- Primary Subject: 2026 Racing Game Roadmap (AAA & Indie)
- Key Update: 2026 marks a massive shift in the genre, featuring the long-awaited Japan-setting for Forza Horizon 6, the transition of Assetto Corsa EVO to open-world, and iRacing's first foray into arcade-style console gaming.
- Status: Confirmed (2026 Release Cycle)
- Last Verified: February 25, 2026
- Quick Answer: The 2026 racing game lineup includes Forza Horizon 6, Assetto Corsa EVO, Wreckfest 2, and iRacing Arcade, with major releases spanning from March through late 2026.
It is time to take a look at Racing Games Coming in 2026. Even back then, when graphics weren't that great and cars were just pixelated, bumping through a 2D landscape, the essence of racing games was still clear.
Today, this genre has grown a lot from what it used to be, and it continues to evolve. Now, it's not only about traditional race mechanics, but also a lot of real-life physics is involved in it. Following the same trend, the year 2026 is looking even more promising.
Forza Horizon 6
- Developer: Playground Games
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S (PlayStation 5 release to follow)
- Expected Release Date: May 19, 2026
For nearly a decade, there were legitimate demands from the fans to bring the festival to Japan. Playground Games has finally revealed that Forza Horizon 6 is going to Tokyo, Japan. If you have played Forza before, you would know that the game completely features car culture in its pure form.
So far, the Forza series has explored regions like the USA, Italy & France, Australia, and the United Kingdom, and the most recent one (Forza Horizon 5) was set in the deserts of Mexico.
In the upcoming sixth edition, you will find yourself cruising through the neon-drenched, rainy midnight of Tokyo City streets. Apart from the modern Japanese culture, you will also be exposed to the treacherous mountain passes of Gunma Prefecture at dawn.
Assetto Corsa EVO (Full 1.0 Release)
- Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
- Platforms: PC (Currently in Early Access), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Expected Release Date: Full 1.0 release expected late 2026
If you follow the simulation racing scene, you know how much hype this game has been creating since its announcement. While the dedicated fanbase has been testing EVO in Early Access, 2026 will be the year when we can expect the full launch of the game.
EVO will feature a seamless, free-roam open-world map surrounding the legendary Nürburgring. For what feels like an eternity, sim racers have been limited to closed circuits. Now, you can take your physics-accurate digital Porsche 911 GT3 on a surrounding ride to explore the open world.
Although based on early reception of the game, there are a few bugs and problems developers are solving, and this is the reason why we are seeing this game being delayed.
Endurance Motorsport Series
- Developer: KT Racing (Kylotonn)
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Expected Release Date: 2026
Most racing games specifically focus on your driving skill and the objective of crossing the finish line first. However, KT Racing's Endurance Motorsport Series recognizes that real-life motorsport is never as simple as that.
Endurance racing is a tough and draining team sport. So what approach did KT Racing take? Well, the approach to Endurance Motorsport is innovative because you are not only the driver but also the engineer monitoring your car from the pit wall.
The nature of long-distance racing means frequent changes between both perspectives will occur when you take charge as race engineer, game AI will take the driver role.
In the course of completing the race, examples might include determining when it is best to swap out performing drivers for fresh legs and analyzing weather data in advance of rain, changing tire decisions, and more.
Wreckfest 2
- Developer: Bugbear Entertainment
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Expected Release Date: Early Access began March 2025; Full 1.0 release expected early-to-mid 2026
Sometimes, clean racing sounds too streamlined, and all you want is chaos, destruction, and absolute fun. Well, Wreckfest 2 is for you.
After achieving great success with their original game (Wreckfest), Bugbear Entertainment is launching Wreckfest 2 this autumn.
The focus of this project is the introduction of cutting-edge technology to create an all-new soft-bodied physics engine from scratch. This new physics engine makes metal dent, bend, and tear in realistic ways.
Every single dent or hole will have an impact on your vehicle's aerodynamics and handling. It is a fantastic demonstration of automotive demolition.
iRacing Arcade
- Developer: Original Fire Games & iRacing
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Expected Release Date: March 3, 2026 (PC) / Summer 2026 (Consoles)
This might be one of the biggest shocks of the year, if not the biggest, as iRacing is well known for being the hardest, most realistic & subscription-based simulation available to date, plus it has also been used by real-life NASCAR & Formula 1 drivers as a means of training.
But the question is, why would such a beloved eSports game make a completely standalone arcade version? The answer may surprise some, but is actually a brilliant decision in generating a new group of future fans.
What iRacing has set out to do is create a game that can be played on PCs or console systems without the harshness of using your regular controller, compared to their subscription version.
Project Motor Racing
- Developer: Straight4 Studios
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Expected Release Date: Available Now (Initially released November 2025, with major seasonal updates continuing into 2026)
A great comeback is something everyone deserves if someone aspires to it, and the gaming industry is not different; we have countless such examples. Ian Bell, the outspoken and often controversial mind behind legendary sims like GTR2 and the original Project CARS, is back with a brand new studio and working on this project.
Project Motor Racing is a completely new project with an all-new, custom-built game engine, created with the sole purpose of being the ultimate love letter to motorsport history. What sets this game apart is the career mode, which allows players to take part in their own careers.
From the 1970s racing era to modern times, you will progress through decades of technology within the game. It's one of the biggest underdog projects in recent history, with a lot to prove.
City Car Driving 2.0
- Developer: Forward Development
- Platforms: PC
- Expected Release Date: Early Access began Late 2025; Full release expected in 2026
We’ve seen the rise of cozy gaming in recent years. These games help players relax and unwind. City Car Driving (CCCD) 2.0 applies that concept to driving. While this category was mostly dominated by mobile developers, the trends seem to be shifting towards PCs and Consoles as well.
Using modern technology, CCCD 2.0 simulates real-life traffic. There is no finish line; instead, you must signal your turns, obey the speed limits, watch out for unpredictable pedestrians walking off the curb, and avoid congested rush hour traffic. Yes, it might sound boring, but let's be real: not everyone wants or is in the mood for an adrenaline rush.
Stay tuned to RacingGames.gg: The Home of Virtual Motorsport.