The Best Arcade-Style Racing Games

Racing games are progressively becoming more realistic. With fully licensed vehicle lineups and a great deal of vehicle customization, the genre has gone a long way since early racers like Pole Position. Typically, these games tend to be divided into sims and arcade racers.

Racing simulators have the potential to immerse players in an experience closest to the real drive. On the other hand, there are arcade-like games that sacrifice realism for fun. Each racing game has a place in the gaming world, even if some are considered better. This article will focus on the best arcade racers available to play today.

Kart racers will be left out
of this list since they are basically their own subgenre.

Updated November 15 2024, by Hamza Haq: Arcade racing games, and indeed the entire racing genre, have fallen off a cliff when it comes to popularity. Gones are the days when Need for Speed and Burnout reigned supreme in the gaming industry. Now, fans of arcade racing would be lucky to get one half-way decent game in an entire year. Luckily, the cycle of popularity is cyclical and what’s out of fashion now will likely be trending in the years to come. While they wait for that, however, arcade racing enthusiasts can turn to the classics to scratch their racing itch.

25 Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

Toy Cars, Real Thrills

The launch of Hot Wheels Unleashed was a surprising one. Many fans loved what this title brought to the table, despite its progression systems being widely criticized at launch. The gameplay was sublime, and this title did a great job of emulating the physics one would associate with toy cars that race at breakneck speeds. So, it was only a matter of time before this title would receive a sequel.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is one of the better sequels to a racing game. A player’s move list is enhanced considerably without it feeling too overwhelming, while the tracks are more imaginative than ever before. Clearly, a lot of love has been put into this game, making it a fun title to pick up and play for fans of unique arcade racing games.

24 OutRun

Retro Speed

• Initial release date: September 4, 1986
• Developers: Sega AM2
• Platforms: Arcade

A classic arcade racing game that needs no introduction, the sheer amount of joy that players can experience during a regular playthrough of OutRun can’t be stated enough. Players must avoid vehicles on the road as they drive at high speeds and try to reach the end of every stage before time runs out, which is perhaps where the name of this series comes from.

Despite the many sequels that have come out since, the first OutRun game continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many players. The game is old school and its difficulty is proof of this. Players must be wary of the obstacles in their way if they wish to get through some of the title’s harder stages.

23 Crab Game

Arcade Chaos, One Crab at a Time

Crab Game is one of the most exciting new free-to-play arcade racing games that offer a twist to the traditional racing genre. Instead of powerful cars, players have to use their wits and agility if they want to win the races. This first-person multiplayer game is perfect for Squid Game lovers who want to navigate a series of diverse mini-games while battling for the ultimate cash prize and trying to stay alive.

Players can explore twenty-eight maps as well as nine game modes, and can be played by up to thirty-five players. Gamers will have to try to sprint for safety and strategize in group challenges. Crab Game is not only fun but delivers adrenaline-packed action in its own quirky way. Casual players can also find useful beginner tips for Crab Game that’ll make their experience much more fun from the beginning.

22 CarX Drift Racing Online

Drift Beyond Limits

CarX Drift Racing Online transports racing game lovers into an exhilarating world where they can learn how to burn tires like a pro. This racer prioritizes realism and delivers an authentic drifting experience where players can tweak, tune, and tailor their cars however they would like to.

But CarX Drift Racing Online isn’t just about the mechanics; players can also choose from a vast collection of vinyl and design the racer that reflects their style. During their races, players will be able to drive through diverse cities and special track locations. Players who crave competition can also race against players globally.

21 Tower Unite

From Mini-Games to Mega Fun

Players who love social games and arcade racers with a unique angle should check out Tower Unite. This community-driven early-access game transports players into a fun virtual realm where they can try a wide array of arcade games, including racers.

Gamers can try minigames like Minigolf, Ball Race, or Zombie Massacre while chilling in the Plaza, a bustling virtual theme park. However, players can even get creative and customize their own avatars and design their Condos. There are great guides on how to make money fast in Tower Unite and other useful tips for beginners to make the experience fun from the start.

