Course Strategies
Mastering SSX Tricky isn't just about pulling off incredible Uber Tricks; it's about knowing the terrain, exploiting shortcuts, and understanding the flow of each unique course. This section will break down key strategies for several of the game's most challenging and rewarding tracks, focusing on both race and showoff modes.
Garibaldi
Garibaldi is a fantastic introductory course, but don't let its simplicity fool you. There are plenty of opportunities for both speed and style.
- Race Strategy:
- Early Shortcut: After the initial drop, look for a small ramp on the left that leads to a narrow, icy path. This bypasses a short section of the main track and can shave precious seconds off your time.
- Pipe Grind: Towards the middle of the course, you'll encounter a long, curved pipe. Grinding this pipe (especially with a speed boost) is faster than riding the snow below and offers excellent opportunities for quick trick points if you jump off and land a simple grab.
- Final Jump: The large jump near the finish line is crucial. Aim for maximum air to pull off an Uber Trick, ensuring you land cleanly for a speed boost to cross the finish line first.
- Showoff Strategy:
- Half-Pipe Section: The large half-pipe early in the course is your bread and butter. Chain together multiple Uber Tricks here. grab the Boost Pickups located on the lips of the half-pipe for extended trick runs.
- Grind Combos: Utilize the various rails and ledges for extended grind combos. The long rail section after the half-pipe is perfect for this. Jump between rails to keep your combo meter climbing.
- Hidden Air: Look for small, natural bumps and snowdrifts off the main path. These often provide just enough air for a quick grab trick, adding to your score without sacrificing much momentum.
Tokyo Megaplex
Tokyo Megaplex is a high-speed, futuristic track with numerous grind opportunities and massive jumps. Precision is key here.
- Race Strategy:
- Initial Grind Line: From the start, immediately veer right onto the long, glowing rail. This is significantly faster than the main path. Be ready to jump to subsequent rails to maintain your speed.
- Glass Tunnel Shortcut: After the first major jump, you'll see a glass tunnel. Aim to land directly on top of it and grind the edge. This is a very fast line, but requires good air control.
- Boost Gate Management: Tokyo Megaplex features many Boost Gates. Prioritize hitting these, especially those in quick succession, to maintain your top speed.
- Showoff Strategy:
- Mega-Jump Combos: The massive jumps throughout the course are designed for Uber Tricks. Focus on executing two or even three Uber Tricks in a single jump by rotating your boarder and landing perfectly. The large jump into the "cityscape" section is ideal for this.
- Rail-to-Rail Grinds: The intricate network of rails allows for incredibly long grind combos. Practice linking grinds with small jumps in between to keep your combo multiplier high. The section leading into the final half-pipe is excellent for this.
- Hidden Half-Pipes: Keep an eye out for smaller half-pipe sections tucked away off the main racing line. These are perfect for quick, high-scoring aerial tricks.
Alaska
Alaska is a wide-open, natural course with treacherous ice patches and huge, sweeping jumps. It rewards aggressive lines and careful navigation.
- Race Strategy:
- Ice Path Advantage: Early on, there's a long, icy path that branches off to the right. While slippery, it's a direct route and can be very fast if you maintain control. Use small, controlled turns.
- Cave Shortcut: After the first major drop, look for a cave entrance on the left. This narrow passage is a significant shortcut, but requires precise steering to avoid hitting the walls.
- Avalanche Zone: The section with the active avalanche is tricky. Stick to the high ground on the right to avoid being slowed down by the falling snow and debris.
- Showoff Strategy:
- Natural Kicker Jumps: Alaska is full of natural terrain that acts as kickers. Use these to launch into grabs and flips. The large snowdrifts near the edges of the track are often perfect for this.
- Cliff Drops: There are several opportunities for massive cliff drops. While risky, these can provide incredible airtime for multiple Uber Tricks. Scout these out in practice mode first to find safe landing zones.
- Tree Grinds: Believe it or not, some of the fallen trees and exposed roots can be ground. These are short but can add to your combo if linked with other tricks.
Mesablanca
Mesablanca is a desert-themed course, featuring dusty canyons, ancient ruins, and unique grind opportunities.
- Race Strategy:
- Canyon Wall Ride: In the initial canyon section, you can often wall ride the steep sides to maintain speed and cut corners. Be careful not to lose too much momentum or fall off.
- Ruins Shortcut: After the first large jump, there's a path that goes directly through a crumbling ruin. This is a tight squeeze but faster than going around.
- Mine Cart Grinds: The abandoned mine cart tracks are excellent for grinding. These often lead to faster lines or provide speed boosts. Look for the Mine Cart Power-Up for an extra edge.
- Showoff Strategy:
- Dust Devil Air: The occasional dust devils that appear on the track can launch you high into the air. Use these for massive Uber Tricks, but be prepared for unpredictable landings.
- Statue Grinds: The various ancient statues and structures offer unique grinding surfaces. Some of these are quite long and can be linked for impressive combos.
- Hidden Half-Pipes: Within the ruins and canyon walls, there are often smaller, less obvious half-pipe sections perfect for chaining aerial tricks. Explore off the main path to find these.