Summary
With the completion of theMario Kart 8 DeluxeBooster Course Pack, the number of playable tracks inMario Kart8 Deluxe has doubled from 48 to 96, and with all of these extra tracks, come extra shortcuts. Shortcuts can involve a lot of risk versus reward in Mario Kart, since if you cannot perfect them, they can easily slow you down.
However, the shortcuts on this list are the ones that are most likely to give you a strong advantage that make the risk worth it. So, if you are playing through any of the new Mario Kart 8 courses, what are the best shortcuts so you can ensure your victory?
Golden Dash Cup
Toad Circuit is definitely one of the more simple courses that is featured in the Mario Kart 8 DLC, but there are still some elements of it that you can take advantage of to get ahead of the competition. One of the best parts of the course to take advantage of shortcuts is near the end of the lap, since you will be able to take over and potentially end the race in the better position.
After going through the extended tunnel near the end of the lap at Toad Circuit keep an eye out for a ramp near the exit. If you’re able to time a hop, you can make it onto the ramp and skip the corner without needing to use a mushroom.
8Shroom Ridge
Lucky Cat Cup
Shroom Ridge is a classic course that originated in Mario Kart DS, but due to its inclusion in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, certain additions have been made to help it feel more like a modern course. One more noticeable addition is a flying ramp around the mid-point, but a more hidden shortcut is near the end.
After exiting a tunnel, the road will make some harsh bends before getting to the start line, butoff one of the cliffs you will notice a wind stream. If you have enough speed or manage to boost, you can drive into this wind stream and use it to stop you from falling and instead skipping the long turn.
7Kalimari Desert
Turnip Cup
Kalimari Desert is one of the more creative retro courses brought back in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with this one coming from Mario Kart 64. There are a few different spots to get ahead on this course, but one of the best is right at the start. On the first turn,if you look at the mini-map, you can spot a separate section of road.
If you aim for this using a boost, you will skip part of a turn and get a glide ramp. If you glide in the right direction, you will make it to another glide ramp and get even further ahead. Ensure that you have a mushroom or boost for this since the dirt will slow you down otherwise!
6Boo Lake
Rock Cup
The Boo themed courses in Mario Kart are notorious forbeing difficult to master, with their harsh turns and compressed layouts, and Boo Lake is no different. Boo Lake has plenty of shortcuts that you’re able to take advantage of to get ahead, but one of the more subtle, that is right at the end of the lap is a tricky one to master, but it is perfect for getting ahead at the end.
Rightat the home stretch there are a couple jumps that you can trick off, but after the last, if you land on the blocks at the side, you can land another trick to get a final boost over the finish line. This is a big risk since it is easy to miss, but can help you win at the very end.
5Rainbow Road
Moon Cup
At the end of the Moon Cup, you will be challenged with Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 7 which stands out for being one of the few courses that is just one extended lap split into three instead of the same lap three times. However, this ensures that there is more space for shortcuts. One which can help you get a strong advantage is on the second third of the course.
When making the turns up to jumping onto the moon, you can boost off a little early and skip a good chunk of the course. Ensure that you have good momentum before making the leap as otherwise you might end up taking longer than other racers.
4Yoshi’s Island
Fruit Cup
Yoshi’s Island is one of the few original tracks that was added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and it is one of the most creative, with a fun, varied layout, and plenty of Yoshi-themed secrets to discover. One of the more obvious shortcuts, but most advantageous, is right at the end.
On the last flying section, aim for the question mark cloud with wings, and if you hit it, you will spawn a temporary red planked road. This road will give you a shorter road towards the starting line, and if you are on the last lap, this can give you the route you need to overtake any opponents.
3Athens Dash
Feather Cup
The courses from Mario Kart Tour that are based on real locations are notorious for having different routes each lap you take throughout the course. The Athens themed course has a shortcut that you can take advantage of at the end of both the second and third lap, so it is important to master if you have the right items.
At the end of the last two laps, you will ride through a columned section up to the starting line.At one point you will notice cutouts of piranha plants. Boost through these, and you will be greeted by a speed pad jump that can give you the last push you need to take the victory!
2Daisy Circuit
Acorn Cup
Similarly to the shortcut in Athens Dash, the shortcut in Daisy Circuit is alsohidden by piranha plant cutouts. This shortcut is near the start of the lap, but it is so advantageous that it is worth going for every time you have a boost available. Before making it to the plaza with the Daisy and Luigi statues, there is a turn where you will notice the cutouts by a building.
If you have a boost item, use this to break through them. Here you will have a flying boost pad that will let you fly through the statues and skip a few turns. It is risky if you don’t have a boost ready, but it is also one of the most fun shortcuts, too!
1Bowser’s Castle 3
Spiny Cup
Bowser’s Castle 3 is one of the original courses from Mario Kart on the SNES, but when it was adapted for Mario Kart Tour and 8 Deluxe, its simple layout was given some new features to help it stand out. One of the trickiest new shortcuts is also one of the most rewarding to pull off.
Abouttwo thirds of your way through the course, the road will be split into three by two walls. You can actually ride on either of these two walls. You will get extra item boxes, and a chance to trick off each of the walls a couple of times before landing back on the track. These item boxes and trick opportunity can help you dominate the last third of the track.
Next:Best Tracks From The Series That Are Missing From Mario Kart 8
