Split-screen used to be a staple of multiplayer gaming but has become increasingly uncommon since it was overshadowed by the rise of online multiplayer. It’s a shame, because online multiplayer can’t match the intensity of racing head-to-head with someone in the same room with you.
Mercifully, however, there are more modern racing games with split-screen support than you might think. To help you pick the best, we’ve ranked the ten best split-screen racing games for local multiplayer.
Honourable mentions
Since the console is designed with multiplayer in mind, Nintendo Switch 2 games often support split-screen. Mario Kart World is the obvious choice, but Kirby Air Riders and the futuristic racer Fast Fusion also offer chaotic split-screen multiplayer
Motorcycle enthusiasts can race each other head-to-head in MotoGP 26, while rally purists can compete against each other’s ghost car for the best time in WRC Generations to make up for EA Sports WRC’s lack of local multiplayer.
Horizon Chase 2 offers pure arcade racing for up to four players in split-screen, while the open-world Hot Wheels Infinite Rush is also confirmed to feature local multiplayer for up to four players when it launches in September.
Rocket League, meanwhile, allows up to four players to play car football locally, or up to two players can jump into online matches together.
Gran Turismo 7 is one of the most visually demanding racing games on PS5, so it’s surprising to find that it supports split-screen. Two players can race head-to-head on any of the game’s 40+ circuits. While its local multiplayer is serviceable, there are, however, some notable limitations.
While the single-player features hundreds of cars, split-screen multiplayer only lets you drive a paltry 13 models across different performance classes, including the Ford Mustang GT, Mazda RX-7, Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport, Subaru WRX Gr.B Rally Car and Toyota GR86 RZ.
Disappointingly, split-screen races are head-to-head only, preventing you from filling out the grid with AI opponents. On top of that, the view is restricted with top and bottom black bars, presumably to optimise performance.
It can also only be accessed after completing the first nine Menu Books in the single-player campaign. Gran Turismo 7’s split-screen is still enjoyable for local multiplayer sessions in real-world cars, but it feels like an afterthought.
9. DIRT 5
Although WRC Generations can be played in local multiplayer, it’s restricted to timed point-to-point stages against ghost cars. If you’re looking to race off-road with a group of friends, DIRT 5 is the superior choice.
With support for up to four players in split-screen, Codemasters’ dirt racer lets you race a variety of rugged vehicles from rally cars and SUVs to buggies and pickup trucks on gravel, mud and ice. Its vibrant presentation was divisive at launch, but it lends the game a party atmosphere when competing with friends.
What also elevates DIRT 5’s local multiplayer is that you can play through the entire career in split-screen with up to three players, with everyone earning XP and currency.
8. WipEout Omega Collection
WipEout Omega Collection was a sublime send-off for Sony’s anti-gravity racing series, which has been dormant for nearly a decade. Originally released on PS4 but backwards compatible on PS5, it bundles WipEout HD with its Fury expansion and the WipEout 2048 Vita entry, with an increased 4K resolution delivering spellbinding visuals.
Impressively, it maintains a smooth 60fps even when played in split-screen for up to two players. With its fast-paced gameplay testing reaction times, stylish visuals and a wide variety of ships and tracks, WipEout Omega Collection sets the gold standard for frenetic, futuristic multiplayer racing.
7. Ride 6
For motorcycle enthusiasts, Ride 6 is the two-wheeled equivalent of Gran Turismo, featuring hundreds of licensed bikes from manufacturers including BMW, Ducati and Honda alongside a mix of real-world and fictional circuits.
Despite featuring in Ride 5, a split-screen multiplayer mode was absent at launch, but was subsequently added in a post-launch patch, allowing two riders to race head-to-head.
It’s worth noting that Milestone’s MotoGP 26 also includes split-screen multiplayer, but its simulation-focused physics make it less approachable than Ride 6, which also boasts more circuits and licensed motorcycles than its MotoGP sibling.
6. F1 25
For Formula 1 fans, Codemasters’ F1 series has supported split-screen since it was reintroduced in F1 2020. F1 25 lets you race wheel to wheel against a friend in full 20-car grids on world-famous tracks including Monaco, Spa and Silverstone.
Supporting up to two players, F1 25’s split-screen multiplayer is fully customisable, allowing you to create custom championships, change the time of day and weather conditions or adjust the racing ruleset.
It’s worth noting that while the career can be played in co-op online, split-screen is not supported.
