Summary
The Blue Shell is one of the most powerful items inMario Kart, but those wishing to use it inMario Kart Worldwhen they are already in first place might want to reconsider.Mario Kart Worldfinally launched alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 console last week, and many gamers have been enjoying the next installment of the beloved mascot kart racing franchise. WhileMario Kart Worldadds plenty of new features, there are still a lot of elements fans loved about the previous games as well.
This includes the use of power-ups to help take out the competition or get ahead inMario Kart World, and few items exemplify that quite like the Blue Shell. Also known as the Spiny Shell, this spike-covered turtle shell has been apart of theMario KartseriessinceMario Kart 64and is one of the most powerful offensive items in the game. Once thrown, the Spiny Shell seeks out the racer in first place, eventually sending them flying into the air with a massive explosion that can also take out nearby karts if they are too close.
A well-timed Spiny Shell can quickly turn the tide of a race inMario Kart World, but it could also lead to disaster if the player uses it while they are already ahead. Just like inpastMario Kartgames, the shell quickly spins around the user before striking them if they are already first. Twitter user Retrora learned this the hard way in a small clip they later shared online. This mistake cost them their first-place position as they looked on in disbelief, and another Twitter user asked them if they expected something else to happen.
The Spiny Shell Can Attack Its User in Mario Kart World
Players could attack themselves with the Spiny Shell in previousMario Kartgames likeMario Kart 8 Deluxe, and there have even been special speedrunning challenges in which fans would try to do it voluntarily as fast as they can. On the other hand,Mario Kart Worldhas plenty of ways for players to avoid the wrath of the Spiny Shell with a well-timed boost or by destroying it with the Super Horn.
Of course, these tactics won’t save a player who unwittingly uses the Blue Shell on themselves inMario Kart World, so the smart thing would be to simply not activate it if they are already in the lead. Outside ofMario Kart World, theSpiny Shell was recently made into a LEGO setas a special bonus for LEGO Insiders in May, about a month before it made its dreaded video game return.
