The best racing games to try in 2026

Montreal has always had fuel in its veins, and 2026 is shaping up to be a monster year for racing fans everywhere. From hardcore sims to wild arcade chaos, next year’s lineup is stacked with games that feel just as good on a full steering wheel rig as they do on a couch controller. Whether you’re chasing lap times, drifting mountain roads, or just looking for pure speed, these are the racing experiences that deserve a spot on your radar.

 

Leading the charge is Forza Horizon 6, and it’s hard not to get excited. Set across Japan, the game dives headfirst into everything from neon-lit Tokyo streets to the iconic curves around Mount Fuji. Playground Games is clearly aiming to celebrate Japanese car culture in all its forms, including tuning, drifting, and high-speed highway runs. With a massive car list and multiplayer events built for chaos and creativity, this feels like the open-world racer everyone will be talking about. Racing enthusiasts will feel eager to experience this innovative lineup.

 

On the opposite end of the spectrum sits iRacing Arcade, a surprisingly clever twist on one of sim racing’s most respected names. This version trades laser-focused realism for colourful visuals and a top-down view, but don’t let that fool you. Underneath, tyre wear, fuel strategy, and pit stops still matter. It’s built to welcome new players while keeping seasoned racers engaged, which is no small feat. Similarly, RIDE 6’s expanded bike roster and modes invite riders of all skill levels to join the fun, making 2026 a year of inclusive racing experiences.

 

Formula One fans won’t see a fully new title next year, but F1 26, arriving as a major expansion to F1 25, makes sense. With the sport entering a brand-new regulation era and fresh teams joining the grid, the updated content should bring plenty of shakeups. For players already deep into the series, this approach keeps things evolving without starting from scratch.

 

If you want something louder and less serious, Screamer looks like pure arcade energy. Anime visuals, aggressive racing mechanics, and a dystopian story-driven tournament set it apart immediately. Twin-stick controls and skill-based systems make every race feel active and slightly unhinged in the best way.

 

Two-wheel fans are also eating well. MotoGP 26 continues the series’ push toward accessibility without losing depth, while RIDE 6 expands into off-road racing, adds over 250 bikes, and introduces arcade and pro modes to suit different play styles. Unreal Engine 5 visuals don’t hurt either.

 

Over The Hill brings a calmer vibe, focusing on exploration, co-op play, and off-road discovery. It’s less about winning and more about getting lost, which feels refreshing. Meanwhile, Endurance Motorsport Series aims squarely at strategy-driven, long-haul racing with dynamic weather and multi-class events.

 

For sci-fi fans, Star Wars Galactic Racer revives pod racing with modern physics and customisation, while GTA 6 rounds things out by promising the most ambitious open-world racing sandbox yet. Somewhere between all this, even motorsport-themed slot experiences continue to evolve, with some of the most successful slots games online in this specific genre, being able to prove that racing inspiration reaches far beyond the track.

 

From Montreal to Mount Fuji, 2026 is all about speed, style, and variety. Time to get those engines warmed up.