Since Mario Kart World's big launch and the first time players drove under the checkered flag, chatter around the game has swirled almost exclusively around one topic: the UFO. First hinted at in trailers and teased in early previews, the odd flying saucer clearly looms larger than any ordinary Easter egg because you can actually touch it and mess with it.

Where to Find the UFO

First things first, you’ll need to hop into Free Roam mode. This open-world feature unlocks the full map for exploration, away from the usual lap-based races. The UFO only appears in this mode, so don’t bother looking for it during standard cups or time trials.

While it usually spawns randomly over roads, during my time exploring, I found a guaranteed way to encounter one. While cruising north out of Moo Moo Meadows, I spotted a P-Switch hidden in the grass on the left side of the road. I hit it out of curiosity, and boom, I was instantly placed in the cockpit of a UFO. It launched a mission and I had full control of the ship. Using the R button, I could activate the tractor beam and start scooping up coins scattered across the area. It was an awesome surprise and a great way to try out the UFO without waiting on random spawns.

How to Get Abducted by the UFO

Once you’ve spotted a UFO hovering above a road in Free Roam mode, getting abducted is actually pretty simple. From my experience, the best approach is to stop driving and observe its movement. The UFO usually lowers itself gradually and shines a bright tractor beam directly onto the road. When that beam appears, all you need to do is drive straight into it. Your kart will be lifted off the ground and sucked into the ship, officially beginning your ride as the galaxy’s newest pilot.

How to Drive the UFO in Mario Kart World

Once inside the UFO, you get full control and yes, it’s just as fun as it sounds.

• A Button: Accelerate
• B Button: Brake
• Left Stick: Steer
• R Button: Activate Tractor Beam (to grab items, players, or NPCs)

The controls mimic standard kart driving, so the learning curve is almost nonexistent. Better still, this flying machine lets you explore the map from above, making it easier to find Peach Coins, hidden paths, and secret collectibles. Use the UFO’s altitude to scope out points of interest or scoop up wandering opponents for chaotic fun.

Time Limit 

As thrilling as it is, flying the UFO doesn’t last forever. You’ll only have around 30 seconds to enjoy airborne antics before the ship automatically ejects you.

• No known upgrades or power-ups extend this time limit.
• After ejection, your kart's glider will deploy to help you return safely to the ground.

In Mario Kart World the UFO isn't just a flashy add-on, it cedes a short-lived ride that lets you swoop upward, cracking the map open in a brand-new way. Whether you're chasing hidden goodies or simply itching to hover menacingly over opponents, stumbling across the ship is a moment every player should chase.