Mario Kart World throws plenty of fun and tricky challenges your way, and one of the toughest early ones is the “Overtake Shy Guys in an Upriver Race” challenge.
It’s a high-speed time trial up a winding river track that demands tight boosts, precise jumps, and smart mushroom usage to beat the clock.
Here’s a full breakdown of how to clear this challenge without rage-quitting into the water.
🗺️ How to Start the Upriver Race
To kick off the challenge, drive over the large blue button at the river area shown on your map. This triggers the challenge, and you’ll see a goal ring appear upriver.
Right as the timer starts, drive into the river and drift through the Item Boxes under the bridge. You’ll get a small drift boost and pick up your six Mushroom power-ups—don’t waste them yet!
🚗 Step-by-Step Guide to Beating the Shy Guys
🌴 Island 1 – The First Boost Jump
- As you reach the first sandy island, use one mushroom to boost through the sand.
- Aim for the rock on the island and tap the R button right at the top to launch off it.
- Perform flips in the air for a bonus speed boost on landing.
- If done right, you should nearly catch the first Shy Guy by the time you pass under the next bridge.
🏁 Drift and Prep for Island 2
- Take a wide drift around the next bend for another small speed burst.
- Angle toward the right-hand island after the turn.
- Repeat the same technique: boost with a mushroom, then jump off the rock for another air boost.
🪨 Island 3 – The Final Jump to Victory
- This final section is tricky: it’s a long stretch of sand before the final rock ramp.
- Use two mushrooms back-to-back here:
- Hit the first mushroom as you enter the sand.
- Just as it wears off, pop the second one.
- Hit the first mushroom as you enter the sand.
- Launch off the third rock and aim straight for the goal ring.
- If you still have any mushrooms left, burn them here for that last burst of speed.
🎯 Pro Tips for Success
- Save mushrooms for the sandy patches. Using them on water doesn’t help as much.
- Timing jumps off rocks is crucial—don’t press too early or too late.
- Do flips in the air by moving the control stick—this gives you an extra mid-air boost.
- Missing even one jump or boost can mean you won’t make the timer, so be clean and consistent.
Clear this one, and not only will you impress the Shy Guys, but you’ll also earn bragging rights (and possibly unlockables depending on your progress).
Play Mario Kart World on Nintendo.
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