’ve even made it past the starting line. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen!
What is the Rocket Boost Start?
The Rocket Boost Start (often just called the Boost Start) is a mechanic in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that gives you a burst of speed right at the beginning of the race. The better your timing, the stronger the boost. But if you hit the accelerator too early, you’ll get a burnout instead, losing precious time.
How to Execute the Perfect Boost Start
To pull off the perfect Boost Start, timing is everything. Here’s how you do it:
- During the countdown, you’ll see the numbers “3, 2, 1” flash on the screen. What you want to focus on is the number “2.”
- Press and hold the gas (A button) just as the number 2 locks into place—but not before! If you hit the gas too early (even by a few frames), you’ll burn out, and if you’re too late, you’ll miss the opportunity for a perfect boost.
- The key is not to anticipate when the “2” appears but to react quickly once it’s settled. A lot of players make the mistake of trying to hit the gas the moment they think the countdown is nearing “2,” but this can often lead to a burnout.
- The sweet spot is right after “2” locks in place. Once you get the timing down, you’ll notice that your character’s tires will spin for a brief moment, and then you’ll blast forward with a speed boost.
Timing Tips for Boost Start
- Don’t press too early: If you hit the gas before the “2” is fully on the screen or in place, your engine will rev up too soon, causing a burnout. This not only prevents you from getting the boost but puts you behind other players right from the get-go.
- Be quick, but not too quick: If you wait too long after the “2” has locked in, you’ll get a weaker boost or no boost at all. Finding that perfect middle ground is the key to success.
Slow Motion Breakdown of the Boost Start
Let’s break it down with a slow-motion example. Imagine you’re on the starting grid with Mario, ready for the race to begin. Here’s what you need to watch for:
- The countdown begins with the number “3” appearing on the screen.
- When the number “2” appears, wait until it settles into place. This is crucial. Right as the “2” fully locks into place, press and hold the A button (or whatever button you use for acceleration).
- If done correctly, you’ll see your kart’s tires spin briefly, then you’ll launch forward with the perfect Rocket Boost Start.
This timing can shave off a full second from your race start, giving you a lead over those who don’t get the boost or even just a weak boost.
What Happens If You Burnout?
If you press the gas too early, you’ll experience a burnout. This happens when your engine revs too much before the race starts, causing you to lose time. In fact, a burnout can put you more than a second behind someone who nails the boost start, and that’s a huge disadvantage in any race, especially on tighter, more competitive tracks.
However, all hope is not lost! If you feel yourself revving the engine too early, immediately release the gas and try again. Sometimes, if you catch it early enough, you can recover and still get a small boost. It might not be the full Rocket Boost Start, but it’s better than burning out and losing momentum.
Why Timing the Boost Start Matters
The Rocket Boost Start can drastically affect your race. A perfect start puts you in a favorable position right away, allowing you to get that first item box or first coin, both of which are crucial for maintaining top speed and securing an advantage over your opponents.
On the other hand, burning out or missing the boost start entirely can leave you struggling to catch up, especially on difficult tracks or in higher CC modes like 200cc.
Even if you don’t get the perfect boost, a smaller boost is still better than none at all. But always strive for the perfect timing—because in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, every millisecond counts.
What to Do if You Miss the Perfect Boost
- If you miss the timing slightly, you may still get a smaller boost, which can still help. While it won’t be as powerful as the perfect Rocket Boost, it’s still much better than starting without any boost.
- If you start to rev too early, immediately stop revving and reapply the gas. This can prevent a burnout and allow you to salvage a smaller boost, keeping you competitive in the early race.
Advanced Tips for the Boost Start
If you want to take your Boost Start game to the next level, here are a few extra tips:
- Practice in Time Trials: Time Trials are a great way to practice your Boost Start without the pressure of other racers. Focus on nailing the timing consistently.
- Watch for visual cues: Aside from the countdown numbers, pay attention to your character’s movements or the tires on your kart. These can sometimes provide extra visual cues to help you time the Boost Start perfectly.
- Adapt for different controllers: Whether you’re using Joy-Cons, a Pro Controller, or another option, make sure to practice on the controller you use most often. Each might feel slightly different, so getting used to your controller’s sensitivity is key.
Conclusion
Mastering the Rocket Boost Start in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the quickest ways to improve your performance and give yourself an early lead in races. The key is timing—pressing the gas right after the “2” locks into place during the countdown. If you’re too early, you’ll burnout, and if you’re too late, you’ll miss out on that crucial speed boost.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and with these tips, you’ll be boosting off the line in no time. And if you ever find yourself revving too early, just let go and try again—it might just save your race.
So go out there, practice, and enjoy your newfound speed. Happy racing!
