For the first time in series history, Mario Kart World features a free-roam mode that allows you to explore the entire map. However, is it possible to explore with a friend in split-screen co-op?
Mario Kart World features 32 courses, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. This game is a massive, interconnected world with no restrictions. All of the courses are connected, making the map much larger than what appears on paper.
And, in Knockout Tour, you drive from one side of the map to the other, including moving between courses. As for free roam, players can explore the map without the constraints of a race, complete challenges, learn new shortcuts, and find collectibles. Players assumed you would be able to free roam in split-screen, but is that the case?
Can You Play Mario Kart World Free Roam in Split-Screen Co-Op?
Mario Kart World does not support split-screen co-op for free roam. This will be disappointing news to fans who had hoped and expected it would be possible.
There are only two ways to play free roam in Mario Kart World. You can play single-player, and this includes all of the P Switch challenges and hidden collectibles. Or, you can drive around in an online lobby and fast travel to your friend’s locations around the map.
It remains to be seen if Nintendo has any plans to add split-screen co-op to the game mode at a later date.
Even though you aren’t able to play free roam in split-screen co-op, there are still some other options for players.
All Mario Kart World Local Co-Op Split-Screen Game Modes
Here are all of the co-op split-screen modes in Mario Kart World.
Offline
- Grand Prix
- Knockout Tour
- Vs. Race
- Battle
Online
- Race
- Knockout Tour
- Battle
To play online, you need a Nintendo Switch Online account. For the offline game modes, you can play those for free.
And there is no need to purchase any additional controllers, as the left and right Joy Con 2s can be used individually for you and a friend.
For more on Mario Kart World, check out if there is a 200cc difficulty, if you can play this game on Switch 1, and the complete roster.
Is no co-op split-screen free roam a deal breaker for you? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Forums.
