Season 1 Arrives to PC, Mobile, and Consoles on March 8!
KartRider: Drift will arrive to PlayStation and Xbox consoles with the start of Season 1 on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 (PT)! Season 1 will bring in new features, new tracks, new characters, and so much more! If you want a head start, Preseason is still going strong and available on Steam, Nexon Launcher, Android, and iOS devices, and all your progress and the rewards you earn will stay with your account even if you switch to consoles in Season 1.
About KartRider: Drift
KartRider: Drift is the only free-to-play, cross-platform kart racer with arcade thrills, and the fastest drift fueled skilled competition. With deep kart and character customization in stunning high-definition, fun and chaos awaits you on the track.
Challenge your friends across platforms with no barriers, no paywalls, and no pay-to-win elements preventing you from having a great time while topping the leaderboards. Created from the ground up for dynamic online gameplay, there are huge content updates every season.
Play on the Platform of your Choice!
With Season 1, you'll be able to race on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, in addition to playing via Steam, Nexon Launcher, Android, and iOS devices. Your play, inventory, and progress is saved across platforms. You'll be able to play with your friends on their system of choice, competing against Racers around the world!
Make Your Kart Shine!
Your kart is your face in KartRider: Drift, and with the powerful editing tools, you won't be held back from expressing yourself. Use the Garage's Livery system to create unique wraps for any one of the large selection of karts in-game. The Livery features new kart body colors and decals you can apply to make it your own, including the ability to craft your own designs. Combined with a wide selection of characters with different looks and styles, you can guarantee your own truly unique look on the track!
No Barriers to Play!
KartRider: Drift is free for all to play, and comes with special accessibility features to help everyone have a blast. Work to improve your skills to compete in the high-octane Speed Mode, or just relax and have a blast in Item Mode; there's no wrong way to play and no paywalls or restrictions forcing you to spend. Anyone can have a fantastic time in KartRider: Drift, and we look forward to seeing you on the track!
Preseason Livestream Schedule and Information
Hey Racers!
We are so excited to announce our Preseason livestream schedule!
We will be back in February for the first official installment in our Highway Hangout series of streams! These streams will be more casual hangout sessions with CM Smallerbee and occasionally with a guest or two. For this first one though, it's just Smallerbee and whatever giveaways he runs! Come check that out on Wednesday, February 1st at 2:00 PM PST.
Don't forget to head to our Discord server to sign up and play on stream!
These livestreams will be available on the following platforms:
[Update 3:30 PM PST JAN 29] The maintenance has been completed.
KartRider: Drift will undergo maintenance for 2 hours on January 29, starting at 2:00 PM PT.
Maintenance Duration:
PST (UTC -8): 2:00 PM JAN 29 - 4:00 PM JAN 29
CET (UTC +1): 11:00 PM JAN 29 - 1:00 AM JAN 30
JST (UTC +9): 7:00 AM JAN 30 - 9:00 AM JAN 30
AEST (UTC +11): 9:00 AM JAN 30 - 11:00 AM JAN 30
Note: Maintenance schedule is an estimate and subject to change.
Maintenance Details:
KartRider: Drift will be unavailable.
Changes and Updates:
Server Stabilization.
Guides & Gears: Video Guide Series (Last Update: Jan 25)
Guides & Gears #1: Account Linking
This guide teaches you best practices for account linking. We recommend you watch this before playing the game if you're planning to play on multiple platforms!
Guides & Gears #2: Unlocking Tracks
This entry in the series teaches how to unlock each track. You can unlock additional tracks in the license mode.
Guides & Gears #3: License Mode
Looking to get a bit better? Check out this explanation on the License Mode, our training missions! You can even earn karts, characters, Lucci, and more!
Guides & Gears #4: Speed Mode Tips
CM Smallerbee teaches you the basics of Speed Mode and gives you some tips to get started!
This will be an ongoing series, so more videos will be added! The post title will indicate when this post was last updated.
Smiles for Miles Event and more!
Enjoy a new slate of events, earning emotes every 20 minutes with the Smiles for Miles event, and a wealth of Lucci and Rex Emojis just for logging in!
Smiles for Miles Event
Hit the tracks and earn a new emote for Kris or Rex for every twenty minutes you play!
Event Duration:
PST (UTC -8): Wednesday, January 25, 2023 4:00 PM - Wednesday, February 15, 2023 4:00 PM
CET (UTC +1): Thursday, January 26, 2023 1:00 AM - Thursday, February 16, 2023 1:00 AM
JST (UTC +9): Thursday, January 26, 2023 9:00 AM - Thursday, February 16, 2023 9:00 AM
AEDT (UTC +11): Thursday, January 26, 2023 11:00 AM - Thursday, February 16, 2023 11:00 AM
Event Details:
Log into KartRider: Drift and hit the tracks and unlock a new reward every 20 minutes!
