Full Throttle Fun: The Best Racing Games for Xbox

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Are you looking for a new racing game for your latest console? How about snagging just the right gift for your child or friend? Whatever the case is, we've got you covered. Much to the chagrin of our editors, we've been spending excessive time playing the latest and greatest Xbox racing games to find out which ones are worth spending your hard-earned money on.

From playful Hot Wheel games reminiscent of the innocent days of childhood to Turn 10 Studio's brand-new simulation-style Forza Motorsport, we've pored over the possibilities and decided on nine games. Some are geared more toward arcade-style gamers, while others are more simulation-like in their ability to deliver lifelike physics and dynamic environments typically seen in real-world motorsport events.

Things to Consider When Buying an Xbox Racing Game

Before you dive in and purchase your next racing game, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

Xbox Series S vs. Series X

Series S: This system is the more budget-friendly option. The Series S is a digital-only console, meaning you'll download games rather than using physical discs. It supports up to 1440p resolution, making it suitable for most casual gamers or those without a 4K TV (although 1440p still looks fantastic on 4K displays).

Series X: If you're looking for the premium Xbox experience, Microsoft's Series X is the way to go. It features a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, supports up to 8K HDR resolution, and has more processing power, ensuring faster load times and enhanced graphics. This is ideal for serious gamers who want true 4K gaming, anyone who wants to purchase physical game discs, and those who want to future-proof their setups as much as possible.

Game Styles: The diversity in racing titles means there's something for everyone. Decide if you're more interested in arcade-style racing, realistic simulations, or perhaps a blend of both. Your choice will influence the games that resonate most with your racing style.

Multiplayer vs. Single-player Modes: Some gamers thrive on the competitive spirit of online multiplayer, while others prefer a curated single-player experience. Consider which mode appeals more to you, as this will also influence your game selection.

Additional Costs: Some games might have downloadable content (DLC) or in-game purchases that add additional vehicles, tracks, or other content. Factor these additional costs into your decision if you plan to make the most of all that's available.

Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 is the latest title in the open-world Forza Horizon series. Whereas Forza Horizon 4 took place in a fictionalized version of Great Britain, Horizon 5 lets players experience the beauty and diversity of Mexico. The meticulously crafted world encompasses a variety of terrains, from vast deserts to towering volcanoes, each brimming with racing opportunities.

Both single-player and multiplayer modes are fun for all ages, but the real fun comes in the various online modes wherein you can ride alongside friends and competitors alike to take on custom races, unique challenges, and more. The car selection is fantastic, and the ability to customize both parts and liveries (and download those made by others) is a unique way to stand out, even if you're driving the same vehicle as another player.

We've sunk countless hours into exploring every inch of the terrain Forza Horizon 5 has to offer, and we're sure you'll do the same if this is up your alley. But you don't have to take our word for it. Shortly after its release, the game won IGN's Game of the Year award and three jury-voted awards at the Game Awards 2021.

Forza Motorsport (2023)

The wait for the latest iteration of Forza Motorsport is here, with over 500 vehicles ready for action. The latest in a long-standing series designed to serve as the Xbox equivalent of Playstation's exclusive Gran Turismo series, Forza Motorsport (2023) delivers with an incredible selection of cars, a globe-spanning array of iconic racing venues, and incredible visuals compounded by hyper-realistic audio fine-tuned to make the most of Dolby Atmos support on Xbox Series S|X.

Gamers eager for solo adventures can dive deep into the Builders Cup Career Mode, while those interested in putting their skills to the test against other real-world drivers can do so in the highly regarded online scene. Beyond our colleagues at Car and Driver already testing out Forza Motorsport 2023 by racing for six hours straight (!), the Gear Team has also put in a few dozen hours since release and can attest to the incredible experience Turn 10 Studios has delivered.

Wreckfest

Wreckfest isn't your typical racing game. This pedal-to-the-metal game pushes players to their limits, taking vehicles to extreme ends in high-risk situations where crashing is all but the goal in the end (particularly in the various game modes designed explicitly for destruction).

Track selection ranges from crazy, all-but-impossible car cage matches to more traditional road course–style tracks, and vehicle selection is equally unique, with options ranging from tricked-out lawnmowers to modified muscle cars spanning decades of designs. While the style of the game is undoubtedly arcade in nature, the physics are second to none in both racing and destruction, with crashes making for spectacular scenes of sheetmetal and debris.

It should come as no surprise given its overall experience that its developer, Bugbear, was also behind the popular rag-doll physics racing games FlatOut 1 and 2.

F1 23

F1 2023 by Codemasters might seem like a relatively incremental upgrade on the surface, but the game has improved its career mode and AI drivers to create a more realistic and immersive experience.

Specifically, Codemasters has improved the game's AI, which now reacts more like you would expect a similarly matched competitor to. Another area that's been improved is car-handling physics, which now offers a heightened sense of realism thanks to feedback from real-world racing drivers. Other improvements include the new "Braking Point 2" career mode, new and improved circuits (including Las Vagas and Qatar), and a new "Precision Drive" technology that allows for more nuanced control when racing with a controller.

We've spent time playing this with both a sim racing wheel and a standard Xbox controller and the difference when playing with a controller compared to past F1 titles is notable for those who've taken enough laps around the Formula 1 calendar.

MotoGP 23

MotoGP 23 offers motorcycle enthusiasts a chance to experience the high-speed thrills of two-wheel racing. Its claim as the most authentic bike racing game rings true in our time spent playing it, setting a high bar for immersion and realism.

Beyond the races, players can dive into extensive customization options, tweaking everything from their helmets to race numbers. With its foundation in the FIM MotoGP World Championship, the game offers a fantastic career mode and plenty of fast-play and multiplayer modes. Learning to ride a digital motorbike is a bit different if you're coming from a four-wheel background, but it's a fantastic experience nonetheless if you're willing to put in the time.