Every racing game releasing in 2026

If 2025 was the driving and sim racing genre’s ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ period, then how is 2026 shaping up? Here’s every racing game to expect over the next 12 months, from DLC and early access updates to re-releases and all-new titles.

We start with those locked-in, which includes what we’re certain will be the most important release of the year.

Confirmed

Forza Horizon 6

Platforms: PC and Xbox Series X|S first, PS5 later

Let’s start with a big one. In fact, the biggest one: Forza Horizon 6.

If the upcoming sixth instalment of Microsoft’s open-world racing game were a building, it would be the Burj Khalifa, towering over all other racing games.

Earlier this year, the last instalment was released for PS5, three and a half years after it originally came out for PC and Xbox. Despite its age, it was the best-selling game on Sony’s platform. Not just the best-selling racing game, but flat-out the best-selling irrespective of genre. Remarkable.

6 will take that momentum and pair it with the most fan-requested location – Japan. It will even try to replicate the densely populated Tokyo in some form, a type of environment the series has typically shied away from.

If the Playground Games development team took Horizon 5’s fundamentals and only changed the location, it would already be a hit. We hope, however, the team doesn’t rest on its laurels.

Ride 6

Release date: 12th February 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

Forza Horizon is so seminal, the developers at Milestone are now seemingly trying to make the two-wheeled facsimile with Ride 6.

In the trailer for this new game, there is a festival, a DJ and dirt racing alongside the existing asphalt.

But, will it be open-world? Unlikely, we think it’s simply some cut-scene and menu garnish on otherwise ‘Gran-Turismo of bikes’.

We’ll find out for sure soon, when this is released in February with over 300 motorcycles.

Gear.Club Unlimited 3

Release date: 19th February (Switch 2)
Platforms: Switch 2 first, PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S later

Another upcoming game that seems to have Horizon-inspired elements is Gear.Club Unlimited 3.

But it’s emphatically not open-world. Instead, you buy and modify cars from your base, before racing them around exotic locations, one of which is even a busy Tokyo highway at night.

This was originally planned for a Nintendo Switch 2 release round about now, but it will instead arrive on the 19th February, followed by PC, PlayStation and Xbox versions later.

iRacing Arcade

Release date: TBC February (PC)
Platforms: PC first, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S later

From one delayed accessible racing game to another – iRacing Arcade.

Expect colourful visuals, easy handling, cross-platform multiplayer and a career mode that involves buying cars, hiring drivers and some kind of SimCity-style headquarters creation.

We recently tested a work-in-progress build, driving each car and most of the tracks.

Simply, we love the Original Fire Games team behind this and their ethos, but are eager to see if the AI, online and career come together into a cohesive experience.

Initially slated for a PC release before the end of December, that version now arrives in February, with console versions following later in the year, adding further cars and tracks.

IndyCar

Platforms expected: PC, PS5 and Xbox

iRacing won’t just be appealing to Mario Kart fans, but hardened open-wheel followers, as it creates the first official IndyCar game in 22 years.

Developed by a European team, previously responsible for ExoCross, it will use that off-road game’s graphics engine mixed with core vehicle dynamics from NASCAR 25.

You can see hints about this title’s prospects in current IndyCar-related track updates happening for the main iRacing simulation, alongside hybrid systems and the creation of the Indy NXT car. Expect all of those to be in this standalone release, due in the second half of the year.

Screamer

Release date: 26th March 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

If iRacing Arcade and the IndyCar game sound a little derivative to you, Screamer is anything but.

Yes, this is technically a series reboot, but in the here and now, this is unlike any other racing game releasing soon.

It’s a real breath of fresh air from Milestone, which in recent years has only created sequels of either Ride or endless sports titles.

Here, there’s a futuristic setting with distinct visuals, wonderfully exaggerated fictional cars, a fleshed-out story and car mechanics that are as if Inertial Drift mated with Tekken – it’s all about twin-stick control and battling your opponents.

