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Mario Kart Worldlets players take their chaotic karting action onto the open road. With tracks connected through a sprawling open world, players will compete in Grand Prix and Knockout Tours that feel far more like true endurance races. However, the open world can also be explored at a slower pace, inMario Kart World’sfree roam mode. The problem is, it’s not immediately clear how players access it if they want to cruise around the map solo or with friends. Here’s everything players need to know abouthow to free roam inMario Kart World.
How to Free Roam in Single Player in Mario Kart World
Right From the Start
Toexplore the open worldsolo, players have two options to access it. The first is to simply press the + button on the Switch 2 when on the main menu. This will have them immediately take over from wherever the character is driving in the background of the main menu.
Alternatively, if players want to explore a specific area of the map or free roam as a different character, they can select the ‘Map’ option at the bottom of the main menu. This is the little map icon with a pin on it, nestled between the stickers and manual options.
To change character, press the + button on the right Joy-Con 2. Alternatively, you can press Y to open the map andselect a characteryou want to take control of. You can also fast travel to the different tracks on the map by selecting one with the cursor and pressing A.
How to Free Roam with Friends in Mario Kart World
Hop Into a Lobby
Free roaming in the open world with friends is done by going to the ‘Online’ menu and then selecting the ‘Friends’ option when selecting a game mode. Players can then choose to either join a room that a friend has created, or select the ‘Create a Room’ at the top of this screen to set up their own. After selecting their character and kart, they’ll be dropped onto the map in a random location, and their friends can join the room when they’re ready. Pressing Y will open up the map inMario Kart Worldfor players to select another track on the map to fast travel to. The free roam in multiplayer essentially acts as your lobby.
The creator of the room can set up and start a race whenever they want, too. It essentially just gives players something more interesting to do while waiting for their friends.
Free roam with other players only allows players to drive around the map. All the activities that can be done in single-player (listed below) can’t be played in multiplayer at the time of writing.
What Can You Do in Mario Kart World Free Roam?
Take on Challenges
The free-roam option inMario Kart Worldhas a number of different things for players to do. I’ve listed each of these below: