Mario Kart World, the launch title for Nintendo Switch 2, has captivated players worldwide—and it’s easy to see why. The game is packed with content, including the return of one of the most beloved tracks in the franchise: Rainbow Road. However, it isn’t available from the start—you’ll need to unlock it. Here’s how.
Unlock Rainbow Road in Mario Kart World
To unlock Rainbow Road, you must complete all 7 Cups in the Grand Prix section of Mario Kart World. You don’t need to finish first or play at a specific CC level—just complete all four tracks in each Cup. That adds up to 28 races across the following Cups:
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Mushroom Cup: Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Whistlestop Summit, DK Spaceport
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Flower Cup: Desert Hills, Shy Guy Bazaar, Wario Stadium, Airship Fortress
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Star Cup: DK Pass, Starview Peak, Sky-High Sundae, Wario Shipyard
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Shell Cup: Koopa Troopa Beach, Faraway Oasis, Crown City, Peach Stadium
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Banana Cup: Peach Beach, Salty Salty Speedway, Dino Dino Jungle, Great ? Block Ruins
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Leaf Cup: Cheep Cheep Falls, Dandelion Depths, Boo Cinema, Dry Bones Burnout
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Lightning Cup: Moo Moo Meadows, Choco Mountain, Toad’s Factory, Bowser’s Castle
After completing these Cups, a secret cutscene is unlocked, granting access to the Special Cup, which includes Rainbow Road as its final track. While you can race these four tracks outside of Grand Prix mode afterward, unfortunately, there are no special rewards for completing the Special Cup, even at 150CC.
As for whether Mario Kart World is worth buying, our review gave it a score of 4.5 out of 5, stating, “Mario Kart World feels like a true expansion of the franchise in many ways. The Nintendo Switch 2’s capabilities allow for grander courses, more intense races, and experiences that will appeal to both hardcore racers and those who just want to explore and enjoy the game with their friends.”
