Rev up your engines and get ready to dominate the Mushroom Kingdom with our ultimate Mario Kart 8 guide! Whether you’re a new racer or a seasoned pro, ‘Mario Kart 8: Unlockables and Secrets’ is your key to mastering every twist, turn, and turbo boost this beloved game has to offer. Dive into an exhilarating journey where you’ll discover hidden treasures, unlock secret tracks, pull off epic cheats, explore concealed areas, and achieve 100% game completion. From uncovering elusive hidden items to mastering every shortcut, this comprehensive guide has got it all. Let’s hit the track and leave your competitors in the dust!
Unlockables and Secrets: Finding Hidden Items
Mario Kart 8 offers tons of thrills, spills, and secrets just waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking to get the edge over your friends and unlock some cool stuff, here’s a guide on finding those hidden items that can turn the tide in your favor.
1. Collecting Coins for Custom Parts
As you speed through the courses, you’ll notice shiny coins scattered along the track. These aren’t just for show! Collecting coins is crucial because they contribute to unlocking new vehicle parts like gliders, tires, and karts. Here’s the breakdown:
- Single Coins: These are scattered all over each track.
- Double Coin Boxes: Look out for these item boxes with a slight glow. They contain two coins, which can speed up your part collection.
- Bonus Coins: On some tracks, hidden paths or shortcuts might have groups of coins that are easy to miss. For instance, taking the upper path in Sunshine Airport often leads to a ton of coins.
Collect as many coins as you can in each race, even if it means going out of your way!
2. Secret Shortcuts and Boost Pads
Each course in Mario Kart 8 has its share of shortcuts and hidden boost pads. Mastering these can be a game-changer. Here are some notable examples:
- Moo Moo Meadows: Look for the dirt path on the left side of the road right after the start to get a quick boost ahead.
- Mount Wario: Keep an eye out for the snowy off-road sections that can be traversed with a boost to cut significant corners.
- Rainbow Road (Bowser’s Castle): This one has some deviously hidden ramps, so always be on the lookout for opportunities to leap over the edges and take the lead.
Experiment with different paths and discover which ones offer the best shortcuts.
3. The Hidden Item Boxes
Not all item boxes are out in the open. Some are sneaky hidden away in parts of the track you may never venture to. Check these:
- Bone-Dry Dunes: In the skeletal structure of the dried-out bones, veering off the main path can sometimes reveal item boxes tucked away.
- Toad Harbor: The alleyways and hidden paths around the city contain item boxes that are easy to miss if you just stick to the main road.
- Hyrule Circuit: Hit all three crystal switches in the overhead area to reveal a hidden item box that can give you a significant advantage.
Make a mental note of these locations and aim for them during races.
4. Timing the Item Use
Finding hidden items is one thing; knowing when to use them is another. Timing your item use can mean the difference between first and second place:
- Green/Red Shells: Hold onto these for the last lap, especially in tighter tracks to make a last-ditch effort to slow down the competition.
- Mushrooms: Perfect for shortcuts or just gaining a quick speed boost in strategic sections of the track.
- Bullet Bill: If you’re trailing behind, this powerhouse item can pull you back into the mix, so save it for the trickiest sections.
5. Hidden Areas for Local Multiplayer
If you’re playing local multiplayer, some tracks have hidden areas that can be used strategically:
- Sweet Sweet Canyon: There are some delectable hidden paths that can be utilized in local multiplayer, so explore around.
- Electrodome: The pulsating paths sometimes change per race, so explore different routes every time to see which ones give out power-ups.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of finding hidden items and secrets in Mario Kart 8 isn’t just about knowing where they are—it’s about how you use them. So, take your newfound knowledge to the track and get ready to leave your competition in the dust (or shells)!
Happy racing!
Unlocking Secret Tracks
So, you’ve been tearing up the track in Mario Kart 8, but there are still some courses you haven’t discovered? Here’s the lowdown on how to unlock those secret tracks and dominate your friends.
1. What Are Secret Tracks?
Secret tracks are additional courses not available at the start. They spice up the game with new challenges and spectacular visuals you haven’t raced through yet.
