The blue shell has been a stable in the Mario Kart franchise for a few iterations now. We all know that feeling of coming in first, only to be hit by a blue shell and slip to last place. The blue shell will always hit the player in first place, and there’s a few decent ways to avoid it.
I was reading a Facebook thread over the weekend and absolutely shocked to see that so many people didn’t know about the Super Horn. It was introduced in Mario Kart 8 and makes a comeback in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
THE SUPER HORN
The Super Horn is the ultimate way to defeat a blue shell. If you’ve got one in your position whilst in first place, you’d be wise to keep it in your possession. Especially in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe where you’ve got two item slots, there’s absolutely no reason not to keep it.
Not only can it defeat red and green shells, it can also defeat the dastardly blue shell. It can also stop your opponent if used whilst they’re within your radius.
SLOW DOWN TO AVOID
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you can see the blue shell coming on your mini map. Most times, it’s better just to slow down and let the person coming in second take the hit. You’ll need to make sure that you stay far enough that you’re out of the radius, but you’ll then be able to speed past them and reclaim first place.
USE A MUSHROOM TO BEAT IT
You can actually use a mushroom just before you get hit with the blue shell to speed out of the impact zone. The timing needs to be done perfectly, but you can definitely get away from the blue shell every time with that trust mushroom. It’s unlikely that you’ll get a mushroom in first place, so try and hold onto it. This is obviously a lot easier if you’ve got a golden mushroom.
BULLET BILL/STAR
If you’re lucky enough to have a bullet bill or star in first place, then you’re completely in the clear. Use either before a blue shell hits you and you’ll most certainly be able to get far away from that blue shell.
