We’re about a month out from the release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, and later this week Sega is offering up another opportunity for you to try out the game through its latest Open Network Test–and an opportunity to see if you come away from it feeling better than us.
A new trailer shared on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel provided a nice overview of what you can expect from this latest beta test for the game, including how long it’s running, and what kind of customization options will be available.
When does the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Open Network Test start?
The exact dates the network test kicks off depends on where exactly you’re located. In the US, for those in a PT timezone, it’s running from August 28 to September 1, whereas in the ET timezone, the UK, and Japan, it’s running from August 29 to September 1–it’s all at the same time; the dates just differ because of timezone differences.
Start Date
- August 28, 9 PM PT
- August 29, 12 AM ET / 4 AM UTC / 1 PM JST
End Date
- September 1, 9 PM PT
- September 2, 12 AM ET / 4 AM UTC / 1 PM JST
How can I sign up to the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Open Network Test?
All you need to do is head to your platform of choice, which includes PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam, or Epic, and download the Open Network Test through their respective storefronts. After that, you’ll be able to play! You can already preload the test ahead of its start time this week.
What’s included in the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Open Network Test?
There’s quite a lot available in the test, notably nine whole courses to choose from and zip through like Metal Harbour, Mystic Jungle, and Colorful Mall. Amongst all of those there are also seven CrossWorlds to get transported to while you’re racing, such as Magma Planet and Holoska.
You’ll have 12 characters to play as, obviously including Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow, and on August 31 you’ll also be able to play as Persona 5’s Joker–more on that in a moment. The test will feature 21 vehicles across five different types, and you’ll have 42 gadgets to modify your playstyle.
In terms of modes, there’s the standard Grand Prix, which typically contains four races in one cup, World Match–which sees you racing online against 11 other players and features a World Rank you can increase–and Time Trials, a mode that lets you race for the best time on various tracks.
There’s also the Joker Festival, which starts August 31 and runs for 24 hours from 12:01 AM ET. The event sees players split into three different teams, where you can earn points and Persona-themed titles. Whichever team comes out on top at the end of the event will also win an exclusive title. It is probably worth noting that save data does not carry over to the full game, however.
In terms of the technical details, you also don’t need a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription to play online, though to play the World Match and Festival modes on Nintendo Switch you will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Cross-play is also enabled for the network test.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is out September 25, and will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
