Best Xbox Racing Games You Can Play in 2025

Table of Contents

Before We Hit the Gas… A Quick Tease from the Other Side of the Track

Before diving into the best racing experiences Xbox has to offer, here’s a little spoiler — our PlayStation friends have just dropped their own lineup of Top Racing Games on PS5 (2025).

Now, normally we’d say, “different lanes, different engines”… but this year? Things got interesting. Let’s just say there’s a certain Xbox icon that has recently decided to take a joyride on PlayStation turf.

Yep — you’ll find a surprise crossover waiting in that article, and it involves a certain open-world racing festival set in sunny Mexico.

Our pick for the Best Racing Games on PlayStation 5 (2025) – Gran Turismo 7, F1 24, and the Art of Speed

So once you’re done exploring the raw horsepower and freedom that define Xbox racing games, don’t forget to check out our PlayStation 5 list — where speed meets style, and yes, the crossover you never thought would happen… actually did.

Best Racing Games on Xbox

If PlayStation represents the art of control, then Xbox embodies the spirit of freedom. Microsoft’s system doesn’t just deliver cutting-edge graphics; it’s also home to two of the most iconic racing franchises in the world — Forza Horizon and Forza Motorsport. Alongside them are adrenaline-fueled experiences that span from arcade thrills to rugged off-road adventures, offering something no other ecosystem can replicate.

In this feature, we’ll take a closer look at the top racing games on Xbox — from the sun-soaked festival of Forza Horizon 5, the precision engineering of Forza Motorsport (2023), to the unforgiving deserts of Dakar Desert Rally.

So grab your controller, rev the engine, and prepare to accelerate into a world where Xbox racing isn’t just about speed — it’s about domination.

Quick Summary – Best Xbox Racing Games You Can Play in 2025

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Looking for the best racing games on Xbox? Here’s a quick guide to the top picks — from open-world adventures to realistic simulations — all perfectly optimized for Xbox Series X|S and many available on Game Pass.

Forza Horizon 5 – The ultimate open-world racing game for Xbox, set in breathtaking Mexico with 700+ cars and dynamic weather.
Forza Motorsport (2023) – The most advanced racing simulator on Xbox, built with real-time ray tracing and 4K 60 FPS precision.
Dakar Desert Rally – The largest off-road racing experience, combining survival, exploration, and intense navigation challenges.

Need for Speed: Unbound – Stylish street racing with graffiti-inspired visuals, cops, and deep car customization.
Wreckfest – A fun, physics-driven crash racing game that turns destruction into strategy.
The Crew Motorfest – A massive open-world driving game set in Hawaii with seamless car, boat, and plane transitions.

Assetto Corsa Competizione – A professional-grade GT3/GT4 simulation racer perfect for steering wheel enthusiasts.

Each title captures a different spirit of speed — from the freedom of open-world driving to the precision of circuit racing — making Xbox the definitive platform for every kind of racer.

Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 takes players to Mexico, a land recreated with breathtaking authenticity and artistic flair. The map spans vast deserts, volcanic mountains, dense jungles, ancient colonial towns, and golden coastlines — each region meticulously modeled using satellite imagery and photogrammetry for unparalleled realism.

It’s not just about size; it’s about life. The dynamic weather system transforms every race into a living, breathing spectacle — one moment you’re blazing through a sandstorm in Baja, the next you’re drifting through tropical rain or watching the sun set over Teotihuacán’s ruins. Each drive feels like a postcard in motion, an invitation to lose yourself in the rhythm of open-world exploration.

Freedom, Community, and the Festival Spirit

Unlike traditional simulators that focus purely on track performance, Forza Horizon 5 celebrates the joy of driving itself — a philosophy best described as “racing as celebration.”

Online connectivity is equally ambitious. In Horizon Life, the world becomes a shared social space — a true open-world racing MMO. Players can cruise together, organize spontaneous car meets, create custom events, and even design races using the in-game EventLab. It’s freedom and community seamlessly fused into one festival of speed.

At the heart of it lies the Horizon Festival, an ever-expanding hub where players can take part in hundreds of events — from high-speed street races and off-road challenges to daring stunt runs, cinematic showcases, and even chill scenic drives across the countryside.

The festival evolves constantly through the game’s Seasonal System: every week brings new weather patterns, car rewards, and challenges that keep the world alive. One season you might be drifting through flower fields under spring rain, and the next you’ll be battling sandstorms during the summer dry season.

