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
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
▶
Other Articles Related
How to Get Three Stars in Knockout Tour in Mario Kart WorldMaster the art of racing in Mario Kart World! Discover expert tips on how to achieve three stars in the Knockout Tour.
All Panel Locations at Peach Beach in Mario Kart Worldall panel locations at Peach Beach in Mario Kart World. Unlock secrets and enhance your gameplay with our guide!
How To Unlock All Secret Tracks in Mario Kart WorldUnlock all secret tracks in Mario Kart World with our ultimate guide!
How to Unlock Mirror Mode in Mario Kart WorldUnlock Mirror Mode in Mario Kart World with our comprehensive guide! Discover tips and tricks
How To Download Mario Kart World With Switch 2 Bundle Get ready to race! Download Mario Kart World with the Switch 2 Bundle for an ultimate gaming experience. Join the fun today!
How to Overtake Shy Guys in an Upriver Race in Mario Kart WorldMaster the art of overtaking shy guys in an upriver race in Mario Kart World with our expert tips and strategies!
How to Use Gold Coins in Mario Kart WorldDiscover effective strategies for using gold coins in Mario Kart World to enhance your gameplay
How to Free Roam in Mario Kart WorldDiscover tips and tricks for free roaming in Mario Kart World. Unlock hidden areas.
How to Drive UFO in Mario Kart WorldDiscover tips and tricks on how to drive a UFO in Mario Kart World. Master the skies and elevate your racing game today!
How To Play with Friends in Mario Kart WorldJoin the fun in Mario Kart World! Discover tips and tricks on how to play with friends for an exciting racing experience.
How to Increase Carry Weight in Dune AwakeningDiscover effective tips and strategies to increase your carry weight in Dune Awakening.
How to Find the Grapple Glove and Swing Consecutively in FortniteDiscover how to locate the Grapple Glove and master consecutive swings in Fortnite with our step-by-step guide.
How to Get the Surf Cube in FortniteDiscover how to unlock the Surf Cube in Fortnite with our step-by-step guide. Master the game and enhance your gameplay today!
How to Unlock the Tranq Sniper Rifle in Death Stranding 2Unlock the Tranq Sniper Rifle in Death Stranding 2 with our step-by-step guide.
How to Upgrade All Stats in Death Stranding 2 Discover the ultimate guide on how to upgrade all stats in Death Stranding 2 for enhanced gameplay and performance.