One of the biggest features that sets Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds apart from other kart racers is its Gadget system. These aren’t the on-track power-ups you grab mid-race; instead, they’re passive abilities and perks you configure before hitting the starting line. Gadgets can tweak your driving style, give you defensive insurance, or even manipulate item drops. With over 70 to unlock, the system feels almost like a lightweight RPG build-maker inside a racing game.
How Gadgets Work
- Equipping Gadgets: You slot Gadgets into a Gadget Plate, accessible from the main menu. Each Plate has six spaces, but stronger Gadgets can take up more than one slot.
- Unlocking More Slots: Your Plate expands as you progress through the game, maxing out with the Master Plate that provides the full six slots.
- Multiple Builds: You can pre-save up to five Gadget Plates, letting you swap setups before a race or even between tracks in a Grand Prix.
- Leveling Up: Gadgets improve as you play, boosting their effectiveness over time.
Gadget Categories
Every Gadget falls into one of several categories, each targeting different aspects of racing:
Ring Gadgets
- Ring Gain: Earn extra Rings for specific actions, like successful boosts, air tricks, or using items.
- Ring Ability: Expand your Ring limit (up to 200) or steal Rings from opponents.
Upgrades
- Technical Upgrade: Perform faster and more effective tricks mid-air.
- Charge Upgrade: Build drift boosts more quickly, with some Gadgets even unlocking a Level 4 boost.
- Stat Upgrade: Directly increase Speed, Handling, Power, Boost, or Acceleration.
Defensive Gadgets
- Includes perks like halving Ring loss after damage, recovering faster from hits, or auto-granting an item when you fall off a course.
Item Gadgets
- Item Control: Influence drop chances, gain extra inventory slots, or even swap items instead of being forced to use them in order.
- Upgrade/Add Item: Start the race with a specific item (such as Double Boost or Warp Ring) or upgrade item effectiveness.
Top Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Gadgets for Winning Races
While personal style matters most, certain Gadgets stand out in the current meta:
- Air Trick Expert – Consistently lets you land more tricks than rivals, giving stronger speed boosts.
- Quick Recovery – Reduces downtime after being hit, crucial for online play.
- Lv1 Quick Charge – Builds drift boosts fast, ensuring near-constant momentum.
- Ring Thief – Weakens opponents while padding your own Ring count.
- Inventory Plus – An underrated option that allows you to hold extra items, making defense much easier.
See also: How to Unlock Super Sonic in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds – Full Rival Guide
Recommended Gadget Sets
Sega has even showcased some suggested loadouts to demonstrate synergy:
Collision Combo Set
- Collision Boost: Gain a boost when bumping rivals.
- Extended Slipstream: Longer slipstream range.
- Ring Thief: Halve Ring loss on damage while stealing from others.
- Quick Charge: Drift meter fills faster.
Best for: Power builds that thrive on aggression.
Ring Collection Set
- 200 Ring Limit: Raise your Ring cap for greater speed bonuses.
- Ring Range Up: Easier Ring pickups.
- Dash Panel Bounty: Extra Rings from Dash Panels.
- Attack Bounty: Earn Rings by landing item hits.
Best for: Economy-focused players who want to chain Ring bonuses into constant speed boosts.
Item Control Set
- Inventory Swap: Cycle through items instead of being locked in order.
- Speed Item Chance Up: Boost item drops more frequently.
Best for: Endgame tactics—holding Speed items for a final lap push.
Ultimate Drift Set
- Ultimate Charge: Adds a Level 4 drift with invincibility.
- Quick Charge Fill: Build Level 1 charges instantly.
- Counter Quick Charge: Switch drift to instantly fill a charge.
Best for: Advanced racers who want to dominate corners with nonstop boosts.
Tier List Snapshot
- S-Tier: Collision Boost, Quick Recovery, Lv1 Quick Charge, Counter Quick Charge.
- A-Tier: Double Boost Specialist, Ring Thief, Ring Gain Boost, Super Slow Starter, Item Hoarder.
- B-Tier: Perfect Charge, Spin Drift, 200 Ring Limit, Inventory Plus.
- C-Tier: Monster Truck, Short Fuse, Ring Range Up.
The Gadget system in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds adds a strategic layer that makes every race feel different. Whether you prefer stealing Rings, chaining drifts, or stockpiling items, there’s a setup that matches your style. The key is experimenting—find the Gadgets that complement your strengths, then build multiple Plates so you’re always ready for any track or opponent.
With over 70 Gadgets and countless synergies, this system transforms CrossWorlds from a simple kart racer into a game where preparation matters as much as skill behind the wheel. Play Now!
