Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Control Stick | Steer the boat |
|---|---|
A | Accelerate |
B | Brake or reverse |
Z | Activate boost |
Control notes
Control details can vary by the selected control configuration.
How it plays
How does Hydro Thunder play?
Races take place from a third-person perspective behind the boat. The objective is to finish ahead of the field while passing checkpoints, finding shortcuts, and managing boost through turns and jumps.
Players choose boats with different performance characteristics and race across courses of increasing difficulty. Boost can provide decisive bursts of speed, while collisions, missed checkpoints, and poor landings cost time. The game includes single-player racing and split-screen multiplayer modes.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Hydro Thunder?
Learn the layout of each course before trying to maximize speed. Shortcuts are often more valuable than a small amount of boost, but entering them badly can leave the boat stuck or misaligned.
Save boost for long straight sections and recover quickly after jumps. Choose a boat whose handling suits the course rather than always selecting the fastest option.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use practice races to identify shortcuts and boost locations.
- 2
Avoid unnecessary collisions near ramps and checkpoint gates.
- 3
In multiplayer, consistent lines are often safer than risky shortcut attempts.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0