Nintendo has released a free update for Mario Kart World. This new update brings a fresh twist to the game by adding team races to the popular Knockout Tour mode.
The Knockout Tour mode is known for its fast-paced and chaotic gameplay. In this mode, players must race not just to win, but simply to stay in the competition. The rules are strict: if you fail to reach a checkpoint before a certain number of other racers, you are knocked out of the running. It is a test of speed and survival.
Previously, this mode was strictly a solo experience. Every player was on their own, fighting for survival. However, Nintendo has now changed the rules. You can now race as a team with your friends and family. Nintendo describes this new feature with the phrase: “Buddy up and barrel forward!”
How the New Team Mode Works
So, how does this new team-based Knockout Tour function in practice? The total number of racers remains the same at 24 players. However, the race can now feature up to four different teams competing against each other.
This setup allows for various team configurations. You might see a 12 versus 12 race, an 8 versus 8 versus 8 race, or even a 6 versus 6 versus 6 versus 6 race. If you do not have enough human players to fill all the spots on a team, CPU characters will automatically join the race to make up the numbers.
Scoring and Winning the Race
The winner of this team version of Knockout Tour is determined differently than in the standard mode. Victory is not awarded to the single driver who crosses the finish line first. Instead, the winning team is decided by the total points tally of every member in that team.
Points are awarded based on the overall placement of each driver. For example, the driver who finishes in first place earns 50 points for their team. Second place earns 40 points, third place earns 35 points, and fourth place earns 30 points. Drivers who finish further down the pack earn fewer points. In fact, the four drivers who fail to make it past the first checkpoint only get one point each.
Because of this scoring system, the dynamic of the race changes significantly. Even if you are an excellent racer and manage to secure first place, your team might still lose if your teammates do not perform well. Conversely, if you get knocked out of the race early, you are not left with nothing to do. You can watch from the sidelines and cheer on your teammates to try and boost their morale.
Additional Changes and Fixes
Along with the new team racing feature, this update includes other improvements. The game now supports the Polish language. Players can change their selected language by going to the “Language” setting in the “System” menu of “System Settings.”
The update also addresses several technical issues. One specific issue has been fixed where the game would sometimes end unexpectedly if a player played as the character Kamek on the Choco Mountain track. Another issue regarding the displayed rating during online play has been corrected. Several other minor issues have also been addressed to improve the overall gameplay experience.
For those who enjoy competitive gaming, this update adds a new layer of strategy to Mario Kart World. It encourages communication and teamwork rather than just individual skill. The chaotic nature of Knockout Tour combined with team objectives creates a unique and entertaining experience.
If you have friends or family who enjoy playing Mario Kart World, this is a great opportunity to play together. Working as a unit to secure the highest team score can be very rewarding. The update is free, so there is no cost to try out the new mode. It is a nice addition that keeps the game feeling fresh and exciting for players of all skill levels.