February 11, 2023
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Courses / Tracks / Maps Tier List (Ranked By Difficulty)
Check out our Mario Kart 8 Deluxe track tier list, ranked by difficulty! Master the courses and dominate the competition!
Buy: Super Mario Merchandise & Gifts
Buy: Super Mario Merchandise & Gifts
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is renowned as one of the all-time favorite kart racing games, boasting a vibrant array of tracks featuring beloved Mushroom Kingdom characters. What sets this game apart is its eclectic track selection, each offering distinct designs, obstacles, and challenges.
There are 32 tracks in the base game, including fresh creations and revamped classics from earlier Mario Kart titles. These tracks encompass diverse terrains, from land and water to the skies and even outer space, all peppered with unique obstacles like Thwomps, Chain Chomps, and Boost Pads, elevating the race's challenge and strategy.
This list includes the 48 tracks in the base game and 8 extra tracks from Golden Dash Cup and The Lucky Cat Cup from the Booster Course Pass DLC - Wave 1 (Released on March 18, 2022).
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tracks (Ranked From Easiest to Hardest)
1. Extremely Easy | Toad Circuit - Nintendo 3DS
Booster Course Pass DLC Required
Toad Circuit is a race track that appears in several Mario Kart games, including Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart Tour, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (as part of the DLC). It's a relatively simple course known for its lack of tricky obstacles, making it an ideal introductory track. In Mario Kart 7, it features a straightforward layout with a mix of straightaways, turns, and a gliding section. The track is adorned with Toad-themed decorations and balloons, and it's the shortest track in the game.
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Toad Circuit is included in the Booster Course Pass DLC as the second track of the Golden Dash Cup. The track layout remains consistent with its previous iterations, offering players a fun and straightforward racing experience. Overall, Toad Circuit is a charming, beginner-friendly course enjoyed by players of all skill levels in the Mario Kart series, making it the easiest track in the entire game.
2. Extremely Easy | Baby Park - Nintendo GCN (Gamecube)
Baby Park is a race track featured in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, originally from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it's the first track of the Crossing Cup. The track takes place in a vibrant amusement park with an unbanked oval shape, featuring right turns instead of left turns. One of its distinctive features is the absence of banking, creating a unique racing experience. Players typically complete five or seven laps, resulting in fast-paced races where overlap between racers is common due to the track's short length.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe adds an anti-gravity element to Baby Park, enhancing the racing dynamics. The track is slanted, and the music becomes more intense with each lap, making for an exhilarating and chaotic race. Collectible coins on the track are limited to 16, adding an extra challenge for players. Baby Park is known for its simplicity, short laps, and intense races!
3. Extremely Easy | Excitebike Arena
Excitebike Arena is a thrilling race track featured in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, originally introduced as part of the downloadable content (DLC) Egg Cup in Mario Kart 8. This track pays homage to the classic NES game "Excitebike" and offers a unique racing experience. The arena is essentially a massive oval with a variety of ramps, jumps, and mud spots, reminiscent of the original Excitebike tracks. What sets this track apart is its dynamic layout, which changes every time you race on it, providing over 200 different course layouts. However, during Time Trials, a standard layout is used for consistency.
As players race through Excitebike Arena, they'll notice signs featuring the Japanese and European box art for Excitebike, as well as a prominent 8-bit biker sprite statue. The track's dynamic nature, coupled with its nods to the classic game, adds an exciting and unpredictable element to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience. Excitebike Arena is known for its fast-paced and chaotic races, making it a fan-favorite among players.
4. Extremely Easy | Moo Moo Meadows - Nintendo Wii
One of the retro courses of Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe, Moo Moo Meadows of Nintendo Wii fame makes a beefy return. This charming course is set on a farm, complete with rolling hills, green pastures, and, of course, the famous Moo Moo cows. As you drive around the track, you'll see tractors, hay bales, and even windmills. It’s so peaceful you’ll almost want to slow down and take it all in.
One of the best things about this course is that it's not too complicated. This makes it a great choice for people who are just starting out or who want a more laid-back racing experience. But don't be fooled by how simple it looks. There are still plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting, and you'll need to watch out for those annoying Moo Moo cows, who are known to cause trouble on the track.
