The Open Network Test (ONT) for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is officially underway, giving players their first chance to experience the upcoming racer ahead of launch. Running from August 29 at 12:00 PM until September 2 at 12:00 PM (UTC+8), the test is open across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.
The primary goal of this test is to refine online functionality and identify potential issues before the game’s full release. Since the title remains in active development, participants should expect occasional crashes or other technical hiccups along the way.
How to Join the Test
Participation is simple: download the test version from your platform’s digital storefront and log in once the servers go live. Progress and data from this session will not carry over to the final game, but there is a bonus incentive for taking part. Players who join the ONT will receive two exclusive decals and the “Open Network Test Racer” title when the full game launches, provided they use the same account and platform.
Download links are available through the following stores:
Available Modes and Features
Players can try both offline and online modes during the event:
- Offline Modes: Grand Prix, Time Trial
- Online Modes: World Match, Joker Festival
After completing the first Grand Prix, online features become available.
Online Test Schedule
- World Match: Aug 29 – Aug 31, then again Sept 1 – Sept 2 (UTC+8)
- Joker Festival: Aug 31 – Sept 1 (UTC+8), featuring team-based challenges with Festival Points to unlock temporary decals and horns
While items from Joker Festival will not transfer to the full release, the mode offers a glimpse at the game’s larger event system.
Online Features
- Squads: Form groups of up to four players
- Cross-Platform Play: Race seamlessly across all supported systems
Language Support
The test includes full subtitle support in thirteen languages, ranging from English and Japanese to Portuguese (Brazil) and Thai. Audio options cover Japanese, English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. On Switch, non-system languages can be selected within in-game settings.
The Sonic franchise has seen various racing spin-offs, but Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds aims to stand out with its cross-platform play, squad features, and event-driven content. By opening the network test to a wide audience, Sega is working to ensure smoother online functionality at launch while rewarding early testers with cosmetic bonuses.
The online test will be active until September 1 at 9:00 PM PT (or September 2 at 12:00 PM UTC+8). Fans have just a few days left to download the game, participate in races, and help shape the future of this new multiplayer racer.