There’s also set to be a narrative-filled story, with a character tied to each vehicle, when it arrives on 26th March.

That does mean there’s a lot of seemingly disparate elements that need to gel, and it will be tricky to market something that isn’t a well-known franchise.

On the flip side, this isn’t a well-known franchise – something we arguably need more of in mainstream video games. Which is exactly what the next game on this list is.

Endurance Motorsport Series

Platforms: PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

A fresh start for KT Racing, Endurance Motorsport Series an interesting concept that will see you race but also manage your team. Once you visit the pits, a team-mate will take over driving duties and you head to the pitwall. You can also oversee multiple cars within your squad.

Another delayed game, this was pushed back to make sure the online features are further refined before launch, and a closed beta test recently took place.

Traxion has tested early builds of this game at multiple events, and there’s promise there. Best not to think of it as having Le Mans Ultimate-beating vehicle dynamics, but it did feel an enjoyable mix between sim and accessibility alongside a unique twist – let’s find out in early ‘26.

Over The Hill

Platforms: PC first, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 later

On the subject of unique driving games, how gobsmackingly gorgeous is the slow-paced overlanding title Over The Hill?

Created by the same Funselektor squad as Art of Rally, it has captured people’s imagination with record Steam pre-orders for the developer.

We can see why, as the lush biomes, dynamic weather and optional online co-operative play have us captivated ahead of release. Plus, unlike actual overlanding, you don’t have to wear a fleece.

It’s due sometime within the next 12 months, with console versions – although it sounds as if the creators have enough bandwidth to push it back if need be. Which is good, as the potential here is bigger than the Yellowstone National Park.

Super Woden: Rally Edge  

Release date: 15th January
Platforms: PC first, consoles later

Another delightful indie game is Super Woden: Rally Edge. Its recent limited-time demo had us salivating for more. 

But it was merely a crumb, alone on an oversized dinner plate. We can’t wait to play more, as unlike some other retro-themed driving games, the vehicle handling was enjoyable.

If the driving experience was a rare steak, then the graphics were the… okay,  we’ll stop with the food analogies.

Listen, it’s a retro-infused rally game, with a huge roster of cars and multiple game modes – we’re here for it.

Wreckfest 2

Platforms: PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

We’re also here for virtual banger racing, which is Wreckfest 2’s forte.

When the Traxion team planned its dream sequel to the 2018 original, our shopping list included:

• Shinier visuals
• Even more bone-crushing crashes
• Ranked multiplayer
• New cars
• New tracks
• Enhanced AI-powered rivals

In early access, Wreckfest 2 has delivered on most of these already, plus a cool CRAP-IT (their words, not ours) car design tool.

Further content – more overtly stupid vehicles please! – and a career mode seem to be the final major items needed for this to leave early access.

A release date is not confirmed, which is fine by us. Please don’t rush this. 

CarX Drift Racing Online 2

Platforms: PC first, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S later

A leftfield choice, the original CarX Drift Racing Online grew a surprisingly large audience over time, with keen fans enjoying the easy-to-slide dynamics, extensive car customisation and multiplayer.

The developers have been working on the open-world CarX Street for a number of years, but now that it has been released, it’s back to the dedicated drift games, with an early access sequel expected sometime during the first half of the year.

Carmageddon: Rogue Shift

Release date: Early 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2

Carmageddon: Rogue Shift is a surprise – we thought the pedestrian-crushing road rage simulation was over, since the last failed reboot in 2015 and its Wreckfest DLC appearance in 2021.

However, it will be revived, and by former Redout game creators 34BigThings. The aesthetic and gameplay have been reimagined, as if mixing The Running Man with the Jason Statham Death Race film. The year is 2025, and it is, naturally, post-apocalyptic.

That means a futuristic setting with machine guns mounted on 15 upgradable vehicles. There are some zombies sprinkled in to at least refer back to the 1990s original, too.

