Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled Time Trials Guide (Tropy & Oxide)

CTR: Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch contains 32 Time Trials in which you must beat the times of N.Tropy and Oxide. They are needed for the following trophies & achievements:

• The New Time-Master – Beat all of Tropy’s Time Trials (easier)
• Gasmoxian Slug – Beat all of Oxide’s Time Trials (harder)

For those trophies you need all time trials except for the bonus one called “Retro Stadium”. That makes it 18 time trials from Crash Team Racing (CTR) + 13 from Crash Nitro Kart (CNK). Beating only the CTR trials will not be enough, you need the CNK trials too for the trophies and achievements! Compared to the PS1 version it is harder in the new Remake because you have less time (the Oxide times have been made more strict).

This guide shows all the Time Trials with the times to beat Oxide (the best times), which is automatically better than Tropy’s times.

You can play all Time Trials from the Local Arcade Mode (via Main Menu). First, you must set a good time in the trial to unlock Tropy’s ghost. Then you can drive against Tropy’s ghost and must beat his time (he is scripted and always drives the same time and route). After beating Tropy, you unlock Oxide’s ghost and can race against him (also scripted route and time). Beat Oxide, too. He is about 10 times harder than Tropy so be prepared to practice all tracks to perfection. It’s a nice challenge but with patience and practice it’s doable. Before starting you should be very familiar with how to Drift-Boost (see How to Drift Boost Guide).

You can play the Time Trials in any order. The below is just the same order as the in-game Arcade list.

Please note that in order for Oxide’s time to count you must first unlock his ghost (by beating Tropy’s time). Only when you actually race against Oxide, it will check off the time trial. If you beat Oxide’s time while going for Tropy it will NOT count. This means you need a minimum of 3 playthroughs per race track (1 to unlock Tropy, 1 to beat Tropy and unlock Oxide, 1 to beat Oxide).

Terminology Abbreviations:

• SF = Sacred Fire
• USF = Ultimate Sacred Fire

Useful Tips, Tricks and Guides:

• Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled – Time Trials Playlist
• Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled – All Shortcuts
• Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled – How to use Drift-Boost & Ultimate Sacred Fire

A guide by SnowNinjaRaccoon & CaptainSellers

Crash Cove

Character used: Tiny Tiger
Tropy Time: 1:34:86
Oxide Time: 1:27:52
Video Time: 1:26:92

Don’t let Crash Cove being the first track fool you. Oxide’s time is pretty tricky for this one. The most important part is getting a lot of boost-chains combined with the boost-pads before the finish line. A good boost-line there will grant you Sacred Fire which you can carry for a while in order to save some time against Oxide. The shortcut is easy to get on but hard to get a good line on. It helps definitely to use it but is not necessary in each lap if your line is great.

Mystery Caves

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 2:24:45
Oxide Time: 2:14:00
Video Time: 2:13:87

Actually not as hard as it might seem. You get a lot of opportunities to build up your boost which will help you keep up with Oxide easily. Hitting the turtles also help keeping up the momentum. The shortcut at the beginning of the lap, when executed correctly, will save you a lot of time as well but is not absolutely necessary.

Sewer Speedway

Character used: Coco
Tropy Time: 2:13:70
Oxide Time: 1:56:18
Video Time: 1:55:28

Even though it is one of the earlier stages, it is actually pretty difficult. You must hit the tricky shortcut each time while keeping up the boost throughout the whole race. Oxide doesn’t leave you any space for mistakes on this track. When going for the shortcut, try hitting the half-pipe in a 90 degree angle for better success rate. It is also one of the tracks where I suggest using Acceleration Class since I found it easier to hit high jumps with. Also worth noticing is ignoring Oxide’s line when entering the tunnel-jump section. Even though he goes right, it is actually better to stay in the middle.

