While kart racers dominated the landscape in 2025, the current year is shaping up to be a genuine renaissance for the racing genre. With highly anticipated titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Star Wars: Galactic Racer on the horizon, the hype is building. However, you don’t need to wait for these major releases to satisfy your need for speed; a notable drifting title is currently available to claim for free on Steam.
Initial Drift Online transports players to the winding mountain passes of Japan, capturing the high-octane spirit of the iconic Initial D manga. This multiplayer-focused experience challenges you to outmaneuver rivals across a semi-open world that includes legendary racing locations such as Mt. Akagi, Mt. Haruna, and the steep slopes of Irohazaka. Much like the series’ protagonist, you can even undertake tofu delivery runs to earn the capital needed to acquire and customize a diverse fleet of cars.
Drivers can choose between an immersive first-person cockpit view or a traditional third-person perspective. The developers promise a balance of “realistic but dynamic physics” to ensure the drifting mechanics feel both rewarding and responsive. To complete the aesthetic, the game features curated Eurobeat and Phonk playlists, a functional day/night cycle, global leaderboards, and an integrated player chat for social interaction.
Originally launched in 2023, Initial Drift Online maintains a “Mostly Positive” rating from a community of over 800 players, although more recent feedback has trended toward a more mixed consensus.
If you are eager to test your skills on the touge, you can grab Initial Drift Online on Steam. The game will remain free to download until Sunday, Jan. 18.
Source: Polygon
