Sonic Racing CrossWorlds players just got an unexpected early gift in the form of a release date leak. According to reports on November 24, 2025, an accidental early update pushed to some users revealed that the Pac-Man DLC pack will arrive in January 2026. The collaboration was originally announced at Gamescom 2025 with a vague early 2026 timeframe, but this leak pinpoints the launch window to the first month of the new year.
What the Leak Revealed
The information surfaced when certain Sonic Racing CrossWorlds players received an update ahead of schedule. Data embedded in the early patch confirmed the January 2026 release window for the Pac-Man collaboration pack. While Sega and Bandai Namco haven’t officially commented on the leak, the source appears credible given that it came directly from game files rather than secondhand speculation.
This timing makes strategic sense as it gives players several months to enjoy the base game before the first major DLC drop. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds launched on September 25, 2025, meaning the Pac-Man pack will arrive approximately four months after the game’s initial release.
What’s Included in the Pac-Man Pack
When the collaboration was announced at Gamescom 2025, Bandai Namco and Sega revealed several exciting inclusions. The DLC pack features Pac-Man himself as a playable racer, bringing his iconic yellow design and personality to the high-speed world of Sonic Racing. Players will also get access to ghost characters from the Pac-Man universe, though specific details about which ghosts are included haven’t been fully disclosed.
The centerpiece of the DLC is the Pac-Village racing track, which recreates the classic arcade maze experience in three-dimensional racing form. This track allows players to zip through the iconic dot-filled corridors that made Pac-Man a cultural phenomenon. The track design reportedly incorporates recognizable elements from the original arcade game while adapting them for modern racing gameplay.
The Reciprocal Collaboration
What makes this crossover particularly interesting is that it goes both ways. While Pac-Man joins Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, Sonic simultaneously invaded Pac-Man’s territory through DLC for Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac. That collaboration launched on October 28, 2025, and includes three brand-new levels set in South Pac-Island that feature Sonic-inspired gameplay mechanics like loop-de-loops, springs, and dash rings.
The Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac DLC also introduces enemies from Sonic’s universe including Moto Bugs and Buzz Bombers, culminating in an epic boss battle against Dr. Eggman with a surprise appearance from Sonic himself. Players can dress Pac-Man in Sonic’s iconic blue spikes, red shoes, and white gloves, plus collect 20 figurines of beloved Sonic characters to decorate Pac-Village.
Season Pass and Guest Characters
The Pac-Man DLC is part of the Season Pass included with Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Digital Deluxe Edition. This pass brings multiple guest characters, vehicles, and tracks from other iconic entertainment franchises beyond just Pac-Man. The roster expansion features collaborations with several major properties that significantly diversify the racing experience.
- Minecraft – Block-based characters and themed tracks from the world-building phenomenon
- SpongeBob SquarePants – Characters from Bikini Bottom joining the race
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – The pizza-loving heroes in a half shell
- Avatar: The Last Airbender – Benders from the beloved animated series
- Sonic Prime – Characters specifically from the Netflix animated series
Additionally, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds features guest racers from other Sega franchises including Hatsune Miku from the Vocaloid rhythm games, Ichiban Kasuga from Like a Dragon, and Joker from Persona 5. This creates an incredibly diverse roster that appeals to fans across multiple gaming communities.
| DLC Pack | Release Window | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pac-Man Pack | January 2026 | Pac-Man racer, Ghosts, Pac-Village track |
| Minecraft Pack | TBA 2026 | Block-themed characters and tracks |
| Nickelodeon Packs | TBA 2026 | SpongeBob, TMNT, Avatar content |
| Sonic Prime Content | Included at launch | Netflix series characters |
Game Availability and Platforms
Sonic Racing CrossWorlds launched on September 25, 2025, across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. The game also received a Nintendo Switch 2 digital release during the holiday 2025 season, with a physical Switch 2 version containing the full game on cartridge arriving in early 2026.
