How to Get 3 Stars in Mario Kart World Grand Prix (Switch 2 Guide)

Sofia Delgado

If you’re getting ready for the launch of Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 this June 5, you’re not alone. Many players are already looking into how the Grand Prix format works and what it takes to earn 3 stars in each cup. This guide walks through the essentials—so you’ll know what to expect when you hit the track on day one.

Mario Kart World Grand Prix Format

Mario Kart World includes 8 Grand Prix cups, each with four circuits. The first race in every cup follows the familiar 3-lap format. The next three races switch it up: laps 1 and 2 transition across multiple tracks, while lap 3 is raced on the final featured course. It’s a new twist on classic design that keeps races flowing quickly.

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How the Scoring Works

Understanding how to get 3 stars in Mario Kart World means knowing the points system. Each cup awards a max of 60 points—15 for each 1st-place finish. Here’s the breakdown of how placements score:

1st – 15 pts
2nd – 12 pts
3rd – 10 pts
4th-5th – 9 pts
6th-7th – 8 pts
8th-9th – 7 pts
10th-12th – 6 pts
13th-15th – 5 pts
16th-18th – 4 pts
19th-21st – 3 pts
22nd-23rd – 2 pts
24th – 1 pt

Speed Classes Confirmed

Mario Kart World will feature 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc classes at launch. It’s still unclear if Mirror Mode or 200cc will return, but we’ll be keeping a close eye on post-launch content.

Tips: How to Get 3 Stars in Mario Kart World

To get 3 stars, you must place 1st in all four races of a cup and score a perfect 60 points. Here are strategies that help:

Defensive items are key—save bananas, bombs, and green shells to block attacks.
Use mushrooms and turbo food wisely to cut through shortcuts at critical moments.
Collect 20 coins as quickly as possible to raise your kart’s top speed.
Get comfortable with drifts, wall-riding, rail grinding, and other skill-based mechanics.

Still Unknown: Rewards for Perfect Cups

Nintendo hasn’t revealed what happens if you get 3 stars in every cup at every class. But if Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is anything to go by, it may unlock special kart parts or visual markers. Either way, the hunt for stars gives the Grand Prix more replay value.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to get 3 stars in Mario Kart World is more about racing smart than racing fast. Every point counts—and every mushroom matters. As the game hits Switch 2, new players and veterans alike will want to master the Grand Prix for that perfect ranking.