Mario Kart World Free Update Adds Team Races to Knockout Tour Mode
Nintendo has released a free software update (Version 1.5.0) for Mario Kart World that introduces a major new feature to one of the game’s flagship modes — team-based racing in Knockout Tour. The update is live now for Nintendo Switch 2, and it changes how players compete in this intense, elimination-style mode by allowing teams to race together instead of individually.
Team Races Transform Knockout Tour
Mario Kart World’s Knockout Tour is a marathon-style race featuring 24 drivers competing across multiple courses with elimination checkpoints — traditionally a solo free-for-all experience. The new Version 1.5.0 update lets players form teams of friends or other racers and compete together online or via local wireless play.
Under the new system:
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Teams can be two teams of 12, three teams of 8, or four teams of 6.
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Team scoring is based on how well each member finishes overall, meaning collaboration and consistency often matter more than a single first-place finish.
Scoring works by awarding points based on finishing position (e.g., 50 for 1st, 40 for 2nd, 35 for 3rd, and so on), and the total team score determines the winner at the end. Even players who are eliminated early can still earn points that contribute to their team’s result.
This update gives Mario Kart World a fresh social and strategic dimension, encouraging cooperation between racers rather than the typical individual competition.
Other Highlights & Patch Notes
Alongside team races, Version 1.5.0 also includes a few other notable changes:
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Polish language support has been added to the game, making it more accessible to players who use Polish system settings.
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Bug fixes address issues like unintended race endings when playing certain character/items (e.g., Kamek on Choco Mountain) and an inaccurate rating display in some online rooms.
According to Nintendo support listings, this is part of the game’s continued evolution, with regular updates since launch adding features like friend joining in Knockout Tour and broader online improvements.
What This Means for Players
Team racing in Mario Kart World adds new tactics and fun for players who enjoy cooperative competition with friends. Instead of everyone racing against each other for a solo win, racers can now work together to rack up points as a group — perfect for parties or online squads.
The addition also makes Knockout Tour more dynamic and social, encouraging communication and strategy, and shifting the focus from pure elimination to team survival and coordination.