If you have an Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, there’s no shortage of great racing games for you to play.
Whether you like to speed around open worlds or specially created tracks there’s something for you. There are so many racing games available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, in fact, that it can be hard to know which ones you should play. There are some gems that you might not know of, too. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best racing games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
On this page you’ll find a wide variety of racing games all playable on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles. There are open world racing games, futuristic racing games, racing games that will truly test your skills… you get the idea. One thing they all have in common, however, is that they’ve been played by us and we thought they were great. So, if you’re an Xbox gamer and you’re after a new racing game or two to play, read on.
Want to support GameSpew? If you decide to buy any of the games on this list, please consider doing so via our affiliate links, included below each entry. It won’t cost you anything extra, but we’ll get a small slice of the purchase.
1. Forza Horizon 5
This game is optimised for Xbox Series X/S
Forza Horizon 3 was fantastic. Forza Horizon 4 was phenomenal. And somehow Forza Horizon 5 raises the bar yet again, making it quite probably the best racing game on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Even if you don’t like racing games there’s a good chance you’ll love Forza Horizon 5.
It’s largely because it’s not just about racing. Let loose in a condensed Mexico, while there are plenty of races to be done, there are also challenges to complete, collectibles to find, and accolades to complete. It’s enjoyable just being in its world, driving around at your leisure and engaging in its activities when you choose. Even better, you can play it online with others, competing in competitive events or teaming up to work together.
We should also note that Forza Horizon 5 looks amazing, no matter which console you play it on. It obviously looks best on Xbox Series X/S, though, where its advanced weather effects and detailed textures really come into their own. Basically, if you own an Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, you need to play Forza Horizon 5. It’s as simple as that.
Read our review of Forza Horizon 5
Buy Forza Horizon 5 on CD Keys
2. F1 2021
This game is optimised for Xbox Series X/S
F1 2019 was brilliant. In fact, we wondered how Codemasters could improve on it. But it did with F1 2020. And now F1 2021 is on the scene, improved upon yet again. In fact, we’d perhaps go as far to say that F1 2021 is perhaps the best Formula One game ever made.
The challenges that the 2021 season of F1 faced thanks to the pandemic means that the game’s accuracy is a little up in the air; after all, some scheduled races were cancelled. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter though because ardent racing and F1 fans will find a wonderfully-tuned experience packed with new features.
Best of all in F1 2021 is a brand new story-driven campaign mode. Called Braking Point, you’ll take on the role of drive Aiden Jackson. You’ll join him at the end of his F2 2019 season, and spend your time proving his skill and dealing with all kinds of team politics. It’s a fantastic addition to an already excellent game. So if you’re looking for the best racing games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, this certainly needs to be on your list.
3. GRID Legends
This game is optimised for Xbox Series X/S
Like a bit of drama with your racing? GRID Legends has it in droves. It’s the main reason why it’s made it onto our list of the best racing games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Jump into GRID Legends‘ story mode and you’ll be entertained by the narrative that unfolds between – and during – events. Crank up the difficulty and you’ll also be challenged by the objectives you’re tasked with. Most of the drama provided by GRID Legends‘ occurs on the track, too, thanks to A.I. that often makes mistakes and isn’t afraid to battle it out with you.
Aside from the story mode, there’s a lengthy career to dive into, as well as multiplayer options. You can even jump into another player’s career to race against them. Needless to say, GRID Legends has a lot to offer racing game fans.
Read our review of GRID Legends
4. Wreckfest
This game is optimised for Xbox Series X/S
If you remember racing games like Destruction Derby that challenged you to race while causing mayhem, chances are you’ll love Wreckfest.
While the main focus of Wreckfest is racing, taking your opponents out of the competition is always an option. Play with realistic damage settings and you can win by simply being the last car standing at times. In any case, you’ll at least have to have some contact with other vehicles if you want to complete optional side objectives. And there are some events that are purely focused on destruction.
Ultimately though, Wreckfest is just fun to play. It’s a solid all-rounder with enjoyable car customisation, dependable handling and pleasing visuals. The carnage is just a bonus. Though those who love spectacular crashes might find themselves of the opinion that this is the best racing game on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S once they’ve played it.
