What Is Air Speed in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? 

In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, every kart stat matters—even the ones you don’t often see, like airspeed. This stat controls how fast your character moves while flying with a glider. After you launch from a ramp, cannon, or jump pad, your speed in the air is determined by your build—and not all setups are equal.

For example, if you’re using a light character like Toadette with a Cloud Glider, you may glide slower than someone using a heavier character like Donkey Kong with a Waddle Wing. Mario Kart 8 air speed is partly based on weight and glider type. Tracks like Mount Wario, Big Blue, and Mute City have long air sections, so picking the right glider can save you time.

Want to practice this in an actual gaming arena with pro-level gear? You can test these tips at the HyperX Arena Las Vegas, where you can bring your best build and see how it performs.

Another trick to maximize Mario Kart’s air speed is mini-boosts before hitting a ramp. A mini turbo plus a good glider = flying faster and farther.

Want to know when the next Mario Kart 8 Deluxe challenge is happening? Check the Game Calendar for upcoming tournaments or themed nights at HyperX Arena. You can even rent a streamer room to record your gameplay like a pro!

Best Setups to Maximize Air Speed in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Now that you understand how Mario Kart 8 air speed works, let’s look at how to build the best combo to fly faster. If you want to maximize air speed in Mario Kart, the exemplary character and kart setup are key. Airspeed isn’t shown on the in-game stats, but it’s real—and it can help you win races, especially on gliding-heavy tracks.

Choose the Right Character

Heavy characters like Wario, Donkey Kong, and Roy have higher airspeeds than lighter ones like Baby Peach or Toad. That’s because they carry more momentum in the air. If your favorite tracks have long glide sections, use a heavier character to keep your speed up while flying.

Pick Air-Speed-Friendly Parts

To boost Mario Kart 8 airspeed, use gliders like:

• Waddle Wing
• Paraglider
• Plane Glider

These give you better air control and keep your speed up longer. Avoid gliders like the Flower Glider or Peach Parasol—they look cute but don’t help with speed.

Tires like Roller or Azure Roller are great for acceleration and mini-turbo, but if you want balance, Slick or Cyber Slick are more decisive for maintaining speed in air and on ground.

Need help testing these combos with top-tier setups? Head to HyperX Arena Las Vegas and use their gear to fine-tune your build. It’s the perfect place to compare how different load-outs feel in actual races.

Practice Makes Perfect

Even the best parts won’t help if you don’t know the track. Use glide sections to gain ground, but also learn the timing. Tap your drift boost just before a ramp, and you’ll launch higher and farther. For even more improvement, check out the Gaming Events in Las Vegas page—you might find practice sessions or Mario Kart tournaments where you can test your setup live!

When Does Air Speed Matter Most in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

So far, we’ve talked about Mario Kart 8 air speed and how to build the right combo to use it. But here’s the thing—not every track is about flying. In fact, on some tracks, gliding barely matters. So let’s break it down: when should you focus on airspeed and go for other stats like mini-turbo or traction?

Tracks Where Air Speed Matters Most

If you want to maximize air speed in Mario Kart, choose tracks with extended glide zones. These include:

• Mount Wario: Massive air section mid-track
• Cloudtop Cruise: Lots of chances to glide
• Sunshine Airport: Big jump through an airplane hangar
• Big Blue: Speed-focused with jumps and glides

Using a build with high Mario Kart 8 air speed on these tracks can help you save precious seconds each lap. For time trial players or serious racers, that can mean the difference between 1st and 3rd place.

You can test how these builds perform at HyperX Arena Las Vegas where high-end gaming setups let you feel the difference. Want to see what events are coming up? Check the Game Calendar and join local races or casual Mario Kart sessions.

When You Should Focus Elsewhere

Not every track favors airspeed. If you’re racing on tight, twisty tracks like Baby Park or Toad’s Turnpike, gliding won’t help. Instead, focus on:

• Mini-Turbo builds
• Better handling and acceleration
• Tires like Roller or Button for tighter turns

Even if your airspeed is low in those races, you can stay ahead by boosting out of corners and avoiding collisions.

Final Thought Before You Glide

Knowing when to focus on Mario Kart 8 air speed and when not to is part of becoming a better racer. And if you want a place to practice, compete, or stream your races, don’t forget—you can rent your streamer room at HyperX Arena.

Need help setting up a match or want to learn more? Contact HyperX and let their team get you racing like a pro!