Roo’s Tubes

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 1:34:19
Oxide Time: 1:23:65
Video Time: 1:23:64

One of the easiest tracks in the game but one of the trickier Oxide times for sure. Keep building up triple boosts as well as jumping from high slopes to keep up your boost all the time. The only place to save time against him is the shortcut at the very end of each lap, since going to the left of the lantern in the dirt saves a bit of time each lap.

Slide Coliseum

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 2:08:49
Oxide Time: 2:00:88
Video Time: 2:00:42

Keep up your line throughout all 3 laps. Oxide starts with a bad lap, followed by a better lap and ends it with a perfect lap here. He ignores the big time-savers in first lap completely. You can outrun him during the first 2 laps if you keep using the shortcuts by jumping over the tires.

Turbo Track

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 2:18:54
Oxide Time: 2:06:35
Video Time: 2:05:22

One of the easier tracks for a reason. Oxide doesn’t drive the perfect line during the later part of the lap and is really bad at the sharp 180 degree curves. Keep using all the turbo pads throughout the race while trying to build up some boost manually as well. If you know how to handle the 180 degree curves you will have no problem beating him whatsoever.

Coco Park

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 1:37:53
Oxide Time: 1:29:35
Video Time: 1:25:38

Triple-Boosting all the way and learning how to use the not so obvious shortcut is the key here. Oxide doesn’t use the shortcut in the third lap which grants you a big opportunity to leave him behind you. Triple boosting into the flowery-shortcut area is the key. While in boost-state in the flower fields keeps hopping to get off of it faster. With a bit of practice an easy, enjoyable track to master.

Tiger Temple

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 2:02:75
Oxide Time: 1:55:91
Video Time: 1:52:74

Triple-boosting, taking the now forever open shortcut and cutting curves makes the track easier. Start with this one if you want a quick Oxide-success.

Papu’s Pyramid

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 1:59:84
Oxide Time: 1:46:24
Video Time: 1:45:84

This track has the necessity of learning the shortcuts. Oxide uses those as well. The only places where Oxide loses time are the entrance to the maze where he doesn’t boost at all, as well as the lower part of the stair you drop down from, where he takes the curve on the right side while staying on the left cuts the corner and some time. Once you master those, you should be able to keep up with him.

Dingo Canyon

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 1:48:54
Oxide Time: 1:45:47
Video Time: 1:45:10

If you know the track and where to start your triple-boosts, it’s one of the more forgiving tracks for a reason. Oxide doesn’t care about the shortcut through the dirt at the beginning of the track. When crossing the start/finish line in lap 2 and 3 you should have build up a lot of boost to simply cut through the dirt while jumping to save a decent amount of time in those laps.

Polar Pass

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 3:00:85
Oxide Time: 2:46:97
Video Time: 2:42:16

Once again triple-boosting is the key + using BOTH shortcuts. When jumping on the icy turbo-platform you can use the second one to make a 180-turn to save time. Try hitting the jump button while in the upper-right corner of the turbo pad. It might be tricky to learn but it is the key here. Another part to save a lot of time is the very end of the lap. After the big jump Oxide doesn’t cut the corner of it, but you should do this for a big time save.

Tiny Arena

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 3:51:43
Oxide Time: 3:43:22
Video Time: 3:39:72

Triple-boosting all the time and hitting the turbo-pads on the way. No shortcuts here. This stage is simply a matter of learning the line and where to start the triple-boosts.

Dragon Mines

Character used: Tiny
Tropy Time: 1:45:54
Oxide Time: 1:34:62
Video Time: 1:33:94

One of, if not the hardest Oxide Trial in the game. Keep building up boosts throughout the lap until the wooden spiral section. You have to practice this section to get through it without losing much time. Do not go for the minecart shortcut since it isn’t worth the struggle due to the minecart cycles. Another VERY important part comes right after the spiral. You need to build up as many turbo as possible, and do so quickly before hitting the turbo pad there. It helps you grant SF (Sacred Fire) which is necessary in each lap. In third lap Oxide goes crazy fast but loses some time at the spiral. This track needs a lot of practice and if it gives you trouble, do not worry, you are not the only one.

