Key Highlights
- Mario Kart World receives a free update that introduces team racing in Knockout Tour.
- New mode allows up to four teams to compete against each other in local wireless and online play.
- Race format remains the same, with 24 drivers racing through back-to-back courses until only four remain.
- Team colors are displayed on-screen to indicate progress and performance of each team.
New Team Racing Mode in Mario Kart World Update
The popular racing game Mario Kart World has received a significant update, allowing players to race as teams for the first time. Version 1.5.0 of the game, released on January 21, 2026, introduces a new mode called Knockout Tour that supports team play in both local wireless and online multiplayer settings.
How Team Racing Works
In this exciting new feature, up to four teams can compete against each other. Each race consists of 24 drivers racing through back-to-back courses until only the top four drivers remain. The game provides a unique perspective by displaying team colors on-screen, helping players track their performance and that of their teammates.
Team sizes can be set as follows:
- Two teams: 12 vs. 12
- Three teams: 8 vs. 8 vs. 8
- Four teams: 6 vs. 6 vs. 6 vs. 6
If there are not enough players to fill all team spots, the game automatically fills in with CPU drivers.
Race Format and Points System
The race format remains largely unchanged from previous versions of Knockout Tour. Drivers start in a single line, and after clearing five checkpoints, the bottom four drivers are eliminated. The remaining drivers continue racing until only the top four positions remain.
This ensures that every driver’s performance is crucial to their team’s success.
Scoring in team races differs significantly from other modes. Top finishers earn substantial points based on their placement:
- 1st place: 50 points
- 2nd place: 40 points
- 3rd place: 35 points
- 4th place: 30 points
In contrast, drivers that fail to clear the first checkpoint receive just 1 point. This system emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategic racing.
Supporting Your Team from the Sidelines
Even if a player is eliminated, they can still support their team by watching the race until the end. The game also allows players to switch the camera to follow specific drivers during the race. This feature comes in handy when playing online with friends who might be located in different areas.
How to Build Your Friend List
To join forces with fellow racers, players need to build their friend lists on their Nintendo Switch systems. Here’s how:
- Navigate to the “My Page” section from the HOME Menu.
- Select “Add Friend” and follow the instructions to send and accept friend requests.
For Mario Kart World, every system requires a copy of the game. However, if you both play on the same system, you can bring a buddy online easily. Some other games support GameShare, which allows friends to play together even when only one person has the game installed.
Conclusion
The latest update for Mario Kart World not only introduces team racing but also enhances the overall Knockout Tour experience. By allowing players to work in teams and strategize collectively, this new mode adds a fresh layer of excitement to what was already an engaging race format. Whether you’re playing with friends locally or online, the new team feature promises thrilling competition and camaraderie.
For more details on how to update your game and get started with these exciting new features, visit the official support page for Mario Kart World.
