It is shaping up to be a fantastic year for racing game enthusiasts, with the imminent arrival of Forza Horizon 6 on May 19 being a significant highlight. However, the long wait for Playground Games’ latest open-world masterpiece offers a perfect opportunity to explore other compelling titles that have recently hit the track. The first quarter of 2026 has already delivered several noteworthy new racers, each offering a distinct flavor and experience. To help you fill the coming weeks with high-octane entertainment, here are three exceptional racing games you should play before Forza Horizon 6 revs its engine.
The One That’s a Bit Like Forza Horizon, but with Bikes: Ride 6
Platforms and Developer
Available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. Developed by Milestone.
What Makes It Stand Out
Prolific Italian racing game specialist Milestone released two titles in recent months, but Ride 6 is the more intriguing and substantial of the pair. The Ride series represents Milestone’s ambitious attempt to construct a Forza or Gran Turismo equivalent for motorbikes, and with each iteration, it gets closer to that goal. This latest installment is a significant leap forward, boasting a vast array of fully licensed and exquisitely modeled bikes and scooters across multiple racing disciplines. Players can engage in circuit racing, motocross, and the exciting new addition of off-road rally racing.
For those accustomed to four-wheeled racing, mastering the physics of bike handling presents a distinct and rewarding challenge. The involved braking techniques, elliptical cornering lines, and sensitive throttle control demand dedication. Ride 6 skillfully addresses this with a deep and technical Riding School mode, inspired by Gran Turismo’s legendary license tests, and a more accessible Arcade handling model. The game is tied together with a Horizon-style festival concept, allowing players to race alongside real-world motorcycle racing legends. The attention to detail is impressive, extending to adjustable rider stances and even the number of fingers used on the brake lever. While the roster could benefit from more classic machines, Ride 6 stands as a highly impressive and comprehensive two-wheeled simulation.
The One That’s Mario Kart for Real Motorsport: iRacing Arcade
Platforms and Developer
Available now on Windows PC. Coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in summer 2026. Developed by Original Fire Games.
What Makes It Stand Out
iRacing Arcade is a genuine novelty: an extremely accessible and charming kart-style racer infused with the licensing authority and authentic spirit of the premier motorsport simulator, iRacing. Developer Original Fire Games, known for Circuit Superstars, has created irresistibly squashed, toy-like versions of real-world racing machines, ranging from Fiat 500s to Porsche GTs and Le Mans Prototypes. These miniaturized cars navigate pint-sized recreations of famous real-world racetracks.
The core racing is intentionally simple, with the toy cars handling like buzzy, single-gear karts possessing immense grip. They are easy and fun to jostle around, though the absence of complex handling models or traditional arcade mechanics like drifting can make the experience feel somewhat shallow at first. This is cleverly balanced by the game’s incorporation of authentic motorsport elements that feel refreshing in this context. iRacing Arcade features proper qualifying sessions, tire wear, strategic pit stops, and a deep career mode with a team-building component. The large fields of CPU opponents put up an admirably close and competitive fight, creating thrilling races. The game is currently crying out for a local split-screen multiplayer mode and more robust online features, but as an all-ages, approachable gateway to the thrills of authentic motorsport, it is truly in a field of one.
The One That’s Just You and the Road: Super Woden: Rally Edge
Platforms and Developer
Available on Windows PC (a perfect Steam Deck title). Coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2 later this year. Developed by ViJuDa.
What Makes It Stand Out
This title is an absolute hidden gem. The fourth game from solo Spanish developer ViJuDa takes his established Super Woden GP formula a cel-shaded, PS1-era aesthetic with toylike, cheekily unlicensed retro cars and an elevated camera angle and masterfully applies it to a pure arcade rally experience. At its core, Rally Edge is about hurling your tiny car down tight, two-minute rally stages against the clock. The perfectly judged, slide-happy handling combined with a unique high chase cam that reveals the immediate corner but little beyond creates an intensely thrilling and focused driving experience.
To these impeccable foundations, Rally Edge adds ViJuDa’s profound love for late-90s video game culture and classic automobiles. The 38-song soundtrack is phenomenal, and car enthusiasts will delight in spotting the deep-cut real-world vehicles hiding behind hilarious fictitious names like Nanwolf Rickinghall and Aalia Mancini. The game is feature-rich, boasting a perfect arcade mode, a Gran Turismo-style career with car modification, online leaderboards, live seasonal events, and a fantastic four-player split-screen local multiplayer. If Art of Rally is the contemplative indie rally experience, Super Woden: Rally Edge is the grizzled, energetic pro showing it the door. It is an undeniable banger.
These three titles each carve out their own unique space within the racing genre, offering experiences that range from detailed motorcycle simulation to accessible motorsport fun and focused rally purity. Diving into Ride 6, iRacing Arcade, or Super Woden: Rally Edge will not only make the wait for Forza Horizon 6 fly by but will also provide a broader appreciation for the diversity and creativity flourishing in the world of racing games today. Each game proves that thrilling driving experiences can come in many forms, all worthy of a spot on your virtual starting grid.
