While the racing game genre is brimming with anticipation for Forza Horizon 6, the road ahead is far from empty. The long-awaited title from Playground Games is shaping up to be a visual and mechanical triumph when it finally pulls onto the grid this May 19th. However, even if your calendar is marked for that release, you don’t have to idle your engines for the next six weeks.
The first quarter of 2026 has already delivered a handful of compelling titles—and a few you should steer clear of. Here are three standouts that will keep your pulse racing while you wait for the main event.
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Forza-style thrills on two wheels: Ride 6
Image: MilestoneWhere to play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X
Milestone, Italy’s premier racing studio, has been working hard this quarter. While their anime-inspired arcade racer Screamer made waves, it is Ride 6 that truly commands attention. This series has long aimed to be the two-wheeled equivalent of Gran Turismo or Forza, and this latest iteration feels like the moment it finally hits its stride. With an expansive garage of licensed motorcycles and scooters—alongside diverse disciplines ranging from classic circuit racing to gritty motocross and off-road rallying—the sheer variety is staggering.
Transitioning from cars to bikes requires adjusting to the nuances of elliptical cornering and precise braking. Thankfully, Ride 6 introduces an advanced Riding School to help novices find their flow, while an optional Arcade handling mode keeps things accessible. The game captures a vibrant “festival” atmosphere reminiscent of Horizon, and the customization options—allowing you to tweak rider stance down to the individual finger—show a level of mechanical obsession that racing enthusiasts will adore.
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Authentic racing in a pint-sized package: iRacing Arcade
Image: Original Fire Games/iRacingWhere to play: Windows PC (Console release coming Summer 2026)
iRacing Arcade is a delightful anomaly. It manages to pair the prestigious, hardcore reputation of the iRacing simulation brand with a charming, kart-like aesthetic. Developed by Original Fire Games, this title features miniature versions of legendary vehicles—from modest Fiat 500s to roaring Le Mans Prototypes—navigating stylized, bite-sized renditions of real-world tracks.
The handling is light and nimble, feeling more like a high-grip kart racer than a dry simulator. While it lacks the complex physics of its namesake, it compensates by integrating serious motorsport elements: tire degradation, strategic pit stops, and meaningful qualifying sessions. While it currently suffers from a lack of split-screen multiplayer, its deep career mode and surprisingly competitive AI make it a unique, all-ages entry point into the world of professional racing.
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The definitive rally experience: Super Woden: Rally Edge
Image: ViJuDaWhere to play: Windows PC (Coming soon to PS5, Series X, and Switch 2)
Super Woden: Rally Edge is nothing short of a masterpiece. Expanding on the formula of Super Woden GP, the developer has successfully melded top-down, PlayStation 1-era nostalgia with high-stakes rally action. The game is deceptive in its simplicity; it’s essentially you, the clock, and a series of tight, technical stages, but the combination of its unique, high-chase camera and impeccable handling makes every turn feel electric.
Beyond the addictive gameplay, the game oozes personality. From a thunderous, high-energy soundtrack to a roster of “off-brand” cars that pay brilliant homage to automotive history, Rally Edge is a love letter to the golden age of racing. With an extensive campaign, online leaderboards, and four-player split-screen support, it stands as the “grizzled pro” of indie rally games. If you’re looking for a title with pure, unadulterated style and substance, this is it.
Source: Polygon
