10 Best Racing Games on Xbox Game Pass

Key Takeaways

Dirt 5 offers accessible rally racing with beautiful graphics and licensed cars.
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts combines racing, adventure, and creative vehicle building.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 provides accessible arcade racing complete with a track editor.

As a racing enthusiast who’s spent countless hours behind the virtual wheel, let me tell you about my top three picks for the best racing games out there. First off, we have the demolition derby-style mayhem that is Wreckfest, a game so satisfying it makes you feel like you’re reliving the glory days of FlatOut. If you’re looking for something more realistic, Forza Horizon 4 is an open-world racing gem that will take your breath away with its stunning visuals and diverse events. But if you ask me, the cream of the crop is Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered – a game so addictive, I’ve lost more hours to it than I care to admit!

Since the early days of video games, racing genres have been popular choices, catering to gamers of various age groups and proficiency levels alike.

When it comes to outstanding driving games, you’re certainly not short on options! The challenge lies in deciding where to begin. Here, we recommend some top-notch choices in the genre that are available on Xbox Game Pass.

10 Dirt 5

Race Tracks Are For Babies

For quite some time, the “Dirt” series has been undisputed in the realm of Rally racing. This expertise in the genre shines particularly brightly in their more recent releases.

In a more casual tone, “Dirt 5” is an eye-catching racing game boasting breathtaking landscapes and authentic vehicle lineup. Unlike other racers, rally games require active playstyles, keeping players on their toes with continuous tweaks as you seldom have the sensation of being fully in command.

Switching from traditional track and street racing offers a delightful shift, and Dirt 5 undeniably serves as an inviting introduction to this exciting series.

The game Dirt 5 is quite good as a rally game, but it leans more towards arcade-style play compared to its previous version. Unfortunately, at this moment, Dirt 4 is not available on GamePass. However, it has been featured before and there’s a possibility that it may return in the future.

9 Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

Better Than You Think

Sure thing!

Nuts & Bolts” focuses on crafting customized vehicles by utilizing a variety of components found globally. Initially, your designs will be relatively simple, but as you progress, you’ll have the ability to build flying machines and even outlandish rocket-propelled contraptions.

Constantly seeking out fresh automobile components, as your selections significantly impact the way your car performs on different surfaces and its overall handling capabilities.

As a gamer, my absolute joy lies within the realm of Jiggosseum, a part of the game where I get to design outrageous vehicles and compete in sport-like events, such as basketball. The creative freedom is immense, and the vehicle builder is both powerful and user-friendly. However, do note that while Nuts & Bolts primarily focuses on vehicle-based gameplay, there are also platforming sections where you’ll be on foot, so if you’re seeking a pure driving experience, keep that in mind.

Instead of viewing it solely as a follow-up that was never released, consider Nuts & Bolts on its own merit and you’ll find an engaging blend of racing and adventure elements within it.

8 Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

Creative Racing For All Ages

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 is an accessible arcade racer with enough nuance for all ages.

I’ve had a soft spot for racing games, such as Micro Machines, that transform everyday items into race tracks, making it feel like you’re playing with toys. This concept is beautifully executed in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, and the environments are truly outstanding.

If you’ve played the initial version before, you’ll spot numerous new features, such as a Destruction Derby-like gameplay mode. Additionally, there’s an impressive Track Editor available for customizing your own tracks.

For enthusiasts of toy cars, get ready for a delightful blend of fan appreciation and nostalgia, since the game boasts more than 100 different vehicles!

7 Need for Speed Unbound

A Stylish Street Racer

Unbound is the latest Need for Speed series entry with a massive open world and stylish visuals.

There are numerous events distributed throughout the map, all connected by a rather predictable rags-to-riches narrative.

I must admit, this isn’t subtle storytelling we’re dealing with, but let me tell you, it’s downright thrilling! If you imagine the early Fast and Furious movies, you’d be right at home here.

In the game “Unbound“, controlling the vehicle feels precise and reactive. Regardless of whether you’re speeding through the day or under the cover of night, there’s always a new milestone to reach as you continue your journey, making progress towards the next unlock.

In a somewhat controversial move, the visual aesthetic of the game “Unbound” is characterized by its use of cel-shaded highlights and effects, which may divide opinion among players. Regardless of personal preference, I strongly recommend giving this game a try as it offers an engaging experience for those who appreciate street racing.

6 Burnout Paradise Remastered

Welcome To Paradise City

Burnout Paradise is the final game in the series, and wow, what a game to end it on!

In my opinion, Paradise offers an breathtakingly beautiful open-world racing experience, boasting some of the best arcade-style races you can find. The races are intense and exhilarating, with a focus on knocking opponents out of the way to gain the upper hand!

In simpler terms, some players might feel hesitant due to the “open world” aspect, but keep in mind that such gameplay style was not common when Paradise was first released.

In Paradise City, there’s a wealth of diverse activities, cleverly separated into bustling urban and serene rural zones. The distinctive atmosphere of Burnout lies in its chaos, ensuring that each event is a distinct experience, and navigating the map remains enjoyable rather than tedious.