Once 20 minutes have elapsed in-game, go to the Smiles for Miles screen under Events to claim your prizes!
Multiple prizes can be earned every day, with each reward unlocking in the order listed below.
Once claimed, prizes will be sent to the in-game Mailbox for you to redeem.
Prizes must be claimed from this screen before the event ends, and all items sent to the Mailbox must be claimed within 30 days of receipt, or they will expire.
Event Rewards:
Reward 1: Angry Emote (Kris - Seated)
Reward 2: Surprised Emote (Kris - Seated)
Reward 3: Amused Emote (Kris - Seated)
Reward 4: Affectionate Emote (Kris - Seated)
Reward 5: Showboat Emote (Kris - Seated)
Reward 6: Bored Emote (Kris - Seated)
Reward 7: Angry Emote (Kris - Standing)
Reward 8: Surprised Emote (Kris - Standing)
Reward 9: Amused Emote (Kris - Standing)
Reward 10: Affectionate Emote (Kris - Standing)
Reward 11: Showboat Emote (Kris - Standing)
Reward 12: Bored Emote (Kris - Standing)
Reward 13: Angry Emote (Rex - Seated)
Reward 14: Surprised Emote (Rex - Seated)
Reward 15: Amused Emote (Rex - Seated)
Reward 16: Affectionate Emote (Rex - Seated)
Reward 17: Showboat Emote (Rex - Seated)
Reward 18: Bored Emote (Rex - Seated)
Reward 19: Angry Emote (Rex - Standing)
Reward 20: Surprised Emote (Rex - Standing)
Reward 21: Amused Emote (Rex - Standing)
Reward 22: Affectionate Emote (Rex - Standing)
Reward 23: Showboat Emote (Rex - Standing)
Reward 24: Bored Emote (Rex - Standing)
Daily Reward Event (Week 3 - 5)
Join us in KartRider: Drift and unlock special rewards just for logging in!
Event Duration:
PST (UTC -8): Wednesday, January 25, 2023 4:00 PM - Wednesday, February 15, 2023 4:00 PM
CET (UTC +1): Thursday, January 26, 2023 1:00 AM - Thursday, February 16, 2023 1:00 AM
JST (UTC +9): Thursday, January 26, 2023 9:00 AM - Thursday, February 16, 2023 9:00 AM
AEDT (UTC +11): Thursday, January 26, 2023 11:00 AM - Thursday, February 16, 2023 11:00 AM
Event Details:
Log into KartRider: Drift and go to the Daily Reward screen under Events to claim your prizes!
Once claimed, prizes will be sent to the in-game Mailbox for you to redeem.
Prizes must be claimed from this screen before the event ends, and all items sent to the Mailbox must be claimed within 30 days of receipt, or they will expire.
Skipping a day will not skip any prizes. For example, logging in on Day 1, missing Day 2, and returning on Day 3 will reward you Login Reward 1 and 2. You must login on 14 days during the event to receive all 14 prizes.
Days begin and end at 12:00 AM UTC.
Event Rewards:
Login Reward 1: Happy Rex Emoji
Login Reward 2: 500 Lucci
Login Reward 3: Sad Rex Emoji
Login Reward 4: 500 Lucci
Login Reward 5: Shocked Rex Emoji
Login Reward 6: 500 Lucci
Login Reward 7: Bluffing Rex Emoji
Login Reward 8: Bored Rex Emoji
Login Reward 9: 500 Lucci
Login Reward 10: Lovestruck Rex Emoji
Login Reward 11: 500 Lucci
Login Reward 12: Mad Rex Emoji
Login Reward 13: 500 Lucci
Login Reward 14: Dancing Rex Emoji
Weekend Login Event (Week 3 - 5)
Keep the fun going the next three weekends for a bonus 1,000 Lucci per day!
Event Duration:
PST (UTC -8): Friday, January 27, 2023 4:00 PM - Sunday, February 12, 2023 4:00 PM
CET (UTC +1): Saturday, January 28, 2023 1:00 AM - Monday, February 13, 2023 1:00 AM
JST (UTC +9): Saturday, January 28, 2023 9:00 AM - Monday, February 13, 2023 9:00 AM
AEDT (UTC +11): Saturday, January 28, 2023 11:00 AM - Monday, February 13, 2023 11:00 AM
Event Details:
Log into KartRider: Drift and go to the Mailbox to claim your Lucci bonus!
