Microsoft's stronghold in the racing games industry, spearheaded by the Forza franchise, is evident. Unsurprisingly, Xbox Game Pass, the company's premier subscription service, has a stellar lineup of rally games, courtesy of both first- and third-party developers. This compilation introduces some essential racing games on Xbox Game Pass, considering factors such as gameplay, graphics, and critical acclaim.

4:47

Related

The Best Online Co-Op Games You Can Play On Xbox Game Pass (July 2024)

Looking to team up with a few friends? Then check out the best online co-op games on Game Pass.

The following racing games stand out for their innovative twists on genre mechanics. However, the dominance of remastered titles suggests the genre struggles to maintain the same excitement that older games did. Furthermore, competition has narrowed to just a few franchises, resulting in a lack of fresh approaches to the genre. Nowadays, many racing games are essentially rebranded versions of previous-generation titles. Still, gamers can enjoy some quality realistic simulators and adrenaline-pumping races on Game Pass.

7 Turbo Golf Racing

Metacritic Score: 80 (Based on Two Critics)

When Rocket League merged soccer with racing, it unexpectedly created an addictive, adrenaline-fueled frenzy. Similarly, Turbo Golf Racing follows a unique formula, combining car racing with golfing.

In Turbo Golf Racing, players control Hot Wheels-style cars equipped to shoot golf balls. The objective is simple: be the first to sink the ball into the hole, a more individualistic spin on Rocket League's team-based matches.

As a standalone $10 game, Turbo Golf Racing might not offer the best value. Its gameplay can become monotonous due to a lack of diverse modes. However, as a free bonus on Game Pass, it presents a risk-free, family-friendly, and joy-filled racing experience that stands out from the crowd.

6 LEGO 2K Drive

Metacritic Score: 72

Imagine Crash Team Racing, but with LEGO cars. That's the basic idea behind LEGO 2K Drive, but it goes far beyond expectations. As a racing game, it excels with its fast-paced, visually stunning competition. Yet its true charm lies in its customization mode, allowing players to craft their ideal LEGO racing car — or even watercraft — using realistic components.

Beyond the joy of driving LEGO cars, 2K Drive impressively portrays a miniature world on a grand scale. Its four-biome open-world map caters to free-roaming enthusiasts, while challenges and side quests add variety and depth, keeping gameplay fresh and engaging.

5 Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

Metacritic Score: 79

A video game featuring Hot Wheels toys could be the bridge between generations of gamers. Mattel's model cars, in production since 1968, are among the most enduring toys in history, beloved by many for their flashy yet practical designs. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged elevates the charm of these miniature cars to new heights, offering gamers a blend of realism and fantasy in a turbocharged Hot Wheels universe.

What sets Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 apart is its enhancement of the best features from its predecessor. The addition of basic gameplay mechanics like jumping and dashing improves competitiveness, while new elements such as Classes enrich the car selection process, offering a more immersive experience. Moreover, the game's customization options and creative track builder mode have been overhauled to satisfy players' creative endeavors and competitive spirits. In essence, it's Hot Wheels Unleashed 1 on steroids.

4 Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered

Metacritic Score: 77

The original Hot Pursuit is the Burnout Paradise for beginners in the car-crashing racing genre. Unlike Burnout, Hot Pursuit maintained classic guided tracks while placing a strong emphasis on destruction mechanics, which became central to its gameplay. When Burnout received a remaster, EA felt compelled to do the same for its rival series to maintain competition, a decision that delighted a new generation of gamers.

6:19

Related

22 Need For Speed Games Ranked From Worst To Best

Few racing games have grabbed players' attention the way the Need for Speed franchise has, and these are the top entries in the series.

Need for SpeedHot Pursuit Remastered is a visually-enhanced and technically superior reimagining of the original release. At first glance, it appears to be a polished version tailored for current-gen consoles. However, beneath the surface, Hot Pursuit Remastered expands upon the 2010 edition with improved performance, more lifelike graphics, and additional content to explore, including all released DLCs bundled into one package.

3 Burnout Paradise Remastered

Metacritic Score: 79

When Burnout Paradise was released in 2008, it revolutionized the racing game genre, offering players an unexpected yet essential experience. Packed with action-oriented gameplay mechanics and a cinematic camera system reminiscent of Hollywood car chases, the game delivered an exhilarating experience. Now, new-generation players can enjoy the same level of excitement with the 2018 remastered version.

Critics widely agree that Burnout Paradise's approach to remastering the original hit, maintaining a “don't fix if it's not broken” philosophy, has been successful. The remastered version retains the essence of the 2008 release while enhancing its visuals and preserving nostalgic cars, soundtracks, and scenery. It embodies everything a top-notch remaster should be. For those seeking the thrill of reckless driving without the real-life risks, Burnout Paradise Remastered is the ultimate choice.

2 Wreckfest

Metacritic Score: 83

Wreckfest

Platform(s)

Android , iOS , PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

June 14, 2018

Developer(s)

Bugbear Entertainment

Genre(s)

Vehicular Combat , Racing

Wrecking a prized car has never been more enjoyable. In terms of gameplay, Wreckfest resembles a metal concert: chaotic yet immensely entertaining. Players pilot playful replicas of renowned race cars on tracks devoid of rules, where colliding with other vehicles is not only inevitable but also somewhat necessary. It's a case of either bumping into the next car or facing the consequences when they bump first.

6:15

Related

The Best Games On Xbox Game Pass (June 2024)

Xbox Game Pass is unquestionably worth the subscription fee, but which of the available games are the best use of your hard drive space?

What sets Wreckfest apart, and makes it one of the finest racing titles in Xbox Game Pass's collection, is the intense excitement and competition it fosters among players. Opting for the Realistic Destruction setting transforms every car crash into a life-or-death scenario, while inventive game modes like elimination matches inject freshness into the gameplay. As the title implies, Wreckfest is a celebration of demolishing expensive vehicles and reveling in it — a peculiar delight that resonates with many players, even those unfamiliar with such competitions.

1 Forza Horizon 5

Metacritic Score: 92

If there were a checklist of ten things any masterpiece-level racing game should have, Forza Horizon 5 would check off all of them. It embodies everything a player could desire and more. From leisurely free-roam driving to exhilarating rallies, Forza Horizon 5 strikes the perfect balance of visuals, gameplay, and content, showcasing the best of every category among all the racing titles available. This fact is nearly indisputable.

Remarkably, Game Pass subscribers can access this acclaimed title at no additional cost, and they absolutely should. Set in Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 features a vast array of licensed cars from the world's leading manufacturers. Players can either leisurely explore the stunning scenery of the reimagined Mexican landscape, or engage in thrilling yet addictive races across the country. Whichever path they choose, the driving experience is unparalleled and pure.

9:25

More

Best Crossplay Games On Xbox Game Pass (May 2024)

These great Xbox Game Pass games support cross-platform multiplayer, granting players access to a wider community.