2025 Best Kart Racer Just Got Even Better, Thanks to This New Free Character
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds continues its momentum into its second year with the addition of Bayonetta as a free playable character. The fast-paced kart racer emerged as 2025’s standout title in the genre, distinguishing itself from Mario Kart World, which struggled with an underdeveloped open world and sluggish race pacing. By maintaining a tight, traditional kart racing experience where speed remained central, CrossWorlds built a dedicated audience and kept players returning throughout its first year.
The game’s success has been bolstered by a steady cadence of free character additions—a strategy that will continue into Year Two. Bayonetta, the star of Sega’s long-running fantasy action franchise, marks the first free character to arrive in the new update cycle. A new trailer showcasing her inclusion features the character riding her signature Butterfly Witch boost vehicle, highlighting her distinctive visual style within the racer.
While Bayonetta’s arrival has been announced, a specific release date remains unconfirmed. The move demonstrates publisher Sega’s commitment to supporting the game with ongoing content, leveraging established franchise IP to expand the roster and maintain player engagement. The decision to offer characters for free aligns with modern live-service strategy, where consistent content keeps communities active without requiring additional purchase barriers.