Course Overviews & Layouts
Welcome, tricksters, to the definitive guide to mastering every mountain in SSX Tricky! Knowing the ins and outs of each course is paramount to racking up those Uber Tricks, grabbing all the collectibles, and ultimately, dominating the competition. This section breaks down each track, offering actionable walkthroughs, item locations, and strategic advice to shave seconds off your time and boost your score.
Garibaldi
Garibaldi is your introductory course, but don't let its gentle slopes fool you. It's a fantastic place to practice your basic tricks and learn the rhythm of the game.
- Start Line: Immediately after the gate, aim for the small ramp on the left to catch some early air and start building your Tricky meter.
- First Big Jump: A large, wide jump appears shortly after the initial descent. Use this to land a big trick. Look for the Boost Gate directly in the center of the landing zone.
- Ice Cave Shortcut: About halfway down, you'll see a break in the trees on the right, leading into an ice cave. This shortcut is faster but requires precise steering. Inside, you'll find a Boost Pickup.
- Grind Rail Section: Following the ice cave, a series of grind rails appears. Chain these together for massive trick points. The longest rail is on the far left.
- Final Jump: The last major jump before the finish line is a perfect opportunity for a final Uber Trick. Try to hit it with a full Tricky meter for maximum impact.
Strategy Tip: Focus on linking smaller tricks and grinds to maintain your Tricky meter throughout the course. Garibaldi is forgiving, so experiment with different lines.
Snowdream
Snowdream introduces more complex terrain and a greater emphasis on choosing the right path. Its Japanese-inspired aesthetic is beautiful, but don't get distracted!
- Opening Section: The course starts with a series of small bumps and jumps. Use these to quickly build your momentum and Tricky meter. A Boost Pickup is usually found on the right side of the first wide turn.
- Pagoda Grind: After a sharp left turn, you'll see a large pagoda structure. Grind the roof for significant trick points and a speed boost. There's a hidden Boost Gate just after the pagoda if you land precisely.
- Bamboo Forest Shortcut: On the right side, a dense bamboo forest offers a tight, challenging shortcut. It's faster if executed perfectly, but a single mistake can cost you valuable time. Look for a Collectible Icon nestled within the bamboo.
- Ice Bridge: A precarious ice bridge spans a chasm. While it looks dangerous, it's a prime spot for airtime. Aim for the center to hit a hidden Boost Pad.
- Final Descent: The last section is a wide-open slope with several ramps. Prioritize hitting the biggest ramps to land your most impressive tricks before crossing the finish line.
Strategy Tip: Snowdream rewards aggressive line choices. Don't be afraid to take the more challenging shortcuts if you're confident in your control.
Elysium Alps
Elysium Alps is a classic, offering a balanced mix of speed and trick opportunities. Its European charm hides some tricky sections.
- Initial Drop: The course begins with a steep drop. Maintain control and hit the small ramp on the left for an early trick. A Boost Pickup is often found directly in the middle of the first wide turn.
- Glacier Grind: A massive glacier dominates the mid-section. You can grind along its edges for big points. The longest grind is on the right side, offering a Speed Boost upon completion.
- Hidden Cave: Keep an eye out for a small, almost hidden cave entrance on the left after the glacier. This shortcut is narrow but can save you time. Inside, you'll find a valuable Collectible Icon.
- Ski Lift Rails: A series of abandoned ski lift rails provides excellent grinding opportunities. Chain these together for a massive Tricky boost. The highest rail often has a Boost Gate.
- Final Airtime: The last few jumps are designed for big air. Use them to unleash your most powerful Uber Tricks and secure your lead.
Strategy Tip: Elysium Alps is about flow. Try to keep your speed up and seamlessly transition between jumps, grinds, and turns.
Merqury City
Merqury City is a night-time urban playground, featuring neon lights, massive jumps, and plenty of grindable surfaces. This course is all about style and big air.
- Rooftop Start: You begin on a skyscraper rooftop. Immediately launch off the first ramp and aim for a high-scoring trick. A Boost Pickup is usually found on the landing platform.
- Billboard Grinds: The city is littered with billboards. Grind along their edges and connect them for huge trick chains. The large "SSX" billboard offers a particularly long grind and a Speed Boost.
- Subway Entrance Shortcut: Look for a subway entrance on the right side of the track. This dark, tight shortcut is risky but fast. A Collectible Icon is often hidden within the subway tunnel.
- Construction Site Jumps: A construction zone provides several large, angled ramps perfect for massive air. Use these to perform your most complex Uber Tricks. A Boost Gate is typically found at the peak of the largest jump.
- Final Drop: The course concludes with a dramatic drop back to street level. Use this final opportunity for a show-stopping trick.
