Mario Kart World isn't just another racing game with Mario at the wheel; it's a complete overhaul of the franchise's gameplay. Now, in addition to racing, you explore, jump, dodge, collect, and learn to survive in the delightful chaos of 24 players on the track.
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If you just got a Nintendo Switch 2 and already had Mario Kart in your bag, good news: this guide will help you understand what's changed, which tricks are worth their weight in gold, and how to get the most out of the game, even if you've never played any other game in the series.
Mario Kart is now open world (and that changes everything)
Forget the routine of choosing a track, racing, and off you go. Mario Kart World has gone a step further and embraced an open-world experience. Free Roam mode lets you simply explore—yes, drive aimlessly—on huge maps filled with coins, hidden challenges, and missions that yield unique collectibles.
This mode is discreetly accessed via the "+" button in the main menu (yes, well hidden). Inside, you'll find Peach medallions, "?" panels, and P Switches, blue buttons that activate timed challenges. Besides the fun, all of this yields rewards and helps unlock in-game content.
Boosts, Jumps, and Drifts: Your Best Friends on the Track
Amidst all the new developments, classic tricks remain, and some have been improved. Want to get ahead right off the start? Press the accelerator button when the counter reads "2." Simple and efficient.
Want perfect turns? The good old drift is back. Tilt the directional pad to the desired side and hold R or ZR. The longer you hold it, the greater the boost when you release. But the big news here is the charged jump: hold the jump button without touching the directional pad, and your character will jump much higher. This allows you to climb rails, walk along walls, and cut through paths, all while gaining a boost.
And it doesn't stop there: you can string together jumps, grinds, and ramps to create a sequence of boosts. It seems complicated at first, but it soon becomes second nature and makes all the difference.
New and classic items that change everything (again)
Anyone who's played other Mario Karts will recognize the green, red, star, banana, and, of course, the dreaded blue shells. But Mario Kart World brings a new and creative roster.
There's the Coin Shell, which leaves coins along the way (great for increasing your speed), the Kamek, which transforms opponents, the Dash Food, which gives you a boost and changes your appearance, and even a timer on temporary items like the Golden Mushroom, something that really helps with strategic use.
Want a golden tip? Always have a defensive item (shell or banana) positioned behind your kart. It can block attacks and save your race. And, of course, using the Super Horn at the right time may be the only way to escape the Blue Shell, so don't waste it.
Game modes for all styles
If you're into the classic style, you can start with the Grand Prix, which offers several cups with four tracks each and unlocks content. But if you're looking for something more exciting, try the Knockout Tour, where only those who don't finish in the last place at each stage survive.
Want something more casual? VS Race lets you customize everything—the number of runners, item intensity, team, track, and more. For those who enjoy competing against themselves (or other players' ghosts), Time Trial is ideal. And the traditional Battle Mode is available in two styles: Balloon Battle and Coin Runner.
There's an option for everyone, but it's not worth saying that the game is always the same.
Karts, characters and stats that really matter
Forget about piece-by-piece customization. In Mario Kart World, karts have fixed versions, but that doesn't mean there's no variation. Each kart has four basic attributes:
- Speed: how far he can run at maximum.
- Acceleration: How fast you reach top speed.
- Weight: influences whether your kart will be pushed easily or not.
- Control: Sets how easy it is to turn and drift.
Characters also influence these numbers. Large characters like Bowser are fast and heavy, but difficult to control. Smaller ones, like Baby Luigi, accelerate quickly and are light, but can't handle bumps. The secret? Experiment until you find the combination that works for you and each type of track.
Final tricks that make a difference
Two words: coins and vacuum. Collecting coins during the race increases your speed, up to a maximum of 20. They're also used to unlock new karts. Losing coins (by crashing or falling) slows you down, so try to stay steady.
What about slipstream? When you run right behind another player, a wind appears and—boom—you get a free boost. Use this to your advantage… and if someone's behind you, dodge before they use it against you.
Oh, and don't forget: you can review all the mechanics by accessing the "Manual" in the main menu. It seems basic, but it saves lives (or races, in this case).
Closing the race in Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World may seem confusing at first, but you'll soon get the hang of it. The key is to explore, test, and have fun with the new features, remembering that losing a race is part of the learning curve. With this guide, you'll be well ahead of the game. Good luck on the track, and watch out for the Blue Helmet.
