Items guide: attack, defend and survive

Offensive items

• Missile — a homing bolt at the racer ahead. Dodge it by juking sideways late.
• Mine — dropped behind you on your line; it traps whoever follows. Drop it before a corner.
• Caltrops — a spread of spikes across the track just ahead; thread the gap.
• EMP — jams every ship close by, ahead or behind. Devastating in a pack.
• Shockwave — a wall that sweeps forward at everyone ahead; hop or shield it.
• Tractor — a gravity trap dropped behind; it drags the follower in (boost to escape).

Defensive & utility

• Shield — blocks the next hit. Hold it until you hear the incoming alert.
• Boost — an instant burst; save it for a straight.
• Repair — mends hull damage, restoring your top speed.

Read the alerts

When something is locked on you, a HUD alert names it (incoming missile, EMP, and so on) so you can dodge or shield in time. And when you are hit, the screen tells you what hit you — so damage is never a mystery.

Item tips

• Holding the lead? Save a shield for the final lap.
• Mid-pack? EMP and shockwave hit the most ships at once.
• Dropped items (mines, caltrops, tractor) are best placed right before a corner.
• Don't fire the instant you pick up — wait for the shot that actually lands.