While recent years have seen strong sales for established racing game franchises, the genre has largely struggled to capture mainstream attention and deliver truly fresh experiences. However, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year, promising a vibrant resurgence with an exciting lineup of new titles that aim to push creative boundaries and re-engage a broader audience. This article offers an in-depth look at the most anticipated racing and driving games of the year, from established titans to innovative indie creations, highlighting how these releases are set to inject new life into the gaming world.
For years, the racing game landscape, while boasting solid performers such as "Mario Kart World" and the PlayStation 5 iteration of "Forza Horizon 5," has faced a challenge in producing titles that transcend niche appeal. These successes, while significant within their sub-genres like kart racers and motorsport simulators, haven't been enough to consistently break through to a wider gaming consciousness. The last major racing games to achieve widespread cultural impact were "Forza Horizon 5" in 2021 and "Gran Turismo 7" in early 2022. This period of relative stagnation in mainstream breakthroughs has left many eagerly anticipating a fresh wave of innovation.
The year 2026 is positioned to turn this trend around, with a diverse roster of racing games poised to make a significant splash. Leading the charge is the latest installment from the acclaimed "Forza Horizon" series, "Forza Horizon 6." This title, building on its well-loved formula of open-world exploration, festive atmospheres, and approachable "simcade" handling, is expected to continue its legacy of excellence, particularly with its much-requested setting in Japan. Despite some staff changes within Playground Games, the robust nature of the "Forza Horizon" development machine suggests a smooth continuation of its high standards. Details regarding the game's features are expected to be unveiled in an upcoming Xbox Developer Direct event in January.
Another major contender for mainstream attention is "Star Wars: Galactic Racer," a surprise announcement that has generated considerable excitement. Developed by Fuse Games, a studio founded by veterans of Criterion Games (known for "Burnout" and "Need for Speed"), this title promises an innovative "runs-based" roguelike structure. Players will customize iconic Star Wars vehicles, including pod racers and speeder bikes, for a fresh take on racing within the beloved sci-fi universe. The decision by Fuse and Lucasfilm Games to partner with an indie publisher, Secret Mode, underscores a commitment to artistic vision over purely commercial considerations, further fueling anticipation for this unique entry.
Beyond these two giants, a collection of mid-tier games is set to introduce novel concepts to the genre. Milestone, an Italian developer primarily known for its licensed motorsport and bike simulation games, is venturing into new territory with "Screamer." This aggressively stylized, story-driven cyberpunk arcade racer, drawing inspiration from Milestone's 90s classic, promises a blend of vehicle customization, combat mechanics, and anime aesthetics. Additionally, "Over the Hill" by Funselektor, the creators of "Art of Rally," presents a cozy co-op off-road exploration experience with charmingly chunky 4x4s traversing beautiful pastel landscapes, aiming to redefine what a driving game can be. "iRacing Arcade," a collaboration between the hardcore simulation platform iRacing and Original Fire Games, offers a kid-friendly, kawaii-style motorsport game with real-world racing licenses and a strategic campaign, showcasing a fresh approach to licensed motorsport gaming.
Furthermore, the year will see the highly anticipated release of "Wreckfest 2," Bugbear's sequel to its popular demolition derby racer. Currently in early access, the game is lauded for its improved handling, enhanced crash physics, and updated visuals, offering more of the satisfying, destructive fun its predecessor was known for. In other developments, Codemasters is focusing on a major update for "F1 25" in 2027, opting for 2026-season DLC this year, while iRacing Studios is partnering with IndyCar for a standalone licensed game. Milestone's "Ride 6" will expand its bike racing series to include off-road tracks, and "Super Woden: Rally Edge" will continue its indie arcade rally series. Several early access and demo-only titles, including "Night-Runners," "Motor Town: Behind the Wheel," "Assetto Corsa Evo," and "Assetto Corsa Rally," are also expected to reach their 1.0 versions. Moreover, popular PC-exclusive racing and driving games like "Tokyo Xtreme Racer," "JDM: Japanese Drift Master," "Le Mans Ultimate," "Euro Truck Simulator," and "American Truck Simulator" are slated for console ports, broadening their accessibility. This diverse and innovative lineup signals a vibrant future for racing games, with something to excite every type of player.