When playing 8-Bit in Brawl Stars, understanding his core strengths is essential to maximizing his potential in battle. As a slow-moving, high-damage, and tanky brawler, 8-Bit shines in modes where controlling specific areas and long-range engagements are key. His turret, which boosts the damage of allies, allows him to function as both a support and a heavy-hitting brawler. But to truly optimize his gameplay, the right combination of Star Power, Gears, and Gadgets is necessary.
Positioning and Attributes
8-Bit excels when positioned strategically behind walls or obstacles, where he can take advantage of his long-range attacks without exposing his slow speed. His sluggish movement makes him vulnerable to flanking and ambushes, so keeping his distance from aggressive, close-range brawlers is critical. His turret can anchor the team in key control zones in modes like Gem Grab or Bounty. On open maps with longer sightlines, he dominates thanks to his high damage output and ability to boost his team’s offense with Damage Booster. However, in modes like Brawl Ball, his slow speed becomes a liability unless his positioning is precise.
The goal with 8-Bit is to use his range and sheer power to wear down enemies before they can get close. His Blaster Beams deal incredible damage, but only if you can maintain consistent aim while maneuvering the battlefield’s obstacles. As such, building him with the correct Star Power, Gadgets, and Gears amplifies his potential.
Star Power
The right Star Power will dictate how 8-Bit plays on the battlefield. There are two options, each catering to slightly different playstyles:
Boosted Booster – This enhances the range of 8-Bit’s Damage Booster turret by 50%. In modes where maintaining control over a large area is critical, like Gem Grab or Siege, Boosted Booster becomes invaluable. With the increased range, 8-Bit can place his turret in safer positions while still providing the buff to his teammates. This allows the whole team to apply more pressure without risking the turret's destruction.
Extra Life – This Star Power grants 8-Bit an extra life, allowing him to respawn once with 1,000 health. It's a great option in Solo Showdown or modes where survivability is crucial, but it's not as impactful in team modes since the cooldown between deaths can waste time. However, in clutch situations, this ability can turn a fight by keeping you in the game longer, especially when you need that one extra chance to secure an objective or finish off an enemy.
While Boosted Booster offers more consistent utility across most game modes, Extra Life is situationally powerful in solo play. Choose based on your playstyle and the map or mode you're engaged in.
Gadgets
8-Bit’s Gadgets provide him with unique tools to either reposition or defend himself, which is critical given his lack of mobility. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Cheat Cartridge – This gadget allows 8-Bit to teleport instantly to his Damage Booster turret’s location. Use a Cheat Cartridge to reposition quickly, escape dangerous situations, or close the gap when chasing enemies. It pairs beautifully with the Boosted Booster Star Power, as you can place your turret in safer, more strategic spots and teleport to it when necessary. This gadget helps compensate for 8-Bit’s major weakness—mobility—making it essential in modes where positioning is key, like Siege or Heist.
Circuit Breaker – This gadget deals 1,500 damage to nearby enemies. It’s a straightforward defensive tool for keeping close-range brawlers like Mortis or Bull at bay. If you find yourself constantly dealing with enemies who can easily close the gap, Circuit Breaker provides that burst of damage to either finish them off or deter them from diving into you. However, it’s not as versatile as Cheat Cartridge, which offers more in terms of map control and survival.
Cheat Cartridge remains the better option in most scenarios due to its flexibility. It provides mobility, which 8-Bit desperately needs, and tactical repositioning in a pinch. Only pick Circuit Breaker when facing compositions with multiple close-range threats.
Gears
Gears enhance 8-Bit’s core strengths, and knowing which ones to prioritize will give you a serious edge.
Damage Gear – This gear increases your damage output when 8-Bit’s health is above 50%. Given his high range and damage potential, 8-Bit excels when you keep him at a distance and in high health. The additional damage pairs well with his ability to poke from afar, turning him into an even deadlier long-range threat. This gear is a no-brainer for those looking to maximize damage output and press their advantage early in a fight.
Health Gear – Health gear provides passive health regeneration over time. For a slow brawler like 8-Bit, who often stays in prolonged fights from a distance, this gear helps maintain health without the need for retreating. It’s especially useful in Bounty or Heist, where constant chip damage can wear you down. The extra sustain ensures you can keep dishing out damage without being forced to retreat too often.
Speed Gear – This gear increases movement speed on bushes. While 8-Bit is inherently slow, the Speed Gear helps mitigate this weakness when he’s traversing through maps with plenty of bushes. It’s situational but can be game-changing on maps where 8-Bit can use bush cover to navigate the battlefield more effectively. However, in open maps or less bushy environments, prioritize the Damage or Health gears.
