SEGA reveals full Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds roster with surprises

GAMING NEWS Fyra Frost - Aug 27, 2025, 16:00

SEGA has officially revealed the complete character lineup for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious kart racers ever made. Featuring over 50 racers drawn from across the Sonic universe and beyond, the game blends fan service, nostalgia, and high-profile collaborations to challenge genre heavyweights like Mario Kart.

A Star-Studded Base Roster

At launch, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will include 23 characters from Sonic’s long-running franchise. Players will get to race as fan favorites like Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Shadow, alongside lesser-seen heroes and villains such as Blaze, Silver, Jet, and Zavok. Classic adversaries including Dr. Eggman, Metal Sonic, and Egg Pawn will also join the fray, making the base roster a celebration of the series’ decades-long history.

SEGA has confirmed that several iconic characters from its broader catalog will arrive in free updates post-launch. Among the most exciting reveals are Hatsune Miku, the global Vocaloid superstar, Joker from Persona 5, and Ichiban Kasuga from Yakuza: Like a Dragon series. These additions promise to broaden the game’s appeal far beyond Sonic fans alone.

For those who invest in the Season Pass, SEGA is planning an impressive wave of crossover content. Characters from Minecraft, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Pac-Man are confirmed, alongside racers inspired by the Sonic Prime animated series. Leaks and teasers also hint at future collaborations with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Avatar: The Last Airbender, making CrossWorlds feel like the kart-racing equivalent of Super Smash Bros..

Fans who pre-order the game or pick it up early will unlock Werehog Sonic, a nod to the cult-favorite transformation from Sonic Unleashed. Between the launch roster, free DLC, and Season Pass content, the game’s total number of racers will exceed 50 playable characters, offering a level of variety rarely seen in the genre.

The Voice Acting Controversy

One notable decision has sparked debate among fans: crossover characters will not feature voice acting. Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, explained that this choice was made to streamline approval processes with external licensors. While this may simplify production, some players feel it detracts from the immersive experience of hearing characters like SpongeBob or Joker speak during races.

With its massive roster, cross-platform online play, and a release date set for September 25, 2025, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is poised to become a standout entry in the kart racing genre. By combining classic Sonic charm with an impressive lineup of guest racers, SEGA is positioning the game as a true competitor to Nintendo’s Mario Kart World. As usual, remember to check out our comparator to keep track of the best deals for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds if you like the game.