In an era where car combat games have all but disappeared, this bombastic smash-up has us reaching for classic Twisted Metal games in preparation.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Platforms: PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

The last true dedicated Star Wars racing game was Racer Revenge waaay back in 2002. So, count us surprised when 23 years later, a new one was announced during The Game Awards.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer is described as a “high-stakes reinvention of racing, born in the lawless Outer Rim of the Star Wars galaxy.”

What that seemingly translates to is you competing in the ‘Galactic League’ with landspeeders and speeder bikes. Initial details focus on ‘dangerous’ races where you can ‘slam, shunt and takedown’ rivals through a single-player campaign or online PvP.

Slamming. Shunting. Takedowns…

Why does that sound familiar?

Ah yes, it reminds us of Burnout. No coincidence, then, that Galactic Racer is the debut release from Fuse Games, a new studio founded by former developers who were senior on… yes, previous Burnout games.

Burnout. In space. With the Star Wars franchise. We’ve signed up quicker than a TIE Fighter can roll.

Honourable mentions

There are smaller, or less mainstream, racing games on the way in 2026, too.

These include retro arcade racer Four-Player Grand Prix in February and retro simulation racer Grand Pro Circuit at some point in Early Access.

Parking Garage Rally Circuit DX will expand a cult indie racer and see it on consoles for the first time, while Geoff Crammond’s classic Grand Prix simulations will be re-released on PC.

Let’s also briefly mention some releases that are not racing games, but that driving game fans may enjoy.

007 First Light

James Bond returns in March with 007 First Light, replete with driving missions and licenced cars – MI6’s finest has Aston Martins, while it looks like the baddies drive Jaaaags.

Grand Theft Auto VI

Then, the biggest entertainment launch of the decade, when Grand Theft Auto VI finally arrives in November. Hopefully….. If its release date finally stops changing faster than a dodgy crypto ticker.

Road Kings

For truckers, there is Road Kings by Saber Interactive, making use of the dynamic weather systems seen in SnowRunner and Dakar Desert Rally – although it does have some serious haulage competition. More on that later.

Speculative releases

So those are the driving and racing games we know for certain are arriving in 2026, but here is a collection of games that, despite being so far unannounced, are safe bets.

MotoGP 26

As Milestone and MotoGP have a contract that is publicly running until next year, we’d expect a MotoGP 26 title to arrive on schedule. This is as predictable as a Yamaha is slow down the straights.

Monster Energy Supercross 26

Similarly, last year witnessed a reboot for the official Monster Energy Supercross games, so we’d expect another.

MXGP

Meanwhile, Nacon’s reboot of MXGP in 2024 was about as enjoyable as a cup of warm vomit. However, we spoke to the company recently, and they said it would come back stronger. It missed 2025, now’s the time for a return.

NASCAR 26?

While we’re discussing official motorsport games – no, not the company behind Le Mans Ultimate, but video games representing real-world series – we have to wonder, will there be a dedicated NASCAR 26 release, or instead, will its overseeing company, iRacing, release a DLC pack instead?

Sim racing updates

Well, one prominent contemporary that will be implementing the latter is Formula 1!

F1 25 2026-season DLC

For the first time since before I was in high school, there will be no new F1 game next year. Which sounds like a disaster, but could be a very good thing.

Electronic Arts and developer Codemasters Birmingham have taken the bold decision to release a 2026-season DLC pack for the current F1 25 game, and then return in 2027 with something, quote, “reinvigorated”.

It’s bold because next season is a year of significant change for the real-world motorsport – new rules mean a lack of DRS and a greater emphasis on electrical energy.

Mind you, as this game series has suffered from inconsistent quality over the past half-decade, it is time for a reboot.

Le Mans Ultimate DLC and career

Which is exactly what Motorsport Games did – yes, we do mean the company this time – with Le Mans Ultimate, escaping the clutches of NASCAR and rFactor 2, and delivering one of our favourite sim racing platforms.

Its European Le Mans Series DLC pass will be complete soon, with the Duqueine LMP3 and Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya expected near the start of the year. The big ticket item will be a single-player career mode, which the title has been crying out for.