20 The Crew 2

Land, Sea, Air: Race Anywhere

The Crew 2 players can not only choose from an extensive list of cars, boats, and even planes to explore an immersive world but also journey through this vibrant and beautiful world by land, sea, or air. Players will get a chance to race across diverse terrains and enjoy bustling cityscapes and serene waters while testing and improving their racing skills.

Thanks to this beloved arcade racer, gamers also get to join a massive community of thirty million players and engage in countless modes. Players can go on their adventures solo or hit the roads with up to seven friends online.

19 F-Zero: GP Legend

Classic Speed in a Futuristic World

F-Zero is one of the most iconic video game franchises with many beloved titles, and it is rumored that a new game will finally be coming out in 2023. Until then, racing game fans can go back to F-Zero‘s most beloved game, GP Legend.

Even though this classic arcade racing game is decades old, it’s still popular among fans because it provides an intense racing experience to its fans and has smooth gameplay. The game also has charming and colorful graphics and transports its players to 2201. Players can choose from dozens of cars and race against other players in GP Legend‘s futuristic world.

18 Ridge Racer 3D

Simplified Gameplay, Complex Excitement

Ridge Racer 3D is an excellent choice for players of all levels who are looking for fun arcade racers with great graphics and drifting mechanics. This arcade-style racing game is easy to pick up and play thanks to its straightforward gameplay and 3D effects that can further help beginners avoid obstacles.

Players can try beautifully designed high-speed tracks and choose from over ten cars. Even though Ridge Racer 3D is a single-player, it’s still highly enjoyable thanks to the various types of drifts, courses, and tracks players can explore.

17 MotorStorm: Apocalypse

Brutal Tracks, Unforgettable Fun

Those who are looking for immersive and truly thrilling forgotten PlayStation franchises should check out MotorStorm games, especially their brutal but highly entertaining title Apocalypse. Players will be transported into a violent but fun world in which they’ll not only get to race against other players but even drive through crowds at a high speed.

While Apocalypse is one of the most violent arcade racing games, it’s still a beloved one since it has unique track designs, cars, and environments. It’s a chaotic and unpredictable arcade racer with stunning graphics that provide its players with hours of stirring fun time.

16 Distance

The Future of Speed Awaits

Distance is one of the most inventive racing games of all time. It mixes arcade racing with parkour to provide its players with a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This futuristic and beautifully designed arcade racer is a great choice for beginners and advanced players alike.

Gamers can go on their adventures alone or with their friends when playing in multiplayer mode and explore Distance‘s mysterious and neon-lit city. What’s special about Distance is that players will not only be able to drive on the roads during the races but drive upside down on buildings and even fly while discovering exciting new paths and shortcuts.

15 Star Wars Episode 1: Racer

Podracing to Glory in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars Episode 1: Racer was released one day before Star Wars: The Phantom Menace had even hit theaters. Clearly, there was a belief at LucasArts that people would be desperate for a Podracing game after seeing the race take place in the film, so they wasted no time in getting a tie-in game ready for release. The game’s release date made many people think that the game would just be a rushed cash grab. But, thankfully, this wasn’t the case.

Star Wars Episode 1: Racer is a thoroughly entertaining racer that features a great sense of speed, offers a wide range of creative tracks, and has engrossing customization mechanics.

14 Crazy Taxi

Drive Crazy, Get Paid

Crazy Taxi lives up to its name by, still to this day, being one of the most bizarre racing games ever released. As the name suggests, players control a taxi driver, who must complete as many journeys as possible.

However, this is far from being a taxi driving simulator, as road and criminal laws don’t seem to be enforced. Players can drive through fields, up ramps, and on sidewalks to make it to their destination, only for the passenger to criticize them for being too slow if they took a few seconds too long.

13 TrackMania Turbo

Racing Redefined

Although a case can certainly be made for 2020’s TrackMania, its immediate predecessor, 2015’s TrackMania Turbo, is slightly more accessible. This series is all about speed, tricks, and wild (and brief) tracks. Typically, a run doesn’t take longer than a minute to complete, and the driver should constantly be looking to outdo their own times.

