Although Kirby Air Riders may appear to be just another Nintendo mascot racing game, it actually stands out as one of the most unique titles in its genre, thanks to features like its two-button controls and quirky machines.
At first glance, Air Riders seems easy enough for anyone to pick up, but its gameplay mechanics are quite complex and detailed. We’re here to help, so let’s go over some beginner tips.
You Don’t Need To (And Shouldn’t) Push The Stick Forward To Move
The main thing to get used to in Kirby Air Riders is its two-button setup. One button is for your character’s special move, and the other is mainly for boosting and inhaling enemies.
Steering is simple—just push the left stick left or right. Interestingly, you don’t push the stick forward to go faster; doing so actually slows you down. It’s different from most racing games and takes some time to get used to, so focus on just steering left and right.
Boost Charging Is The Most Important Mechanic In Air Riders
Once you’re comfortable moving around, the most crucial skill to learn is how to boost. Hold down the B button to stop your machine and charge up for a boost that propels you forward.
Think of it like a drift—you only want to boost when approaching a corner to maintain your speed and avoid losing momentum. Using boosting at the right moment is key, and the effectiveness depends on which machine you’re using. For example, the Swerve Star comes to a full stop when you boost, while the Slick Star needs constant boosting to stay still and aim accurately. Start with easier machines to master boosting techniques.
Drafting Can Be The Difference Between Winning And Losing
In many racing games, following closely behind other racers (drafting) gives you a speed boost. In Kirby Air Riders, this is called Star Sliding—it involves following the trail of stars left by others.
Following these star trails gives you a significant speed boost, almost as powerful as charging a boost yourself. Make sure to take advantage of star sliding whenever you can to gain an edge.
You Can Make Quick Attacks Much Less Annoying
Quick attacks are performed by wiggling the left stick, which then hits nearby opponents or enemies to boost your speed.
While useful, this mechanic can be frustrating since it’s tied to the left stick. You can’t reassign it to a button, but you can adjust the sensitivity of the left stick in the settings. Turning the Quick Spin sensitivity to a higher level makes accidental quick attacks less likely.
Copy Abilities Can Be Dismissed
A feature many players might overlook is that you can get rid of copy abilities if you find them more hindering than helpful. To do this, simply press the Y button repeatedly to remove the current ability, giving you a fresh start to inhale something else.
Character Stats Are More Important Than You Think
Each character in Kirby Air Riders has unique starting stats, visible during character selection. These stats influence how they perform with different Machines.
For example, Starman has excellent gliding capabilities, while King Dedede is heavier and has more health. Keep these differences in mind, especially during City Trial mode, where matching the right character with the best Machine can make a big difference.
Road Trip Is The Best Game Mode To Start With
While City Trial is fun and offers lots of unlockables, starting with Road Trip is recommended for newcomers. It serves as a story mode and allows you to try out all three other modes within it, helping you understand the game’s mechanics better. It also shows character stats and Machine preferences clearly, making it a great way to learn.
Don’t Worry About Gummies
As you play, you’ll collect Gummies shaped like various Machines. These are purely collectible items and serve no hidden purpose—they’re just for fun and to see what’s available. No need to worry about missing secret shops or mechanics.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy Kirby Air Riders and master its unique gameplay.