Over 700 Cars, Real Performance, and Technical Excellence

Forza Horizon 5 boasts a massive roster of over 700 officially licensed vehicles from the world’s greatest manufacturers — Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Toyota, Lamborghini, Koenigsegg, and many more. Each car is recreated with obsessive attention to detail, from the texture of the leather seats to the glint of chrome under the Mexican sun.

Performance-wise, the game is a technical marvel:

Xbox Series X: Runs at native 4K 60 FPS, delivering near-instant load times via SSD and HDR-enhanced visuals that make Mexico’s landscapes shimmer with life.
PC Version: Supports Ultra settings, Ray Tracing in Forza Vista mode, and dynamic scaling for ultra-wide monitors — a dream for hardware enthusiasts.

While the game maintains accessibility for casual players, its driving physics have been fine-tuned to preserve authenticity. Cars feel distinct — a rear-heavy Lamborghini demands a different rhythm than a lightweight Mazda. There’s genuine feedback in every drift, acceleration, and brake — a perfect balance between arcade excitement and simulation precision.

A World That Invites You to Stay

What sets Forza Horizon 5 apart is not just how it looks or drives, but how it feels. It’s a world built for discovery, where every road hides a story, every car has personality, and every player becomes part of a shared celebration of speed.

It isn’t just a racing game — it’s a living ecosystem of adventure, artistry, and connection. Whether you’re chasing leaderboard glory, showing off your latest car tune, or simply watching the sunrise from a mountain pass, Forza Horizon 5 proves one thing beyond doubt: freedom is the ultimate fuel.

Forza Motorsport The Pinnacle of Simulation

If Forza Horizon is a vibrant festival of speed, then Forza Motorsport (2023) is its disciplined counterpart — the serious, precision-driven face of racing on Xbox. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, this isn’t a sequel or a simple graphical upgrade; it’s a complete reboot of the franchise. Built from the ground up to compete head-to-head with Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation, many players now regard it as technically superior, redefining what realism means on modern consoles.

Rebuilt from Scratch with the Next-Gen ForzaTech Engine

The new Forza Motorsport was engineered entirely on the next-generation ForzaTech Engine, designed to deliver ray tracing in real-time gameplay — not just in photo modes. Every reflection, spark, and glint of sunlight across the bodywork is rendered with physical accuracy.

Tire smoke, dust, and skid marks interact dynamically with the environment, while every texture — from asphalt cracks to polished carbon fiber — reacts to light exactly as it would in real life. The result is an uncanny sense of immersion: you don’t just race on a track, you feel the road beneath the tires.

Performance-wise, it runs at a steady 4K/60FPS on Xbox Series X and leverages the console’s SSD to eliminate load screens entirely. From race start to finish line, everything is instantaneous — precision, power, and pace working together seamlessly.

Unparalleled Driving Physics and Realism

Turn 10 claims that Forza Motorsport (2023)’s physics system is 48 times more accurate than that of Forza Motorsport 7. Every subtle steering input, tire deformation, and weight shift is now calculated in real time.

That means cornering in a compact Mazda MX-5 feels radically different from controlling a 700-horsepower McLaren GT3. The tactile response through the Xbox Elite Controller is astonishing — from tire chatter on rough corners to the deep vibration of gear shifts under heavy torque.

The handling isn’t just simulated; it’s translated into sensation. Players aren’t simply piloting machines — they’re reading their cars’ emotions through feedback, balance, and sound.

The Builder’s Cup – A Career Mode Built on Connection

The new Builder’s Cup Career Mode redefines what a single-player campaign can be in a racing sim. Instead of collecting cars like trophies, you build a relationship with each vehicle.

As you race, every car gains experience. You’ll unlock new parts, upgrade components, and fine-tune setups, watching your machine evolve as your skills improve. Over time, your favorite car becomes a reflection of your racing identity — a living partner shaped by your driving history.

This deeper connection makes every race feel personal. You’re not grinding for currency; you’re mastering the art of engineering and performance.

Tracks, Weather, and Content Scale

Forza Motorsport (2023) features over 500 licensed vehicles from the world’s leading manufacturers and 20+ laser-scanned circuits, including fan favorites such as Maple Valley, Suzuka, Silverstone, Spa, and Laguna Seca, alongside several new venues never before seen in the series.

The dynamic weather and lighting system takes realism to another level. Temperature shifts, rain, fog, and even sunset glare affect tire grip, visibility, and pit-stop strategies. No two laps ever feel the same — each race becomes a live ecosystem shaped by nature and driver choice.