2. Grand Prix Mode – Your Key to Unlocks
To unlock these hidden gems, you’ll need to dive into Grand Prix mode. Here are the steps:
Select Grand Prix Mode: Choose from 50cc, 100cc, 150cc, or Mirror. The higher the cc, the faster your karts.
Win Trophies: Secret tracks are unlocked by earning trophies (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place) across different cups.
3. The Cups and Tracks Breakdown
When you start, you’ll have access to four base cups:
- Mushroom Cup
- Flower Cup
- Star Cup
- Special Cup
As you race through Grand Prix and earn trophies, you’ll unlock additional cups, each containing four tracks.
Shell Cup
Tracks Included
- Moo Moo Meadows
- Mario Circuit
- Cheep Cheep Beach
- Toad’s Turnpike
Banana Cup
Unlock this by earning a trophy in the Shell Cup.
Tracks Included
- Dry Dry Desert
- Donut Plains 3
- Royal Raceway
- DK Jungle
Leaf Cup
Win a trophy in the Banana Cup to unlock Leaf Cup.
Tracks Included
- Wario Stadium
- Sherbet Land
- Music Park
- Yoshi Valley
Thunder Cup
Secure a trophy in each of the initial four cups to access Thunder Cup.
Tracks Included
- Cloudtop Cruise
- Bone-Dry Dunes
- Bowser’s Castle
- Rainbow Road
4. DLC Cups – Newer, Cooler Tracks
If you thought the standard cups were fun, wait till you get a load of these Downloadable Content (DLC) cups. They bring even more tracks and are must-haves for Mario Kart aficionados.
Egg Cup – DLC Pack 1
Tracks Included
- Yoshi Circuit
- Excitebike Arena
- Dragon Driftway
- Mute City
Triforce Cup – DLC Pack 1
Tracks Included
- Wario’s Gold Mine
- Rainbow Road (SNES)
- Ice Ice Outpost
- Hyrule Circuit
Crossing Cup – DLC Pack 2
Tracks Included
- Baby Park
- Cheese Land
- Wild Woods
- Animal Crossing
Bell Cup – DLC Pack 2
Tracks Included
- Neo Bowser City
- Ribbon Road
- Super Bell Subway
- Big Blue
5. Tips for Earning Trophies
Unlocking these secret tracks means getting trophies, so here’s how you can improve your chances:
- Drift Boost: Master the art of drifting for those sweet speed boosts.
- Shortcuts: Keep an eye out for shortcuts. They can give you the edge you need.
- Use Items Wisely: Defensive items like bananas can protect against shells, while offensive items can push you into first place.
- Character & Kart Setup: Some combinations work better for different tracks. Experiment to find your best setup!
6. Playing with Friends and Online
Once you’ve unlocked the tracks, challenge your friends in local multiplayer or take on the world in online matches. Show off your skills and take those secret tracks by storm!
Unlocking all the tracks in Mario Kart 8 will not only make you a better racer but also keep the game exciting with new challenges and environments. So, get out there and start earning those trophies. Happy racing! 🚗💨
Using Cheats and Shortcuts in Mario Kart 8
Mario Kart 8 is packed with vibrant tracks and exhilarating races, but what sets the great racers apart from the good ones is the strategic use of shortcuts and in-game cheats. Master these tips, and you’ll be collecting trophies in no time.
Boost Start Cheat
Right off the starting line, you can gain an early advantage with a boost start. To pull this off, press and hold the accelerate button just as the number “2” starts to fade from the countdown. If timed correctly, your kart will zoom ahead with a burst of speed, giving you a head start right from the get-go!
Drift Boosts
Drifting is a fundamental technique that can turn even the tightest corners into opportunities for speed. To drift, hold down the R button (or SR button on a Joy-Con) while turning. You’ll see colored sparks fly from your tires. Release the button at the right moment and enjoy a mini-turbo boost. The color of the sparks matters:
- Blue sparks give you a slight boost.
- Orange sparks provide a stronger boost.
- Purple sparks unleash the longest-lasting boost.
Mastering the art of drifting and timing your boosts can give you a significant edge over your opponents.
Mushroom Shortcuts
Mushrooms aren’t just for a brief speed boost—they can also unlock shortcuts. Look for off-road areas, grassy patches, and ramps that are tough to reach. Using a mushroom while approaching these parts will let you speed through them without losing momentum, shaving precious seconds off your lap time. Be on the lookout for subtle paths or gaps in the boundaries to discover these coveted shortcuts.
