How to Get Three Stars in Grand Prix in Mario Kart World

By Daniel Hidalgo | 2025-06-08 11:22:05
Mario Kart World offers an exciting racing experience with a diverse roster of characters and a wide selection of Grand Prix circuits. As players improve their skills, they’ll aim for the highest possible ranking in each cup. The ultimate achievement? Earning the prestigious three-star gold trophy—a symbol of true mastery.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Grand Prix rankings, how the scoring system works, and the key strategies to secure the highest trophy rating in Mario Kart World.

Understanding Grand Prix Rankings in Mario Kart World


After completing all four races in a Grand Prix, players receive trophies based on their overall performance. The game tracks your best result for each cup, displayed as an icon next to its name in the menu. Here’s what each ranking means:
  • Bronze Trophy – Basic completion
  • Silver Trophy – Above-average performance
  • Gold Trophy (No Stars) – Strong racing, but room for improvement
  • Gold Trophy (1 Star) – Consistent high placements
  • Gold Trophy (2 Stars) – Nearly flawless runs
  • Gold Trophy (3 Stars) – Perfect domination

How Difficulty Affects Rankings


Your highest-ranking trophy is locked to the hardest difficulty you’ve completed. For example:
  • If you earn a silver trophy on 150CC, it will override any lower-ranking trophies on easier modes (50CC or 100CC).
  • However, if you already have a gold trophy on 50CC, it remains unless you surpass it on a higher difficulty.

Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to get three stars, try practicing on 50CC or 100CC first. Once you master the tracks, move up to 150CC or Mirror Mode for the ultimate challenge.

How to Get a 3-Star Gold Trophy in Mario Kart World


Earning a three-star gold trophy requires absolute dominance across all four races in a Grand Prix. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Win Every Race (1st Place in All 4 Tracks)


  • Each 1st-place finish gives you 15 points.
  • To reach the 60-point threshold for a 3-star rating, you cannot afford to lose a single race.

2. Maintain Consistent Speed & Precision


  • Avoid crashes – Hitting obstacles or falling off the track costs valuable time.
  • Master shortcuts – Many tracks have hidden paths that shave off seconds.
  • Use items strategically – Save defensive items (like shells or bananas) for the final lap to block opponents.

3. Optimize Your Kart Setup


  • Speed-focused builds work best on straight tracks.
  • Handling and acceleration are crucial for technical courses with tight turns.
  • Experiment with different character and kart combinations to find the best fit for each Grand Prix.

4. Play on Higher Difficulties for Maximum Rewards


While you can earn trophies on any difficulty, 150CC and Mirror Mode are where the real challenge lies. If you want to prove your skills, aim for three stars on the toughest settings!

Final Tips for Dominating Every Grand Prix


  • Practice makes perfect – Replay tracks to memorize turns and item box locations.
  • Study AI patterns – Opponents have predictable behaviors; learn how to outmaneuver them.
  • Stay calm under pressure – A single mistake can cost you the top spot, so focus on consistency.


By following these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking every 3-star gold trophy in Mario Kart World and cementing your status as a true champion!

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2
Genre(s): Kart racing
Developer(s): Nintendo
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
Age rating (PEGI): +3
Video preview



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