Published on: June 02, 2025
Nintendo continues to push the envelope with the release of Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch, delivering innovative gameplay experiences for new and long-time fans alike.
Among the standout features in this latest entry from Nintendo is Free Roam mode—a highly anticipated addition that grants players the freedom to tour Mario Kart’s vibrant courses at their own pace.
This comprehensive guide explores everything players need to know about Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World, from unique collectibles to unlockable rewards and brand-new skills.
What Is Free Roam Mode in Mario Kart World?
Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World is a significant departure from the standard racing formula that the franchise is known for.
Players can enter Free Roam directly from the title screen or within the game’s menu, making it easily accessible whether playing solo, online with friends, or in local multiplayer lobbies while waiting for others to select courses.
This versatile mode caters to both competitive players and casual explorers by allowing them to freely navigate elaborate tracks, seek out hidden secrets, and practice advanced techniques.
Key Features and Activities in Free Roam
Free Roam mode is packed with engaging features that encourage exploration:
- Master New Tricks: This mode provides an ideal space to hone new mechanics such as wall riding and rail riding—techniques making their debut in Mario Kart World.
- Missions: Various mission types, such as navigating blue P-Switches to complete specific objectives against the clock or dodging obstacles, offer consistent challenge and progression.
Completion of these missions rewards players with exclusive vehicle decals.
- Collectibles: Players can gather coins, which function as in other game modes by offering speed boosts and contributing to the player's total coin count.
Special Peach Medallions, unique to Free Roam, can be found on each course.
Collecting Peach Medallions unlocks additional decals to personalize vehicles.
- Photo Mode: Free Roam enables players to use Photo Mode, offering a fun way to capture in-game moments with dynamic filters.
- Rewind Feature: For the first time, Mario Kart players can practice and perfect their wall and rail riding skills using the new Rewind functionality.
Special Interactions and Vehicles
Free Roam introduces temporary access to special vehicles, including oversized trucks, helicopters, and boats—each available for a limited time (around 20 seconds) and designed to help players traverse large distances quickly.
Another unique addition is the binoculars stationed in each course.
Players can drive up to these points for a bird’s-eye perspective of the surrounding environment.
Unlockables and Rewards
Mario Kart World’s Free Roam mode is not just about unfettered exploration—it also offers a deep pool of incentives:
- Decals: Earnable through driving distance, completing missions, and collecting Peach Medallions, these decals allow players to personalize their karts.
- Outfits: Collecting and consuming Dash Food found throughout courses rewards players with new outfits for various playable characters.
Character selection can be changed easily via the pause menu.
- Karts: By amassing coins in Free Roam, players unlock new karts at regular intervals (every 100–200 coins collected), enticing repeat play.
Noteworthy, players may encounter Nabbit wandering tracks, hinting at future mission content or unlocks as the game’s post-launch updates progress.
As always, Nintendo encourages players to explore every nook and cranny, ensuring that Free Roam remains a fresh and rewarding experience long after launch.
Released exclusively for Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart World continues the franchise’s legacy as an industry leader in multiplayer kart racing, now with deeper, explorative gameplay thanks to innovative features like Free Roam mode.
Whether perfecting new skills, completing missions, or discovering hidden collectibles, Free Roam offers compelling reasons for players to keep coming back for more.
Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Switch Free Roam Kart Peach Medallions Dash Food P-Switch missions Nabbit Photo Mode