Antigravity Bump Boosts
While in antigravity mode, you can ram into certain environmental features or even other racers to spawn a spin boost. Look for blue bumpers and pillars specifically designed for antigravity sections. Bumping into them will cause your kart to spin and get a quick speed boost—perfect for gaining ground.
Glider Shortcuts
Tracks like Sunshine Airport and Mount Wario feature glider sections. Taking the high road can be more advantageous if you know where to land. Aim for lower platforms or rocky perches that others might miss. Landing on these spots can often skip entire sections of track, placing you far ahead.
Avoiding Blue Shells
Getting hit by a Blue Shell, also known as the Spiny Shell, can be devastating. To counter this, keep an eye out for the Super Horn item. When you see a Blue Shell incoming, use the Super Horn just before it hits to destroy it. Alternatively, if you find yourself far ahead and a blue shell is inevitable, try using a well-timed speed boost, mushroom, or even a horn after jumping off a ramp to lessen its impact.
Coin Management
Coins are underestimated but essential for maintaining top speed. Collecting coins increases your maximum speed. Make sure to gather as many as you can, up to the max of 10, scattered around the track. Grab them from item boxes or just lying on the road to keep your speed maxed out.
Sneaky Spot Shotting
In tight races, strategic item usage can make a huge difference. Throw bananas just around corners or drop them immediately after speed boosts where other players may not have time to react. When using green turtle shells, aim for walls to create ricochets that catch opponents off guard.
Lightning Dodging
If you hear lightning coming, it’s time to get creative. Initiate a drift boost or use a mushroom right when you feel the shock coming for a minor advantage. While this won’t completely mitigate the effect, it can help you maintain a bit of momentum.
By mastering these cheats and shortcuts, you’ll find yourself snagging first place more often. Now go out there and dominate the tracks in Mario Kart 8!
Exploring Hidden Areas in Mario Kart 8
Welcome to the wild and hidden world of Mario Kart 8! If you think you’ve seen it all, think again. This game is packed with secret paths and hidden areas that can give you an edge over your friends. Ready to make that next big leap? Let’s get exploring!
1. Sweet Sweet Canyon: Candy Shortcuts
Track: Sweet Sweet Canyon
Hidden Area: On this sugary track, right after you pass through the donut arch, keep an eye out for a ramp on the left side. Use a mushroom boost to bounce off the ramp and land on a secret path filled with coins. This route is perfect for avoiding congestion in high-stakes races.
2. Thwomp Ruins: Ancient Pathways
Track: Thwomp Ruins
Hidden Area: As you near the final stretch of this ancient track, you’ll come across a giant Thwomp slamming down repeatedly. Time it just right to boost through a small opening behind it. This hidden area isn’t only quicker, but it also grants you access to a few more coins.
3. Shy Guy Falls: Waterfall Cave
Track: Shy Guy Falls
Hidden Area: Midway through the course, you’ll be racing up a waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for a small cave behind the waterfall on your left. Use a mushroom to dart inside for a shortcut and some bonus coins. This path can give you that split-second lead you need to secure first place.
4. Mount Wario: Glacier Glide
Track: Mount Wario
Hidden Area: During the ice cave portion of the track, steer toward the upper-left pathway. This icy shortcut is lined with boost pads that can dramatically speed up your descent. It’s a bit trickier to navigate, but mastering it pays off big time.
5. Cloudtop Cruise: Beanstalk Bypass
Track: Cloudtop Cruise
Hidden Area: As you bounce on the giant beanstalk leaves, position yourself for a jump onto the left-side leaf that looks slightly out of the way. Timing this right gives you access to a hidden cloud path laden with boost pads and coins.
6. Dolphin Shoals: Seaweed Shortcut
Track: Dolphin Shoals
Hidden Area: When you dive underwater after the first set of corners, look to your right for a narrow path through the seaweed. This shortcut is tighter but shortcuts a decent portion of the track, and can make a significant difference in your lap times.
