Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds supports multiple ways to race with friends, from four‑player local split‑screen to 12‑player online lobbies with cross‑platform matchmaking. Below are the modes you can use and clear, detailed setups for each. For an official overview of game modes, see the product page once you own the game and are ready to play: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.

All ways to play with friends

CrossWorlds offers several friend‑friendly paths:

  • Local split‑screen (up to 4 players) in Grand Prix and Custom Match. Configure speed, teams, courses/CrossWorlds, AI difficulty, Frenzy Gates, items, and rule sets.
  • Online Friend Match lobbies (up to 12 total players) with custom rules. Cross‑platform matchmaking lets players on different platforms join the same lobby.
  • Race Park (online and offline) with six party formats, plus Custom Match for one‑off rulesets and longer multi‑race sets.
  • World Match (online ranked) against up to 11 other players if you want competitive play without custom rules.

Set up local split‑screen (Grand Prix, Custom Match)

Use this to get couch co‑op running quickly for up to four players.

Step 1: From the main menu, choose either Grand Prix for a four‑race cup or Custom Match for a configurable single or multi‑race set. This determines whether you play a fixed cup or your own ruleset.

Step 2: Connect controllers and sign in local profiles as needed. Each player should confirm their participation on their controller so the game assigns them a slot.

Step 3: Pick characters and Machines, then press through to settings. In Custom Match you can adjust Speed, Team Size, Courses/CrossWorlds, AI Difficulty, Frenzy Gates, Items, and Rule Sets; Grand Prix uses cup presets with character and Machine choices.

Step 4: Start the event. The screen will divide to show each player’s view, and AI will fill any unused grid slots per your settings.

Step 5: If you want a single race instead of a cup, use Race Park (see below) or set up a short Custom Match rather than Grand Prix.

Note: Online races are limited to one player per console; keep split‑screen for offline play.

Host an online Friend Match lobby (cross‑play)

Build a 12‑player online room with rules you control.

Step 1: Choose Friend Match from the online menu. This opens a custom lobby rather than ranked matchmaking.

Step 2: Configure lobby rules. Set Speed, Team Size, Course/CrossWorlds, AI Difficulty, Frenzy Gates, Items, and Rule Sets so the room plays the way your group prefers.

Step 3: Invite friends. Share the room details or invite across platforms; cross‑platform matchmaking allows players to join regardless of their system.

Step 4: Launch the race. The game will fill remaining grid slots with AI if you permit it, up to a total of 12 racers.

Tip: Use Team Size to switch between solo racing and 2‑/3‑team formats before you start each round.

Use Race Park party modes (online or offline)

Race Park is the hub for quick party formats and alternative scoring rules. You can play solo (with AI rivals) or with friends locally, and you can also run these formats online through lobbies.

Step 1: From the main menu, enter Race Park after selecting your character, Machine, and Gadget Plate. This loads a menu with tents that represent different game formats.

Step 2: Pick a format tent. Choose team games (3 teams of 4, or 2 teams of 6) or solo options like Quick Match and Extreme Match.

Step 3: Set teams and rules. Confirm Speed, items, AI level, and any mode‑specific conditions, then assign human players and AI to teams as needed.

Step 4: Start the race. In team modes, watch your Team Gauge: when filled, everyone on your team automatically triggers a Super Team Boost until the meter runs down. Bumping teammates also gives short speed boosts.

Practice option: You can play these modes solo; the game provides AI rivals, tracks progress, and awards mode‑specific clear rewards.

Expand or shorten events with Custom Match in Race Park

When you want a longer session than a standard cup—or just a single, quick race—Race Park’s Custom Match is the flexible option.

Step 1: Enter Race Park and select Custom Match. This exposes adjustable rules not tied to a fixed cup.

Step 2: Set your Round Count. You can run one race or build a multi‑race event (up to 12 races) for a longer night with friends.

Step 3: Choose Courses/CrossWorlds and items. Decide which tracks and CrossWorlds can appear and curate the item pool for your group.

Step 4: Confirm Speed, Team Size, and AI Difficulty, then start the event. The game will cycle through your round list and tally standings as configured.

Mode reference: what each multiplayer format does

Here’s a concise list of Race Park formats and how scoring works:

  • Triple Team Ring Grab (3v3v3v3). Teams compete to collect the most Rings over the full race; the top ring‑collecting team gets a +10 bonus applied to team totals.
  • Triple Team Tap Boost (3v3v3v3). Stay with your teammates and bump them to give speed boosts; the team with the most ally taps earns a +10 bonus.
  • Double Team Shoot‑Out (6v6). Only attack items appear. The team with the most successful item hits on opponents gains a +10 bonus.
  • Double Team Dash Panel (6v6). Tracks surface extra dash opportunities. The team with the most Dash Panels/Gates hit earns a +10 bonus.
  • Quick Match (12 players, solo). A straightforward race with standard items, no team scoring.
  • Extreme Match (12 players, solo). A solo race where only heavy‑hitter attack items appear.

Additional options outside Race Park:

  • Grand Prix. Four‑race cups for local or solo play, with points awarded per placement and a final winner after race four.
  • World Match (online ranked). Matchmade races versus up to 11 others, with Rank Points and a global rank.
  • Friend Match (online custom). Twelve‑player lobbies with full rule control for private play sessions.
  • Custom Match (offline split‑screen). Four‑player local with granular rules control and multi‑race lists.

Team play basics: Team Gauge and scoring

In team formats, individual placements still matter, but two mechanics decide many outcomes:

  • Team Gauge and Super Team Boost. Draft, drive well, and assist teammates to fill the shared gauge; when full, all teammates automatically enter a powerful team boost until it depletes.
  • Mode‑specific +10 bonuses. Each team mode adds a 10‑point bonus to the team that best meets the objective (most Rings, most ally taps, most attack hits, most dash uses). These bonuses can swing tight matches.

Practical notes: In Ring Grab, spreading out encourages faster Ring respawns for your team; the Omochao item creates a line of Rings you collect as you drive. In Tap Boost, stick to the same route as your teammates so bumps are frequent and easy.

Notes and limitations for online play

Cross‑platform matchmaking is supported in online modes, and Friend Match lobbies hold up to 12 total racers. Online sessions are limited to one player per console, so local split‑screen applies to offline play. Super Sonic Speed is not available in online matches; use the other speed classes for lobbies.

Once your group knows where each mode lives—Grand Prix and Custom Match for local nights, Friend Match for online rooms, and Race Park for party rules—you can switch formats quickly and keep your sessions fresh.