Let’s start with these shortcuts and how to use them.

What Are Shroomless Shortcuts?

In Mario Kart 8, a shortcut usually needs a mushroom for a boost. But the shroom shortcuts Mario Kart fans use don’t need mushrooms! Instead, they rely on good driving, drifting, and the track’s layout. These cuts can save half a second to two seconds each lap, which adds up.

Why are they useful in 150cc? Because at higher speeds, you can drift over grass or cut corners without slowing down too much. That’s why 150cc and Time Trials are perfect for practicing these tricks.

Here are a few easy Mario Kart 8 shortcuts that work shroomsless:

• Mario Circuit (Wii U): Right after the glider ramp, you can drift through the grass on the left without a mushroom.
• Toad Harbor: A stair cut through a building in the middle of the track. Use a clean drift, and you’re good!
• Dry Dry Desert: On the sand, take the inside corner near the oasis and avoid the outside loop.

Many Mario Kart 8 DLC shortcuts also work without mushrooms. For example, in Yoshi’s Island, the glider shortcut near the end can be hit with a mini turbo if your timing is right.

Want to test these out live with friends? Plan a fun race night at HyperX Arena Las Vegas, where you can practice these lines on big screens with zero lag.

Top Shroomless Shortcuts in Base Game Tracks 

Now that you know what shroomless shortcuts Mario Kart players look for, let’s dive into some of the best ones in the original Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks. These are brilliant cuts you can take without a mushroom, and if you nail them, you’ll stay ahead of the pack — even without items!

1. Mount Wario – Tree Section Glide

After flying off the snowy ramp and into the forest area, you can land on the left dirt path, drift tight around the trees, and skip part of the main trail. This is one of the most useful Mario Kart 8 shortcuts and works best in 150cc. No mushroom is needed — just a well-timed drift!

2. Dolphin Shoals – Pipe Shortcut

Midway through the track, you’ll hit an underwater pipe section. Instead of going wide with the current, aim directly over the pipe’s top edge. If you’re fast, you’ll land clean on the next section. This shaves off nearly one full second if done right. It’s a favorite in online lobbies.

3. Yoshi Circuit – Hairpin Cut

This one’s tricky but rewarding. In the double hairpin turn (near the tunnel), there’s a small patch of grass. Drift tight and hop into it to cut across the curve. It works in 150cc without a boost, but it takes practice.

4. Mario Stadium – Ramp-to-Ramp Glide

Right after the anti-gravity section, there’s a ramp shortcut near the final turn. Launching off the inside ramp without a mushroom and landing on the far one can save up to 0.8 seconds. It’s tight but doable with a good mini-turbo.

Want to test these cuts in actual races? You can hop into open Mario Kart events or HyperX Arena Las Vegas tournaments. Practicing around others will help you master them faster.

Mastering these base game Mario Kart 8 shortcuts without mushrooms is the first step to climbing the ranks. In the next section, we’ll dive into the Mario Kart 8 DLC shortcuts you can use without a boost — yes, even in tricky new tracks!

Best Shroomless Shortcuts in Mario Kart 8 DLC Tracks

Now that we’ve covered the base game let’s shift gears and look at the Mario Kart 8 DLC shortcuts. These new tracks offer exciting paths, and the good news is—that many of them work great without mushrooms, too. Let’s check out some of the top shroomless shortcuts Mario Kart fans use in DLC tracks.

1. Ninja Hideaway – Glide Path After Ceiling Drop

This track can get chaotic, but after dropping from the top ceiling route, you can glide over a large section instead of taking the full path. Use a strong mini-turbo off the ledge to fly past your opponents. It’s tricky, but no mushroom is needed. With practice, this becomes one of the best Mario Kart 8 shortcuts in the DLC.

2. Sky-High Sundae – Inner Rail Trick

This fun and colorful track includes a winding rail section. Instead of following the outer loop, drift tight into the inner rail line and hop through the edge. You’ll cut off a few seconds and impress everyone in your lobby. Great for 150cc races, primarily online.

3. Waluigi Pinball – Downhill Jump

In the second lap, during the downhill turn, there’s a jump you can aim for by using a tight mini-turbo. Instead of sticking to the wide track, hop across the gap. If you time it right, this is a sneaky move but a perfect Mario Kart 8 DLC shortcut.

Want to try these shortcuts on a pro setup? Head to HyperX Arena Las Vegas for high-end racing stations. You can also join local events listed on the Game Calendar or stream your races live — just rent a streamer room and show off your skills!

Learning the best Mario Kart 8 shortcuts, especially shroomless shortcuts Mario Kart players love, takes practice. But once you’ve got them down, you’ll start winning more often — even without boost items.

Ready to become a shortcut master? Let’s wrap it up next with a simple conclusion and action steps!

Final Lap: Master Shortcuts & Race Smarter

Shaving seconds off your lap time doesn’t always need a mushroom. With the right moves and timing, these Mario Kart 8 shortcuts can give you a big lead—even without a boost! Mastering shroomless shortcuts Mario Kart fans love is about practice and brilliant racing. And don’t forget about those slick Mario Kart 8 DLC shortcuts—they’re just as fun and game-changing.

Want to race like a pro or show off your skills on the big screen? Come play at HyperX Arena Las Vegas, join live events, or stream your sessions from our high-end setups.

Ready to level up your racing game? Visit our website for more tips, events, and action-packed fun!