The general requirements for a One Star rating are described in the strategy section below.
Initially, only bike vehicles are allowed in 100cc difficulty, not karts. [1] X Research source To unlock the ability to play with karts, you’ll need to finish in first place in all eight cups — but if you try that, you’ll probably unlock Bowser Jr. along the way.
Check your current number of races from the Main Menu by selecting License Settings in the top right corner, then Records. [3] X Research source
Finish the cup with at least 53 points total across the four tracks. For instance, you could place 1st, 1st, 1st, 4th, or 1st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd (the order does not matter). You have a high chance of success if you place 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd or better. Faster completion time will also help. Avoid leaving the road more than two or three times in the entire cup, unless using a boost item. Avoid banging into a wall or an obstacle more than once or twice in the cup. Avoid falling off the track more than once in the cup. Stay in first for a significant amount of each race. When behind, try to catch up without using items whenever possible.
Remember, going off-road will not hurt your ranking if you use a Mushroom or other boost item. This can save you a lot of time on some maps, such as by boosting through the Peach Garden flower patch or across the grass near the start of Bowser’s Castle. [6] X Research source
