All Games Modes in Mario Kart World
Written by Andrew Hammel
Mario Kart World comes packed with new and classic game modes, each offering a different kind of intensity depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Here are all the modes in the game.
Knockout Tour
This is the big new mode in Mario Kart World.
In Knockout Tour, players race across several tracks stitched into one long event. After each leg, there's a placement cutoff. If you're behind that cutoff, you're out.
It keeps getting tougher as more racers drop. Only one kart survives to the end. If you’re good under pressure... or just lucky... this is your mode.
Grand Prix
The classic Mario Kart setup is still here.
Each Grand Prix is made up of four races, grouped into cups like Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, and so on. Your placement in each race gives you points. The racer with the most points after four tracks wins the cup.
The twist? You actually have to drive across the world map to reach the next course. It’s not just menus anymore... now it’s a road trip.
Cups available at launch:
Mushroom Cup
Flower Cup
Star Cup
Shell Cup
Banana Cup
Leaf and Lightning Cups are either unlockable or coming in updates.
VS Race
Want to set your own rules? VS Mode lets you host private lobbies and race however you want.
You can mix up rules, pick maps that aren’t in the main cups, and customize just about everything. Great for parties or grudge matches.
Time Trials
This one's for the perfectionists.
Time Trials let you race solo to get your best lap times. You get three mushrooms and zero distractions. No items flying at your face. Just you, the track, and a timer.
Great for mastering layouts or seeing how far behind the world record you really are.
Ghost Mode
Ghost Mode lets you race against other players’ recorded runs. These ghost racers are invisible and can’t interact with you, but they follow the same path their real-world player took.
Perfect for seeing new lines, shortcuts, or for realizing just how slow your shortcut really was.
Battle Mode
Battle Mode brings back the brawling chaos, with two types confirmed at launch:
Balloon Battle
Everyone starts with a few balloons. Pop other players' balloons with items. Lose all yours, and you’re out.
Coin Runners
You’ve got a timer and one job... grab the most coins. Items are active, so expect some sabotage while you’re collecting.
Free Roam
This one’s exactly what it sounds like.
Free Roam mode lets you explore the open world without any racing pressure. You can drive wherever you want, look for secrets, or just chill.
There are missions, collectibles, and coins hidden all over the place.
Hidden Missions
Blue P icons scattered around the world trigger mini-challenges. Think of them like short bonus levels with rewards tied to performance.
Hidden Secrets
You’ll also find secret panels, coins, and other mystery items on the map. Exploring thoroughly pays off.
Final Blurb
Mario Kart World doesn’t hold back when it comes to variety. Get in there and have some fun!
FAQ
Q: Do I need to unlock Knockout Tour?
No, it's available from the start.
Q: Can I play Free Roam with friends?
Not at launch. It’s single-player only for now.
Q: Do Ghosts appear in all modes?
No, only in Time Trials and Ghost Mode.
Q: Can I race all tracks outside of Grand Prix?
Yes, use VS Mode to access tracks that aren't tied to specific cups.
Q: Are Leaf and Lightning Cups in the game?
They may be unlockable or added later. They aren’t available right away.
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