Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: All Expansion Pack Tracks Explained!
Hey there, Mario Kart fans! Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack tracks! If you're anything like me, you've spent countless hours drifting around Rainbow Road and dodging blue shells. This expansion pack has brought a whole new level of excitement to an already amazing game. We'll explore every single track added, break down their layouts, and discuss what makes each one unique. So, grab your favorite kart, pick your character, and let's get racing! This article will be your ultimate guide to mastering all the new courses. Ready to level up your game? Let's go!
Wave 1 Tracks: A Nostalgic Trip
Coconut Mall: A Classic Reborn
Ah, Coconut Mall, a true classic from Mario Kart Wii! This track is a fantastic choice for the expansion pack, bringing back those fond memories of navigating the bustling shopping center. The layout remains largely faithful to the original, featuring escalators, ramps, and the iconic mall environment. The track's charm comes from its familiar design, which is super easy to get used to. Remember those pesky Miis cruising around in their cars? They're still there! The course is a great mix of straightforward racing and strategic shortcuts, perfect for both casual players and competitive racers. The visuals have been updated for the Switch, making the bright and vibrant environment even more appealing. Mastering the shortcuts, like the one on the second floor, is essential for a good lap time. This track is also a fun way to test your skills in tight turns and tricky maneuvers. In the final stretch, you’ll encounter those pesky escalators; timing your boost perfectly can mean the difference between winning and losing. Overall, Coconut Mall is a fun and entertaining addition to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It's a great example of how the expansion pack brings back the best of the past while looking and playing better than ever before.
Choco Mountain: A Chocolatey Challenge
Next up, we have Choco Mountain from Mario Kart 64. This course is a rollercoaster of twists, turns, and chocolatey goodness, literally! The course is known for its treacherous layout, featuring steep inclines, narrow bridges, and the iconic giant mountain itself. The mountain's interior offers some great shortcuts, but they require a bit of skill to pull off. The track's design encourages you to find the best racing lines and make smart decisions about when to use your items. What makes this track unique is the blend of off-road sections and winding roads, pushing you to make the most of your drifting skills. The visual update is stunning, with improved textures and lighting that make the chocolate rivers and cliffs look more appetizing and intimidating. Navigating the tight turns around the mountain requires precision, while mastering the shortcuts can give you a major advantage. It's a challenging course that rewards strategic driving and quick reflexes. Remember to keep an eye on your map to anticipate the upcoming turns and obstacles. Choco Mountain is a must-play for any fan of the series, offering a thrilling experience that's both nostalgic and fresh.
Toad Circuit: A Beginner's Delight
Toad Circuit from Mario Kart 7 is a welcome addition, especially for those new to the game or those who enjoy a more relaxed race. The track is straightforward, with wide roads and gentle turns, making it perfect for practicing your drifting and item usage. The course's simplicity doesn't mean it's boring, though. The vibrant colors and charming Toad-themed decorations add a playful atmosphere. The layout is designed to be accessible, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the race without feeling overwhelmed. It's a great track for mastering the basics of the game, like using the boost pads and avoiding obstacles. There are no super-technical shortcuts here, but mastering the racing lines is still important for getting ahead. The wide lanes are great for getting a grip on drifting techniques. This track is a great way to warm up or to enjoy a casual race with friends. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer, Toad Circuit offers a fun and enjoyable experience. It's proof that sometimes, the simplest courses are the most fun.
Ninja Hideaway: A Wall-Running Adventure
Ninja Hideaway, a brand-new track, is an absolute gem! This track is a masterclass in track design, offering an amazing mix of verticality and creativity. The track is set inside a sprawling ninja dojo, with multiple levels, winding corridors, and plenty of opportunities for wall-riding. This track is the perfect combination of twists and turns. The layout is designed to keep you on your toes, with plenty of tight turns, hidden passages, and strategic shortcuts. Mastering the wall-riding is key to staying competitive, allowing you to gain speed and navigate tight corners with ease. The visual design is stunning, with the intricate details of the dojo and the vibrant colors. The layout encourages you to make smart decisions about where to go and when to use your items. It's a track that rewards exploration and strategic driving. It's a prime example of the innovative track design that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is known for. Ninja Hideaway is easily one of the highlights of the expansion pack. It offers a unique and thrilling experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Sky Garden: A Cloud-Soaring Classic
Another blast from the past, Sky Garden from Mario Kart: Super Circuit makes its grand return! This track is set high above the clouds, offering stunning views and a thrilling racing experience. The track features a mix of straightaways and tight turns, with several opportunities for drifting and strategic item use. The layout is simple yet challenging, requiring you to maintain speed while navigating the winding paths and avoiding the obstacles. The track is filled with boost pads that can propel you to new speeds and get you ahead of the competition. The updated graphics give the course a fresh look. The track’s overall design is a balance of simple layouts and challenging curves that keep it fun. Make sure you use the boost pads to get that extra speed. The track is a fun blend of nostalgia and modern design, making it a great addition to the expansion pack. Sky Garden is a reminder of the series' roots. It's a must-play for fans of classic Mario Kart.
