Summary
- Running short on cash? Check out these must-play racing games you can play for free.
- From classics like Crazy Taxi to modern titles like Asphalt Legends Unite, you can enjoy a vast catalog of excellent racers without breaking the bank.
Who doesn’t love a good racing game? The thrill of speeding into first place, the satisfaction of running the competition off the road, and the incredible sense of victory when you finally win the trophy never get old. However, it can be hard to find fun racers without spending quite a bit of cash. Video games can cost anywhere between $60 and $70, and not everyone has that kind of money.
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From Forza Horizon 5 to Grid Legends, racing game fans will find a bevy of excellent racing titles on Steam.
Thankfully, there are plenty of exceptional free racing games on most major platforms, from enthralling online racers to captivating single-player experiences. If you don’t mind playing on a mobile device, you have even more options to choose from. The following titles are the very best you can play without reaching into your wallet.
7
Disney Speedstorm
Race Across The Disney Universe
- Released
-
September 28, 2023
- Developer(s)
-
Gameloft
- Publisher(s)
-
Gameloft
If you ever belt out Disney songs in the car, Disney Speedstorm is right up your alley. Get behind the wheel as your favorite Disney, Pixar, or Muppet character and race through iconic movie locations, including Halloween Town from The Nightmare Before Christmas and Agrabah from Aladdin. Even better, each track has a remix of a famous Disney tune.
Like many other kart racers, the gameplay involves collecting power-ups and drifting to fill your boost meter. The microtransactions can get a bit excessive, but the fantastic gameplay, smooth controls, and excellent track design are enough to compensate.
6
Retro Highway
A Blast From The Past
Fans of old-school racing games should definitely try Retro Highway. Take control of a motorcyclist tasked with speeding down a busy street. The goal is to get as far as possible without crashing. However, you get rewards for every vehicle you almost collide with.
The visuals and gameplay nail the feeling of arcade-era racers. The premise is simple, easy to learn, and will undoubtedly make you say, “Just one more try.” If you don’t mind sitting through the occasional ad, this is a great one to download onto your mobile device.
5
Mario Kart Tour
Get Pelted With Shells For Free
- Released
-
September 25, 2019
- Developer(s)
-
Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo
Are home console Mario Kart games a little too pricey? Mario Kart Tour delivers the same chaotic gameplay for free on mobile devices. Race through some of the series’ most iconic tracks or pop your opponents’ balloons in battle mode. There are even challenge stages that add unique twists and objectives to the mix.
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As a mobile title, the gameplay is a streamlined version of its console counterparts. Swipe left or right to steer the kart, and tap the screen to use items. It’s simple yet fun. Plus, the character roster is surprisingly diverse, featuring fan favorites like Pauline and Dixie Kong.
4
F-Zero 99
An Epic Sci-Fi Battle Royale
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can download F-Zero 99 without paying a cent. This action-packed battle royale reimagines Captain Falcon’s original title on the SNES. You and 98 other players zoom through futuristic tracks at ridiculously high speeds. Collecting orbs grants access to the almighty Skyway – an elevated shortcut that sends you speeding past the competition.
The gameplay is all about risk versus reward. Each car has a life meter, and you can sacrifice a piece to gain a boost. Will you give up some health for a burst of speed, or play more cautiously? There are endless strategies catering to different play styles. Either way, buckle up for a challenging ride.
3
Crazy Taxi Classic
Revisit An Iconic Racing Game
- Released
-
February 12, 1999
- Developer(s)
-
HitMaker
Sega’s legendary arcade racer, Crazy Taxi, is free to play on iPhone and Android. The goal is to pick up as many passengers as possible and take them to their destination before time runs out. Safety is optional. In fact, your customers will tip generously for driving recklessly. Feel free to drive on the wrong side of the road, cut through the park, or even jump off the roof of a parking garage.
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Zooming around circuits on your PS4, racing games become a symphony of tire screeches and turbocharged dreams.
The game is a blast to play, and the controls are well-optimized for the mobile version. Everything from the iconic soundtrack to the entire map is here in full glory. You’ll need to sit through an ad every now and then, but it’s worth it.
I’m a huge Crazy Taxi fan, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it feels to play on iOS. Since the arcade version is pretty hard to find nowadays, the mobile edition is a pretty solid alternative.
2
Asphalt Legends Unite
A Visually-Stunning Adventure
- Released
-
July 25, 2018
- Developer(s)
-
Gameloft Barcelona
- Publisher(s)
-
Gameloft
Asphalt Legends Unite is an excellent choice for adrenaline-pumping action. Speed through real-life locations, from the streets of San Francisco to the snowy slopes of the Himalayas. Perform drifts and midair stunts to fill your boost meter and zoom into first place. You can even run your opponents off the road if you’re feeling extra gutsy.
There’s a lot to love about the gameplay. The controls are perfect, boosting feels satisfying, and demolishing your foes is both epic and rewarding. Plus, the graphics are absolutely breathtaking. Don’t miss out on this modern gem.
1
Nightmare Kart
A Spooky Homage To The Classics
Nightmare Kart
Racing
Vehicular Combat
Free To Play
Soulslike
- Released
-
June 5, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
LWMedia
- Publisher(s)
-
LWMedia
Looking for something similar to Mario Kart? Nightmare Kart is the best way to go. This challenging, low-poly racer has you speed through spooky environments, including foggy graveyards and haunted mansions. Like Mario Kart, the goal is to collect power-ups, find shortcuts, and perform midair tricks to win first place.
The catch? You have a health bar that depletes when you’re hit by an opponent or stage obstacle. Each race is a thrilling fight for survival as you try to stay alive long enough to cross the finish line. It’s a difficult game but very satisfying once you get the hang of it. The best part? There are no ads or microtransactions to bog you down.
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