Start your engines! Mario Kart Tour’s wild tracks are packed with twists, turns and stiff competition. Struggling to cross the finish line first? Get an extra boost with these pointers.
1. Catch a boost
Grab every Item Box you see – especially if you find yourself at the back of the pack. A well-timed Bullet Bill power-up or Triple Mushroom speed boost can put you back in the running. Don’t tailgate: if a racer in front of you gets an Item Box, you’ll miss it before it respawns.
2. Make some sparks
If you want to rule the track, you’ll need to master the drift. To pull off this speedy move, swipe into a sharp turning motion, hold until your wheels start smoking and let go when the sparks build up. For an even bigger boost, hold until you see the colour change from blue to orange (and to pink, if you’re in Manual Steering mode).
3. Keep combo-ing
In Mario Kart Tour, gifts and courses are unlocked by earning Grand Stars. How do you earn them? Rack up bonus points in races.
Actions such as gliding, collecting coins and smashing obstacles boost your score, but the real trick is chaining together combos: using items and drifts to link dozens of tiny moves into a single extended sequence.
4. Pick the right parts
Found your favourite character? Stay flexible. Certain karts, gliders and characters are better suited for specific courses. The right set can drastically increase your bonus points and combo multiplier – plus score you some extra items.
5. Stay in control
You won’t win if you’re not comfy behind the wheel, so head into the settings and start fine-tuning. Smart Steering and Auto-Item are good options for new players, while Manual Drift and Gyro Handling are better for seasoned veterans.
And for a little extra visibility, try playing in Landscape mode. Now that’s handy!