Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds doesn’t cross the finish line until 25th September, but you can try Sega’s new Mario Kart rival for free this weekend in an open beta.
From today (29th August) until Monday, 1st September, Sega is hosting an “open network test” on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC at the following times:
Start time
- 28th August, 9pm PT / 29th August, 12am ET / 4am UTC / 5am BST
End time
- 1st September 9pm PT / 2nd September 12am ET / 4 AM UTC / 5am BST
How to enter
To enter, simply download the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Open Network Test on the PlayStation, Xbox, Steam or Epic Games store. You don’t need to sign up or pre-order the game to enter.
A PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass or Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to enter. However, a Switch Online subscription is required to play online modes in the Nintendo Switch version. Saved data cannot be transferred to the final game, while cross-play is supported in the beta test.
Sega says the open beta will help “improve online multiplayer functionality and identify any problems.”
What does the Sonic CrossWorlds Open Network Test include?
With just under a month until launch, the Open Network Test provides an extensive preview of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
In terms of single-player modes, players can try Grand Prix, with each cup including four races, or Time Trials. Completing the first Grand Prix unlocks World Match, allowing you to race online against up to 11 opponents.
A separate Joker Festival online event featuring unique rulesets will also see players splitting into one of three teams and completing unique challenges, such as collecting rings. As you earn more points, you’ll unlock decals and horns to use in the limited-time event.
In addition, the Open Network Test will feature 21 vehicles to drive and customise, with more to be added in the final version, and 42 gadget power-ups to mix and match.
In terms of courses, there are nine tracks in the beta, including Metal Harbour and Dragon Road, along with seven CrossWorlds, where driving through Travel Rings seamlessly wraps you into a new location after the first lap.
As for playable racers, the network test will feature 12 iconic characters from the Sonic universe:
- Amy
- Cream & Cheese
- Dr. Eggman
- Jet
- Knuckles
- Omega
- Shadow
- Sonic
- Storm
- Tails
- Wave
- Zazz
Joker will also be playable from 31st August in the limited-time event.
All players who participate in the test will receive an exclusive decal and player title in the final game.
In our recent hands-on preview, we were impressed with Sonic Racing: CrossWorld’s customisation, frenetic racing and colourful courses. The fact it’s multiplatform also makes it a serious rival to Mario Kart World.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds speeds onto PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One and Nintendo Switch on 25th September. You can also get up to three days of early access by pre-ordering the Digital Deluxe Edition.
A Switch 2 version is planned for later this year, though the original Switch version will be backwards compatible.
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