As is the case with most kart racing games, players will pick up random items from boxes while racing in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. However, in the midst of a hectic race with drifting, flying, and laps in other worlds, it can be hard to know what these items do, especially for those with no previous experience of Sonic Racing games.
Therefore, this guide will explain what all the items in Sonic CrossWorlds do, show players how to use them, and also demonstrate how to avoid them when utilized by opponents.
How To Use Items In Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
To use an item, press:
- Xbox: LB
- PlayStation: L1
- PC: Q
- Switch: L
Players can also use the Left Stick on some items to determine whether they go ahead or behind.
There is no way to switch between held items unless using the Inventory Swap Gadget, which will state the button. Normally, 2 items can be held at once, but the Inventory Plus Gadget increases this to 3.
All Normal Items In Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Boost
- Gain a burst of speed.
For each blue wisp you have, you have one boost. Try to use these on straights, rather than corners. They can also be used off-road to cut corners, as the slower terrain doesn’t matter when boosting.
Triple Boost
- Gain a burst of speed. Can be used three times, and the final burst is the strongest.
Try to save the final burst, depicted by a crown, to cut a large corner.
Laser
- Transform into a laser to dash forward along the charted path and pass Machines ahead.
Try to end it on a sharp curve, as the game doesn’t want to drop you here. Instead, it will extend the duration.
Drill
- Transform into a drill. Move automatically toward the finish line.
This is essentially Bullet Bill from Mario Kart. Move aside when other players use it.
Monster Truck
- Transform into a Monster Truck. Crush Machines in your path.
You are faster, larger, and immune to damage. Try to use it when surrounded by opponents. You can also hold it until an enemy projectile is inbound and use it defensively.
Omochao
- Creates a path of Rings. Pick them up to accelerate.
Rings increase your max speed. You can also go off-road to use Omochao, as the rings dropped provide immunity.
Bonus Ring
- Get the number of Rings shown in the icon.
Rings increase your maximum speed. These are found on the tracks rather than being obtained from item boxes. Make sure to aim for them.
Homing Punch
- Fire an attack that locks onto the Machine ahead.
Homing Punch can also be thrown behind to hit opponents or deflect projectiles. This is similar to the Red Shell in Mario Kart.
Triple Homing Punch
- Can use Homing Punch three times.
Don’t spam them and try to save at least one for defense.
Rocket Punch
- Fire an attack that fires straight and bounces off walls. Becomes a homing attack when locked onto a target.
Lock on with a red circle before firing. Rocket Punch is depicted by green boxing gloves.
Triple Rocket Punch
- Can use Rocket Punch three times.
Try not to spam them and save one for defensive purposes.
Slicer
- An attack that locks onto the Machine ahead, cuts it in half, and makes the racer drop an item.
Look for a red square over an opponent. This means it is locked and ready to be fired. Once sliced, a vehicle takes a few seconds to return to full speed.
Bomb
- Fire a bomb that travels in a straight line. It gets bigger and stronger the longer it’s held.
Try to use this on long straights and fully charge it. It’s one of the least reliable items.
King Boom Boo
- Summon King Boom Boo to attack the Machine in 1st place.
King Boom Boo flies in front of 1st place and fires a huge blue wave at them, spinning them around. This can hit other racers, so it’s best used to take out a leading pack. It can only be prevented by the shield.
Slime
- Block the vision of all other Machines, slow them down, and make them drop all items.
Consider using this as groups enter tricky stages of a track where vision is important. It could also be used after many players pick up items.
When hit with this, move the Left Stick in a circle to get rid of the slime. It is also deflected by the Tornado, Void, and Shield.
Weight
- Drop weights on the machines in 1st and 2nd place, crushing them and making them drop 1 item.
This can be used from any distance. Weights can be deflected by the Shield and Tornado.
Dark Chao
- Dark Chao forcibly grants items to all Machines. If they already have an item, a new item will be redrawn.
This includes the player who uses it, so if you have this and another item you don’t like or no other item, you may as well use it and get new items.
Void
- Sucks in Rings and item boxes from a distance. Negates some item attacks and course obstacles.
The void spawns around your machine.
Shield
- Negates all attacks for a duration. Become harder to get knocked away when colliding with other Machines.
Similar to the gold star in Mario Kart. You are immune to everything and will push most other Machines away. Sometimes it should be held onto, especially in first place. Try to avoid others who have the Shield active.
Tornado
- Create a tornado around the user, negating some incoming attacks. Deal damage to other Machines that come in contact while active.
Tornado stops all attacks apart from King Boom Boo. Try to avoid others who have a tornado around them.
Spiked Iron Ball
- Place a road hazard that deals damage on contact.
It can be thrown ahead or behind and will block some projectiles close to the ground. It is similar to the bananas in Mario Kart. Try to leave this trap in chokepoints where players cannot go around and where there are no parallel tracks.
Magnet
- Place a road hazard that draws in Machines around it.
It can be thrown ahead or behind. It will slow down players it catches.
The duration of items is lower the closer you get to the front. This prevents players from hoarding defensive items for too long.
Gadet-Only Items In Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Some items in Sonic CrossWorlds can only be obtained by equipping certain Gadgets. These are similar to perks and can change the way players race.
Other Gadgets improve some items, such as Giant Spiked Iron Ball.
Double Boost
- Gain a burst of speed. Can be used twice.
The Double Boost is available at the start of the game with the Double Boost Specialist Gadget. Use it to get a head start. Double Boost will also appear in item boxes with this Gadget equipped.
Warp Ring
- Warp to the Machine ahead and crush it.
This is available with the Warp Ring Specialist Gadget. Don’t waste this by using on someone only slightly ahead, unless you are in 2nd place. Instead, try to take over a close opponent normally, then use it to jump to the next one. Warp Rings will also appear in item boxes when using this Gadget.