Welcome to our Mario Kart World guide – your one-stop shop for a walkthrough of everything you need to know about Nintendo’s bold new entry in the franchise, written and updated by players actively exploring the game in real-time.

Screenshots

All Mario Kart World characters

Mario Kart World has 50 characters at launch, some of which are better than others based on stats alone, with the entire roster of racers featuring iconic faces and those less familiar:

More: Leaderboard of all characters stats

All vehicles in Mario Kart World

Unlike other MK games, World doesn’t offer customisation for your vehicles, and you’re instead able to select one of 40 different Karts, Bikes, and ATVs, many of which are unlocked at random by collecting Coins during gameplay.

Each offers their own stat spreads that adjust when pairing them with characters to make different kart combos – with some being arguably better than others depending on your own preferences.

Note: Vehicles listed below with an * need to be unlocked through gameplay by collecting Coins.

All Mario Kart World Cups & tracks

Mario Kart World has a total of 32 main circuits on launch, along with over 100 unique tracks based on different variations to play through. We’ve ordered the specific track locations in the table below just as you would see them in Grand Prix mode:

Mario Kart World modes list

Mario Kart World Races — Dexerto / Nintendo

At launch, there are six different modes for racers to dive into — some of which are familiar to Mario Kart fans, and others that are brand new:

All items in Mario Kart World

MKW features 29 different items (some of which have slight changes to previous games) for racers to use in a match, eight of which are making their first appearance in the series (and have been bolded in the table below):

More: Tier list of best items

Game Summary

Mario Kart World is a groundbreaking evolution of the long-running kart racer, transforming the classic circuit-based gameplay into a vast open-world experience. While past titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offered tight tracks and limited exploration, Mario Kart World reimagines the formula with interconnected regions, dynamic weather, and RPG-lite progression.

For the first time, players can drive freely between themed zones, discover hidden challenges, and take on races or missions in any order. The game blends open-world mechanics with core kart-racing physics, adding layers of customization and a mission-based structure that expands single-player content more than any title before.

New features

Gameplay, Items & More

Fully Open-World Map
- An open world map, featuring a seamless, interconnected world that spans biomes like the Mushroom Kingdom Meadows and Yoshi’s Island Coastline — no loading screens between areas.
Free Roam Mode with Missions and Collectibles
- Players explore at their own pace, activating P-Switch missions and collecting Peach Medallions, and Mystery Panels to unlock rewards.
24-Player Races
- Races now support up to 24 players at once, offering more intense and chaotic competition than ever before.
Knockout Tour Mode
- A survival race mode where 24 racers are eliminated four at a time until one remains across linked courses, Knockout Tour is a battle-royale like mode.
Dynamic Weather and Time-of-Day System
- Rain, fog, and night cycles affect visibility, item spawns, and traction in both races and exploration.
Enhanced Kart Mechanics
- New movement options like rail grinding and wall jumping add skill-based shortcuts and advanced navigation.
Charge Jump and Rewind Abilities
- Hold drift to perform a Charge Jump; use Rewind to retry a section after a mistake or missed stunt.
Character Customization and Unlockable Costumes
- Players unlock outfits by collecting items or completing missions, giving characters a personalized look.
Expanded Multiplayer Features
- Local and online play now includes GameChat, allowing real-time voice communication during races.
New Items and Power-Ups
- Introduces new items like the Coin Shell, which scatters coins, and the Ice Flower, which freezes enemies on contact.

Mario Kart World – FAQs

Before you start playing (or decide to buy the game) there are a few things you need to know. Here, we answer a lot of the community’s frequently asked questions:

Q: How many local players can play together in Mario Kart World?

Answer: Mario Kart World supports local multiplayer for up to four players on a single Nintendo Switch 2 system via split-screen. Additionally, up to eight players can race together through local wireless play, with each system accommodating up to two players.

Q: Does Mario Kart World have split-screen?

Answer: Yes, Mario Kart World supports split-screen multiplayer for up to four players on a single Nintendo Switch 2 system.

Q: How big is the game in terms of download size?

Answer: Mario Kart World is listed as 23.4 GB.

Q: Does Mario Kart World have voice chat – and how does it work?

Answer: Yes, Mario Kart World includes voice chat through the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in GameChat feature. Players can communicate with up to 12 others during online races using the console’s integrated microphone.

Q: Will Mario Kart World be on Switch 1, or just Switch 2?

Answer: Mario Kart World is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 and will not be available on the original Switch.

Q: Will Mario Kart World have a story mode?

Answer: No, Mario Kart World does not have a traditional story mode.

Q: Does Mario Kart World run on 4K?

Answer: Mario Kart World runs in 4K at 60 FPS on Nintendo Switch 2 in docked mode, with an optional 1080p performance mode at 120 FPS.

Q: Does Mario Kart World support GameShare?

Answer: Mario Kart World supports GameShare on Nintendo Switch 2 through both local wireless and online GameChat, allowing others to play without owning the game.

Q: Can you play Mario Kart offline?

Answer: Yes, Mario Kart World can be played offline with access to Grand Prix, Time Trials, Free Roam, Battle Modes, and local split-screen multiplayer.


Weight class	Medium
Tier List	C
Best Kart	Baby Blooper

Cataquack

Character info

Character base stats