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Most of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ original racers are available from the start. The reported gameplay unlock is Super Sonic; other characters come through purchase bonuses, free updates, or paid DLC. Because SEGA’s reviewed pages do not combine every release into one current roster, this guide explains the confirmed access routes as of October 4, 2026—not a complete count of every character available on every platform.
Which characters require gameplay progression?
SEGA announced 23 Sonic-universe characters for the launch roster in 2025. That is the launch count, not the total roster after updates and DLC. Available reporting says the base-game racers are available from the start, with Super Sonic as the progression exception. SEGA’s launch announcement gives the original count; it does not establish a post-update total.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Standard Edition - Nintendo Switch | $34.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Playstation 5) | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - P4 | $59.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Unlock Super Sonic
GamesRadar reports that you unlock Super Sonic by defeating all 23 rivals through Grand Prix progression. The same report says Super Sonic cannot be used online. SEGA’s reviewed official pages do not document this unlock condition, so treat it as reported guidance rather than an official SEGA-confirmed rule. GamesRadar’s Super Sonic guide describes the condition and online restriction.
Which characters depend on bonuses or purchases?
Werehog: pre-order or early-purchase bonus
SEGA lists Werehog as a pre-order bonus for the digital version and an early-purchase bonus for the physical version. Access therefore depends on edition and purchase timing; it is not a standard gameplay unlock. Check the terms shown for your platform and region. SEGA’s purchase guide lists the bonus conditions.
#1 Best Overall
- READY, SET, WARP! Race across 24 tracks and warp to 15 CrossWorlds with Travel Rings, a unique gameplay mechanic that transports the iconic characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes into new dimensions. Use unpredictability to your advantage as you change the landscape of each race!
- RACE WITH THE BEST! Choose from 23 iconic Sonic characters, the largest roster of any Sonic racing game!
- MAKE IT YOURS: Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
- GAIN THE ADVANTAGE WITH POWERFUL ITEMS! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Gather with friends and play local split-screen in Grand Prix and the new party mode Race Park, compete against a community of players from around the world with up to 12 players online in World Match, or test your driving skills in Time Trials.
Collaboration racers: paid DLC
The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the Season Pass, and SEGA says the Season Pass and collaboration DLC are also sold separately. SEGA’s DLC guide lists waves featuring these racers:
- Minecraft: Steve, Alex, and Creeper.
- SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob and Patrick.
- PAC-MAN: PAC-MAN and Ghosts.
- Mega Man: Mega Man and Proto Man.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello.
- Avatar Legends: Aang and Katara.
SEGA notes that DLC contents and release dates can change. The list identifies announced content, not a guarantee that every wave is currently available on every platform. Check your platform’s store and the game’s DLC status for current availability and ownership. SEGA’s DLC guide has the wave details and caveat.
Rank #2
- READY, SET, WARP! Race across 24 tracks and warp to 15 CrossWorlds with Travel Rings, a unique gameplay mechanic that transports the iconic characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes into new dimensions. Use unpredictability to your advantage as you change the landscape of each race!
- RACE WITH THE BEST! Choose from 23 iconic Sonic characters, the largest roster of any Sonic racing game!
- MAKE IT YOURS: Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
- GAIN THE ADVANTAGE WITH POWERFUL ITEMS! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Gather with friends and play local split-screen in Grand Prix and the new party mode Race Park, compete against a community of players from around the world with up to 12 players online in World Match, or test your driving skills in Time Trials.
Which characters arrive through free updates?
Some racers are added through free updates rather than paid DLC. In a March 2026 post, SEGA named Red, Goro Majima (Captain Majima), and Arle as playable racers arriving in free updates. In an August 2026 announcement, SEGA confirmed Axel as a free-update racer and said an internet connection is required to claim add-ons. These announcements confirm examples; they do not form a complete free-update roster as of October 4, 2026.
- SEGA’s March 2026 free-update announcement names Red, Goro Majima, and Arle.
- SEGA’s August 2026 Axel announcement confirms the free racer and internet requirement for claiming add-ons.
How to check what you can access
- Check your base game: Open the in-game character roster and try the original racers. Most launch-roster characters are reported to be available from the start.
- For Super Sonic: Progress through Grand Prix and defeat all 23 rivals. The reported unlock is gameplay-based; a Deluxe Edition or Season Pass is not the stated requirement.
- For Werehog: Check whether your digital pre-order or physical early purchase qualified under SEGA’s applicable bonus terms.
- For free-update racers: Connect to the internet and check the game’s update and add-on status. SEGA says a connection is required to claim add-ons.
- For collaboration racers: Check the platform store for the relevant DLC, Season Pass, or Deluxe Edition entitlement, then confirm the add-on is installed or available in-game.
Why there is no single verified “every character” count
The sources reviewed establish the 23-character launch roster, several free-update examples, and the listed DLC waves, but SEGA’s official pages do not consolidate every release through October 4, 2026 into one dated roster. Actual access can also differ by platform entitlement and purchase timing. For a genuinely exhaustive list on your copy, compare the in-game roster with your platform’s installed add-ons and current store listings.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- UK PSN account may be required for any online features
Rank #3
- Pre-order Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and receive the playable character Werehog, the Werehog vehicle "Beast Spike", and the Werehog Decal!
- Race across land, sea, air, space, and time in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Warp through Travel Rings into new dimensions where something new awaits around every twist and turn.
- Speed to victory solo or as a team in a variety of offline and online modes and compete against players from around the world. Build the ultimate vehicle to match your racing style, unlock gadgets to gain the upper hand, and unleash power-up items to bring home the win!
- Gain the Advantage with Powerful Items! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- Make It Yours Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
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