Kart-racing fans have plenty to look forward to, and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds aims to stand out with shifting race courses, varied character classes, and extensive customization. The upcoming game draws on ideas familiar from earlier Sonic racers while adding features that can change how each race unfolds. Here is a closer look at its tracks, racers, and customization options.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and its racer classes
The game features a large roster of characters, with each racer assigned to one of five categories: Handling, Acceleration, Power, Speed, or Boost. These classes reflect different strengths, so choosing a character can affect how a race feels and which driving style may suit you.
Knuckles belongs to the Power category, while Amy specializes in Handling. Tails is associated with Acceleration, and Sonic represents Speed. For a practical starting point, try racers from different categories on the same course. That makes it easier to see whether you prefer tighter cornering, a quicker start, or a more forceful approach to competing for position.

Changing tracks and CrossWorlds events
Grand Prix races include courses such as Colorful Mall and Mystic Jungle. Some sections also send vehicles through aerial or water-based sequences, where their forms change to suit the route. This variety recalls Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed while giving races multiple types of terrain to navigate.
After the opening lap, the racer in first place can select a CrossWorld for the next lap. These destinations include stages such as Dinosaur Jungle and Kraken Bay, adding a different course to the race rather than simply repeating the opening track. Players who would rather stick to one course can use custom race rules to turn off CrossWorld transitions, a setting Sega confirmed for the game.
Some CrossWorld gates feature a golden emblem, marking a Frenzy version of the destination. These special stages apply a modifier. One example includes Dash Gates throughout the course; other announced possibilities include unlimited boost and unlimited green rockets. When choosing a race setup, consider whether you want the unpredictability of these modifiers or a more consistent run.

Vehicle and character customization
Racing earns Donpa Tickets, which can be exchanged for customization options. Players can adjust character attributes and personalize vehicles with paint, decals, auras, and horns. Vehicle body parts can also be changed to affect stats, letting you balance appearance with the way your machine performs.
Before a race, you can select a Gadget Plate configured with different buffs. Each module uses a portion of the available space according to its effectiveness. Options in the preview build included enlarging the green rocket, beginning a race with two boost items, and carrying three items instead of two. A useful approach is to prioritize the effect that best complements your racer and preferred strategy, rather than choosing upgrades solely for their novelty.

What to expect from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds brings together character-based driving styles, courses that can change between laps, and detailed vehicle tuning. Its combination of familiar kart-racing fundamentals and CrossWorlds transitions gives players options for both unpredictable events and more straightforward races. The game is scheduled for release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.
For players deciding whether to try Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the main considerations are its course-changing format and flexible setup options. Experimenting with racer classes, custom rules, and Gadget Plates should help you find a race style that fits your preferences.