Shiny, sparkly, and scattered all over every track—Gold Coins in Mario Kart World might seem like simple collectibles at first.
But if you’re racing past them thinking they’re just for show, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to gain a competitive edge.
Let’s break down exactly what Gold Coins do, how to use them, and why grabbing them could be your ticket to finishing first. Also Read, How to grind rails and ride walls.

What Gold Coins Actually Do
Gold Coins aren’t just filler—they serve a real purpose. In Mario Kart World, collecting them boosts your kart’s top speed.
The more coins you hold during a race, the faster your kart can go. It’s a subtle effect, but over time it adds up—and in a close race, it can absolutely make the difference between first and second place.
Collect More Than Ever Before
Unlike older Mario Kart titles that capped your coin count at 10, Mario Kart World lets you carry up to 20 coins per race. That means there’s even more potential to max out your speed—if you can hold onto them.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. Just like in past games, you’ll lose coins if:
- You get hit by an item (like a Shell or Bomb)
- You run into an obstacle
- You fall off the track
So yeah—grab coins, but stay sharp out there.
Also Read, How to Disable Smart Steering in Mario Kart World
Do Gold Coins Unlock Anything?
They might! Mario Kart World tracks the total number of Gold Coins you’ve collected over time, not just what you pick up in a single race.
While Nintendo hasn’t laid out every secret just yet, it’s highly likely that collecting enough coins unlocks new karts, wheels, or other customization options, just like in past Mario Kart games.
So even if you’re not trying to squeeze out every last drop of speed, it’s still worth picking up those coins to build up your total stash.
If you’re aiming to race smarter, not just harder, make collecting Gold Coins part of your strategy. They’re easy to grab, they boost your speed, and they might even unlock cool gear along the way.
It’s a small effort that can lead to big wins.
Related Article: Master the Tracks with the Rewind Feature in Mario Kart World