How to Get Three Stars in Knockout Tour in Mario Kart World

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-06-25 08:18:13
Mario Kart World’s Knockout Tour is one of the most intense and competitive modes in the game, pitting 24 racers against each other in a high-speed elimination battle. Each lap removes the bottom four players, leaving only one victorious racer at the end. But winning isn’t enough—players aiming for three stars and a gold trophy must dominate every lap.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to earn three stars in Knockout Tour, the best strategies for maintaining first place, and the optimal kart and character combinations to secure victory.

How to Earn 3 Stars in Knockout Tour


To achieve three stars in a Knockout Tour rally cup, players must:
  • Finish in 1st place for all six laps on 150 CC.
  • Never drop from 1st position—even losing the lead for a single lap means missing out on the three-star rating.
  • Win the final lap to claim the gold trophy, but only those who led every lap will earn stars.

Key Notes:


  • There’s no additional reward for earning three stars in all eight rallies—just bragging rights.
  • The AI racers become more aggressive as the race progresses, making it crucial to maintain speed and defense.

Best Strategies to Win Knockout Tour Consistently


Winning every lap in Knockout Tour is extremely challenging, especially with aggressive AI, relentless item attacks, and unpredictable Blue Shells. Here’s how to stay ahead:

1. Optimal Kart & Character Combo


  • Character: Heavyweight (e.g., Bowser, Wario, Morton) – Their high speed and weight make them harder to knock off course.
  • Kart: Reel Racer – This kart provides excellent speed and handling, crucial for maintaining leads on straightaways.

2. Avoid Over-Skilled Driving


  • Surprisingly, drifting and wall-riding too much can make AI racers faster. The game adjusts difficulty based on player skill, so focus on clean driving rather than advanced techniques.
  • Use items defensively—hold onto Bananas, Shells, and Super Horns to block incoming attacks.

3. Smart Item Management


  • Save defensive items (like the Super Horn) for the final lap to counter Blue Shells.
  • Use Mushrooms strategically to recover from hits or take shortcuts.
  • Avoid leading too early—staying in 2nd or 3rd until the last moment can prevent excessive targeting.

4. Track Familiarity Matters


  • Learn shortcuts and optimal racing lines to shave off precious seconds.
  • Memorize item box locations to maximize boosts and defenses.

Final Tips for Knockout Tour Domination


  • Patience is key—don’t panic if you lose the lead early; focus on regaining 1st before the lap ends.
  • Practice on lower CCs first to master tracks before attempting 150 CC.
  • Watch out for elimination thresholds—since four racers get knocked out each lap, survival is just as important as speed.

Conclusion


Earning three stars in Mario Kart World’s Knockout Tour is a true test of skill, strategy, and consistency. By using the best kart and character combo, managing items wisely, and avoiding overly flashy driving, players can secure their place as the ultimate 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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