Mario Kart World: How to Charge Jump

With the Nintendo Switch 2 now out and Mario Kart World launching alongside it, one of the biggest changes to the traditional MK gameplay is the new Charge Jump mechanic. This is a brand-new move that completely changes how you approach racing in this game. It’s introduced alongside Rail Grinding and Wall Riding, and all three mechanics work together to give you more control, speed, and options during a race.

It’s not something the game teaches you clearly, but once you learn how to use it, it becomes an essential tool. Here's how you can Charge Jump in Mario Kart World.

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What is a Charge Jump in Mario Kart World, and how do you perform it?

You’ll need this mechanic if you want to use the Rail Grinding or Wall Riding systems (Image via Nintendo)

Charge Jump lets you hold your kart in place for a second and then launch it straight up. The jump height is enough for your kart to avoid most ground-level hazards or reach walls and rails for special routes. It’s also useful in breaking away from danger, especially in crowded races where items are flying constantly. Without mastering it, you’ll miss out on some shortcuts and safer paths on many tracks.

Here’s exactly how to do it:

• First, drive straight. Let go of the left stick to avoid any movement input.
• Then, hold the R button (used for drifting) while not steering. Your kart should sink slightly.
• Wait about one second, and a glowing ring will appear around your racer.
• Release R after the ring shows up, and your kart will jump into the air.

If done near a wall or rail, you’ll automatically switch into Wall Ride or Rail Grind mode, depending on where you land. However, this needs to be done carefully — any movement while holding R too early will make you drift instead of jumping.

Why it's important

Charge Jump isn’t just for reaching rails or walls. It also gives you a small speed boost when you land, similar to drifting. On straight tracks where you don’t need to turn, this is a great way to keep your speed up. It’s also one of the best ways to dodge incoming items.

If you see a shell or a hazard approaching from behind, you can Charge Jump right before it hits and avoid the damage completely in Mario Kart World.

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Check out: All game modes in Mario Kart World