Each Saturday and each Sunday you log in during the weekend will award you with 1,000 Lucci!
Days begin and end at 12:00 AM UTC.
Prizes must be claimed from the event menu before the event ends, and all items sent to the Mailbox must be claimed within 30 days of receipt, or they will expire.
KartRider: Drift Steam FAQ
Why do I have to link my Steam account to a Nexon account?
KartRider: Drift is a cross-platform game. In order to enjoy the full crossplay experience, you need to link your Steam account so that your data can be synced across all platforms.
My game keeps crashing. What should I do?
First please check to see if your PC meets the system requirements for the game. System Requirements
If they do meet the requirements but you're still having issues, make sure that your graphics card drivers are up to date. Please update your graphics card drivers to the latest versions for your card's manufacturer before launching, and then run the game.
Latest Graphics Card Driver Check and Download: - NVIDIA Graphics Card Driver - AMD Graphics Card Driver Please note that there is currently a known issue for PCs that use Intel CPU (6th gen or higher) internal graphics card (also known as integrated graphics) where the game may disconnect or close. This issue can be addressed by doing the following:
Please update the compatibility mode of the game executable file to “Windows 7” and then run the game.
The game executable is "Kartdrift.exe'' within the installation folder. Simply right click the game and select "Properties" -> "Local Files" -> "Browse." For more details check out the Preseason Known Issues page.
How can I change my Racer Name?
The Racer Name Change feature isn't supported at the moment, but we are making preparations for future implementation as many Racers have been asking for this feature.
There are only square tracks. How do I unlock more tracks?
License Mode isn't just about the mini-games. They are tutorials and tests to help you gain more experience in the game! Play License Mode to help improve your skills before tackling the harder tracks. Get your licenses to unlock new tracks! Each license will unlock a new level of tracks.
How do I turn off voice chat?
The voice chat feature is set to ON as the default. You can turn it off in your Settings menu. Menu (F10) -> Settings -> Audio -> Voice Chat
My PC meets the system specifications but my game lags.
You can change the graphics settings in your Settings menu. If your PC barely meets the minimum required specs, adjusting your graphics settings should help make your game run a little smoother. Menu (F10) -> Settings -> Graphics Tab -> Graphics Quality
Can I change my matchmaking latency?
You can change the matchmaking latency in your Settings menu. Menu (F10) -> Settings -> General -> Matching
Please note that your gameplay experience may be smoother with better latency, but it may also take more time to find a race. "Balanced" is recommended to ensure a happy medium between matchmaking speed and smooth gameplay.
I have an issue, where do I send a ticket for Player Support?
If you have a problem with your account, a game bug or a technical issue please go to the Player Support page and check if your issue is listed. If so, there may be a quick fix that will help get you back on the track as soon as possible. However, if your issue isn't listed, please submit a request and our Player Support team will work with you to find a resolution. KartRider: Drift Player Support
My Steam account link page gets stuck while loading.
When linking your account through Steam, it will automatically redirect to the linking page through your default web browser.
If you are trying to link and the "Link Account" button gets stuck loading or the page does not open properly, check to be sure that you have disabled all Adblock or popup blocking extensions on your web browser. Close out of your web browser and go back to Steam to initiate the account link again.
I want more features and content like upgrading kart performance, more characters and more tracks.
Currently the game is in Preseason so not all of the features are available at this moment. This gives us a chance to help new players get used to the game and we can collect the necessary data to help us work on improvements to make KartRider: Drift even better. New content will gradually be added, and we will definitely have more in store for you in Season 1. This includes the Kart Upgrade feature. You will be able to spend Lucci to make guaranteed upgrades to the kart of your choice and use the Gears obtained from these upgrades to customize your kart's performance. Please note that the kart will only be upgradable to a certain rank in Season 1.
What are your plans on punishing those players who use illegal programs to cheat?
We want to create a fair and pleasant gameplay environment for Racers playing the game legitimately. We will be tough on those who cheat using illegal programs. This will include banning Racers and taking legal action if need be. We will continue to put in the effort to create a game environment where you can play at ease, knowing that it's only your skills on the track that determines the winner. For more information about what's happening with KartRider: Drift, the development team has prepared a Preseason Dev Q&A. Make sure to check it out.
KartRider: Drift Developer Q&A
Hi Racers,
We saw a lot of questions from our Racers enjoying Preseason and we've prepared a Q&A to share some answers from the KartRider: Drift development team. Please see the details below!
Q. What is the direction that KartRider: Drift is aiming for?
A. We want to create an enjoyable game where Racers who enjoyed the original KartRider and Racers new to KartRider: Drift can naturally get along and race together.
