Drifting on Mario Kart Wii is an advanced technique that can give you a significant edge over your opponents. By learning how to drift properly, you can take corners faster, maintain your speed, and even gain a boost if you’re skilled enough. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of drifting in Mario Kart Wii, including how to initiate a drift, how to maintain a drift, and how to use drifts to your advantage.
To initiate a drift, you’ll need to press and hold the B button while steering in the direction you want to drift. As you hold the B button, you’ll notice your kart start to slide. To maintain a drift, you’ll need to continue holding the B button and steering in the direction of the drift. The longer you hold the B button, the longer your drift will last. However, if you hold the B button for too long, you’ll start to lose speed. So, it’s important to find a balance between holding the B button and releasing it to maintain your speed.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of drifting, you can start to use drifts to your advantage. For example, you can use drifts to take corners faster. By drifting into a corner, you can maintain your speed and avoid losing time. You can also use drifts to gain a boost. If you drift for long enough, you’ll start to build up a boost meter. When the boost meter is full, you can release the B button to get a boost of speed. This can be very helpful for overtaking opponents or getting ahead on the track.
What is Drifting in Mario Kart Wii?
Drifting in Mario Kart Wii is a technique that allows players to gain a speed boost and execute sharp turns by sliding their kart sideways. It involves holding down the R or L button while steering in the opposite direction of the turn. Drifting not only adds flair to the racing action but also provides a significant strategic advantage on the tracks.
To initiate a drift, press and hold the R or L button on the Wii Remote. Simultaneously, steer the kart in the opposite direction of the intended turn. For example, to drift to the left, hold the L button while steering the kart to the right. As the kart slides sideways, you will notice a blue or orange spark trail behind it. This spark trail indicates the level of drift.
The key to successful drifting is maintaining a controlled slide. Holding the R or L button for too long will cause the kart to spin out of control, costing you valuable time. Conversely, releasing the button too soon will end the drift prematurely, negating the speed boost. Finding the optimal balance between these two extremes is crucial for maximizing the benefits of drifting.
| Drift Level | Spark Trail |
|---|---|
| Small Drift | Blue Spark |
| Medium Drift | Blue Spark (Longer Duration) |
| Large Drift | Orange Spark |
| Perfect Drift | Long Orange Spark (With Lightning Bolt) |
Getting Started: Basic Drifting Techniques
Mastering drifting in Mario Kart Wii grants you a significant advantage on the tracks. To initiate a drift, hold down either the A or B button while turning. As you start to slide, you’ll notice sparks emanating from your kart. The key to successful drifting lies in maintaining a controlled slide.
Here are some essential tips to improve your drifting proficiency:
Steering Control
As you drift, maintain a steady turn by using the analog stick. Over- or under-steering can disrupt the drift and cause you to spin out. Practice finding the ideal steering angle that balances control and slide distance.
Drifting Duration
The duration of your drift directly affects your speed boost. By holding down the drift button longer, you accumulate more boost. However, be mindful that extending the drift beyond a certain point will cause you to lose control. Aim to maintain a drift for an optimal duration, usually around two to four seconds.
Mini-Turbo Technique
When you successfully end a drift, a short but significant speed boost known as a mini-turbo activates. This technique is crucial for gaining a competitive edge in races. To execute a mini-turbo:
- Drift for an optimal duration.
- Release the drift button abruptly.
- Quickly press the drift button again to chain another drift.
By chaining mini-turbos effectively, you can maintain your speed and surge ahead of your opponents.
Choosing the Right Kart and Character
Selecting the optimal kart and character combination is crucial for successful drifting in Mario Kart Wii. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the best options for your gameplay style:
Kart Selection
Different karts possess varying properties that affect drift performance. Consider the following aspects:
- Speed: A higher speed stat enables faster drifts.
- Acceleration: Quick acceleration helps you catch up after drifting.
- Weight: Heavy karts are more stable during drifts but slower to maneuver.
- Handling: Good handling allows for smoother, more precise drifts.