Paris Promenade: A Parisian Getaway
Paris Promenade from Mario Kart Tour is the first track from the mobile game to join the expansion pack, bringing a touch of Parisian charm to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The course takes you through the city's iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. One of the unique features of this track is the way it changes direction each lap, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement. The course features a mix of straightaways, tight turns, and opportunities for drifting and item use. The layout is designed to keep you on your toes, with surprises around every corner. Mastering the changing routes and the strategic use of items will be key to dominating the race. The track's visual design is stunning, with the city's landmarks and vibrant colors. The layout encourages you to adapt and make quick decisions, adding a dynamic feel to the race. This track's shifting course adds a unique element of surprise. Paris Promenade brings a fresh new perspective, offering a fun and dynamic racing experience.
Mushroom Bridge: A Whimsical Journey
Mushroom Bridge from Mario Kart: Double Dash makes its appearance! The track features a unique layout, with a large, mushroom-shaped bridge as its centerpiece. The course is filled with twists, turns, and plenty of opportunities for drifting and item usage. The layout is designed to keep you on your toes, with various shortcuts and tricky maneuvers. Mastering the shortcuts, like the one that can launch you to the end of the course, is key to staying competitive. The track’s design encourages you to explore and find the best racing lines. This track provides a good balance between familiarity and challenge. The course’s visuals have been updated for the Switch, making the bright and whimsical environment even more appealing. The overall design offers a balance between fun and excitement. Mushroom Bridge is a great addition, offering a nostalgic and enjoyable racing experience.
Tokyo Blur: A Neon-Lit Dash
Tokyo Blur from Mario Kart Tour is another fantastic addition from the mobile game! The track is set in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, offering a vibrant and exciting racing experience. The course features a mix of straightaways, tight turns, and opportunities for drifting and item use. The layout is designed to keep you on your toes, with surprises around every corner. Mastering the various routes and the strategic use of items will be key to dominating the race. The track's visual design is stunning, with the city's landmarks and vibrant colors. The layout encourages you to adapt and make quick decisions, adding a dynamic feel to the race. This track's shifting course adds a unique element of surprise. Tokyo Blur is a great addition, offering a fresh new perspective, a fun, dynamic, and visually stunning racing experience.
Wave 2 Tracks: More Thrills!
Waluigi Stadium: A Fiery Arena
Waluigi Stadium from Mario Kart: Double Dash makes its return, bringing a chaotic and challenging racing experience! The track is a staple in the series, featuring a brutal layout filled with tight turns, ramps, and obstacles that will test your driving skills. The course is designed to be tough, with the potential for players to make mistakes. Mastering the shortcuts, such as the one on the final stretch, is key to getting a lead. The track’s design encourages strategic driving and the effective use of items to stay ahead of the competition. The updated graphics give the course a fresh look. The track’s overall design is a balance of challenging layouts. Keep an eye on your map to navigate the course. Waluigi Stadium offers an intense and rewarding racing experience, making it a favorite among veteran players.
Snow Land: A Snowy Delight
Snow Land from Mario Kart: Super Circuit is back! This track offers a fun and visually stunning racing experience. The course is set in a winter wonderland, with a mix of straightaways, slippery surfaces, and tight turns. The layout is designed to test your drifting skills and item management. Mastering the drifting mechanics is crucial to keeping your speed. The track encourages you to explore the course. The graphics have been updated to make the course look better than ever. The overall design is a balance of fun and excitement. Snow Land is an excellent addition, offering a unique and enjoyable racing experience.
Mushroom Gorge: A Bouncy Adventure
Mushroom Gorge from Mario Kart Wii is a fun track! It brings back the bouncy mushrooms that define the track. The course is filled with winding paths and several opportunities for item usage. Mastering the shortcut is a key to success. The updated graphics give the course a fresh look. The overall design is a blend of fun and excitement. Mushroom Gorge is a nostalgic and enjoyable racing experience.
Sky-High Sundae: A Delicious Race
Sky-High Sundae, a new track, is a sweet treat! The track features a sky-high course with a dessert theme. The track is designed to be a visual treat. Mastering the shortcuts and item usage is key to success. The layout encourages you to explore and find the best racing lines. This course is a testament to the expansion pack's ability to innovate while delivering a fun experience. Sky-High Sundae provides a fresh and delightful experience.
Mario Circuit 3: A Classic Revived
Mario Circuit 3 from Super Mario Kart is another nostalgic blast from the past! The track is a simple, yet fun, course that will bring back fond memories. The layout is easy to learn, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. It's perfect for practicing and enjoying a casual race with friends. Mastering the racing lines and using boost pads can give you an edge. This track's simplistic design is a reminder of the series' roots. Mario Circuit 3 is a must-play for fans of the classics, offering a nostalgic racing experience.
