Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Characters and Tracks Revealed for Upcoming Closed Network Test

Get ready to rev your engines with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the latest kart racing game in the Sonic The Hedgehog series. Developed by Sega and the Sonic Team, this game promises to be the most expansive yet, featuring an impressive lineup of characters and innovative gameplay mechanics. Dive into the details about the new features, mechanics, and the upcoming closed network test.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds New Features and Mechanics Revealed

Largest Roster From The Series Ever

In an exciting reveal, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to feature the largest roster in the series to date. According to a PlayStation.blog post by Sega of America's Associate PR Manager Thalia Piedra on February 12, 2025, the game will boast "iconic characters from the Sonic and Sega universes." While the trailer showcased only Sonic franchise characters, the official website confirms a launch roster of 23 characters, with more to be added post-launch.

The trailer gave fans a glimpse of familiar faces like Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy, along with Sonic Riders characters Jet, Wave, and Storm. Zavok and Zazz from the Deadly Six, Team Dark's Shadow, Rouge, and E-123 Omega, and Dr. Eggman with his creations Egg Pawn and Metal Sonic also make appearances. The Chaotix team including Vector, Charmy, and Espio, as well as Blaze, Silver, Cream, and Big round out the impressive lineup.

Travel Rings Will Transport Characters To Different CrossWorlds

One of the standout features of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the introduction of Travel Rings. As detailed by Thalia Piedra, these rings will transport characters to different worlds, known as CrossWorlds, in real-time during races. This mechanic promises to bring dramatic changes to the racing experience, whisking players from one environment to another, each filled with unique surprises like large monsters, engaging obstacles, and breathtaking scenery.

The game will also feature dynamic tracks that evolve throughout the race, drawing inspiration from previous titles like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. With 24 main tracks and 15 CrossWorlds, players will have plenty of new environments to explore and master.

Customization, Extreme Gear, Gadgets, and More!

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds offers the most extensive vehicle customization yet. A preview shared on Twitter (X) on February 17, 2025, showcased options for modifying the front and rear parts of vehicles, wheels, and deep color customization for the body, tires, cockpit, and overall glow.

Players can also equip their characters with 23 different Gadgets, allowing for personalized play styles. The game will feature 45 unique original vehicles, including the return of Extreme Gear from Sonic Riders. This beloved mechanic allows players to race on flying hoverboards, adding a boost-based racing style to the mix.

Sonic Creative Officer Takashi Iizuka described the game as "a great culmination of all the Sonic Racing series games to date," highlighting the blend of new and returning mechanics and features.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Closed Network Test Announced

Closed Network Test Registration Now Open

Fans eager to get a sneak peek at Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds can now sign up for the closed network test. Registration opened on February 12, 2025, and will close on February 19, 2025. The playtest will run from February 21, 2025, to February 24, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.

Here are the test times in various time zones:

• PST: 02/21/2025 (Fri) 04:00 PM - 02/23/2025 (Sun) 04:00 PM
• EST: 02/21/2025 (Fri) 07:00 PM - 02/23/2025 (Sun) 07:00 PM
• GMT: 02/22/2025 (Sat) 00:00 AM - 02/24/2025 (Mon) 00:00 AM
• JST: 02/22/2025 (Sat) 09:00 AM - 02/24/2025 (Mon) 09:00 AM

Participants who complete the post-test survey will receive an exclusive in-game sticker and title, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.