Character Selection
Character choice also impacts drifting capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of the best characters for drifting:
| Character | Drift Advantage |
|---|---|
| Baby Daisy | Petite size and high handling |
| Koopa Troopa | Low weight and high acceleration |
| Toadette | Small size and excellent handling |
| Wario | High speed and decent handling |
| Waluigi | Tall, lightweight, and good acceleration |
Combining Kart and Character
For optimal drifting performance, pair a fast, lightweight kart with a character that offers excellent handling and acceleration. Combinations like Baby Daisy in the Mach Bike or Waluigi in the Piranha Prowler can provide an exceptional balance of speed, stability, and maneuverability during drifts.
Perfecting Your Line: Choosing the Ideal Path
In Mario Kart Wii, selecting the optimal racing line is crucial for successful drifting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfecting your line:
1. Plan Ahead
Anticipate upcoming turns and plan your drift path accordingly. Don’t drift too early or too late; timing is essential.
2. Consider Track Design
Each track has unique features. Study the layout and identify areas where drifting is beneficial. Wide curves and downhill slopes provide excellent opportunities for extended drifts.
3. Choose the Right Moment
Start drifting as you approach the apex of the turn (the innermost point). Avoid drifting into a turn from the outside, as it will slow you down.
4. Adjust Your Angle
The drift angle determines the radius of your turn. Experiment with different angles to find the optimal balance between speed and control.
5. Maintain Speed
During a drift, maintain a constant speed. Accelerating or braking will disrupt the drift and reduce its effectiveness. Use the accelerator sparingly to balance your speed.
6. Different Drift Types
Mastering different drift types allows for greater control and efficiency. Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between them:
| Drift Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Drift | A basic drift with a single turn. |
| Dual Drift | A drift with two consecutive turns in the same direction. |
| Triple Drift | A drift with three consecutive turns in the same direction. |
| Super Drift | A prolonged drift with a speed boost when executed perfectly. |
Using Power-Ups Effectively for Drifting
Mario Kart Wii offers a variety of power-ups that can enhance your drifting abilities. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use them to your advantage:
Mushroom
Boosts your speed, allowing for longer and more controlled drifts.
Super Mushroom
Same effect as the standard Mushroom, but provides a temporary invincibility shield.
Star
Makes you invincible for a short time, allowing you to drift without worrying about being hit by other racers.
Triple Mushroom
Grants three Mushroom boosts in quick succession, perfect for chaining multiple drifts.
Golden Mushroom
Provides an extreme speed boost, enabling you to maintain high speeds while drifting.
Bullet Bill
Fires a guided missile that can hit other racers and grant you a temporary speed boost, making it ideal for catching up after a missed drift.
Mega Mushroom
Turns you into a giant for a short time, making it easier to charge into other racers while drifting and knocking them off the track. This power-up can also be used to squash smaller opponents, clearing a path for a clean drift.
Table of Power-Up Effects on Drifting
| Power-Up | Effect on Drifting |
|—|—|
| Mushroom | Boosts speed for longer and more controlled drifts |
| Super Mushroom | Boosts speed and provides invincibility for drifts |
| Star | Makes you invincible for drifting |
| Triple Mushroom | Provides multiple speed boosts for chained drifts |
| Golden Mushroom | Grants extreme speed for maintaining high speeds while drifting |
| Bullet Bill | Fires a missile that grants a speed boost after hitting an opponent |
| Mega Mushroom | Turns you into a giant for easier charging and knocking opponents while drifting |
Key Strategies for Drifting Success
1. Start a Drift
Hold the B button while turning your vehicle in either direction.
2. Maintain the Drift
Keep the B button pressed to continue drifting around corners.
3. Steer Into the Turn
Turn the wheel in the same direction as you’re drifting to keep the drift going.
4. Feather the Gas
Lightly press the A button to accelerate gently and maintain the drift balance.
5. Watch the Mini-Map
Use the mini-map to anticipate upcoming turns and initiate drifts accordingly.
6. Break Out of a Drift
To end a drift, release the B button and turn in the opposite direction.