Blizzard Bluff

Character used: Coco
Tropy Time: 1:37:38
Oxide Time: 1:28:19
Video Time: 1:27:38

Boosting at the right time and taking the big shortcut at the river could be enough to defeat Oxide. Getting the shortcut at beginning of the lap makes it even easier and if you are willing to master the tricky fence-jump shortcut you can improve your time. Even without the fence jump he is still beatable. Practice the shortcuts in this level for victory.

Hot Air Skyway

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 3:21:43
Oxide Time: 3:09:89
Video Time: 3:09:42

A difficult track to master at first but you will notice it actually is quite doable if you keep the line. You can cut time on Oxide by jumping down the first spiral section and cutting the corners there. Collect boost all the time in order to extend the USF Turbo-Pad jump. With enough reserves saved you can extend the USF for a long period of time to gain a huge advantage over Oxide. Matter of practice. The old PS1 Shortcut doesn’t work any longer so don’t bother trying it for an easy win.

Cortex Castle

Character used: Tiny
Tropy Time: 2:40:39
Oxide Time: 2:36:09
Video Time: 2:33:45

With tight corners Cortex Castle is difficult to master. Triple-boosting as much as possible and hitting the shortcut are necessary. The other important part of this track comes at the very end. The last big jump at the end is a USF Turbo-Pad. With skillful boosting you can extend this USF for a long period of time which helps a lot beating this track. The longer you can extend the USF, the more time you save.

N.Gin Labs

Character used: Coco
Tropy Time: 2:51:54
Oxide Time: 2:39:65
Video Time: 2:36:72

Similar to Cortex Castle this is about extending the USF. Collect boost throughout the lap (don’t forget to boost in the Turbo-Tunnel) and extend every USF opportunity you get. This is the key for beating N.Gin Labs.

Oxide Station

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 3:30:14
Oxide Time: 3:27:67
Video Time: 3:27:67

While being the easiest track in the original due to the broken shortcut, this time you will have to finish it the intended way. There is one USF you will have to keep alive as long as possible in each round to stand a chance. Practice where to start the triple boosts for maneuvering correctly.

Inferno Island

Character used: Tiny
Tropy Time: 1:54:41
Oxide Time: 1:46:47
Video Time: 1:40:15

Basically a NASCAR Track. Going in one big circle while boosting. Nothing special about it. There is a hidden shortcut at the beginning of the lap which makes the track easier. It is worth mentioning, that it is indeed possible beating Oxide even without the shortcut on this one.

Jungle Boogie

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 1:33:89
Oxide Time:1:27:38
Video Time: 1:26:01

With wide road and an obvious shortcut this track surely is one of the easier ones to master. Get at least a single boost to reach the shortcut on the left side easily.

Clockwork Wumpa

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 2:40:09
Oxide Time: 2:23:97
Video Time: 2:22:80

All about triple-boosts and using the shortcuts in each lap. While the clockwork-shortcut doesn’t require boost, you should build one up for the second shorcut up the wooden platform. At the end you will get a USF which is kinda tricky to be kept alive due to tight corners but if you managed to carry it around the corner, it will grant you a huge advantage towards defeating Oxide.

Android Alley

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 3:17:59
Oxide Time: 2:58:47
Video Time: 2:57:57

Avoid the train at all costs. When it hits you, you will waste a lot of time. Another track where keeping boosts alive basically means a victory. Pay attention to finding the glass-wall shortcut in order to not lose any time. Combining all of the mentioned should make it possible to defeat Oxide.

Electron Avenue

Character used: Tiny
Tropy Time: 4:13:52
Oxide Time: 3:52:23
Video Time: 3:47:22

One of those “keep the USF alive tracks”. You are required to keep USF running as long as you can while avoiding sharp curves and those electrifying walls. Pay attention to the location of the electric wall while driving at it, it will change between high and low. Before the first electric wall you can use the right turbo-ramp for a shortcut to the upper level while turning 180 degrees in the air. A trick which needs a few attempts to get used to but may save you a few seconds each round if you aren’t very consistent with keeping the USF.