Then, speculatively, as the official game of the FIA World Endurance Championship, we’d be surprised if it didn’t work on the relevant car upgrades for the 2026-season, with several Evo-spec models in Hypercar and LMGT3, plus the all-new addition from Genesis.

iRacing updates

As ever, iRacing is expected to release four major seasonal updates throughout the year – they arrive each quarter like clockwork. What we know so far is that the March ‘Season 2’ update will bring revised TCR physics alongside one to-be-announced car for the class, and the Floridian St Petersburg street course.

The aforementioned iRacing Arcade also provides hints at future content, with the Paul Ricard and Bahrain circuits seen here also expected in the main simulation.

The usual suspects

RaceRoom will most likely continue to create new content and platform revisions on the back of its successful Ranked Multiplayer launch. Automobilista 2, meanwhile, is another title with a career mode on the way.

Both Rennsport and Project Motor Racing will try to redeem themselves after their rocky beginnings. Game fixes and refinements are the clear priority for both. If they recover, and there’s no guarantee at this point, expect a slew of DLC content.

A more popular circuit racer, Gran Turismo 7, just released its significant Spec III update and Power Pack DLC. We’d expect more monthly updates throughout the year, but can’t help but think the Polyphony Digital creation team is predominantly focused on Gran Turismo 8 for further down the line.

As for BeamNG.drive? Well, there will be updates, but will it be more rally content, drifting, large trucks, monster trucks, a career, simulated UFO crashes or an updated Pigeon… you can never tell with Beam…

Open-world game updates

Meanwhile, fans of open-world driving games are in for a treat, as there’s not just Horizon 6 to look forward to.

During Season 9, starting in March, The Crew Motorfest will add a new playground island, a Track Forge circuit creator, NASCAR content and remote-control cars. More is expected in Season 10, starting July, too.

Meanwhile, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown will continue its redemption arc, with three main updates expected, culminating in purchasable houses by the middle of the year.

While we don’t know if their products will be released in 2026, surely it would be the year to hear more about two ‘AAA’ driving games from separate studios founded by ex-Forza Horizon developers, Lighthouse Games and Maverick Games?

Ports

So, that’s all-new games, speculative sequels and updates covered, but what about ports?

Numerous existing releases are expected to hit different platforms. JDM: Japanese Drift Master will be on PS5 during Q1, as will Tokyo Xtreme Racer. The aforementioned Le Mans Ultimate is in console development, arriving either ‘later in 2026, or early 2027.’

Meanwhile, destruction racer Trail Out is heading to PlayStation 5 in late January 2026, while GRID Legends is getting a surprise Switch 2 port early next year, alongside PlayStation and Switch versions of Taxi Chaos 2.

However, perhaps the biggest platform switch news, both literally and figuratively, is that both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator should arrive on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Meanwhile, DLC content will continue to be delivered for both, with Ireland, Iceland and Coaches among the ETS2 additions. On the US side, South Dakota, British Columbia and even, wait, drivable licenced cars, are on the way. We’re just scratching the surface with these haulage behemoths.

Early access updates

And finally, let’s consider the prominent games in early access. Work continues on Argentinian curio PISTA Motorsport, and it did originally state an early access exit in 2026.

Assetto Corsa EVO

Perhaps more important is Assetto Corsa EVO. While we won’t predict a date for Version 1.0, we know that the freeroam area surrounding the Nürburgring is set for an initial public launch early in the year, and further classic Ferrari F1 cars will feature at some point, alongside console versions.

Assetto Corsa Rally

Its sibling, Assetto Corsa Rally, does look close to a full release, however. Again, we don’t know anything official, other than expecting monthly updates with new cars – one will be the Skoda Fabia Rally2 – and further laser-scanned stages. Multiplayer, a career mode and console versions are in development.

Phew, right, that’s a long list, and we know of a few more games not mentioned here to be unveiled soon. 2026 – it’s packed, and Traxion will be here to cover it all.