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If you’re buying for the collab characters and guest-packs, here’s the quick verdict:
✅ Some collab characters are free updates (e.g., from Sega franchises).
⚠️ Many other major crossover packs (Minecraft, SpongeBob, PAC-MAN) are paid DLC and included in the Season Pass.
Why this matters: If you care about driving as Steve from Minecraft or SpongeBob on Bikini Bottom streets, you’ll want to know whether you’re locked into buying extra content or getting it included — and how it impacts gameplay and matchmaking.
What’s in the base roster at launch
- The launch roster includes a large set of characters from the Sonic universe (e.g., Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, Blaze, Eggman) per official listings.
- Some third-party/guest characters are also flagged as free post-launch updates (not paywalled) — for example, Hatsune Miku, Joker (from Persona 5) and Ichiban Kasuga (from Yakuza / Like a Dragon) are confirmed free-update racers.
- Pre-order bonus: some characters like Werehog are included as early purchase incentives.
Season Pass roadmap (packs, timing, prices)
- The Season Pass is included in the Digital Deluxe Edition and grants access to multiple waves of crossover content.
- Confirmed DLC Wave Timeline & Packs:
- Wave 1: Minecraft pack (Steve, Alex, Creeper) – paid DLC included in Season Pass.
- Later packs: SpongeBob SquarePants pack (SpongeBob, Patrick), PAC-MAN pack (Pac-Man, Ghosts), Mega Man pack, TMNT / Avatar etc.
- Price and details: The Digital Deluxe Edition with Season Pass has been listed (varies by region) and the pass adds characters/tracks/vehicles.
Which collabs are paid vs included (Minecraft, SpongeBob, PAC-MAN, Sonic Prime, etc.)
- Paid / Season Pass:
- Minecraft (Steve, Alex, Creeper) – paid DLC included in Season Pass.
- SpongeBob & Patrick – confirmed Season Pass content.
- PAC-MAN & Ghosts – paid Season Pass.
- Sonic Prime characters (Rusty Rose, Nine, Knuckles the Dread) – included in Deluxe/Season Pass.
- Free updates:
- Hatsune Miku, Joker (Persona 5), Ichiban Kasuga (Yakuza/Like a Dragon) are listed as free post-launch characters.
- The official site distinguishes “Free Post-Launch Racers” and “Season Pass Collaboration Racers”.
How DLC affects online lobbies / tracks
- DLC characters and tracks included in Season Pass join the same multiplayer pool — owning the pack makes them playable; others can still race against you, whether they have the pack or not, depending on matchmaking rules. (No explicit fragmentation noted yet.)
- Tracks tied to DLC (e.g., Minecraft World, Bikini Bottom, Maze) are classified as premium DLC courses in the Season Pass.
- Online lobbies are cross-platform and shared, so the main effect is which characters/tracks you personally own, not separate matchmaking pools.
Should you buy packs à la carte or get the pass?
- If you only care about one or two collab characters (say just Minecraft Steve) then buying the specific DLC pack later may save money.
- If you’re a completionist or want all major crossovers (Minecraft, SpongeBob, PAC-MAN, Mega Man, TMNT) then the Season Pass gives better value.
- Consider timing: some free updates will happen regardless, so if you’re patient and only want free content the Standard edition might suffice.
- The pass also bundles future content and vehicles/tracks — so value per character/track improves if you’ll use them all.
FAQs
Can I race on DLC tracks without owning the pack?
Usually you can still race against others who have the track in shared lobbies, but you will not have the track asset unless you own the pack. DLC tracks are premium and part of the Season Pass.
Will crossover music be playable on other tracks?
Not confirmed. Music features vary by character/track pack; collab tracks likely include themed music, but base tracks may keep standard audio.
Are collab characters balanced with base cast?
Yes — collab characters follow the same performance parameters; the differences are cosmetic and thematic rather than gameplay-skewed.
Do packs include challenges/achievements?
Yes — DLC packs typically include extra vehicles, emotes, and sometimes tracks. Achievements for using those may appear.
Do DLCs ever go on sale?
Historically for Sega titles and similar racing games, yes — DLC packs and Season Passes often see discounts post-launch. Waiting may yield savings.
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About the Author
FandomSpace.com is your go-to hub for gaming insights, fan culture, and cross-platform breakdowns. Our team dives deep into the latest releases — from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds to future Sega titles — helping players understand how games work across systems and what’s worth buying next.