This page contains Cheats and Secrets, such as secret paths, Shortcuts, speed boosts and other hidden stuff.

• See Also: Complete list of Unlockable Characters and Vehicles

Shortcuts

There are shortcuts in every level of Mario Kart 8, some requiring Mushrooms or speed boosts, and some that are just well hidden. The video above shows off the most important shortcuts you need to know about.

Speed Boosts

There are many secret and hidden speed boosts in Mario Kart 8. These boosts can give you the edge in tough Grand Prix and Multiplayer races, and are also essential for good scores in Time Trials.

How to get the Starting Speed Boost

The first speed boost you should never, ever miss is right at the starting line. You'll have to time this one perfectly to get a boost. Watch the numbers closely as they fall into place. As soon as the number 2 drops to the bottom, hold down the accelerate button -- you will blast forward ahead of everyone else who doesn't know how to boost. Note that if you are a bit early and hit the button while the 2 is still in the air, you will spin out. So beware!

Ramp Tricks

Pretty much any time you catch air in Mario Kart 8, you can get a speed boost. Hit Jump just as you leave the ramp to do a trick and get a small speed boost.

Another trick that many players don't realize at first is that you don't need a ramp to do a trick boost -- you can use an environmental hazard, like the shockwave from Bowser's fist in Bowser's Castle, or the upswelling currents in Dry Dry Desert. Just hit jump right when you leave the ground to get a boost.

Zero G Boosts

Mario Kart 8 tracks feature zero G, or zero gravity, sections where your boring old wheels turn into Back to the Future-like hover wheels. When in zero g, any kart you hit -- and certain glowing posts in the road-- will give you a speed boost. Watch out for drivers scoring collision boosts off of you, though, as they can bump you off the road.

Drafting (Slipstreaming)

When you drive right behind another kart (in their slipstream) you might see some "speed lines" form in the air. Maintain this position for about 3 seconds and you'll blast past the other character in one of the game's better speed boosts.

Power Sliding

You can get two levels of boosts when power sliding. This is the toughest trick to master for new karters. Basically, the longer you slide, the bigger the boost you'll get. Jump and initiate a slide way before you enter a turn and watch your wheel sparks closely -- when they turn red, or blue, let go for your boost. It's not always worth the boost, however, sometimes you just want to slide to conquer a corner.

Coin Boosts

Wondering what the heck coins actually do? Well each coin you collect boosts your overall speed. It's not as thrilling as a short burst of speed, but increasing your top speed, especially on straightaways, can make all the difference. Plus, for each coin you collect you get a very, very tiny speed boost -- even after you've collected the maximum of 10 coins.

Vehicle Stats

Press + to view vehicle stats when you select your vehicle.

Stealing Items

You can steal an item from someone else. When you see a driver with three mushrooms or the Crazy 8 circling their kart, you can physically collide with an item to get it's effects. Just don't hit a bomb. Also, if you see mushrooms or other items on the track, you can run over them to grab 'em.

Totaka's Song

Random Yoshis throughout the game will sing Totaka's Song.

Infinite Turtle Shell Rewind Glitch

In replay mode, slow down time and rewind a turtle shell hit repeatedly and the parts of the shell, stars and other effects won't reverse in time. By exploiting this, you can create massive shell explosions.

Easter Egg: Luigi Kart

If Luigi shows up on the title screen, the title screen will read "Luigi Kart."

Easter Egg: Face in the Tree

At the starting sequence of DK Jungle when all the karts are in view, a face is hidden in one of the trees on the right hand side of the track.