Racing games are progressively becoming more realistic. With fully licensed vehicle lineups and a great deal of vehicle customization, the genre has gone a long way since early racers likePole Position. Typically,these games tend to be divided into sims and arcade racers.
Racing simulators have the potential to immerse players in an experience closest to the real drive. On the other hand, there are arcade-likegames that sacrifice realism for fun. Each racing game has a place in the gaming world, even if some are considered better. This article will focus on thebest arcade racersavailable to play today.
Kart racers will be left outof this list since they are basically their own subgenre.
Updated July 01, 2025, by Hamza Haq:Arcade racing games, and indeed the entire racing genre, have fallen off a cliff when it comes to popularity. Gones are the days when Need for Speed and Burnout reigned supreme in the gaming industry. Now, fans of arcade racing would be lucky to get one half-way decent game in an entire year. Luckily, the cycle of popularity is cyclical and what’s out of fashion now will likely be trending in the years to come. While they wait for that, however, arcade racing enthusiasts can turn to the classics to scratch their racing itch.
The launch ofHot Wheels Unleashedwas a surprising one. Many fans loved what this title brought to the table, despite its progression systems being widely criticized at launch. The gameplay was sublime, and this title did a great job of emulating the physics one would associate with toy cars that race at breakneck speeds. So, it was only a matter of time before this title would receive a sequel.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbochargedis one of the better sequels to a racing game. A player’s move list is enhanced considerably without it feeling too overwhelming, while the tracks are more imaginative than ever before. Clearly, a lot of love has been put into this game, making it a fun title to pick up and play for fans of unique arcade racing games.
24OutRun
Retro Speed
A classic arcade racing game that needs no introduction, the sheer amount of joy that players can experience during a regular playthrough ofOutRuncan’t be stated enough. Players must avoid vehicles on the road as they drive at high speeds and try to reach the end of every stage before time runs out, which is perhaps where the name of this series comes from.
Despite the many sequels that have come out since, the firstOutRungame continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many players. The game is old school and its difficulty is proof of this. Players must be wary of the obstacles in their way if they wish to get through some of the title’s harder stages.
Crab Gameis one of the most exciting new free-to-play arcade racing games that offer a twist to the traditional racing genre. Instead of powerful cars, players have to use their wits and agility if they want to win the races. This first-person multiplayer game is perfect forSquid Gamelovers who want to navigate a series of diverse mini-games while battling for the ultimate cash prize and trying to stay alive.
Players can explore twenty-eight maps as well as nine game modes, and can be played by up to thirty-five players. Gamers will have to attempt to sprint for safety and strategize in group challenges.Crab Gameis not only fun but delivers adrenaline-packed action in its own quirky way. Casual players can also find usefulbeginner tips forCrab Gamethat’ll make their experience much more fun from the beginning.
CarX Drift Racing Onlinetransports racing game lovers into an exhilarating world where they can learn how to burn tires like a pro. This racer prioritizes realism and delivers an authentic drifting experience where players can tweak, tune, and tailor their cars however they would like to.
ButCarX Drift Racing Onlineisn’t just about the mechanics; players can also choose from a vast collection of vinyl and design the racer that reflects their style. During their races, players will be able to drive through diverse cities and special track locations. Players who crave competition can also race against players globally.
Players who love social games and arcade racers with a unique angle should check outTower Unite. This community-driven early-access game transports players into a fun virtual realm where they can try a wide array of arcade games, including racers.
Gamers can try minigames like Minigolf, Ball Race, or Zombie Massacre while chilling in the Plaza, a bustling virtual theme park. However, players can even get creative and customize their own avatars and design their Condos. There are great guides onhow to make money fast inTower Uniteand other useful tips for beginners to make the experience fun from the start.
TheCrew 2players can not only choose from an extensive list of cars, boats, and even planes to explore an immersive world but also journey through this vibrant and beautiful world by land, sea, or air. Players will get a chance to race across diverse terrains and enjoy bustling cityscapes and serene waters while testing and improving their racing skills.
Thanks to this beloved arcade racer, gamers also get to join a massive community of thirty million players and engage in countless modes. Players can go on their adventures solo or hit the roads with up to seven friends online.
F-Zerois one of the mosticonic video game franchiseswith many beloved titles, and it is rumored that a new game will finally be coming out in 2023. Until then, racing game fans can go back toF-Zero’s most beloved game,GP Legend.
Even though this classic arcade racing game is decades old, it’s still popular among fans because it provides an intense racing experience to its fans and has smooth gameplay. The game also has charming and colorful graphics and transports its players to 2201. Players can choose from dozens of cars and race against other players inGP Legend’s futuristic world.
Ridge Racer 3Dis an excellent choice for players of all levels who are looking for fun arcade racers with great graphics and drifting mechanics. This arcade-style racing game is easy to pick up and play thanks to its straightforward gameplay and 3D effects that can further help beginners avoid obstacles.
Players can try beautifully designed high-speed tracks and choose from over ten cars. Even thoughRidge Racer 3Dis a single-player, it’s still highly enjoyable thanks to the various types of drifts, courses, and tracks players can explore.
Those who are looking for immersive and truly thrillingforgotten PlayStation franchisesshould check outMotorStormgames, especially their brutal but highly entertaining titleApocalypse. Players will be transported into a violent but fun world in which they’ll not only get to race against other players but even drive through crowds at a high speed.
WhileApocalypseis one of the most violent arcade racing games, it’s still a beloved one since it has unique track designs, cars, and environments. It’s a chaotic and unpredictable arcade racer with stunning graphics that provide its players with hours of stirring fun time.
Distanceis one of the most inventive racing games of all time. It mixes arcade racing with parkour to provide its players with a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This futuristic and beautifully designed arcade racer is a great choice for beginners and advanced players alike.
Gamers can go on their adventures alone or with their friends when playing in multiplayer mode and exploreDistance’s mysterious and neon-lit city. What’s special aboutDistanceis that players will not only be able to drive on the roads during the races but drive upside down on buildings and even fly while discovering exciting new paths and shortcuts.
