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Mario Kart World's Free Roam: An Open-World Adventure with Friends

by Matthew May 03,2025

Today's Mario Kart World Direct provided an exciting deep dive into the highly anticipated Free Roam mode, shedding light on its multiplayer aspects and the adventures awaiting players in Mario Kart World's expansive universe.

PlayAlthough we had the chance to go hands-on with Mario Kart World last week, it wasn't until today that we truly got to explore the ins and outs of Free Roam mode. This innovative feature allows players to explore Mario Kart World's vast, Forza Horizon-inspired open-world map freely. Unlike previous Mario Kart titles, where race tracks are isolated and only accessible during races, Mario Kart World integrates these tracks into its open world. This means players can seamlessly transition from one track to another and enjoy the freedom to explore the areas in between during certain game modes.

When you're not in the heat of a race, Free Roam mode transforms into a playground for adventure. The world is brimming with hidden collectibles, including coins and ? panels, though the exact benefits of collecting these items remain a mystery for now. Scattered throughout the landscape are P-Switches, which, when activated, trigger mini-challenges like collecting blue coins, adding an extra layer of excitement to your exploration.

Moreover, Free Roam mode includes a Photo Mode, enabling players to capture stunning shots of their racers in various poses and settings at any time. But the fun doesn't stop there—Free Roam isn't just for solo adventurers. You and your friends can join forces to explore together, snap photos, tackle challenges, or simply enjoy each other's company. This mode supports up to four players on the same system via split-screen, and up to eight players in total through local wireless play, with two players per system.

The Mario Kart World Direct also unveiled a slew of other exciting details, including new characters, courses, and modes. To get the full scoop on everything announced, be sure to check out the coverage right here.