A True Xbox Experience

From the first day of release, it launched directly on Xbox Game Pass, supporting cross-play and cross-save between console and PC. It also integrates Azure Cloud AI, allowing computer-controlled opponents to “learn” from your driving habits and craft smarter, more adaptive rivals.

Optimized exclusively for the Xbox ecosystem, it’s not just a racing title — it’s a technological statement.

The Philosophy of Precision

Forza Motorsport (2023) isn’t about flashy spectacle or open-world freedom — it’s about craftsmanship, focus, and mechanical truth. Every steering correction, every droplet of rain, and every tire groove tells a story of precision and discipline.

It’s a love letter to motorsport enthusiasts — a place where you don’t merely drive cars, but understand them, live with them, and evolve alongside them. In this arena of pure simulation, Xbox delivers not just a racing game, but an experience that celebrates the very soul of speed.

Need for Speed: Unbound – Street Racing with Attitude

Few franchises carry the same legacy in street racing as Need for Speed, and with Unbound, developer Criterion Games has injected new life — and attitude — into this long-running series. Released in late 2022 and fully optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Need for Speed: Unbound marks a bold creative pivot, combining high-speed realism with a vibrant graffiti-inspired aesthetic that sets it apart from every racer on the market.

This is not just another cops-and-racers chase — it’s a statement of style, sound, and speed.

A Bold New Visual Identity

At first glance, Unbound looks like a blend of anime art and realistic car rendering — and that’s exactly the point. Criterion deliberately chose a cel-shaded graffiti art style, overlaying hand-drawn effects on top of photorealistic cars and cities. Tire smoke morphs into sketchy lines, boost flames explode into neon wings, and every drift feels like a brushstroke across the asphalt.

The setting — Lakeshore City, a fictionalized take on Chicago — is a living, breathing urban jungle. From neon-lit underpasses to rainy downtown highways, every inch of the map is drenched in attitude. And thanks to the Series X hardware, it all runs at 4K 60 FPS, blending realism and expressionism into one of the most visually unique racers ever made.

Gameplay: The Heart of Underground Racing

Underneath the style, Need for Speed: Unbound delivers the most refined street-racing mechanics in the franchise’s modern history. It’s a return to what made the early Underground and Most Wanted titles iconic:

High-stakes races across city streets, highways, and industrial zones.
Intense police chases that escalate dynamically, requiring tactical evasion and split-second decisions.

Risk-and-reward economy, where betting on yourself in races can multiply profits — or leave you broke after one mistake.

The career mode unfolds over a four-week progression system, culminating in “The Grand” — Lakeshore’s ultimate underground showdown. Each week, you’ll manage cash, car builds, and heat level from the cops while earning respect from rival crews.

Every decision matters: push too hard, and you’ll gain heat fast; play it safe, and you might fall behind the competition. This balance between chaos and control is what gives Unbound its addictive pulse.

Customization and Culture

Customization has always been Need for Speed’s DNA, and Unbound takes it further than ever. The garage system offers hundreds of licensed cars from brands like BMW, Lamborghini, Nissan, and McLaren, with a level of personalization that borders on artistic expression.

Players can:

Modify body kits, stance, exhausts, and paint layers with incredible depth.
Tune handling profiles to favor drift, grip, or hybrid control.

Add animated graffiti effects — unique “Tags” that activate when boosting, personalizing your racing identity.

The soundtrack also deserves mention — a blend of hip-hop, drill, and electronic beats curated by A$AP Rocky, who even appears in-game as both a rival and cultural icon. The music and visuals merge into a celebration of modern car culture, fashion, and rebellion.

Performance and Multiplayer

On Xbox Series X, Need for Speed: Unbound shines with minimal load times, buttery-smooth frame rates, and cross-play support for online multiplayer. The Lakeshore Online mode allows players to form crews, organize events, and compete in open-world challenges without loading interruptions.

Criterion has continued supporting the game post-launch with new cars, cosmetics, and events, turning Unbound into a living service while keeping its single-player essence intact.

Why It Stands Out on Xbox

Compared to its PlayStation counterpart, Unbound benefits from better texture streaming and faster SSD performance on Xbox Series X — giving the city a sharper, more seamless presentation. And thanks to its inclusion on EA Play, which is bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, subscribers can jump into the game at no additional cost.

In short, Need for Speed: Unbound represents everything that Xbox racing culture stands for: power, expression, and freedom. It’s stylish without losing substance, rebellious without losing control — a street racer that remembers its roots while looking firmly toward the future.