5. Easy | Toad Harbor
New to the series since Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe, Toad Harbor has that cozy town, howdy neighbor feel. This course is a fun and exciting race through a busy port town that will keep you entertained with its sights and sounds. One of the best things about Toad Harbor is how busy and active it is. You'll race past busy market stalls, busy docks, and all kinds of obstacles like cranes and ships that will test your driving skills.
The track's most distinct feature, though, is the tram that occupies the middle of a big downward slope, which you can jump over or zoom by its sides. The course is in a beautiful coastal area with rolling hills and a blue sky that’s breathtaking. The Toad Harbor course is based on old Mario games and is a tribute to the long and successful history of the franchise.
6. Easy | Water Park
Part of the exclusive tracks of Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe, Water Park has good vibes across the board. This track is fun and splashy, and it takes place in a water park. There are tons of fun obstacles and dangers, like a lazy river you have to drive through, a big water slide you have to race down, and a wave pool that will try to knock you off your kart.
The bright and colorful setting is one of the best things about this course. It’s full of colorful set pieces, such as beach balls and inflatable toys that you can race around. There are also some tricky parts on the track, like a loop-de-loop that you'll have to get through and a few jumps that will require good timing. The Water Park track first showed up in Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U. Since then, it has become a fan favorite. Whether you've raced in the series before or this is your first time, the Water Park course is sure to be fun and challenging.
7. Easy | Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing is the final track in the Crossing Cup of Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This adorable course takes players through a picturesque town inspired by the Animal Crossing series, complete with adorable animal villagers and houses. What sets this track apart is its dynamic nature, with four different seasonal variations that are randomly selected each time you race, reminiscent of Excitebike Arena. Each season brings unique track themes and settings, adding delightful variety to the racing experience.
The race begins in the town square and progresses over a bridge, through a tree-filled area where players can knock fruit from the trees to use as speed-boosting mushrooms. A glide pad carries racers over a scenic fountain with Item Boxes attached to balloons, leading to a beach section. As you navigate the course, you'll encounter iconic Animal Crossing buildings like Nook's Cranny, the Museum, and Able Sisters' shop. The track offers a delightful blend of familiarity for Animal Crossing fans!
8. Easy | Ice Ice Outpost
Ice Ice Outpost is the third track in the Triforce Cup of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This icy circuit takes place in an outpost nestled within a massive iceberg. What sets this track apart is its unique design featuring two split paths, one colored green and the other yellow. Racers must choose their route wisely as they navigate the course's twists and turns, adding an element of strategy to the race.
The track begins near a row of tents with cheering Toad spectators. As racers venture forward, the path divides, offering a choice between the green track descending downward or the yellow track ascending upward. After a wide right turn, both paths merge inside a cave. The race continues with a smooth left and right bend, with the green path featuring a trick ramp at the end. The tracks reunite just before an Antigravity Panel, sending racers into anti-gravity mode, where the path once again splits. This section features Spin Boost Pillars, alternating left curves and varying heights. Finally, the paths intertwine, leading to a steep incline with a Glide Panel that propels racers to the last right turn before the Finish Line.
9. Easy | Yoshi Valley - Nintendo 64
If you remember hitching a ride on Yoshi in classic Nintendo games, then you’ll love this retro track in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It is based on the Yoshi’s Island spin-off games, where the cute green dinosaur is tasked with saving Baby Mario. This track is full of turns and twists, and there are surprises around every corner. It has sharp turns, steep ups and downs, and lots of things to watch out for, like pipes, fireballs, and even Chain Chomps!
The most interesting thing about Yoshi Valley is its layout. The track has three different ways to go, and each one has its own twists and turns that lead to different areas of the course. Unpredictability is one of the most challenging aspects of this course. However, it’s still a fun place to race in.
10. Easy | Toad's Turnpike - Nintendo 64
Toad’s Turnpike in Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe is part of the retro course collection and makes a return from the N64 days. This fast, multi-lane course is based on the famous turnpike from the Mushroom Kingdom and is sure to bring back good memories for all of you who played games on the N64. It’s all about weaving through traffic, avoiding crashes, and picking up a lot of speed as you make your way through this crazy course.
The high traffic on this course is no joke, and it’s one of its most defining features. Cars can crash into you and make you spin out of control. On the flip side, some pickup trucks have ramps on them that can give you an advantage if you’re able to get to them. Even crazier, Thwomps and Chain Chomps have been seen hanging out near the turnpike, ready to cause trouble. Overall, Toad’s Turnpike is a challenging course that will test your ability to stay focused during a race.
