Have you already mastered Mario Kart World’s new brand of racing? Have you practiced every wallride and time skip in the game? Maybe it’s time to try something new and take on the Mirror Mode challenge.
Mirror Mode was introduced in Mario Kart 64 and has shown up in every entry in the series since the GameCube-era Double Dash. This mode flips every race track across the y-axis so that left turns become right turns and vice versa. For gamers who have already mastered the perfect way to drift around every corner, this reimagining of every course interrupts muscle memory and makes old races feel new again.
In Mario Kart World, players are able to unlock a version of Mirror Mode that lets them flip each cup around for a different racing experience. You’ll also get a chance to mirror the Free Roam area, drastically changing one of the biggest new Mario Kart features.
These Mirror Modes unlock in two different ways. Here’s how to unlock Mirror Mode races and Free Roam in Mario Kart World.
Keep an eye out for Free Roam collectibles. Knocking out P-Switch challenges is important if you want to unlock Mirror Mode.
How to unlock Mirror Mode races in Mario Kart World
There’s a small laundry list of requirements that you’ll have to knock out if you want to unlock Mirror Mode races in this game. You’ll have to master the existing in-game cups as well as extensively engage with Mario Kart World’s new Free Roam feature. Here’s everything you need to complete in order to unlock Mirror Mode races in Mario Kart World.
Complete all Grand Prix Cups and Knockout Tour Rallies in 150cc
You’ll have to beat every race in the game at the current fastest speed in order to unlock the Mirror Mode for their tracks. Interestingly, you don’t actually need to place first in these cups to fulfill the requirement — just make sure you’ve completed these races in the 150cc mode, as the slower races don’t count toward unlocking Mirror Mode.
Collect 10 Peach Medallions and ? Panels
Peach Medallions and ? Panels can be found in the nooks and crannies of Mario Kart World’s Free Roam mode. Peach Medallions are often hidden in corners or off the beaten path, whereas ? Panels are more likely to be found in open areas or on wallriding sections of racetracks. You’ll need to find at least 10 of each of these collectibles in order to unlock Mirror Mode.
Finish 10 P-Switch challenges
In addition to picking up collectibles throughout the world, you’ll have to find and complete 10 P-Switch challenges. These big blue buttons unlock special timed courses to complete in the open world. You need to fully complete 10 of these challenges to fulfill the Mirror Mode requirement.
Complete the Special Cup on 150cc (again)
This is the last step to unlock Mirror Mode in Mario Kart World, and you can’t complete it before wrapping up the other requirements. If you’ve already beaten the Special Cup on 150cc before beating the other races and picking up all of those collectibles, you’ll have to complete this set of races again. The good news is that you don’t need to get first place to unlock the special mode. Just like with the Grand Prix Cups and Knockout Rally Tours, completion is what matters here.
Once you finish the Special Cup on 150cc, you’ll get a notification alongside a small icon of the Peach Stadium’s stained glass window that informs you that you’ve unlocked Mirror Mode. You’ll be able to choose Mirror Mode from the race selection screen — and this notification gives you a hint about how to enter the new mode in Free Roam.
You’ll have to pop on top of Peach’s castle and enter the stained glass window (top left) in order to enter Mirror Mode in Free Roam.
How to enter Mirror Mode in Free Roam in Mario Kart World
Free Roam’s Mirror Mode won’t take nearly as much effort to activate. Instead of filling out a list of requirements, you only need to find a single secret in Mario Kart World’s open world to activate this version of Mirror Mode.
To flip Free Roam around the y-axis, you’ll have to unlock the Mirror Mode for regular cup races first. After you’ve done that, visit the Peach Stadium track while exploring the world. There’s a secret stained glass portrait of Princess Peach that you need to locate on this course.
You can find this stained glass portrait on the roof of Peach’s castle. Locate one of the parts of the racetrack where you can drive off and land on the roof and then climb toward the middle of the castle. The portrait is front and center on the castle roof — you can’t miss it. Drive through the stained glass to enable Mirror Mode in Free Roam.
Disabling Mirror Mode is as simple as driving through the Peach portrait once again.
What are the rewards for beating Mirror Mode?
Once you unlock Mirror Mode, it’s only natural that you blitz through the newly flipped race tracks in each Grand Prix Cup. Just know that there aren’t any new racers, karts or tracks to unlock by beating the cups with Mirror Mode on. The only reward you’ll earn is a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment for tackling this challenge.