Local multiplayer is, however, supported in the 2026 Season Pack, with the annual series set to return in 2027 with a new entry. This means you can race the newly redesigned cars with your friends, complete with the new Overtake Mode and battery management regulations introduced in the real-world championship.
While it plays smoothly on every platform, the PS5 Pro offers the most optimised experience for console players, with F1 25’s split-screen running at a higher 60fps compared to 30fps on other platforms.
5. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is a solid sequel to the best-selling original, with a broader range of environments, a larger car roster and new abilities. Being aimed at a younger audience, the diminutive racer’s arcade-style vehicle handling, speed boosts and wacky track designs are well suited to madcap multiplayer matches.
Up to two players can battle it out locally, with the screen split vertically. Ten AI opponents fill out the rest of the grid in a variety of selectable game modes beyond standard races, from elimination to drift challenges. Sadly, the main story mode is reserved for single-player only.
There’s a sense of progression too, as Coins and XP can be earned in multiplayer matches for unlocking additional cars and tracks. While Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 is restricted to linear tracks, the upcoming Infinite Rush is taking the series open world, and will feature local multiplayer for up to four players.
4. Screamer
Milestone’s Screamer was a breath of fresh air, with its anime-inspired story, deep combat mechanics and twin-stick controls for steering and drifting that require skill to master. And yet it was sorely overlooked.
One of Screamer’s standout mechanics is the Sync bar, which unlocks fighting game-style attack and defence moves once filled up. These require perfect timing to execute effectively, giving players who learn its intricacies the edge against other players in split-screen multiplayer.
Screamer’s steep learning curve means it’s not the most accessible entry on this list, but it’s deeply rewarding and tactical, making for a multiplayer experience unlike any other. With no catch-up mechanics, every victory feels earned.
Events are highly customisable too, with a suite of options for setting the number of laps and AI opponents, or you can disable the combat mechanics altogether to ease newcomers in.
3. Sonic Racing: Crossworlds
Sega’s answer to Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is one of the most widely available kart racers on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2. It’s even available on the ancient PS4 and Xbox One consoles.
Its unique gimmick sees you switch between locations seamlessly by driving through giant Warp Rings, making for some unpredictable local multiplayer racing for up to four players. Races often see you switch between land, air and sea vehicles, with multiplayer co-op supported across every Grand Prix cup for progressing through the campaign.
Alongside the randomised power-ups, its unique gadget system lets players equip special abilities to suit their playstyles, from speed boosts to faster drift charge refills. If you’re looking for a fun, family-focused multiplayer racer, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is a solid choice.
2. Asphalt Legends
The latest in the long-running series that originated on mobiles, Asphalt Legends blends officially licensed cars with high-speed arcade racing and over-the-top stunts. Realism is thrown out the window, with the ability to perform 360 spins on the fly and take out opponents.
When played in split-screen, the local multiplayer supports up to four players on over 40 tracks. Unlike most racing games, split-screen also offers online support, allowing you to jump into online matches with friends.
Aside from its high-octane arcade racing, what makes Asphalt Legends one of the best split-screen racing games is its sheer accessibility.
It’s not only available on all major platforms, including PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2, but also free to download and play. This makes it one of the most universally accessible multiplayer racing games.
In-game purchases are optional but not required to progress. It’s worth noting, however, that you must collect 13 flags in the single-player career mode before you can access split-screen multiplayer in Asphalt Legends.
1. Mario Kart World
Mario Kart has been the definitive multiplayer party racer for decades thanks to its pick-up-and-play appeal, iconic character roster and memorable powerups. Anyone who has played Mario Kart in multiplayer will undoubtedly have memories of getting pelted by a Blue Shell just before reaching the finish line in a heated match.
Mario Kart World is no exception. Put simply, this is the Switch 2’s quintessential multiplayer racing game. Up to four players can compete in traditional grand prix races with powerups or attack each other in arena-style battles.
It’s the new Knockout Tour mode that stands out, however, where the last four players are eliminated at the end of each checkpoint in an intense point-to-point rally.
It’s a shame, however, that Free Roam, one of Mario Kart World’s staple new modes, is limited to single-player. It’s a missed opportunity, as teaming up with friends to complete challenges and explore the environment together would have made for a casual multiplayer experience outside of the heated races.
Nevertheless, Mario Kart World ranks as the best split-screen family racer that anyone can enjoy. For those who haven’t upgraded to the Switch 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s multiplayer is equally excellent on Nintendo’s original console.
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