11. Easy | Mario Circuit - Nintendo GBA (Gameboy Advance)
A track from the retro selection of Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe, the Game Boy Advance version of Mario Circuit is a fun ride through and through. As with all Circuit course versions, this too is the definitive Mario Kart experience, with some intense turns and a massive loop. You'll come across Chain Chomps, Thwomps, and Piranha Plants as you drive through this nostalgic course, which will test your driving skills.
The course also has sections where you glide through the air or swim through the water. The GBA Mario Circuit is a fan favorite and a great throwback to the old-school Mario Kart games that we all know and love. Naturally, the Mario vibes and colors are strong here, as are the speed boosts scattered across critical hairpins.
12. Easy | Mario Kart Stadium
One of the new courses in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Kart Stadium is the track that’ll teach you the ropes. It takes place in a colorful, busy stadium. As you race around the track, you'll try to avoid obstacles, take advantage of ground boosts and launch off jumps to get to the finish line before your opponents.
The stadium is surrounded by an excited crowd that cheers you on as you race. The track also has some light twists and turns, like a big loop you'll have to drive through, and a few tricky jumps that’ll get you started with stunts. Whether you've played Mario Kart before or this is your first time, the Mario Kart Stadium track is sure to be fun and challenging.
13. Easy | Dry Dry Desert - Nintendo GCN (Gamecube)
A retro course in Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe, Dry Dry Desert is a classic Mario Kart course that makes a glorious return from the GameCube era of the series. This course takes you on a wild ride through the sand dunes of the desert, complete with tumbleweeds, cacti, and sandstorms. As you race to the finish line, you'll have to deal with dangerous turns, jumps, and quicksand pits. One of the most exciting things about this course is the giant sand vortex that can slow down or even throw off racers who aren't ready for it.
With its wide open spaces and risky jumps, Dry Dry Desert will bring back memories of past Mario Kart adventures, but with the added thrill of new mechanics and graphics. As expected, it’s directly inspired by the sandy levels that terrorized Mario players for generations.
14. Easy | Paris Promenade - Mario Kart Tour
Booster Course Pass DLC Required
Paris Promenade made its debut in Mario Kart Tour and later became part of the Golden Dash Cup in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The track showcases the iconic landmarks of Paris, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, creating an immersive racing experience. Players navigate through its different variants, each offering unique challenges and scenery.
While the first two laps follow variants reminiscent of Paris Promenade 1 and 3 from Mario Kart Tour, the third lap introduces a thrilling twist, involving sections from Paris Promenade 2 in reverse, allowing for creative gameplay strategies.
15. Medium | Mute City
Mute City in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a thrilling race track that pays homage to the F-Zero series. It's the final track of the Egg Cup and features a high-speed, futuristic racing experience. Unlike other Mario Kart tracks, Mute City doesn't have traditional Coins scattered across the course. Instead, it incorporates Recharge Pads that grant racers coins when driven over. The track is renowned for its winding layout, filled with twists and turns, and it offers an adrenaline-pumping experience with numerous speed boosts.
The track's layout is designed to mimic the high-speed racing style of the F-Zero series. It begins with a series of Boost Pads and Recharge Pads, allowing players to collect coins and gain speed right from the start. As racers progress, they encounter corkscrews, jumps, and even race through a building. The course is full of references to F-Zero characters, including Captain Falcon and Samurai Goroh, adding to the nostalgic charm.
16. Medium | Hyrule Circuit
Hyrule Circuit is a track paying homage to The Legend of Zelda series. As the final track of the Triforce Cup, it serves as the home track for Link, the hero of Hyrule. The track features various elements inspired by The Legend of Zelda universe, creating a unique and immersive racing experience.
The race begins in Hyrule Field, winding through a grassy area with numerous ramps for players to catch some air. As the track progresses, racers find themselves gliding into the iconic Hyrule Castle, where the Master Sword rests on a Triforce-shaped pedestal. The course takes an anti-gravity twist inside the castle, offering a grand and visually stunning section. The Master Sword serves as a pivotal point where players can choose different routes. After exiting the castle, racers venture through a small village and a valley populated by Deku Babas. The course wraps up with a final jump that returns players to the start.