5. DIRT 5
This game is optimised for Xbox Series X/S
If you like rally games but want something more easy-going than the tough-as-nails DiRT Rally 2.0, DIRT 5 is the game for you.
Featuring a boatload of off-road racing disciplines, DIRT 5 is all about having fun. Events are short and sweet, and there’s some stunning scenery to take in as you trade paint with your competitors. It’s basically an old-fashioned arcade racer with modern-day visuals and tricks up its sleeve, such as a career mode which lets you choose your own path through a wide variety of events.
When you don’t want to make any progress in career mode, you can even create your own playgrounds before sharing them with others. And of course, there are online multiplayer modes, too. DIRT 5 is such a great package that this list of the best racing games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S wouldn’t be complete without it.
6. RIDE 4
This game is optimised for Xbox Series X/S
Perhaps the closest thing you can get to Gran Turismo with bikes, RIDE 4 is an attractive proposition for racing fans.
Featuring an obscene number of two-wheeled beauties for you to purchase and upgrade as you aim to become the number one racer in the world, RIDE 4 is a must-have for those who love bikes in their various forms. In career mode you’ll compete in many leagues, earning money as you go so you can buy new bikes and access even more racing opportunities. Though you’ll need to show you’re worthy first by obtaining licences.
It helps that RIDE 4 is a great-looking game, especially on Xbox Series X. At times it’s almost indiscernible from real-life. So, if you’re after the best racing games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S and love bikes, add RIDE 4 to your collection.
7. WRC 10
This game is optimised for Xbox Series X/S
While DIRT 5 is the rally game for those who simply want fun, WRC 10 is the rally game for those who want authenticity.
Dive into its career mode and you’ll find that you have to work hard to be successful. You need to select the right people for your team, direct research and development, and of course, perform well in events. That last bit could prove to be the trickiest, what with the length of stages and the realistic physics. Make just one mistake and victory is likely to be just a dream.
There’s more to WRC 10 than just a career mode though. There’s an entertaining Anniversary mode that allows players to take part in iconic events, and the usual features such as online multiplayer and challenges also make a return. As far as the best racing games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S go, WRC 10 is a must have if you’re after a realistic rally experience.
8. Redout
If you’re an Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S owner and fondly remember playing the original Wipeout on PlayStation all those years ago, Redout is the closest thing you’re going to get to rekindling those memories.
Developed by 34BigThings, Redout offers anti-gravity racing at its finest, though like Wipeout it’s no walk in the park. With insane speed comes the need for skill and lightning fast reflexes, unless you want to find yourself bouncing around tracks like a pinball.
Redout‘s main draw is its career mode, which offers up a humongous number of events for you to complete. As you rise through the tiers you’ll earn cash which allows you buy new ships and upgrades, and you’ll need them because the competition truly heats up as you progress. Though of course, Redout also features online multiplayer if you’d rather race against real people.
9. Need for Speed Heat
Need for Speed is great again. Feeling like a greatest hits of the games that came before it, Need for Speed Heat takes the best bits from from a plethora of Need for Speed titles and puts them together rather well.
You’ve got the illegal night time races of Underground along with plenty of car customisation; the legal daytime street races of ProStreet; and even the risk versus reward system of Rivals makes a return. Of course, there are police chases too. It wouldn’t be a Need for Speed game without police chases, would it?
You can spend hours just driving around Need for Speed Heat‘s huge open-world map. During the daytime it’s fairly relaxed, giving you the opportunity to find collectables and complete activities. Go out at night, however, and the increased police presence will always have you on edge. Needless to say, if you’re after high-octane thrills and spills, Need for Speed Heat is definitely one of the best racing games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S right now. It’s just a shame it’s not been optimised for Microsoft’s newest consoles, so while it still looks nice, it’s locked at 30fps.
Read our review of Need for Speed Heat
Buy Need for Speed Heat on Amazon
Buy Need for Speed Heat on CD Keys
10. Forza Motorsport 7
If you like your racing more serious, then Forza Motorsport 7 is probably the racing game for you. Though it has taken a leaf or two out of Forza Horizon’s book by being a little more playful than past iterations, it’s still the go-to game for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S owners looking for more realistic driving physics.
