Between Mario Kart 9 revealed to currently be in development by Tokyo industry analyst Dr. Serkan Toto and the newest installation of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course expansion, fans of the franchise are happier than ever, playing through fresh content to their hearts' content. The game’s fanbase eagerly awaits the addition of more of the Nintendo franchise’s favorite characters to the developing game, rumored to include Captain Falco and Samus Aran.
As one of Nintendo’s most successful Mario spin-off series, Mario Kart took the world by storm more than ever during the era of the Wii, only getting significantly more popular as time goes on. One way of determining a player’s skill is noticing whether they use each game’s rewarding shortcuts, needing perfect control and timing to get the most out of the best ones. Not only do Mario Kart shortcuts make the games that much more fun, but they significantly increase the competitiveness of each race. Some are more dangerous and challenging than others, but the best shortcuts are certainly worth the risk.
Boost Across The Water In Lakeside Park
Many shortcuts in Mario Kart require the player to boost over bodies of water in order to skip a portion of the track, but Lakeside Park in Mario Kart Super Circuit may very well be the best of them.
When precisely timed, a mushroom can be utilized to boost over a large portion of the lake that couldn’t possibly be flown over without it. Though less of a risk than plenty of other shortcuts, the player must be quick to avoid driving straight into the water or a wet fate and 8th place awaits.
Ice Ice Outpost’s Two Rapid Shortcuts
One of the easiest Mario Kart 8 shortcuts to master is found within Ice Ice Outpost, though it can be missed if the player isn’t paying close attention. The key is to drive responsibly so as to not miss it or fall off the track’s constantly merging paths.
On a certain turnaround halfway through the course, there is a ramp on the sidelines is required to bypass a large curve and take the lead. Once at the ramp, the player must jump twice before landing on the track again. By driving off the ledge on the other side once the player has landed, the next shortcut appears, providing the edge needed to win the race.
The Wall Gap In Bowser's Castle
Bowser’s Castle is one of the best tracks in Mario Kart history no matter which game, as its shortcut only makes it that much better. Be advised, as without perfect timing, this detour can land the player in last place.
In Mario Kart DS, a gap in the wall of Bowser’s Castle can be quickly hopped through, if the player gains enough momentum and aligns it with the perfect timing. If done successfully, the driver will have the ability to make it passed the finish line before they are deemed out of bounds, putting them in first place.
The Two Leaves On The Vines in Cloudtop Cruise
In Mario Kart 8’s Cloudtop Cruise, players must race on multiple different types of terrain like vines, clouds, and airships to reach the finish line. An expert racer, however, knows that there’s a shortcut found while driving on the vines.
The alternate route is hidden in plain sight, where two thin leaves reside that are decently distant from each other, just before the finish line. By jumping across these leaves, a skilled player can bypass the final turn to steal first place from their unsuspecting foes. A less experienced player however, is likely to fall off the track.
Bypass The Curves On Rainbow Road
Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road is ranked as the most difficult yet classic course of the whole franchise with its insanely sharp twists and corners, all while lacking many side rails or land. In Mario Kart 8, using the speed bumpers on the right lane of the split path for this shortcut is recommended.
Its shortcut is essentially the same throughout each game, there to tempt players into either their own unfortunate demise or satisfying glory. While careful drivers try their best not to go flying off the track, this is actually where a shortcut can be found. If the right moves are made, the player will fall all the way down to the track far below, a risky move indeed.
Off-Roading In Coconut Mall
Coming with music too catchy for its own good, Coconut Mall is a fan favorite that allows players to get speed boosts from many escalators and is held back by others. Masters of Mario Kart Wii use the stage’s unique, dirt road shortcut to get farther ahead of the crowd.
Once the first two escalators are passed, the path will be surrounded by windows full of Miis watching the race. Where part of the window has an opening, the player can use a mushroom to shoot over the carpet there and through the window. After this, veering tightly to the right will take the driver to the off-road part of the course, skipping the next set of escalators in the process.
Boo Lake Shortcuts
Boo Lake is home to some of the narrowest passages of any course in Mario Kart: Super Circuit, demanding careful spatial awareness and just enough speed control from anyone who dares to drive on it.
Those wanting to heighten their chances of staying in the lead will definitely need to use at least one of the course’s two shortcuts. The first one appears early once the race begins, on the narrower of two deviating paths that looks like a ladder. The other shortcut resembles a narrow bridge that is lit by lantern-wielding Boos, caution is needed to be victorious.
The Train Tunnel In Kalimari Desert
For avid Mario Kart fans, Kalimari Desert from Mario Kart 64 is a map that remains tedious and luck oriented, full of features capable of ruining a player's chance at first place if cautions are ignored in favor of speed.
Luckily, there is a shortcut to remedy these inconveniences. The course’s train can be used to the player's advantage by following its tracks at the second sighting of the train. After this, travel through the tunnel there using a star, and the end of it will lead to the finish line, making up for the time lost being bullied by the desert.
Leap Over The Wall In Mario Kart 64's Wario Stadium
Practice is required when attempting the uncomplicated though difficult shortcut in Mario Kart 64’s Wario Stadium. Accomplishing it correctly is wholly addictive and incredibly worthwhile, all done by making a huge jump.
Using the right angle and a hefty amount of speed, players can leap from the little hills at the beginning of the course, then turn to attempt to glide over the wall on the left side. Only the fastest cars in Mario Kart have an easier time making their way over the wall, cutting around half of the track and saving immense time to lock into first place.
Mushroom Gorge Mountain Ride
Known as the “Mushroom Gorge Glitch”, this shortcut in Mario Kart Wii is pretty tedious and a bit crazy, but can handsomely reward those brave enough to take a crack at it. The player must first have a mushroom to use as they drive closer to the arrow sign indicating a turn.
Before passing the sign, turn around and journey half of the way back in the direction of the finish line and aim for a close by bush, where a group of mushroom trampolines can be found near the left of the finish line. Bounce from the lowest mushroom onto the mountain directly next to it, leaning the cart back to stay atop the wall. Finally, the driver can cross the finish line, completing the map in the shortest amount of time possible.