5 Best Upcoming Racing Games of 2026: Forza Horizon 6, GTA VI, and More

2026 is gearing up with a variety of game releases, primarily the upcoming racing game titles. With racing games changing their courses, we have lots of new challenges, features, and gaming styles in the coming year. But what are the most anticipated racing games of 2026?

From driving sports cars to racing against the big names in the industry, there is a plethora of features in store for the 2026 titles. And while some of them are the next instalments to long-standing franchises, a few new games are expected to leave their mark.

The following are five of the most anticipated upcoming racing games to look out for in 2026, because of their playstyle, new features, improved gameplay, and much more. Let us begin.

5 Best Upcoming Racing Games of 2026

#1 Forza Horizon 6

Credit: Playground Games

The anticipated Forza Horizon 6 is reportedly in its development stage and is rumoured to be slated for an earlier release during the first half of 2026.

This alleged speculation comes from Nate the Hate, a renowned video game news leaker and trusted insider. And given his precision with several game news in the past, we can safely assume the Forza Horizon 6 release might hit this mark.

What Can We Expect from Forza Horizon 6?

There is confirmation that Playground Games has indeed set the FH6 festivities in Japan, a highly requested destination, with the reimagined Mount Fuji and Tokyo metropolis being prime landmarks.

Playground Games has made a tremendous effort to seamlessly blend the authentic, natural, and urban landscapes of Japan, curating breathtaking and immersive tracks. These include reimagining the streets around twilight, vibrant local storefronts, and the ambience at local train stations.

These are all possible thanks to cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita, a well-known car enthusiast, who worked with Forza Horizon 6's development team to shape the game's new open-world playground. Moreover, the Forza Horizon 6 map will be the largest in the franchise's history. With the hype that the Forza franchise has built over the years, it's safe to assume fans cannot wait for this title to finally hit the tracks in 2026.

#2 Endurance Motorsport Series

Credit: Nacon

Endurance Motorsport Series aims to prove that racing is not a one-man competition, but a team sport. It requires a group of professionals to work together towards beating a rival team through carefully coordinated planning, strategies, and teamwork. Hence, developer Nacon is set to launch a game that allows you to play as the racer, team manager, and engineer, among others.

What does Endurance Motorsport have in Store?

Endurance Motorsport Series will not only allow you to race against real-world sports cars, but also will let you roleplay other positions like team manager, working as an engineer, etc.

This upcoming game offers a wide variety of player features, where you are not just in control of the car you race with, but your whole sports team. With this multi-class event feature, you can jump from the driver's seat to the manager's position, and even to the engineer's position at the pit wall.

You can now delve into racing strategies, manage the interface, and keep an eye on the track map, all when you please. And the moment you swap out of your car, the in-game AI takes the wheel.

Moreover, you can always check in on the in-game weather system, choose tyre types for upcoming races, and even tweak the AI's driving style when you are taking responsibilities in the control room.

All in all, every aspect of your team is in your hands, so you can play around with the possibilities. Nacon is yet to announce the price, as Endurance Motorsport Series is expected to launch in early 2026.

#3 Grand Theft Auto VI

Credit: Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto VI is, by far, one of the most anticipated racing games. And while it is set to release in November 2026, speculation is circulating about it being pushed to 2027.

Over the years, Rockstar Games have been perfection personified. Being one of the most anticipated GTA entries, Grand Theft Auto VI is gearing up with an arsenal of new lore, gators, and loads of chaos to boot.

When rumours of a 2027 delayed release came about, Rockstar Insider, Reece ‘Kiwi Talkz’ Reilly, took to Twitter (now X), stating, "This is total BS, I can confirm that GTA 6 is still too far out to determine if another delay is needed yet.”

So, if you are excited about the wild Leonida adventures (inspired by Florida), the next two years might have something exciting in store.  

#4 Screamer

Credit: Milestone

The 1995 anime arcade racer classic is set to rush into Xbox, PS5, and PC in 2026. Its developer, Milestone, has not yet confirmed a date, but has shared ample details on what is in store!

So, according to the Screamer developer, this arcade-style game is returning with 'brand new gameplay mechanics', such as the 'Eco' system. Eco lets you acquire two kinds of energy, namely:

• Sync, and
• Entropy.

What are Sync and Entropy in Screamer?

You can obtain Sync by performing specific actions during a race, such as:

1. Doing an 'active shift.'
2. Performing a slipstream behind your rival, etc.

Your Sync meter is your car's RPM. So if your RPM is adequate, press a button and perform your chosen action. You can also opt to boost your Sync.

Moreover, Screamer also has shields to keep you from getting knocked out. So use them tactfully to keep your wheels in check.

Entropy, on the other hand, is yet another crucial resource that you build up alongside Sync. It comes in handy while trying out actions like:

1. Strike- High-speed boost, which you can use to knock rivals off the track.
2. An ultimate overdrive skill for faster and successful races. You also get a temporary shield boost.

In short, Screamer is set to release in 2026 and bring in seasoned and new players to a 1990s anime arcade racing style, with new updates to make it compatible with modern consoles.

#5 Road Kings

Credit: Saber Interactive

Imagine rushing through tornadoes, heavy rainstorms, and rugged roads as a professional truck driver. While American Truck Simulator games and The Euro Truck had the truck-sim genre covered, Saber Interactive might be shaking things up in 2026.

Saber Interactive, the developer behind showstopper games such as RoadCraft, Expedition, and ShowRunner, is responsible for Road Kings, the latest truck driver simulator, with an immersive real-life truck driving experience.

Your role here is that of a truck driver who delivers goods around the American South. Your task is to deliver on time, manage your timetable, and grow a positive reputation with your client. As you progress, you will transport cargo through different cities, across highways, and over rural roads.

Road Kings' Take on Immersive Real-Life Trucker Experiences

According to the Gamescom preview, Road Kings ensures a cinematic experience. You get to experience a dynamic and chaotic weather change from heavy rainfall to tornadoes over the city. This is Saber's way of integrating real-life experiences that truck drivers face daily.

These experiences also include rushing over collapsing bridges, dodging rolling and hurling vehicles from fearsome storms.

Road King's Star Rating System Explained

The primary aspect of a truck driver's job is their star rating. A high reputation means you can accept jobs with a high star rating. One way to keep your star rating growing is to reach your destination on time, park correctly, and deliver your goods. Your reputation will also rise with accurate parking capabilities.

You can also stack your fetch and deliver quests, and even pick up multiple quests from one location. Your client will rate you after every delivery, and if the rating is higher, they might even ignore some of your minor errors. That is not all, as you might even come across rivals who are after your job.

To conclude, these are the 5 most anticipated racing games of 2026. They are packed with unique features and new updates that are worth their hype. So, before 2026 hits, keep these game titles on your wishlist to enjoy.

Stay tuned to racinggames.gg: The Home of Virtual Motorsports.