Strategy Tip: Merqury City is designed for showboating. Don't be afraid to go for the biggest tricks and longest grinds, even if it means a slightly riskier line.
Mesablanca
Mesablanca takes you to a desert canyon, featuring dusty trails, ancient ruins, and challenging terrain. This course demands precision and quick reflexes.
- Canyon Drop: The race starts with a rapid descent into a canyon. Stay centered to hit a series of small bumps that can build your Tricky meter quickly. A Boost Pickup is located at the bottom of the initial drop.
- Ancient Arch Grind: A prominent rock arch provides a fantastic grind opportunity. Aim for the top of the arch for a long grind and a Speed Boost.
- Hidden Oasis: On the left side, a small opening leads to a hidden oasis. This shortcut is slightly slower but contains a valuable Collectible Icon and a Boost Gate.
- Dust Devil Jumps: Watch out for the "dust devil" sections, which are essentially large, natural ramps. Use these for big air, but be mindful of the uneven landings.
- Riverbed Shortcut: Towards the end, a dry riverbed offers a faster, but bumpier, route. It's a good alternative if you need to catch up.
Strategy Tip: Mesablanca is about navigating challenging terrain. Master your carving and quick turns to maintain speed through the winding canyon paths.
Tokyo Megaplex
Tokyo Megaplex is a futuristic, indoor course filled with half-pipes, quarter-pipes, and grind rails. This track is a trickster's paradise.
- Half-Pipe Start: The course begins in a massive half-pipe. Immediately start chaining tricks to build your Tricky meter. A Boost Pickup is usually found in the middle of the first half-pipe section.
- Roller Coaster Grind: A disused roller coaster track winds through the course. Grinding this entire section will earn you massive points and a significant Speed Boost.
- Ventilation Shaft Shortcut: Look for a large ventilation shaft entrance on the upper level. This shortcut is fast but requires a precise jump to enter. Inside, you'll find a Collectible Icon.
- Quarter-Pipe Alley: A series of interconnected quarter-pipes offers endless trick opportunities. Use these to maintain your Tricky meter and chain together Uber Tricks. A Boost Gate is often found at the end of this section.
- Final Jump Ramp: The course ends with a colossal jump ramp that sends you soaring over the finish line. This is your last chance for a truly epic Uber Trick.
Strategy Tip: Tokyo Megaplex is all about maintaining momentum and chaining tricks. Don't let your Tricky meter drop!
Aloha Ice Jam
Aloha Ice Jam is a tropical paradise transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring icy beaches, volcanic vents, and palm tree grinds. It's a unique and challenging course.
- Beach Start: The race begins on an icy beach. Use the small waves as ramps to get some early air. A Boost Pickup is typically found near the first set of palm trees.
- Palm Tree Grinds: The iconic palm trees are your best friends here. Grind their trunks and branches for excellent trick points. The longest grind is often found on the right side of the beach section, leading to a Speed Boost.
- Volcanic Vent Shortcut: A steaming volcanic vent offers a risky but fast shortcut. Entering it requires precise timing and a jump. Inside, you'll find a Collectible Icon.
- Ice Cave Network: A network of ice caves provides alternative routes. Some are faster, others offer more trick opportunities. Explore them to find the best path for your playstyle. A Boost Gate is often hidden within the larger caves.
- Final Waterfall Jump: The course culminates in a massive jump over a frozen waterfall. This is your prime opportunity for a show-stopping Uber Trick.
Strategy Tip: Aloha Ice Jam's icy surfaces demand careful control. Prioritize smooth landings and precise grinds to avoid losing speed.
Alaska
Alaska is the ultimate test of skill, featuring treacherous cliffs, massive glaciers, and extreme weather conditions. This course is not for the faint of heart.
- Cliff Edge Start: The race begins on a narrow cliff edge. Maintain control and hit the small ramp on the left for an early trick. A Boost Pickup is usually found after the first sharp turn.
- Glacier Crevasse Jumps: Massive crevasses in the glacier provide opportunities for huge air. Aim for the widest gaps to maximize your trick potential. A Boost Gate is often found on the landing of the largest crevasse jump.
- Ice Tunnel Shortcut: A long, winding ice tunnel offers a significant shortcut. It's dark and narrow, requiring excellent control. Inside, you'll find a valuable Collectible Icon.
- Avalanche Zone: Be wary of the avalanche zones. While they offer some unique jumps, they can also be dangerous. Stick to the marked paths if you're unsure.
- Final Descent to Base Camp: The last section is a steep, fast descent towards base camp. Use the numerous ramps and bumps to unleash your final, most impressive Uber Tricks.
Strategy Tip: Alaska is about survival and precision. Don't take unnecessary risks, and focus on clean lines and powerful tricks to conquer this beast of a mountain.