So, you’ve got Mario Kart World and you’re loving the chaos—but maybe you’re just in the mood to drive around and explore for a bit. No stress, no shells, no sudden lightning bolts. Just you, your kart, and the open road.
Good news: Mario Kart World has a Free Roam mode. The less good news? It’s not super obvious how to get into it. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
🕹️ How to Free Roam Solo
🚗 Option 1: Just Press +
From the main menu, hit the + button on your Switch 2 controller.
Boom—you instantly take control of Mario as he cruises in the background. It’s super quick, super easy.
🗺️ Option 2: Use the Map
Want more control over where you go or who you’re driving as?
Here’s how:
- Head to the ‘Map’ icon at the bottom of the main menu (it’s the one with the little location pin).
- You can either:
- Pick a character you want to explore with
- Choose a specific track to spawn in at
- Pick a character you want to explore with
Once you press A, you’re in—ready to roam wherever you like.
🧑🤝🧑 How to Free Roam With Friends
Wanna cruise around with your squad? Here’s what to do:
- Go to the ‘Online’ menu
- Select ‘Friends’
- Either:
- Join a friend’s room
- Or hit ‘Create a Room’ to make your own
- Join a friend’s room
After picking your character and kart, you’ll spawn somewhere on the map. Your friends can jump in whenever. Want to switch locations? Just press Y to bring up the map and fast travel.
👉 Heads up: Free Roam in multiplayer works like a chill lobby—you can explore, mess around, or just vibe until someone decides to start a race.
🎯 What’s There to Do in Free Roam?
Let’s be real—it’s mostly a playground, but still fun:
- Collect Dash Food to unlock new outfits
- Find and activate P Switches for short challenges (mini time trials)
- Look for secrets (yep, Nintendo sprinkled in a few hidden goodies)
- Hang with friends and goof around between races
It’s not super deep, but it’s a nice break from the usual high-speed mayhem.
Free Roam in Mario Kart World might not be the main attraction, but it’s a sweet little side mode. Whether you’re chillin’ solo or waiting for your friends to hop on, it gives you space to just drive and explore the world Nintendo built for you.
Sometimes, you don’t need to win the race—you just need a good cruise. 🛣️✨
Related Articles:
Mario Kart World Guide: Tracks, Characters, Game Modes & More on Nintendo Switch 2
Stuck on Downloading Mario Kart World with Your Switch 2 Bundle? Here’s Exactly What to Do
Start your engines and maybe grab a compass—because Mario Kart is going full open-world!