Forza Motorsport 7 features a massive selection of both real-world and fictional tracks and over 700 cars for you to collect, upgrade and race. And despite being quite old now, it still looks great considering it runs at a solid 60fps, especially on Xbox One X and Xbox Series X. But even more importantly, it’s simply rewarding to play.
Featuring an extensive single player campaign, custom race modes and a variety of online options, however you prefer to play, Forza Motorsport 7 is the racing game for those who are serious about their motorsports.
Read our review of Forza Motorsport 7
Buy Forza Motorsport 7 on Amazon
Buy Forza Motorsport 7 on CD Keys
11. Monster Energy Supercross 5
This game is optimised for Xbox Series X/S
Supercross is quite niche, but if you’re a fan you can’t do better than Monster Energy Supercross 5.
This fifth entry in the official series has the finest handling and physics yet, making the racing action exciting and enjoyable. It’s also got an enhanced and expanded career mode, which has new features such as injuries. Add in returning features such as a fantastic track builder and online multiplayer, and you’re onto a winner.
With its focus on managing the speed of your bike to flow from one jump to another, Monster Energy Supercross 5 won’t be for everyone. But those who want something different or are fans of the sport, there’s a lot to like here. And so it makes out list of the best racing games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Read our review of Monster Energy Supercross 5
Buy Monster Energy Supercross 5 on Amazon
Buy Monster Energy Supercross 5 on CD Keys
12. Burnout Paradise Remastered
In our opinion, Burnout Revenge is, and always will be, the best Burnout game. And you can now play it on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S thanks to backwards compatibility. But Burnout Paradise is brilliant too, and unlike Burnout Revenge it has been remastered to bring it a little more up to date. It’s also bundled up with all of its DLC, too.
Burnout Paradise Remastered has its issues – it still lacks fast travel, for instance, and you can’t even place helpful markers on its map – but it’s also a hell of a lot of fun to play. Taking the series open world, it has over 100 events for you to find and complete as well as as a host of other activities to engage in, though the lack of a true crash mode is a little disappointing.
Still, if you want to drive a range of vehicles at high speeds while performing ridiculous stunts and causing crashes, Burnout Paradise Remastered has you covered.
Read our review of Burnout Paradise Remastered
Buy Burnout Paradise Remastered on Amazon
Buy Burnout Paradise Remastered on CD Keys
13. FIA European Truck Racing Championship
If you’re a racing game fan you’ve no doubt driven loads of sports cars and bikes, but what about trucks?
FIA European Truck Racing Championship allows you to take control of a whole load of racing trucks, and it’s more fun than you probably think. You’re never going to reach speeds of 200 mph, but these trucks do shift. And as they’re so heavy, slowing them down to negotiate tight corners makes their brakes get hot, so you need to manage their temperature by spraying them with water.
Honestly, you won’t have played anything like FIA European Truck Racing Championship before, which makes it all the more interesting. And with its decent career mode and other racing options, you’ll be playing it for a quite a while.
Read our review of FIA European Truck Racing Championship
Buy FIA European Truck Racing Championship on Amazon
14. Assetto Corsa Competizione
This game is optimised for Xbox Series X/S
If you’re after a racing game with a deep career and lots of car customisation options, Assetto Corsa Competizione isn’t for you. If you want realistic physics, beautiful cars, and accurate tracks, however, it will be the game of your dreams.
Assetto Corsa Competizione is a serious racing game for serious people. You need to be aware of and follow the rules of the Blancpain GT series, and master its beautifully recreated cars and tracks if you wish to succeed. Also, if you want to get the best out of it, you’re really going to need a steering wheel. Unlike its predecessor, however, it is perfectly playable on console with a standard controller.
A sim through and through, Assetto Corsa Competizione is for those who like to run laps in pursuit of shedding fractions of a second off their best times. It’s also for those who like to take part in online races in which driving like a lunatic is frowned upon. One of the best racing games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, if you take your racing seriously, Assetto Corsa Competizione is an absolute must.
