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

During today’s Mario Kart World Direct, exciting new details were revealed about the game’s upcoming Free Roam mode. This brand-new feature promises a dynamic and immersive experience, offering players a vast open world to explore at their leisure. Unlike previous entries in the series that kept tracks isolated and only accessible during races, Mario Kart World introduces an expansive, interconnected environment reminiscent of games like *Forza Horizon*. In Free Roam mode, players can drive freely between tracks, explore diverse environments, and enjoy a variety of interactive activities.

The multiplayer aspect of Free Roam is particularly impressive. Up to four players can join together locally via split screen, while up to eight players total can connect using local wireless play (two players per system). This makes for a fun-filled cooperative experience where you and your friends can race around the map, tackle challenges, or simply enjoy the scenery together.

Beyond racing, Free Roam serves as a playground for discovery. The world is filled with hidden collectibles such as coins and ? panels—though the exact function of these items has yet to be fully explained. Additionally, P-Switches are scattered throughout the map, allowing players to trigger mini-challenges like collecting blue coins.

Another standout feature is the integration of Photo Mode, which lets players capture memorable moments anytime. Whether it's posing with friends, snapping scenic shots, or documenting a daring stunt, Photo Mode adds a creative layer to the exploration experience.

While we got a sneak peek at Mario Kart World last week, today’s presentation gave us our first real look at what Free Roam has to offer. Alongside this reveal, the Mario Kart World Direct also showcased other exciting additions, including new characters, courses, and game modes. For a full breakdown of everything announced, [click here].