Dakar Desert Rally – The Most Extreme Off-Road Adventure on Xbox

Not every race is run on smooth asphalt. Dakar Desert Rally throws players into the heart of nature’s harshest playground — the endless sands, violent storms, and treacherous terrain of the Middle East. Here, victory isn’t about top speed; it’s about navigation, endurance, and survival.

It’s a racing experience where courage matters more than horsepower — and every grain of sand hides a story of challenge and triumph.

Developed by Saber Interactive, Dakar Desert Rally is officially the biggest off-road racing game ever made for Xbox, featuring a staggering 20,000 square kilometers of fully explorable terrain modeled after the real Dakar Rally route. The developers used authentic GPS data from past Dakar events to capture every dune, canyon, and mountain pass across the Arabian landscape.

The game is powered by the SnowRunner Engine, delivering deformable surfaces that respond dynamically to weather conditions. Mud, sand, and water all behave with physical realism — your tires dig, slide, and struggle just as they would in the real desert. Thunderstorms reduce visibility, while flash floods and sandstorms reshape the track mid-race, forcing players to adapt on the fly.

On Xbox Series X, the game runs at 4K 60 FPS, offering rock-solid performance and expansive draw distances — crucial for maintaining orientation in the vast, open wilderness. Among all platforms, the Xbox version is widely praised by the community as the smoothest and most stable way to experience Dakar’s chaos and beauty.

Authentic Off-Road Simulation Like No Other

Dakar Desert Rally features over 160 officially licensed vehicles, ranging from rally cars and motorbikes to quads, UTVs, and massive racing trucks. Each class demands a different mindset — balancing power, traction, and endurance over unpredictable terrain.

The game’s Simulation Mode faithfully recreates the grueling real-world Dakar Rally rules. Players must:

Navigate using a roadbook instead of a mini-map.
Interpret symbols and compass bearings to find the correct route.

Repair vehicles manually during stages.
Manage fuel and weather hazards while staying within rally regulations.

This makes the experience both punishing and deeply rewarding — part racing, part survival, and part navigation challenge.

For those who prefer a more accessible experience, Sport Mode simplifies navigation with checkpoints and assists, allowing casual racers to enjoy the thrill of Dakar without the full intensity of its professional format.

Technical Brilliance and Atmospheric Beauty

The desert is the true star of the game. The HDR lighting on Xbox Series X captures the shifting tones of the dunes — from golden sunrise to blood-red sunset — while the day-night cycle adds strategic depth to every stage. Driving at dusk feels almost meditative; driving at night under a lightning storm feels like defying nature itself.

Dynamic weather is not cosmetic here — it changes gameplay entirely. Rain can flood valleys, wind reshapes dunes, and temperature affects traction. Combined with the simulation of tire pressure, vehicle weight, and suspension physics, no two races ever unfold the same way.

The result is a visual and mechanical masterpiece: an off-road adventure that is as punishing as it is breathtaking.

The Spirit of Exploration

Dakar Desert Rally isn’t for those seeking instant gratification — it’s for those who crave exploration, resilience, and mastery. It rewards patience, navigation skill, and the ability to adapt to nature’s chaos.

This is more than a racing game; it’s an expedition — one where every mistake becomes a lesson, every storm a story, and every finish line a triumph of will.

In a generation filled with asphalt racers and open-world arcades, Dakar Desert Rally stands apart as Xbox’s purest off-road conquest — proof that speed doesn’t only belong to city tracks, but also to the wind that carries your dust across the desert.

Other Great Racing Games Worth Playing on Xbox

While many of these titles are also available on PlayStation, they deserve a second spotlight here — especially since their performance, optimization, or Game Pass availability make them just as exciting (if not better) on Xbox.

The Crew Motorfest – Open-World Racing Across Hawaii

Ubisoft’s The Crew Motorfest invites players to race, fly, and sail across a vibrant recreation of the Hawaiian islands. The game allows instant vehicle switching between cars, planes, and boats, offering seamless transitions and exploration freedom. Its seasonal live events and constant updates make it one of the best long-term racing experiences on Xbox Game Pass.

Wreckfest – Destruction Racing Done Right

If you prefer your races with a bit more chaos, Wreckfest brings back the spirit of FlatOut and Destruction Derby. Every collision, dent, and shattered panel is driven by realistic physics — making crashes both spectacular and satisfying. Despite being released years ago, it still runs impressively well on both Xbox One and Series X.