7. Perfect Drift
Execute a perfect drift by holding the B button for a minimum of 0.75 seconds without losing speed or control.
8. Extended Drifting Technique
Extend your drifts to gain a substantial speed boost by performing the following steps:
- Initiate a drift as usual.
- Hold the directional pad slightly away from the turn to create a wider drift angle.
- Tap the brake button (ZR) rhythmically to maintain the ideal drift angle and prevent oversteer.
- Continue the drift for as long as possible by following the previous guidelines.
- Upon achieving a perfect drift, release the B button and straighten the vehicle to receive the maximum speed boost.
| Drift Type | Boost |
|---|---|
| Standard Drift | 1.2x |
| Perfect Drift | 1.5x |
| Extended Drift | 2.0x or higher |
Advanced Techniques for Skilled Players
Fire Hopping
Fire hopping is a technique that allows you to slightly increase your speed by hopping while drifting through a fire boost. Aim for the end of the fire boost to get the most speed boost.
Snake Drifting
Snake drifting is a technique where you constantly drift from side to side to maintain your speed. This technique is useful for keeping your speed up on tight corners and tracks with many turns.
Off-Roading
Off-roading is a technique where you drive off the track to gain an advantage. This technique can be used to cut corners or avoid obstacles
Air Brake
The air brake is a technique that allows you to slow down quickly in the air. By holding the brake button while in the air, you can slow down your kart and land more accurately.
Reverse Drifting
Reverse drifting is a technique where you drift in the opposite direction of the turn. This technique is useful for making sharp turns or recovering from a drift that went wrong.
Power Slide
A power slide is a technique where you drift through a turn at a high speed. This technique is useful for maintaining your speed on long straightaways.
Mini-Turbo
A mini-turbo is a speed boost that you can get by drifting through a turn. To get a mini-turbo, you need to drift for at least 2 seconds.
Ultra Mini-Turbo
An ultra mini-turbo is a speed boost that you can get by drifting through a turn with a full boost meter. To get an ultra mini-turbo, you need to drift for at least 3 seconds.
Double Mini-Turbo
A double mini-turbo is a speed boost that you can get by drifting through two turns in a row. To get a double mini-turbo, you need to drift for at least 2 seconds through the first turn and then for at least 1 second through the second turn.
Triple Mini-Turbo
A triple mini-turbo is a speed boost that you can get by drifting through three turns in a row. To get a triple mini-turbo, you need to drift for at least 2 seconds through the first turn, for at least 1 second through the second turn, and for at least 1 second through the third turn.
How to Drift on Mario Kart Wii
Drifting is a crucial technique in Mario Kart Wii that can give you a significant advantage over your opponents. By performing a well-executed drift, you can maintain speed while taking corners, allowing you to navigate tracks more efficiently and gain valuable time.
To drift in Mario Kart Wii, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the "B" button, located on the back of the Wii Remote.
- Tilt the Wii Remote in the direction you want to drift.
- Hold the Wii Remote steady in the tilted position until you reach the desired drift angle.
- Release the "B" button to end the drift.
The longer you hold the “B” button, the longer the drift will be. However, holding the button for too long will cause your kart to spin out, so it’s important to practice and find a good balance.
People Also Ask
How do you drift around a corner in Mario Kart Wii?
To drift around a corner in Mario Kart Wii, follow the steps outlined in the main article. Start by pressing and holding the “B” button and tilting the Wii Remote in the direction you want to drift. Hold the remote steady until you reach the desired drift angle, then release the “B” button to end the drift.
How do you powerslide in Mario Kart Wii?
Powersliding is a more advanced drifting technique in Mario Kart Wii that allows you to maintain speed while taking even tighter corners. To powerslide, follow the same steps as for drifting, but hold the “A” button while tilting the Wii Remote.
How do you drift kart Wii?
To drift in Mario Kart Wii, follow the steps provided in the main article. Remember to press and hold the “B” button while tilting the Wii Remote in the direction you want to drift.