Mastering 8-Bit in Brawl Stars requires a combination of strategic positioning, map awareness, and a deep understanding of his unique strengths. His high damage potential and supportive capabilities make him a powerhouse in the right hands. Here are six essential tips for dominating with 8-Bit:
1. Control Key Zones with Your Damage Booster
8-Bit’s Damage Booster turret is his most valuable tool. Placing it strategically is crucial for providing your team with a consistent damage buff. Place the turret behind walls or obstacles where enemies can't easily reach it, but where it still covers a large area. This gives your team a major advantage in modes like Gem Grab or Bounty, where holding key zones can win the match. Remember, a well-placed turret can turn a fight, but a poorly placed one can be a waste.
2. Maintain Long-Range Pressure
8-Bit excels at long-range combat. His Blaster Beams have one of the longest attack ranges in the game, so keep your distance from enemies. The further you are, the harder it is for opponents to retaliate. Chip away at their health from afar while staying out of reach from aggressive brawlers like Bull or El Primo. Use walls and obstacles to block enemy fire while you continue to apply pressure from a safe distance.
3. Use a Cheat Cartridge to Reposition and Escape
8-Bit’s slow movement speed is his biggest weakness. However, his Cheat Cartridge gadget makes up for this by allowing you to instantly teleport to your turret’s location. Use this to escape dangerous situations, reposition quickly, or even surprise enemies by teleporting into the fight when they least expect it. Don’t hesitate to use this gadget when you’re being cornered by fast-moving brawlers or when you need to regain control of the map.
4. Be Cautious with Your Slow Speed
Due to 8-Bit’s extremely slow movement speed, being caught out of position can easily result in defeat. Avoid overcommitting or pushing too far forward without backup. In open spaces, try to stay close to cover and retreat when necessary. Always plan your escape routes, and if you’re getting cornered, use Cheat Cartridge to get out of trouble. If you don’t pay attention to your positioning, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed, especially by faster enemies.
5. Prioritize Survivability in Showdown
In Solo Showdown, survivability is key, and 8-Bit’s Extra Life Star Power can give you a second chance in the fight. If you’re playing Showdown, prioritize staying alive, collecting power cubes, and keeping your distance from close-range brawlers. If things go wrong, Extra Life will bring you back into the fight with 1,000 health, giving you another opportunity to take control. This ability is crucial for turning around tough situations or sneaking out a victory in the late game.
6. Maximize Team Synergy in 3v3 Modes
8-Bit works incredibly well in 3v3 modes where teams can stick together and take advantage of his Damage Booster. In Gem Grab, Heist, and Bounty, his turret acts as a consistent offensive support for the entire team. Combine this with strong, aggressive teammates who can capitalize on the damage buff, and your team will be unstoppable. Keep in mind that 8-Bit thrives when he’s backed by teammates who can protect him from close-range threats while he deals damage from the backline.
Best Game Modes for 8-Bit
8-Bit is best suited for Gem Grab, Bounty, and Heist. His long-range damage and ability to boost his team’s output make him an ideal pick for modes where control and zone pressure are key. In Gem Grab, his turret allows his team to maintain control over the gem mine, giving a significant edge. In Heist, his massive damage output helps quickly shred through the enemy’s safe. Bounty is also ideal, as his range and turret make it difficult for opponents to pick him off without taking heavy damage.
However, 8-Bit struggles in Brawl Ball due to his slow movement speed, making it hard for him to keep up with fast-paced plays. He also has a tough time in Solo Showdown if not built properly or when faced with fast, burst-damage brawlers. So, stick to modes where your turret and range can shine, and you’ll see much better results.
Brawl Stars Gems: Concept and Proper Use
In Brawl Stars, gems are the premium currency, and understanding their value is crucial. They're mainly used to unlock cosmetic items like skins, but they can also speed up progression or unlock in-game resources.
How to Use Gems Properly
Save for Brawl Pass
The Brawl Pass offers the best value for your gems. By purchasing it, I can unlock exclusive rewards, including new brawlers, skins, and extra boxes. Instead of wasting gems on small, impulsive purchases, prioritize the pass it gives you more bang for your buck throughout the season.
Avoid Spending Gems on Boxes
While it's tempting to buy boxes to unlock new brawlers or upgrades, this is generally not the best way to use your gems. The rewards are random, and you could end up getting items that don't significantly enhance your gameplay. Be patient and save your gems for guaranteed rewards like skins or the Brawl Pass.
Skins: Aesthetic but Optional
Skins are purely cosmetic but can enhance your experience by giving you a new visual feel for your favorite brawlers. If you are already happy with your progression and the Brawl Pass is completed, investing in a skin you enjoy can be a fun use of gems. However, it's more about personal preference than necessity.
Watch for Special Offers
Occasionally, Brawl Stars offers bundles or special deals that combine skins, boxes, and even coins at a discounted rate. Keep an eye out for these if you want to maximize your gems' value. Due to its multiple uses in the game, some players will choose to buy Brawl Stars gems for sale at mmowow.
