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

During today's Mario Kart World Direct, we were treated to an exciting deep dive into the game's innovative Free Roam mode. This new feature promises a highly engaging multiplayer experience, allowing players to explore the expansive world of Mario Kart in a way never seen before in the franchise.

Although we had the opportunity to go hands-on with Mario Kart World last week, it wasn't until today that we got a comprehensive look at what Free Roam mode entails. This mode introduces a vast, Forza Horizon-inspired world map where players can freely navigate. Unlike previous Mario Kart games, where race tracks were isolated and only accessible during races, Mario Kart World integrates these tracks into an open world. Players can seamlessly transition from one track to another in specific game modes and enjoy the freedom to explore the spaces in between.

In Free Roam mode, when you're not competing in races, you can embark on a mini-adventure. The world is filled with hidden collectibles such as coins and ? panels, although the exact benefits of collecting these items remain a mystery for now. Additionally, P-Switches are scattered throughout the world, which, when activated, trigger short challenges like collecting blue coins.

One of the standout features of Free Roam mode is the ability to enter Photo Mode at any time, allowing you to capture stunning images of your racers in various poses and from different angles. But Free Roam isn't just for solo adventurers. You can join friends in this mode, driving around together, snapping photos, tackling challenges, or simply enjoying each other's company. Free Roam supports up to four players on the same system via split-screen, and up to eight players total through local wireless play, with two players per system.

The Mario Kart World Direct also showcased a range of other exciting updates, including new characters, courses, and additional modes. To stay updated on all the announcements, be sure to check out the full coverage here.