There are shortcuts in every level of Mario Kart 8, some requiring Mushrooms or speed boosts, and some that are just well hidden. The video above shows off the most important shortcuts you need to know about.

Speed Boosts
There are many secret and hidden speed boosts in Mario Kart 8. These boosts can give you the edge in tough Grand Prix and Multiplayer races, and are also essential for good scores in Time Trials.

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Mario Kart 8: Get the Starting Speed Boost (Rocket Start) Every Time
The first speed boost you should never, ever miss is right at the starting line. You'll have to time this one perfectly to get a boost. Watch the numbers closely as they fall into place. As soon as the number 2 drops to the bottom, hold down the accelerate button -- you will blast forward ahead of everyone else who doesn't know how to boost. Note that if you are a bit early and hit the button while the 2 is still in the air, you will spin out. So beware!

Ramp Tricks
Pretty much any time you catch air in Mario Kart 8, you can get a speed boost. Hit Jump just as you leave the ramp to do a trick and get a small speed boost.

Another trick that many players don't realize at first is that you don't need a ramp to do a trick boost -- you can use an environmental hazard, like the shockwave from Bowser's fist in Bowser's Castle, or the upswelling currents in Dry Dry Desert. Just hit jump right when you leave the ground to get a boost.

Zero G Boosts
Mario Kart 8 tracks feature zero G, or zero gravity, sections where your boring old wheels turn into Back to the Future-like hover wheels. When in zero g, any kart you hit -- and certain glowing posts in the road-- will give you a speed boost. Watch out for drivers scoring collision boosts off of you, though, as they can bump you off the road.

Drafting (Slipstreaming)
When you drive right behind another kart (in their slipstream) you might see some "speed lines" form in the air. Maintain this position for about 3 seconds and you'll blast past the other character in one of the game's better speed boosts.

Power Sliding
You can get two levels of boosts when power sliding. This is the toughest trick to master for new karters. Basically, the longer you slide, the bigger the boost you'll get. Jump and initiate a slide way before you enter a turn and watch your wheel sparks closely -- when they turn red, or blue, let go for your boost. It's not always worth the boost, however, sometimes you just want to slide to conquer a corner.

Coin Boosts
Wondering what the heck coins actually do? Well each coin you collect boosts your overall speed. It's not as thrilling as a short burst of speed, but increasing your top speed, especially on straightaways, can make all the difference. Plus, for each coin you collect you get a very, very tiny speed boost -- even after you've collected the maximum of 10 coins.

Stealing Items
You can steal an item from someone else. When you see a driver with three mushrooms or the Crazy 8 circling their kart, you can physically collide with an item to get it's effects. Just don't hit a bomb. Also, if you see mushrooms or other items on the track, you can run over them to grab 'em.

Easter Egg: Face in the Tree
At the starting sequence of DK Jungle when all the karts are in view, a face is hidden in one of the trees on the right hand side of the track.