The track's unique feature is the replacement of coins with rupees, adding a Zelda-inspired twist to the gameplay, and it also replaces Piranha Plants with Deku Babas and Swoopers with Keese, further immersing players in the world of Hyrule.
17. Medium | Thwomp Ruins
One of 16 brand-new tracks in Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe, Thwomp Ruins is a rompin’ stompin’ good time. This course is a thrilling race through an old temple full of Thwomps, the stone blocks that have become a staple of the Mario series. One of the best things about Thwomp Ruins is that the course is always changing. As you race through the temple, parts of the track will crumble and disappear, forcing you to adapt on the fly. What’s more, you need to be wary of the Thwomps that will try to squash you as you race underneath them.
The course also has some tricky turns that’ll give you a real run for your money. When it comes to graphics, the Thwomp Ruins course is a real treat to look at. The temple is full of huge stone pillars and crumbling ruins that add a sense of history and mystery to the course. The overall setting is based on old Mario games, and the Thwomps that act as hazards and obstacles are a nod to their long history in the series. Whether you've raced in the series before or this is your first time, the Thwomp Ruins course is sure to be fun and challenging.
18. Medium | Sweet Sweet Canyon
New to the Mario Kart series since 8 and Deluxe, Sweet Sweet Canyon was made for the sweet tooths out there. This track is sweet and sugary as it goes through a canyon full of candy. There are a lot of fun obstacles and hazards, such as a giant cupcake that you have to race around, a part of the track that is made out of candy, and a river of chocolate that you have to cross.
The track's bright surroundings are some of the best things about this course. You'll race around lollipops and gumdrops as well as other bright and happy decorations in the candy-filled canyon. There are also some tricky parts on the track that’ll test your timing. Sweet Sweet Canyon first showed up in Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U. Whether you've raced in the series before or this is your first time, the Sweet Sweet Canyon course is sure to be fun and challenging.
19. Medium | Sky Garden
Booster Course Pass DLC Required
Sky Garden was originally introduced in Mario Kart: Super Circuit and has made its way into the series over the years. The track features a visually distinct cloud-themed environment. The course's surface is made up of turquoise-colored cobblestone, and it winds through the sky with cloud-covered barriers on either side. The clouds have a soft, fluffy appearance and give the track a serene yet exhilarating feel.
Vines hang down from the track's edges, which, while not affecting the racers, create a barrier to prevent them from falling off. This track design encourages players to carefully navigate turns and utilize the many jump pads scattered throughout. These jump pads allow players to catch some air and grab items from hovering Item Boxes.
7. Twisted Mansion
Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe’s spooky offering, Twisted Mansion is part of a long-standing MK tradition of including a ghost-infested course. As you race through a haunted mansion full of turns and scares, this scary and exciting course is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Its creepy and spooky atmosphere is one of the best things about Twisted Mansion. You'll race past scary ghosts, creepy crawlies, and other scary things. There are also jumps, tight turns, and other exciting things on the course that will keep you on your toes as you race. What’s more is that the track moves up and down in some sections, making drifting slightly more challenging. The course is set in creepy, old-fashioned mansions and is full of dark, creepy details like cobwebs, creaking doors, and ghostly figures reminiscent of the haunted levels in classic Mario games.
8. Shy Guy Falls
The Shy Guys take the spotlight in this course that was freshly introduced in Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe. This course is a race through a series of mines and cliffs where the classic enemies from Mario Bros. 2 are digging for diamonds. You'll race past waterfalls and other mountain-themed terrains that will test your driving skills. There are also a lot of jumps and tight turns on the course, so you'll have your work cut out for you. Its most defining feature, though, is the massive, cavernous jump where you’ll glide across the sky from one end to the other. The course’s setting is a joy to look at with rolling hills, clear water, and a blue sky that will make you want to stop and take a deep breath. The Shy Guy Falls course is based on mountainous levels from classic Mario games, with plenty of nods and easter eggs for fans to discover as they race.
