Mario Kart World Update Adds New Knockout Tours

Nintendo expands Mario Kart World with two new Knockout Tour routes, Photo Mode enhancements, gameplay balancing, and more free content as fans await the game's first major DLC.

Nintendo has released a massive free update for Mario Kart World, which includes new content and gameplay changes that continue to expand the racing title as it gears up for upcoming downloadable DLC. Version 1.7 brings two new Knockout Tour routes, new Photo Mode features, greater gameplay balance, and a host of bug improvements, giving players more reasons to jump back into the game.

One of the biggest new features in the update is the expansion of the game’s Knockout Tour mode. The game launched with eight distinct rally routes for players to explore, but Version 1.7 introduces two more: the Drill Rally Tour and the Boomerang Rally. Nintendo has also confirmed that more Knockout Tour events are scheduled for future releases, so support for one of the game’s most popular multiplayer aspects.

The Drill Rally Tour starts on the eastern side of the world map and then heads northwest past areas such as Wario Shipyard, DK Pass, Dandelion Depths, the iconic SNES Mario Circuit, Dry Bones Burnout, and Bowser Castle.

The Boomerang Rally, on the other hand, takes players around a track in the shape of its namesake, sending them through Salty Speedway, Cheep Cheep Falls, Moo Moo Meadows, Choco Mountain, Mario Bros. Circuit, and Whistle Top Summit. But players won’t be able to jump into the new events right away. Both Knockout Tours are only available after completing at least one of the previous rallies, so players will need to progress through the mode before they can access the latest additions.

This method will continue as Nintendo steadily develops the mode with extra material in future updates, according to the company. Version 1.7 also adds a much-requested feature to Photo Mode in addition to the new race routes. Now, players can decorate their pictures with stickers they've collected throughout the game. The update adds over 1,000 collectible stickers, expanding users' creative options to customize their images and share unforgettable race moments.

The update also includes a laundry list of gameplay tweaks meant to improve general balance. Nintendo has also changed the way a few items work in races, such as Kamek's wizardry and the Bullet Bill item. The changes are meant to promote a fairer competitive experience and incorporate community feedback since the game launched.

In addition to the balancing modifications, Nintendo has repaired several bugs and gameplay issues affecting both online and offline play. While many of these adjustments are very modest, they add up to greater stability and refinement and continue to demonstrate the developer’s dedication to improving the experience through regular post-launch updates.

Many players have been happy with the continuous improvements, especially because all the new content has been offered for free. Nintendo has spent the months since launch offering additional features, gameplay options, and quality-of-life upgrades that bolster the main game, rather than rushing into costly expansions.

Fans have been steady, but many fans are wondering when Mario Kart World will get its first big downloadable content expansion.

Some are still speculating that a reveal could happen during a future Nintendo Direct, while others believe Nintendo may wait until next year for a broader content roadmap. Given how big the Mario Kart franchise has been throughout the Nintendo Switch generation, expectations are strong that Mario Kart World will receive long-term support.

Many players think Nintendo should do something similar with the Booster Course Pass, rolling out waves of new tracks and content over the life of the Switch 2. Meanwhile, the fact that free patches keep coming out shows that Nintendo is still willing to invest in the game. Additional battle scenarios and online features have already been included in previous updates that were missing at launch, and version 1.7 expands on that with even more multiplayer-focused content.

The inclusion of new Knockout Tour races should be particularly appealing to players who often play local multiplayer sessions. The mode has been a favorite among many players for its fast-paced elimination-style gameplay, and the two new rally routes are a great reason to come back to the game.

Excitement for paid DLC continues to increase, but Nintendo’s strategy of developing Mario Kart World via free updates has kept players interested. There are more Knockout Tours confirmed for future releases, and bigger expansions are scheduled further down the line, so the current update signals Mario Kart World isn’t done evolving yet, even into the Switch 2 era.