Q. What is the purpose of Preseason?
A. Preseason is a period where you get to experience KartRider: Drift in advance on the PC and mobile platforms.
At the same time, we are receiving your valuable feedback and analyzing game data. This will give us a better idea of the challenges ahead as we work on improvements to make KartRider: Drift even better.
Q. Are we able to play on console in the regular season?
A. Yes! KartRider: Drift will be fully available on Xbox and PlayStation consoles starting with Season 1, allowing cross-platform play in more diverse platforms.
Q. I want to share the livery decal I made with others!
A. We will expand the game contents so that your creative livery designs can be shared with other Racers in the future.
Q. What are your plans for content expansion?
A. First, we plan on creating a foundation based on approachable gameplay that everyone can enjoy. Then we will gradually add new content to create a fresh experience.
Although not supported yet in Preseason, we will be adding items that will make gameplay more diverse, such as the Balloon.
Q. Will content like Scenario Mode get updated?
A. Yes, relevant content like this will be updated in the future.
We can't give you any details at this time, as we don’t want to spoil the surprise, but please keep an eye out for more in the future.
Q. It would be nice to have more characters and tracks.
A. We are getting ready to show off many more interesting tracks in Season 1, and we are also planning to add new characters over time.
Q. Will the Racer Name Change feature get updated?
A. The Racer Name Change feature isn't supported at present, but we are considering it in a positive light and we’re making preparations for it, as it's a feature many Racers want.
Q. Can we upgrade the kart performance?
A. The Kart Upgrade feature will be added starting from Season 1.
With Season 1, you will be able to spend Lucci to make guaranteed upgrades to the kart of your choice. You can use the Gear obtained from these upgrades to customize your kart's performance.
Please note that the kart will only be upgradable up to a certain rank in Season 1.
Q. What are your plans on punishing those players who use illegal programs to cheat?
A. To create a pleasant gameplay environment for Racers playing the game legitimately, we will be tough on those who cheat using illegal programs. We will ban them, and even consider legal action if possible.
We will continue to put in the effort to create a game environment where you can play at ease, knowing that it's only your skills on the track that determines the winner.
We hope this satisfies your curiosity and makes your time in KartRider: Drift more enjoyable!
Thank you,
-KartRider: Drift Team-
Lunar New Year Event
Race into the Year of the Rabbit with a Lucci bonus and a uniquely fluffy Kart!
Lunar New Year Event
Event Duration:
PST (UTC -8): Friday, January 20, 2023 4:00 PM - Monday, January 23, 2023 4:00 PM
CET (UTC +1): Saturday, January 21, 2023 1:00 AM - Tuesday, January 24, 2023 1:00 AM
JST (UTC +9): Saturday, January 21, 2023 9:00 AM - Tuesday, January 24, 2023 9:00 AM
AEDT (UTC +11): Saturday, January 21, 2023 11:00 AM - Tuesday, January 24, 2023 11:00 AM
Event Details:
Log into KartRider: Drift during the Lunar New Year Weekend and claim special rewards from the Lunar New Year Event menu!
Rewards are specific to the day, and will be skipped if you do not log in during that day.
Prizes must be claimed from the event menu before the event ends, and all items sent to the Mailbox must be claimed within 30 days of receipt, or they will expire.
Days begin and end at 12:00 AM UTC on the noted day.
Event Rewards:
Saturday, January 21 Reward: 3,000 Lucci
Sunday, January 22 Reward: 3,000 Lucci
Monday, January 23 Reward: Bunny Buggy Package, which contains:
Bunny Buggy Kart
Bunny Buggy License Plate
Disconnect and Mistaken Account Restrictions Resolved (Jan 18)
Hey Racers!
We have discovered an issue that caused some players to disconnect and mistakenly have matchmaking restrictions/bans applied. We have confirmed this was caused by a data setting error, and this error has been resolved as of Thursday, January 18th at 10:00 PM PST. We sincerely apologize to any Racers affected, and we will be sending out a gift as compensation.
[Solved - Disconnect / Restriction Issue due to Data Error]
Issue Details
Some Racers experienced a disconnect followed by matchmaking restrictions due to a data setting error
Recipients of Compensation
Racers who were unable to access the game due to these restrictions
Compensation Details
Affected Racers will receive 2,000 Lucci.
Compensation will be sent to the Mailbox and must be claimed within 30 days.
January 19 Item Shop Update
The Preseason Sales continue with a big collection of packages and deals for you to claim. Grab Kris' Phantom Thief attire, crush all before you with the monster of a kart in the Burning Titan Package, drive to the rim with Pro Baller Bazzi, cook up something spicy with Chef Mos, and more!