9. Sunshine Airport
Newly introduced in Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe, Sunshine Airport takes the rush to your departure gate to a whole new level. As you speed through an airport full of fun and challenging obstacles, this exciting and dynamic course is sure to get your heart pumping. One thing that makes Sunshine Airport stand out is that you get to zoom through a whole airplane. Even more exciting, you get to glide through the air as another plane takes off. Beyond that, you'll race past airport-themed obstacles like planes, luggage carts, and other travel-related items. There are also jumps, high-speed straights, and tight turns on the course, all of which will require quick reactions and accurate driving. As the course is set in busy airports, it always feels fun and playful.
10. Dolphin Shoals
Prepare to swim with the dolphins in this freshly minted Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe course. This track is a splashy good time that takes you underwater for an aquatic adventure while watching the most amazing sea mammals do tricks. As you race through this beautiful underwater world, you'll see amazing sea creatures like dolphins, whales, and colorful fish swimming with you. There are also fun and creative obstacles on the course, like schools of fish that jump out of the water and make waves that can speed you up or slow you down. One of the most interesting things about Dolphin Shoals is the jumps with the rings. They don’t add much to your journey toward the finish line but it’s always exciting to pull off a stunt as you leap through them. Dolphin Shoals is a real treat for the eyes when it comes to the way it looks. The course is full of bright, ocean-inspired colors and is made to look like an underwater world that is alive and moving. The music fits the theme perfectly, with an upbeat, playful tune that will have you tapping your toes as you run. Obviously, it’s inspired by the myriad underwater levels Mario and Co. have had to go through.
11. Electrodrome
You better be ready to boogie futurism style because Electrodrome is a Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe course that turns it all up to 11. This fast-paced race track is based on the world of future technology and is sure to get your heart racing. As you race through the Electrodrome, you'll see a lot of cool things, like huge robots lit up with neon, LCD screens that are as tall as buildings, and lights flashing everywhere you look. But be careful, because the course has many dangers, such as electrical currents that can hurt you if you aren't careful. The parts of the course that change from a traditional race track to a rhythm-based dance floor are one of the most interesting features of this course. The course is full of bright neon colors and has great lighting effects. On top of that, its musical theme is one of the best in the entire game as it’s aimed at keeping you pumped at all times.
12. Mount Wario
Does Wario like to ski? Cause this mountainous Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe course sure thinks he does. Mount Wario is a snowy course that takes you on a wild ride down the mountain, full of twists, turns, and jumps as though you’re hitting the slopes in Switzerland. It takes place in a beautiful mountain range and as you race down its steep course, you'll see beautiful sights like clear lakes, trees with snow on top, and sharp cliffs. But don't let yourself get too distracted by the view, because the course is full of hazards that can slow you down, like narrow bridges, icy patches, and snowdrifts. One of the coolest things about Mount Wario is that it's a straight shot down, with each lap essentially being another section. So, you’re never bored going around the same place three times in a row. There’s also a big ski jump that culminates in a glide, allowing you to take in the scenery.
13. Cloudtop Cruise
A Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe fresh arrival, Cloudtop Cruise will have you racing in the skies alongside the clouds. The course is based on the world of "Super Mario Bros. 3," which is full of clouds, and has some of the most well-known parts of that game. You'll see floating islands, moving clouds, and even a few Chain Chomps as you go around the track. The whole course is made to make you feel like you're flying, which is pretty cool. You'll even race through a huge airship and have to avoid Thwomps as you go. Cloudtop Cruise is a challenging course, especially because of its hazards. One of its most defining features is the massive beanstalk that has no guardrails, making it very easy to fall off if you’re not careful. There’s also an anti-gravity metal track inside a storm cloud, which feels exhilarating to drive through. What’s more, is that the course’s soundtrack feels quite Disney-like which adds a bit of a fairy tale flair to your races.
14. Bone Dry Dunes
It’s hotter than the Sahara in this Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe course. Inspired by deserts and wastelands, this course takes you through sand dunes, old ruins, and even a pyramid. You'll see everything from quicksand to a huge rolling boulder, invoking some strong Egyptian and Indiana Jones vibes. Bone Dry Dunes’ most defining feature is the giant Dry Bones Koopas that wander along certain sections of the course, acting as hazards that could ruin your day. The course also has two different ways to go: one goes through the pyramid, and the other takes you on a high-flying journey through the air. You'll get to see beautiful views of the desert, but don't get too distracted. There are still plenty of obstacles to avoid and coins to collect. It’s a fairly challenging course due to its numerous twists and turns but tons of fun when mastered.