With 200 courses, four vehicle types, and a surprising amount of depth, TrackMania Turbo is an arcade racer that can keep someone entertained for years.

12 Dirt 5

Off-Road, On-Point

When it comes to arcade racers, the Dirt franchise is one of the hottest on the block. The latest entry in the series, Dirt 5, is perhaps the most accessible entry in the series so far. Along with solid visuals and a pick-up-and-play quality, Dirt 5 offers an abundance of career mode content to keep players immersed.

This game was released on next-gen consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. It is also available on Xbox Game Pass, making it one of the more readily available arcade racers on the market.

11 Wreckfest

Destruction on the Fast Lane

A magnificent destruction derby-style arcade racer released during a time when such games had become rare, Wreckfest is a must for anyone who has been yearning for something a bit more outlandish. As its name suggests, Wreckfest crafts a symphony of destruction on its race tracks, a factor enhanced by the game’s incredible damage system.

Boasting a unique roster of vehicles and a good mix of realistic and cartoonish courses, Wreckfest is an absolute blast to play. So, jump into an RV and start barrelling towards the finish line.

10 Need For Speed: Most Wanted

High-Speed Heat, NFS Style

When Need for Speed: Most Wanted was released, it was the hottest racing game around. The level of customization was similar to the Need For Speed: Underground series, but the gameplay was a significant step up.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted is an arcade racer, and the game’s developers used this freedom to make it exactly how they wanted. The result is one of the most aggressive racers in the Need for Speed franchise, and Most Wanted even has a good open-world setting.

9 Split/Second

Reality TV Meets Arcade Racing

Arcade racers are often designed to be bombastic, at least when compared to sims, and no other game exemplifies this better than Split/Second. This 2010 release is the closest thing to a blockbuster racer, as it comes with a reality TV setting and enough explosions to make a Michael Bay Transformers movie seem like a quaint indie drama.

Once enough power points are attained, drivers can trigger destructive events to happen on the course that typically spells trouble for the other competitors. It is deranged and incredible.

8 Project Gotham Racing 4

The Classic Racer Reborn

Before the franchise ended, Project Gotham Racing was the go-to Xbox racing game. It was viewed as the leading arcade racing game until the Forza Horizon franchise kicked into gear.

P roject Gotham Racing 4 was the last Xbox 360 that came from the franchise. Even by today’s standards, Project Gotham Racing 4 is a spectacular burnout game. It’s not backward compatible, so players will need an Xbox 360 to join the fun.

7 FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage

FlatOut Fun

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360
• Initial release date: June 22, 2007
• Developer: Bugbear Entertainment

While the franchise went off the rails in a big way starting from its third entry, the first two FlatOut games are among the most amusing arcade racers of the mid-2000s. Ultimate Carnage takes the already awesome FlatOut 2 and gives it an HD makeover, along with throwing in a few extras.

Similar to Wreckfest, destruction is the name of the game here, as FlatOut encourages players to ram into their opponents whenever possible. Along with races, Ultimate Carnage comes with a few stunts and a destruction derby mode, both of which are pretty fun.

6 OutRun 2

Timeless Challenge

• Initial release date: December 1, 2003
• Developers: Sega AM2
• Platforms: Sega, Xbox

Released back in 2003, OutRun 2 is an arcade racing game developed by SEGA, and is considered one of the all-time greats in the racing genre. With great handling, a decent car selection, and a rock solid foundation, OutRun 2 builds on the original in all the right ways.

The game features three main modes. OutRun 2 mode, which is the standard racing format where the player faces other racers. Heart Attack mode, which awards points based on stunts and completing passenger requests. Time Attack mode, which requries players to race against time and cross the finish line before the timer hits zero. OutRun 2006: Coast to Coast is a remaster of OutRun 2 was released in 2006 on PS2, PSP, Xbox, as well as on PC. In addition to the base game modes, it added a Career mode, Drift mode, Slipstream mode, and a one-on-one duel mode.