Xbox Racing Games: The Power of Speed and Freedom

With perhaps not the strongest racing ecosystem in the gaming world today, Xbox has secured its place as an irreplaceable home for speed lovers. Whether it’s the open roads of Forza Horizon 5, the simulation mastery of Forza Motorsport (2023), or the extreme survival challenge of Dakar Desert Rally, the platform offers a full spectrum of experiences — from casual fun to professional precision.

While most of these racing titles are also available on PlayStation, the Xbox versions often outperform in raw stability and graphical fidelity — not to mention the unbeatable value of having many of them included with Xbox Game Pass.

Play the Best Xbox Racing Games with Xbox Game Pass

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If you’re diving into the Top Racing Games on Xbox, there’s no better way to experience them than through the Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft’s all-in-one gaming subscription gives you instant access to hundreds of titles — including Forza Horizon 5, Forza Motorsport (2023), and Need for Speed: Unbound — all without having to buy each game separately.

Whether you prefer simulation, off-road adventure, or open-world street racing, Game Pass puts them all under one roof, along with major benefits like EA Play integration, cloud gaming, and day-one access to Xbox exclusives.

Why Xbox Game Pass Is Perfect for Racing Fans

Instant Access to Premium Games: Download and play hundreds of games, including first-party releases like Forza Horizon 5 and Motorsport.

Cross-Platform Flexibility: Works seamlessly across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
EA Play Included: Get access to Need for Speed, F1, Burnout Paradise, and more without extra fees.
Cloud Streaming: Play anywhere using Xbox Cloud Gaming on mobile or browser.

Regular Updates: New titles are added monthly, including racing hits and classic favorites.

For newcomers, Game Pass Ultimate offers the best value — combining console, PC, and online multiplayer access into one subscription.

About the Recent Xbox Game Pass Price Increase

Microsoft adjusted Xbox Game Pass pricing in mid-2024 to align with rising development and server costs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the latest standard pricing (as of 2025):

Plan	Previous Price	New Price (2025)	Notes
Game Pass Ultimate	$14.99/month	$17.99/month	Includes console, PC, EA Play, and cloud gaming
PC Game Pass	$9.99/month	$11.99/month	Focused on PC titles and Game Pass library
Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold)	$9.99/month	Unchanged	Includes multiplayer and limited catalog

Recommended Game Pass Options

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (Best Overall) – Full access to console, PC, and cloud gaming. Perfect for players who love variety.

12-Month Xbox Game Pass Card – Often discounted through retailers or affiliate links; ideal for long-term users.
Xbox Game Pass Gift Card – Great for gifting or topping up your subscription.

If you’re planning to explore the best racing games on Xbox, subscribing to Game Pass is still the most affordable and flexible way to enjoy them — even with the new pricing.

Check the latest offers and renewal discounts here:

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3 Month Subscription | US Account digital

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Video Games News
November 2, 2025

Top Racing Games on Xbox (2025) – Forza, Need for Speed & Open-World Driving Thrills

Before We Hit the Gas… A Quick Tease from the Other Side of the Track

Best Racing Games on Xbox

Related Games

Forza Motorsport

Forza Horizon 5

Need for Speed: Unbound

Dakar Desert Rally

The Crew: Motorfest

Wreckfest

Forza Horizon 5

Freedom, Community, and the Festival Spirit

Over 700 Cars, Real Performance, and Technical Excellence

A World That Invites You to Stay

Forza Motorsport The Pinnacle of Simulation

Rebuilt from Scratch with the Next-Gen ForzaTech Engine

Unparalleled Driving Physics and Realism

The Builder’s Cup – A Career Mode Built on Connection

Tracks, Weather, and Content Scale

A True Xbox Experience

The Philosophy of Precision

Need for Speed: Unbound – Street Racing with Attitude

A Bold New Visual Identity

Gameplay: The Heart of Underground Racing

Customization and Culture

Performance and Multiplayer

Why It Stands Out on Xbox

Dakar Desert Rally – The Most Extreme Off-Road Adventure on Xbox

Authentic Off-Road Simulation Like No Other

Technical Brilliance and Atmospheric Beauty

The Spirit of Exploration

Other Great Racing Games Worth Playing on Xbox

The Crew Motorfest – Open-World Racing Across Hawaii

Wreckfest – Destruction Racing Done Right

Xbox Racing Games: The Power of Speed and Freedom

Play the Best Xbox Racing Games with Xbox Game Pass

Why Xbox Game Pass Is Perfect for Racing Fans

About the Recent Xbox Game Pass Price Increase

Recommended Game Pass Options