Best Racing Games on Xbox Series X|S (2024)

Racing games often reminisce about the arcade days, or they can simulate real-life championships. Occasionally, they can infuse fantasy elements that place you in the shoes of some of the most popular gaming mascots. In any case, the core gameplay remains the same: speeding down long-winding circuits at blistering speeds. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional racing veteran, you should find something suited for you in our best racing games on Xbox Series X/S below.

What is a Racing Game?

A racing game lets you take part in racing competitions that may involve controlling fast cars, motorcycles, boats, people, or even animals, provided the goal is to be the first to cross the finish line. While you can play racing games in the first-person perspective, some games use a third-person perspective to capture long-winding circuits and the immersive environments around them.

Best Racing Games on Xbox Series X/S

Let's explore the top racing games on Xbox Series X/S.

10. Wreckfest

Get ready to bash into your opponents as you focus on demolishing their vehicles. Wreckfest is all about vehicle destruction, with some of the most realistic damage modeling. You have two goals in mind: to avoid taking on too much damage and to be the first to cross the finish line. If you’re looking for a racing game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Wreckfest is the perfect game for you.

9. WRC 10

You don’t need to travel around the world to take part in rally championships. What’s more? WRC 10 features the most iconic rally cars, which are free for you to customize and take full control of. Your goal is to climb the ranks to stand on top of the 2021 season podium. Keep in mind that the races start from 1973 through to today. As a result, you’ll have so much content to maul over, from competing in 19 historical events to grabbing the crown across 120 special stages. 

8. GRID Legends

GRID Legends focuses purely on speed as you race down global stages. You participate in user-created or the game’s motorsport events, striving to beat the competition. And because the game has multiplayer, you’ll doubtlessly face steep challenges against some of the best racers worldwide. Still, your playthrough has immense potential for drama as cars flip over and opponents rummage into you. 

7. Hot Wheels Unleashed

Alternatively, gamers looking for that arcade touch can consider playing Hot Wheels Unleashed. It’s based on the Hot Wheels toys, which you can have fun adding to your in-game collection. Thereafter, you’ll pick your favorite car and compete against opponents in exciting tracks. The tracks are minimized in the third person and take after everyday locations like bedrooms, kitchens, and garages. Despite the everyday settings for the races, the environments still manage to impress with popping color and detail.

6. Art of Rally

What Art of Rally lacks in realism, it makes up for with content. You’ll drive lots of iconic rally cars from the 60s through to Group B. Moreover, the tracks will take you to global locations, from Germany to Kenya and Norway. These are rendered in stylized graphics that jump off the screen from a top-down perspective. With daily and weekly challenges, you’ll often always have something to keep you busy. The question is, can you top the charts in the leaderboard?

5. DIRT 5

A rally racing game that focuses on realism is DIRT 5. It has impressive variety, taking you down gravel, ice, snow, and sand tracks across global stages. Moreover, you can switch up the cars to match the tracks, from rally icons to trucks and GT heroes. Alternatively, you can change the pace of the game by diving into its various modes: career, four-player split-screen, livery editor, and more.

4. Assetto Corsa Competizione

Professional racing fans, on the other hand, should consider Assetto Corsa Competizione. It’s flawlessly seamless and realistic, depicting the racing circuits and cars as close to their real-life counterparts as possible. You truly feel like you’re at the center of the GT3 championship, competing against official drivers and teams. Further, the game uses Unreal Engine 4 to depict photorealistic environments and day/night cycles.

3. Need for Speed Unbound

While the cops are not hot on your tail, you can be competing for the crown in underground street races. Need for Speed Unbound balances a life of crime with neck-to-neck racing. It achieves impeccable precision and handling to allow both casual and veterans a time of their lives. The garage gives you the most exciting paint jobs, enough to stand out in the weekly qualifiers. Just be sure to watch out for the spike strips, engine-disabling EMPs, and more tricks the cops will have up their sleeves.

2. F1 2021

Formula One fans can play F1 2021, which is the closest you can get to the real-life championships. It features new circuits while also adding room for two players to collaborate in career mode. Alternatively, you can create your own team and lead them to the big leagues. You’ll need to deal with sponsors, recruit teammates, and ensure your car engines remain top-notch. The last part you’re likely to spend time in is Braking Point, which crafts a thrilling story mode for every gamer.

1. Forza Horizon 5

Open-world racing has never been better than Forza Horizon 5. It takes you to the jaw-dropping landscapes of Mexico, cruising by lush greenery, pristine beaches, erupting volcanoes, and more. You can steer the cars as fast as you like, chasing down opponents in 5v1 or jumping into the exhilarating hide-and-seek mode. There are hundreds of cars available to unlock and hundreds of challenges to beat, providing the perfect incentive to return for more playthroughs. Moreover, environments are ever-evolving, ensuring your time here remains fresh and exciting.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our list of the best racing games on Xbox Series X|S in 2024? Are there more racing games on the Xbox Series X/S we should know about? Do let us know over on our socials here.