Kalimari Desert: A Desert Journey
Kalimari Desert from Mario Kart 64 is a returning fan favorite! The course offers a classic racing experience, with a mix of straightforward sections and strategic turns. The course features a mix of straightaways, tight turns, and the iconic train crossing, adding an extra layer of challenge. Mastering the train crossing and item use is key. The updated graphics give the course a fresh look. The layout encourages smart racing decisions and item management. Kalimari Desert is a great addition, offering a nostalgic and enjoyable racing experience.
Sydney Sprint: A City Tour
Sydney Sprint from Mario Kart Tour brings the excitement of the city to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! The course is a vibrant tour through the iconic landmarks. The course features a mix of straightaways and tight turns. Mastering the various routes and item use is key to dominating the race. The layout encourages you to adapt and make quick decisions, adding a dynamic feel to the race. This track's shifting course adds a unique element of surprise. Sydney Sprint is a great addition, offering a fresh new perspective and an enjoyable experience.
New York Minute: A Big Apple Race
New York Minute from Mario Kart Tour takes you on a fast-paced race through the heart of New York City! The course features a mix of straightaways, tight turns, and a vibrant atmosphere. Mastering the various routes and item use is key to dominating the race. The layout encourages quick decisions. This track's shifting course adds a unique element of surprise. New York Minute is a dynamic addition, offering a thrilling and visually exciting racing experience.
Wave 3 Tracks: More to Explore!
Boo Lake: A Spooky Ride
Boo Lake from Mario Kart: Super Circuit makes its return, bringing a spooky atmosphere to the tracks! The course is set around a lake, filled with winding paths and opportunities for item usage. Mastering the drifting mechanics is crucial to keeping your speed. The updated graphics give the course a fresh look. The track’s overall design is a balance of fun and excitement. Boo Lake is an excellent addition, offering a unique and enjoyable racing experience.
Maple Treeway: A Colorful Adventure
Maple Treeway from Mario Kart Wii is a vibrant and fun track! The course is known for its tree-filled layout and the iconic giant tree. Mastering the tree is a key to success. The updated graphics give the course a fresh look. The overall design is a blend of fun and excitement. Maple Treeway is a nostalgic and enjoyable racing experience.
Rainbow Road: A Classic Remastered
Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 7 is a colorful and challenging track! The course is set in space. Mastering the drifting mechanics is crucial to keeping your speed. The updated graphics give the course a fresh look. The overall design is a balance of fun and excitement. Rainbow Road is a classic.
Berlin Byways: A City Tour
Berlin Byways from Mario Kart Tour brings you on a tour through the vibrant city! The course features a mix of straightaways, tight turns, and a lively atmosphere. Mastering the routes and item use is key to dominating the race. The layout encourages quick decisions. The shifting course adds a unique element of surprise. Berlin Byways is a dynamic addition, offering a thrilling and exciting racing experience.
Peach Gardens: A Beautiful Track
Peach Gardens from Mario Kart DS is a beautiful track. The course offers a classic racing experience. Mastering the drifting mechanics is crucial. The updated graphics give the course a fresh look. The track’s overall design is a balance of fun and excitement. Peach Gardens is an enjoyable racing experience.
Rock Rock Mountain: A Mountainous Challenge
Rock Rock Mountain from Mario Kart 7 is a challenging track. The course offers a tough racing experience. Mastering the drifting mechanics is crucial to keeping your speed. The updated graphics give the course a fresh look. The track’s overall design is a balance of fun and excitement. Rock Rock Mountain is a fun and thrilling track.
Merry Mountain: A Festive Ride
Merry Mountain is a track filled with cheer. The course offers a unique and festive racing experience. Mastering the drifting mechanics is crucial. The updated graphics give the course a fresh look. The track’s overall design is a balance of fun and excitement. Merry Mountain is an enjoyable racing experience.
London Loop: A City Race
London Loop from Mario Kart Tour is an exciting track! The course brings the city to life. Mastering the routes and item use is key. The shifting course adds a unique element of surprise. London Loop is a dynamic addition, offering a thrilling and exciting racing experience.
Wave 4 Tracks: More on the Way!
A New Batch of Tracks is Coming!
We're all eagerly anticipating the next waves of tracks, and I'll update this article as soon as they drop! Make sure to keep checking back to stay ahead of the game and discover all the new courses.
Conclusion: Get Racing!
So there you have it, folks! A complete guide to all the expansion pack tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Each course offers a unique experience. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a newcomer, there's something for everyone to enjoy. I hope this guide helps you dominate the tracks and have a blast! Remember to practice your drifting, master those shortcuts, and most importantly, have fun! See you on the track! Keep racing and enjoy the expansion pack! Happy racing! Remember to check for more waves and tracks in the future. Until then, keep those engines revved and your eyes on the prize! Enjoy!