7. Bowser’s Castle: Lava Lagoon
Track: Bowser’s Castle
Hidden Area: After passing the giant castle gates, you’ll enter a room with lava balls swinging back and forth. If you’re feeling daring, boost into the narrow pathway on the left before the lava balls. This perilous path gets you closer to the finish line and away from the fiery chaos.
8. Rainbow Road: Star Dash
Track: Rainbow Road
Hidden Area: In this dazzling track, nearing the starting/ending stretch, look for a dash panel on your outer left side. It’s tricky to hit, but sends you through a speed boost ring that can give you that final burst of speed to cross the finish line in style.
Helpful Tips for Finding Hidden Areas
- Use Time Trials: Perfect for exploring without the chaos of other racers trying to bump you off the track.
- Experiment with Mushrooms: Sometimes you need that little extra boost to find secret paths.
- Watch for Visual Clues: Look for unusual ramps, open spaces, or out-of-the-way paths that might indicate a shortcut.
Racing through Mario Kart 8 isn’t just about speed. It’s about discovering the sneaky paths and hidden shortcuts that can turn the tide of any race. So grab your kart, hit the track, and start exploring!
Completing 100% of the Game
So, you’re aiming to fully complete Mario Kart 8? Awesome! Getting to 100% isn’t just about winning races, it’s about unlocking every character, vehicle part, and track. Here’s your roadmap to mass Mario Kart mastery.
Unlocking All Characters
Mario Kart 8 has a bunch of characters that you can unlock by winning Grand Prix cups. Here’s the rundown:
- Gold Mario: To get Gold Mario, you gotta take on the 200cc mode and earn a gold trophy in every cup. It might sound tough, but just think of the bragging rights.
- Alternate Colors & Costumes: Don’t forget your Amiibo! Using various Amiibo can unlock special Mii racer outfits based on popular Nintendo characters like Link and Splatoon Inklings.
Gathering All Vehicle Parts
Vehicle parts are crucial to having the best karts and bikes. In Mario Kart 8, these parts are unlocked mainly through collecting coins:
- Standard Parts: For every 50 coins you gather, you’ll randomly unlock a new kart, wheel, or glider part until you hit 1,000 coins.
- Gold Parts:
- Gold Standard Kart: Get at least one star in every cup in the 150cc and Mirror Mode.
- Gold Tires: Beat every Staff Ghost Time in 150cc Time Trials.
- Gold Glider: Collect a whopping 5,000 coins.
Coins can be gathered during races both online and offline, so keep playing and racking them up!
Getting Three Stars on All Cups
Earning three stars in Mario Kart 8 is a badge of honor. Here’s how to do it:
- Top Positions: Always aim for the first place in all four races of a Grand Prix cup.
- Minimize Mistakes: Avoid crashing and falling off the track.
- Defend Yourself: Use items wisely to block shells and other attacks.
You gotta get three stars for all cups in every speed category: 50cc, 100cc, 150cc, Mirror, and 200cc. Master each track’s layout and shortcuts to increase your chances of victory.
Unlocking Every Track
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe already comes with all the tracks available right from the get-go. However, completing each Grand Prix on different difficulties will help you master each course and experience everything the game has to offer.
Master Every Time Trial
Completing Time Trials isn’t just for show, it also helps you learn the courses inside out. Beat the Staff Ghost Times on each track in both 150cc and 200cc:
- Staff Ghosts: These are special, somewhat challenging racers that you need to beat to prove your skills.
Get All Stamps (Wii U Version)
If you’re playing the Wii U version, don’t forget to collect all the Miiverse stamps by completing various in-game challenges. While Miiverse isn’t a thing anymore, collecting all stamps is still part of achieving 100%.
Completing All Challenges
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a ton of challenges and missions you can work through. These might include winning certain races, using specific items, or doing particular actions within the game. Keep an eye on what challenges are available and chip away at them to gradually get closer to 100%.
Final Tips
- Practice: Spend time in Time Trials to get to know the tracks better.
- Adjust Your Setup: Some tracks favor certain vehicles and characters. Experiment to see what works best.
- Stay Persistent: 100% completion isn’t easy and might get frustrating at times, but keep at it and celebrate each milestone!
Reaching 100% in Mario Kart 8 is no small feat, and it showcases your dedication and skill. Now, get your engine started, and may the best racer win!