Deep Sea Driving

Character used: Coco
Tropy Time: 2:22:90
Oxide Time: 2:05:96
Video Time: 2:03:35

Definitely one of the more annoying tracks in the game due to randomness of the track. You are required to keep the USF from the beginning of the lap alive as long as possible. The big problem, however, are those fan-blades in the underwater tube. You will need some luck to not hit them while maintaining the speed of USF. This is can be difficult due to seeing the fans relatively late. Most of the time it might be too late to avoid them. Getting through the tunnel flawlessly in 2 out of 3 laps should be enough to defeat Oxide, since he hits the fans once himself.

Thunder Struck

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 3:04:18
Oxide Time: 2:58:68
Video Time: 2:56:87

You can build up USF multiple times during this track, which will make you leave Oxide far behind you if you can keep the USF alive long enough. Only thing to be warned of are those moving spiky things on ropes which might hit you if you don’t pay attention.

Tiny Temple

Character used: Tiny
Tropy Time: 2:06:89
Oxide Time: 1:47:71
Video Time: 1:43:93

Througout Lap 1 you basically have to build up as many boosts as possible while not dropping the boost-combo. This combo is needed for a good USF at the last jump of the lap. From now on you’ll have to keep the USF speed througout Laps 2 and 3 without dropping it. Keep boosting manually to keep it alive and make sure to not hit any wall or obstacle or you will lose your speed. A pretty annoying track which requires some practice with the high speed of USF.

Meteor Gorge

Character used: Coco
Tropy Time: 1:45:56
Oxide Time: 1:39:00
Video Time: 1:38:06

Use the left-side ledge with the turbo-pad each lap for a huge speed boost when dropping down again. Keep the triple boosts running througout the whole lap each time and don’t forget about the easy shortcut near the end of the lap.

Barin Ruins

Character used: Coco
Tropy Time: 2:07:79
Oxide Time: 1:55:21
Video Time: 1:54:24

This track is all about keeping the boosts alive. Chaining boosts throughout most of the race is needed, as well the not so obvious shortcut at the very end of the lap.

Out of Time

Character used: Coco
Tropy Time: 3:00:05
Oxide Time: 2:40:09
Video Time: 2:34:95

Make sure to hit the exclamation mark crate on your first lap to set the right bump-ramp up. It helps you with cutting through the dirt. Follow up by jumping over the fence for a nice shortcut. Leaving the clocktower build up momentum to skip the next curve entirely by jumping to the left. Additionally build up boost before the last jump of the lap for a USF boost cary. Knowing all the tricks here makes up for half of the success.

Assembly Lane

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 3:08:76
Oxide Time: 3:00:41
Video Time: 2:59:01

Boosting a lot and taking advantage of the shortcuts, which aren’t obvious at first sight. You can even ignore the shortcut at the end of the track and still beat the time, but using it makes it easier. On the split-way choose the right path and use the ramps to build up more boost instead of the moving lane on the left.

Hyper Spaceway

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 3:00:91
Oxide Time: 2:40:79
Video Time: 2:37:39

You can carry the USF from the first big jump onwards if your boosts are on point. Using the momentum you can use the USF speed and the shortcut for a decent advantage over Oxide in each round. Additionally Oxide doesn’t seem to carry USF momentum in the glass-tunnel near the end of the track.

Retro Stadium

Character used: Penta
Tropy Time: 2:18:54
Oxide Time: 2:06:35
Video Time: 2:03:12

A track not needed for the Gasmoxian Slug trophy. This track is a 1 to 1 copy of Turbo Track, just in retro graphics. Whatever applies to Turbo Track applies here as well. A bonus Oxide Trial if you feel like going for it.

 

Those are all the Time Trials for Tropy and Oxide in Crash Bandicoot Team Racing and will award you with the Gasmoxian Slug trophy or achievement. Good luck!