15. Bowser’s Castle
Bowser’s Castle makes a glorious return to Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe and it’s every bit as scary and challenging as ever. This course takes you through the lava-filled halls of the lizard king himself. There are statues that breathe fire, Thwomps that spin around, and dangerous drops. You'll even get to race through the castle's big, spinning gears, which are going to test your timing and skill. The huge, epic feel of Bowser's Castle is highlighted by the giant flaming Bowser that punches two winding paths, resulting in quakes that make your kart jump in the air. And of course, no trip to Bowser's Castle would be complete without a visit to the famous lava room, where you have to avoid huge columns of fire to get to the finish line. Naturally, this course is directly inspired by the classic final levels of Mario games where the famous plumber makes his way to the inevitable final showdown.
16. Rainbow Road
Like most MK games, Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe also has a spin on the classic Rainbow Road course. It’s one of those defining Mario Kart tracks that have been around since the series’s early days. It's a fun, rainbow-colored track that takes you through the galaxy, past stars, and other celestial objects from space. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this version of Rainbow Road is a real treat. It has many twists, turns, and jumps that will keep you on the edge of your seat. One of the most memorable things about Rainbow Road is that it doesn't have guardrails. If you make a mistake, you'll fly off into the great unknown so you best be prepared for your turning skills to be tested here. Just be ready for a wild ride with jumps, boosts, and surprises that will make you smile from ear to ear. As the final course in the newly introduced course in MK8 Deluxe, Rainbow Road is the ultimate kart racer’s challenge.
19. DS - Cheep Cheep Beach
In Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe, the Cheep Cheep Beach is a retro course taken from the DS version of the game. It’s a beach-themed track that will make you feel like you're on vacation, but don’t start relaxing quite yet. You'll race around sandy beaches, over palm trees, and through busy harbors, while avoiding Cheep Cheeps, jumping off ramps, and collecting power-ups. The track also has a big, inflatable castle that you can jump off of to fly over the water and land on the beach. It’s a brightly sunny course that’s all about making races feel fun and exciting. It’s a great throwback to some of Mario’s best beachside levels.
22. SNES - Donut Plains 3
One of the retro courses in Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe, this course is based on the classic Mario Kart track from the original SNES game, and it's sure to bring back some good memories. The track takes place in a strange landscape with a donut theme. There are huge sugar-filled donuts, towering jelly beans, and lots of other sweet treats. As you race around this winding track, you'll have to go through tunnels that twist and turn, fly over huge gaps, and avoid Thwomps and Chain Chomps. There is also a unique "boost pad" that gives you a burst of speed when you drive over it. It’s a well-balanced course that’s equal parts chill and exhilarating.
23. N64 - Royal Raceway
A retro course in Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe from the Nintendo 64 days, this course takes us on a beautiful tour through the Mushroom Kingdom's green fields and rolling hills, but don't be fooled by the view—there’s a lot going on in this course. The big castle in the background, which serves as a backdrop for the race, is one of the most interesting things about this course. But the real fun starts when you get inside the castle and have to go through a series of tight hallways and ramps to get to the end. You'll also speed down a big ramp that launches you out of the castle and onto the last stretch. And don't forget the speed boosts, which can give you an edge over your opponents.
24. 3DS - DK Jungle
A retro course that’s also cross-franchise, DK Jungle in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a wild jungle ride from start to finish. This course was made to look like the old Donkey Kong Country games, filled with nostalgia from the good old SNES days. You'll race through lush jungles, jump over barrels, and even drive on the back of a big steel drum. But it's not just about the view. The DK Jungle course has a lot of tricky turns and twists that will put your kart racing skills to the test. You'll have to get through tight corners, jumps over gaps, and even a Mine Cart section. Also, watch out for the vines that hang from the trees—they could throw you off course.
25. DS - Wario Stadium
A retro stadium-inspired track, Wario Stadium is one of the wackiest courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This course is all about fast-paced excitement. Based on Wario's Stadium from the old Nintendo DS titles, it has all kinds of crazy obstacles that will test your racing skills. The unpredictable terrain is one of the best things about Wario Stadium. From rough dirt roads to high jumps, you'll need to be quick on your feet (or wheels) to get to the finish line without getting hurt. There is also a part of the course that takes you through a stadium full of cheering Wario fans, which is sure to get your blood pumping. Power slides are something else to watch out for in Wario Stadium. If you want to get through the tight turns and narrow passages, you'll need to master these.
