Mario Kart World introduces a handful of fresh mechanics that shake up the classic racing formula—Charge Jump, wall riding, and rail grinding. Out of all of them, Charge Jump stands out as a key skill that opens up the door to the others.
With the right timing, a Charge Jump lets you leap onto walls, grind rails, or straight-up dodge deadly incoming items.
It’s not super well explained in-game (outside a short note in the handbook), so if you want to really use it to your advantage, here’s what you need to know. Also check, Looking Back Guide.
What Is Charge Jump in Mario Kart World?
Charge Jump lets your racer build up energy for a second or two and then launch into the air—about the height of a full kart.
That’s high enough to clear most ground-based hazards and items, including those pesky Shells and even opponents using Star Power.
But Charge Jump isn’t just for dodging. It’s also how you access wall riding and rail grinding—two of the coolest new traversal tricks in the game. You can’t wall ride or grind without it.
Get good at this move, and you’ll be able to escape danger, take shortcuts, and pull off flashy maneuvers mid-race.
How to Charge Jump in Mario Kart World
Here’s how to do it:
- Hold R (the drift button) without touching the control stick.
- Yep, that means no turning—just press and hold R while moving.
- Your character will crouch down, and your kart will kind of “sink” as it charges.
- After about a second, a glowing ring will form around your character.
- Let go of R at that point, and your racer will launch up into the air.
A couple tips to keep in mind:
- If you’re holding left or right while pressing R, you’ll drift instead—so keep the stick neutral.
- Once you’re in the air, you can steer a little bit, but not much.
To grind a rail or start a wall ride, let go of the Charge Jump around three kart lengths away from the rail or wall. If you time it right, your character will automatically latch on and start grinding or riding.
Why You Should Learn Charge Jump
- Dodge attacks – Regularly look behind with X, and when you see a Shell or hazard coming, Charge Jump to leap over it.
- Unlock shortcuts – Some routes in the game can only be accessed by grinding or riding—both of which start with a Charge Jump.
- Style points – Let’s be honest, jumping into a wall ride mid-race just looks awesome.
So if you’re aiming to level up your Mario Kart World game, learning the Charge Jump is a must. It’s not just a flashy trick—it’s a real tool that can save your race and give you the edge when it counts.
Related Articles:
How Tricks Work in Mario Kart World (And Why You Should Use Them)
Here’s How to Free Roam in Mario Kart World Without Getting Thrown into a Race
Mario Kart World Guide: Tracks, Characters, Game Modes & More on Nintendo Switch 2