Players who pre-ordered the Digital Deluxe Edition gained three days of early access starting September 22, 2025. That edition includes the Season Pass with all upcoming DLC packs, plus exclusive characters from Sonic Prime. Standard edition pre-orders received Sonic the Werehog from Sonic Unleashed as a bonus character along with a special vehicle and decal.
Community Response
Fan reactions to both the Pac-Man collaboration and the leaked release date have been overwhelmingly positive. Many players appreciate the reciprocal nature of the crossover, with both franchises benefiting from shared content. The January 2026 timeframe strikes a good balance, giving players time to master the base game while maintaining momentum before the content gap grows too large.
Some racing game enthusiasts are particularly excited about the Pac-Village track, which promises to deliver a unique racing experience unlike anything else in the game. The concept of racing through the classic arcade maze at high speeds while dodging ghosts has captured players’ imaginations and stands out among the more traditional racing environments.
Previous Sonic and Pac-Man Collaborations
While Sonic and Pac-Man represent different eras and styles of gaming, both characters share Sega and Bandai Namco’s history of cross-promotional partnerships. This isn’t the first time the two iconic mascots have appeared together in gaming contexts, though this represents their most elaborate collaboration to date with dedicated content in both franchises’ respective games.
The timing of these collaborations in 2025 and 2026 also coincides with both franchises celebrating major milestones and maintaining strong cultural relevance. Sonic recently starred in successful Hollywood films, while Pac-Man continues his 45th-anniversary celebration throughout 2025 with various releases and partnerships.
FAQs
When exactly in January 2026 will the Pac-Man DLC release?
The leak only specified January 2026 without providing an exact date. Sega typically releases DLC on Thursdays or Fridays, so players should watch for official announcements toward the end of December 2025 confirming the precise launch day within that month.
Do I need the Season Pass to get the Pac-Man DLC?
The Pac-Man pack is included with the Season Pass that comes bundled with the Digital Deluxe Edition. However, Sega will likely offer the pack as a standalone purchase for players who own the standard edition, though pricing for individual DLC packs hasn’t been announced yet.
Will the ghosts from Pac-Man be playable characters?
Based on the announcement details, the ghosts are confirmed to be part of the DLC pack, though it’s unclear if they’re all individually playable racers or if some serve as track hazards or environmental elements on the Pac-Village course.
Can I play the Pac-Village track in multiplayer?
Yes, all DLC tracks in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds are available across all game modes including online multiplayer, local split-screen, and single-player races. The Pac-Village track will integrate into the normal track rotation once the DLC is installed.
Is there Pac-Man content in the base game already?
No, the base version of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds doesn’t include any Pac-Man content. All Pac-Man-related characters, vehicles, and tracks will only be accessible after purchasing and downloading the January 2026 DLC pack.
Will more classic arcade characters join Sonic Racing after Pac-Man?
While nothing has been officially announced beyond the confirmed Season Pass content, the success of the Pac-Man collaboration could open doors for additional retro gaming icons. The game’s crossover-heavy approach suggests Sega is open to creative partnerships across gaming history.
Does the Pac-Man DLC work on all platforms?
Yes, the Pac-Man DLC pack will be available on all platforms where Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is sold, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.
Are there achievements or trophies tied to the Pac-Man DLC?
Most modern racing games include additional achievements or trophies with substantial DLC packs. While not officially confirmed, players should expect new challenges and unlockables specifically tied to mastering the Pac-Village track and racing as Pac-Man characters.
What This Means for Both Franchises
This collaboration represents more than just crossover fan service. It demonstrates how legacy gaming brands can creatively support each other while introducing their characters to new audiences. Younger players who discovered Sonic through recent movies might experience Pac-Man for the first time through this racing game, while longtime Pac-Man fans get fresh ways to engage with that character beyond traditional maze gameplay.
The January 2026 release timing positions the Pac-Man DLC as the first major post-launch content drop for Sonic Racing CrossWorlds. How well this pack performs will likely influence Sega’s approach to the remaining Season Pass content and could determine whether additional collaborations beyond the announced roster get greenlit. For now, racing fans can mark their calendars for January and prepare to chomp pellets at supersonic speeds.