The 10 Best Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tracks

Just about everyone and their mother loves Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. As of Dec. 31, 2021, the game has sold a whopping 43.3 million units, meaning just about 50% of Switch owners have it in some capacity. Nintendo has seen such success that five years after its initial launch, they’re releasing DLC for it. But before the new tracks arrive, bringing with them some Coconut Mall goodness among other things, the question must be asked: which Mario Kart tracks are the best?
Trying to rank all 48 current courses within Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was a challenge. In order to be as scientifically accurate as possible, I played each course, ranked them with a tier system, and then compared my list with those of multiple friends. This Top 10 was forged in the crucible of heated, passionate arguments and many tense races. Peer reviewed and edited, Paste presents the unequivocal best tracks in the base game of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
10. Super Bell Subway
Mind the gap as you barrel through the underground, wreaking havoc on the racers and passengers around you. The course itself is rather simple, as players careen through the subway itself, dodging green shells and trains alike in their race to their finish. The upbeat music makes the travel experience feel like a breeze, transforming into a leg-bumping groove underground. Although one must question the design of a circular subway station, every visit to Super Bell Subway is certainly worth the fare.
9. DK Jungle (3DS)
It’s all about the Kong, baby. Originating in Mario Kart 7, DK Jungle lets racers go bananas in the jungle. It’s a sightseeing tour you don’t want to skip: on your left, notice the anthropomorphic drums, while on your right is a centuries old temple with a statue to the almighty banana. Sporting such effortless diversity of views, one of the best (and most difficult) shortcuts in the game, and a fantastic remix of Donkey Kong Country 2’s bonus theme, this is one trip you don’t want to miss.
8. Wild Woods
The Ewoks could take a lesson from the Shy Guys, who have created an entire village within the trees, one that even sports a race track. Climbing up the side of trees so tall they make the Redwoods seem short, this track utilizes the game’s anti-gravity mechanic better than most. The clever design mixes in some difficult twists and turns, forcing players to master the drift before attempting to set foot in the forest. All I’m saying is the song has Shy Guys singing in the background. How can you not like that?
7. Rainbow Road (SNES)
Possibly one of the more unpopular picks for the list, the SNES Rainbow Road is not for everyone. The angular design of the original Super Mario Kart demands exact performances from the racers. But nothing feels better than confidently conquering the course after races and races of practice. The vibrant rainbow colors and the electric music provide a steady pulse of energy that makes this already short track feel even shorter, but it’s a blast of fun that never overstays its welcome.