The Forza series is synonymous with Xbox, but there are so many other great racing titles to try on Microsoft's console. With that in mind, what are the best racing games on Xbox?
Gamers on the next-gen Xbox Series X | S have a wide range of excellent titles to choose from. Here are our picks for five of the best racing games on Xbox.
Best racing games on Xbox
The Xbox Series X competes with the PlayStation 5 when it comes to the most powerful games console. For gamers, this has led to a new console war creating more and more innovation and evolution with photorealistic graphics.
For racing game fans, this has resulted in incredibly realistic sim racers or fun and quirky arcade racers taking advantage of cutting-edge technology.
Most triple-A releases make their way to the Xbox Series X | S, with the only exceptions being those that are either PC or PS5 exclusives, like Gran Turismo 7.
Forza Horizon 5
When you think of racing games on Xbox, Forza is no doubt the first name that comes to mind. What was originally a hardcore sim racing series has now branched out with the spin-off 'Horizon' series.
Forza Horizon 5 is one of the most complete open-world racing games currently available. The game is packed full of races to compete in, but even outside the racing, there's plenty to do in Mexico.
With barn finds, weekly photo challenges, regular treasure hunts, and new content added every single week, Forza Horizon 5 will never cease to provide new experiences for players.
MotoGP 23
If you prefer two wheels over four, then MotoGP 23 is perfect for you. Milestone has produced some of the best motorcycle games around in recent years, with MotoGP 23 without a doubt one of the best.
This is the official video game for the 2023 MotoGP season with all official riders, bikes, and circuits. There's no better place to experience the top level of virtual bike racing than MotoGP 23.
On top of that, the game features a revamped career mode and dynamic weather for the first time in the series. Now players can have their races compromised by a sudden downpour or have visibility reduced significantly by fog.
The game's sim racing mechanics are also some of the most realistic out there. Only Rims Racing and RIDE 5 come close when it comes to two wheels.
The Crew Motorfest
Forza Horizon finally has a rival. The Crew Motorfest is Ubisoft's answer to Microsoft's open-world racer, and so far it's proven a true competitor. The Hawaiian island of O'ahu plays host to the Motorfest, inviting racers from all around to compete in the most beautiful locations.
The Crew Motorfest's standout feature is its playlists. Celebrating everything from specific manufacturers to cars and Hawaiian culture, these playlists test players' racing ability whilst also teaching them racing history.
Whether you're drifting through the streets of Honolulu in a Japanese drifter, or charging across beaches in an SUV, there's something for every racer in The Crew Motorfest.
Outside of racing, there are various events to complete, and collectibles to find. These range from murals painted on buildings to trophies and statues themed to the different playlists.
Forza Motorsport
Normally, we wouldn't allow two games from the same series in the same list. However, we're making an exception for Forza Motorsport on Xbox, as the game is so synonymous when it comes to the genre on Xbox.
After so much hype and attention, Forza Motorsport finally launched on the Series X | S last year and we're impressed with the first next-gen Forza Motorsport game.
Forza Motorsport will continue to get new content added to it each month thanks to the major updates it'll continue to have.
This racing simulator game already has a huge array of tracks and cars to choose from and there's an almost unlimited number of cups and races to take part in.
Redout 2
The last entry on our list is a proper arcade racer. Redout 2 can be considered a cross between WipEout and F-Zero. The pure sense of speed in Redout 2 is mesmerising, and the visuals are absolutely gorgeous.
Whether you're charging through Redout 2's story mode, or tearing up the track with your friends in online races, there's never a dull moment in this arcade title.
Redout 2 is a criminally underrated racing game that definitely deserves more attention. With no sign of a new WipEout game anytime soon, this is arguably the next best sci-fi racing game.
The best racing games
We've shown you the best racing games available on Xbox, but what about on other platforms?
If you're an avid PlayStation player, why not check out the best racing games on PS5.
If you're a hardcore sim racer, or casual PC competitor, take a look at the best racing games on PC.
Want to see the best racing games of 2023? We have the perfect list just for you.
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