26. GCN - Sherbet Land
It’s never a collection of tracks without at least one frozen one. The retro collection for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features this classic track from the GameCube era. It’s like a frozen wonderland that’s based on Mario's icy worlds, and it has a lot of turns and twists made more challenging by the slippery terrain. There are a lot of slippery slopes, sharp turns, and jump ramps on the course that will send you flying through the air and let you land in style. One of the most interesting things about Sherbet Land is that it has icy lakes that you'll have to cross. There are spots of thin ice on these lakes, so be careful or you might fall through and be forced into the tunnels below.
27. 3DS - Melody Motorway
A part of the retro collection of tracks In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Melody Motorway is a fun, musical course that will have you tapping your feet and singing along as you race. This course is like a fun music-inspired theme park where every element is made to look like an instrument. It has lots of bright colors, funny designs, and upbeat music. As you race to the finish line, you'll fly past big drums, xylophones, and other musical instruments. The different musical parts are one of the most important features of this course. There’s also a giant turn that’s made to look like piano keys. In addition to the musical instruments, there are jumps, boosts, and obstacles that you have to get over as you race.
29. DS - Tick-Tock Clock
Tick-Tock Clock is one of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks that stands out and is highly memorable among the retro courses in the game. This course is like a wild ride through a giant clock with moving gears, cogs, and pendulums. It is based on one of the most famous levels from Super Mario 64. The most interesting thing about the course is how it changes as the hands of the clock move and as new obstacles are put up. But its most defining feature is the series of turning cogs that make timing your jumps and turns more challenging. The giant clock you encounter halfway is also breathtaking and the music that accompanies your races is one of the best tracks in the game.
30. 3DS - Piranha Plant Slide
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the Piranha Plant Slide course is a wild ride through pipes and plants from the Mario universe. As the name suggests, this course is filled with giant piranha plants that try to bite you as you speed by them. They can be pesky but make for incredibly thrilling races. As you race through the course, you'll come across jumps, speed boosts, and tight turns that will keep you on your toes. It doesn’t have a particularly weird layout and can be a nice course for newcomers to learn to deal with obstacles and hazards. Of course, the most defining features of this course are the underwater pipe way with its anti-gravity section and gliding section.
31. Wii - Grumble Volcano
Out of all of the retro courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Grumble Volcano is one of the most fun and fiery courses that will make you feel the heat. This Wii-era course is based on the fiery world of the Mario video game series, and its main attraction is an active volcano. As you race through the course, you'll have to jump over gaps, avoid falling boulders, and avoid flowing lava. The use of conveyor belts is one of the most important parts of this course. As you race, the direction of these conveyor belts will change, making it hard to keep your kart on the track and avoid obstacles. You'll also have to watch out for the rotating platform, which will spin you around and could throw you off course. Overall, Grumble Volcano is a fun and difficult course that will test your skills.
32. N64 - Rainbow Road
Closing off the retro tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is Rainbow Road. Based on the original Rainbow Road for the Nintendo 64, this course takes you on a wild ride through a colorful and whimsical track floating high in the sky. N64’s version of Rainbow Road is sure to bring back good memories for Mario Kart fans who have played the series before. The rainbow-colored path that winds through the sky is one of the things that makes this course stand out. There are no guardrails so to keep from falling off the track into the void below, you’ll have to make your way through sharp turns and daring jumps. There are also Thwomps and Chain Chomps that will try to throw you off track, making the race even more exciting and difficult.
??? Mario Circuit
A staple course of the series, Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe’s version of Mario Circuit is a good ol’ time. This track is a classic that has been a part of every Mario Kart game since day one, with every new installment bringing its own spin to it. Speed and accuracy are important in this course. You'll race through a series of tight turns, loop-de-loops, and jumps that will push your karting skills.
One thing that makes this course stand out is how fast it feels. You'll race past classic Mario obstacles like Chain Chomps and Thwomps, while the bright, colorful graphics will keep your adrenaline going. With its distinctly Nintendo-style graphics, the Mario Circuit course is a nod to the old Mario games. The course is full of classic Mario-style items, like pipes and blocks, that will make you smile as you race by.