Gem Cups are unlocked in Adventure Mode by collecting a certain number of CTR Tokens. There are five Gem Cups in total, each requiring a specific color of CTR Token (e.g., 4 Red CTR Tokens for the Red Gem Cup). Each Gem Cup consists of four races, and you must finish with the highest total points to win the cup.
Strategy:
- Consistency is Key: You don't necessarily need to win every race, but consistently placing in the top 3 is crucial for accumulating points.
- Aggressive AI: Opponents in Gem Cups are often more aggressive and skilled than in regular races.
- Item Management: Strategic use of items is vital, especially in the later races of a cup where points are tight.
- Track Mastery: You should be very familiar with all the tracks in a given cup, including their shortcuts and optimal racing lines.
Winning a Gem Cup earns you a Gem, which is one of the final requirements for truly completing Adventure Mode and unlocking the final challenges against Nitros Oxide.