SEGA is holding an open beta test for its upcoming kart racer, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, giving you a chance to play the game before launch on 25th September.
In order to ensure you’re fully prepared for the beta, we’ve put together this guide, covering everything you need to know, like dates, start and end times, and what’s included.
What Time Does the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Open Beta Start?
The open beta test for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds takes place over several days, and will be open to all players during this period.
The Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open beta begins on Friday 29th August at the following times. Check the bottom of the list for your local time:
- North America: 9pm (Thu) PDT / 10pm (Thu) MDT / 11pm (Thu) CDT / 12am EDT
- UK/Ire: 5am BST
- Europe: 6am CEST / 7am EEST
- Asia/Oceania: 1pm JST / 12pm AWST / 2pm AEST
The beta will be live from the above times, and will conclude on Tuesday 2nd September at the following times:
- North America: 9pm (Mon) PDT / 10pm (Mon) MDT / 11pm (Mon) CDT / 12am EDT
- UK/Ire: 5am BST
- Europe: 6am CEST / 7am EEST
- Asia/Oceania: 1pm JST / 12pm AWST / 2pm AEST
How Do You Join the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Open Beta?
There are no special requirements for taking part in the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open beta test. You do not need to sign up anywhere, nor do you need to pre-order. The beta will be freely available to everyone for its duration.
You can pre-load the beta right now.
On What Platforms Is the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Open Beta Taking Place?
You will be able to play the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open beta on the following platforms:
- PS5*
- Xbox Series X|S*
- Nintendo Switch
- PC via Steam and Epic Games Store
*Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will also be available on PS4 and Xbox One, but only the current-gen consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S) are compatible with the open beta test.
What’s Included in the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Open Beta?
The Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open beta test will feature a variety of playable characters, tracks, and modes.
Characters
Participants in the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open beta will be able to take control of 12 playable Sonic characters. In addition, Joker will join the roster as part of a special event, which starts on 31st August:
- Sonic
- Tails
- Knuckles
- Amy
- Cream & Cheese
- Shadow
- Omega
- Jet
- Wave
- Storm
- Zazz
- Dr. Eggman
- Joker (from 31st August)
Tracks
There will be a total of 16 tracks to play in the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open beta. This number comprises 9 main courses and 7 CrossWorlds (the single-lap areas you warp to mid-race):
Courses
- E-Stadium
- Metal Harbor
- Rainbow Garden
- Wonder Museum
- Water Palace
- Mystic Jungle
- Apotos
- Sand Road
- Colorful Mall
CrossWorlds
- Roulette Road
- Dinosaur Jungle
- Kraken Bay
- Magma Planet
- Sky Road
- Dragon Road
- Holoska
Modes
During the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open beta, you will be able to take part in several modes, including:
- Grand Prix — a four-race event in which you accumulate points based on your finish position.
- Time Trial — speed through tracks to try and complete a lap in the fastest time you can.
- World Match — online multiplayer races against other open beta participants across all platforms.
- Joker Festival — a special 24-hour event in which you join one of three teams, and earn points by completing challenges during races.
What Rewards Can You Earn in the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Open Beta?
Those that take part in the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open beta can earn themselves a few in-game rewards, redeemable in the full game when it launches. These include:
- 2x Sonic-themed decals for your vehicles
- 1x player title
To redeem these rewards, you must log into the full game with the same account and on the same platform you played the beta test.
Do You Need PS Plus to Play the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Open Beta?
No, you do not need a PS Plus membership in order to play the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open beta test.
The same applies on Xbox; you do not need Game Pass Core (or higher) to take part.
However, those playing on Nintendo Switch will need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play the World Match and Joker Festival modes. Meanwhile, Grand Prix and Time Trial can be played without an NSO subscription.
Will you be hopping into the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds open beta test? Let us know in the comments section below.
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