Experience the perfect rendition of open-world racing – a must-try for those who haven’t dived into the thrilling world of Burnout games yet!

5 LEGO 2K Drive

Another Banger For The Franchise

LEGO games are usually high quality, and that’s no different from their racing endeavors.

The LEGO 2K Drive game combines exciting racetracks, stunning graphics, and various forms of racing competition. Just as one would anticipate with a LEGO game, designing vehicles becomes quite engaging, and your creativity is the only limitation.

Regardless of your skill in constructing buildings, you’ll find plenty of car configurations available for some quick racing fun. You’ve got a good variety of tracks to choose from, plus there’s an amusing story mode to keep things interesting.

As a thrilled player immersed in LEGO 2K Drive, I must say that the game’s control system offers a satisfying level of complexity. Mastering drifts is an exhilarating experience once you get the knack for it. Each vehicle, in its unique way, can leap to navigate tricky corners and dodge pesky obstacles on the track, adding a fun layer of challenge to the gameplay.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into LEGO 2K Drive, I can confidently say that this game caters to players of all ages and skill levels. For the younger gamers, there’s a treasure trove of fun and excitement to be had. On the other hand, seasoned racers like myself will appreciate the sleek, time-saving features designed specifically for hardcore racing enthusiasts.

4 Dirt Rally 2.0

Old School Rally

In simple terms, “Dirt 5” is a top-notch driving game that includes all the features you’d expect from a contemporary racing title. If you lean towards a more “down-to-earth” or traditional racing style, you won’t make a mistake with “Dirt Rally 2.0”.

In essence, Dirt Rally 2.0 follows a style reminiscent of classic Rally games such as Colin McRae Rally and the WRC series on PlayStation 2. The game primarily focuses on you, the track, and the clock, which will appeal to enthusiasts of older Rally games. Unlike modern iterations, it doesn’t force you into events that don’t pique your interest.

The tracks and spots are fantastic, and cars always appear incredibly dirty once they cross the finish line. (Informal)

Dirt Rally 2.0 leans more towards the realistic, or “sim-like”, driving experience, which could be a change if you’re used to arcade-style racing games. However, it’s important to note that being an expert racer isn’t necessary to appreciate Dirt Rally 2.0 or its focus on traditional racing elements rather than modern gameplay gimmicks.

3 Wreckfest

Unrivaled Destruction

If you’ve got a soft spot for the iconic demolition derby style racing of games like Destruction Derby and FlatOut, then you should definitely check out the distinctive racer, Wreckfest.

It’s quite apparent from the title that the game Wreckfest revolves around causing mayhem by knocking opponents off the road and damaging them severely. The level of detail is remarkable, and the car wreckage it showcases is hard to beat.

In Wreckfest, it seems they’ve crafted a tribute to the genre’s classics, given that its creators, Bugbear Entertainment, are behind the initial FlatOut games as well. However, I wouldn’t go so far as to let the game impact steering and performance beyond what’s already designed.

Regardless of its background, Wreckfest manages to carve out its unique identity. The traditional racing experience is enjoyable, while an assortment of whimsical modes and cars add a touch of novelty to keep things engaging.

2 Forza Horizon 4

Move Over, Gran Turismo

The “Forza” series of games can only be played on Xbox and PC platforms, a fact that might even catch the attention of PlayStation enthusiasts who favor realistic racing experiences. If you lean towards such games, you might find yourself drawn to “Forza Motorsport”, a title which is also available through GamePass.

The Horizon series of games stands out as being more casual and user-friendly, boasting an abundance of options to customize your racing adventure. I don’t typically gravitate towards open-world racing games, but Horizon 4 showcases the genre at its best.

The map is bursting with a multitude of events spanning different types of racing, such as drifting and rallying. Turn 10 Studios brings the world to life by continuously updating the weather and seasons, providing ample opportunities to appreciate breathtaking graphics.

In Forza Horizon 4, there’s a little something for all types of players, even if you’re not particularly fond of cars.

In my opinion, the map in Forza Horizon 4 surpasses that of Forza Horizon 5, making it an excellent choice to play first. However, keep in mind that the overall quality of the Forza Horizon series is consistently high, ensuring a fantastic gaming experience no matter which title you decide to begin with.

1 Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered

The Quintessential Arcade Racer

Previously, we discussed the game “Unbound,” which is indeed impressive within the series. However, I personally believe that the series reached its zenith even earlier, specifically with the title “Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.

As a gamer, I’ve swapped out the vast open-world adventure for streamlined menus, and Hot Pursuit Remastered presents me with two unique gaming experiences. One moment, I’m revving up my engine as a street racer, dodging cops and rivals to stay one step ahead. But in another scenario, I’m slipping on the badge, playing as an officer trying to take down these very same racers. It’s like having two games in one!

Alternatively, you could choose to play as a law enforcer, preventing these races from getting out of control. Both play styles offer distinct rewards and experiences, and each is richly developed.

The remaster provides a stunning upgrade to the graphics, while keeping the engaging arcade racing experience intact.

Hot Pursuit” is more than just one of the top-rated Need for Speed games; it ranks among the finest arcade racing games overall, period.

2024-10-07 14:39