Mario Kart World pushes players to their limits with its massive character roster and wild lineup of tracks.Â
With the competition tougher than ever, even the smallest advantage can make a big difference. And one of the best ways to get ahead right from the jump? Nailing the Rocket Start.
Here’s everything you need to know to start your races with a burst of speed and a shot at first place. Also check, Know how to disable smart steering.
What Is a Rocket Start?
The Rocket Start is a speed boost you can trigger right at the beginning of a race. If you time it just right, your kart will launch forward the moment the race begins—giving you a huge edge over anyone who misses it (or worse, stalls).

How to Perform a Rocket Start
It’s all about the countdown.
To pull off a Rocket Start in Mario Kart World:
- Watch the countdown at the start of the race (3…2…1…GO!)
- As soon as the number 2 appears, press and hold the A button
That’s it! If you hold A too early, your kart will stall. Too late? You’ll just roll forward like normal. But if you nail the timing when “2” hits the screen, you’ll blast off the line with a big burst of speed.
Also Read, Master the Tracks with the Rewind Feature in Mario Kart World
Pro Tip: Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re struggling with the timing, here’s a little trick to help:
- Briefly tap the A button when each number appears (3, then 2)
- Let go quickly and press and hold again when 2 shows up
With a little trial and error, you’ll develop a rhythm—and pretty soon, Rocket Starts will feel automatic.
In a game where milliseconds count, the Rocket Start is a simple but powerful tool to get an early lead. So the next time you line up on the starting grid, don’t just wait for GO—time it right and take off like a rocket.
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