The 35+ Best Racing Xbox Series X/S Games, Ranked

If you know anything about Xbox's history with racing games, you know that Forza is the flagship series that's often compared to what Gran Turismo is for Sony. Forza Horizon 5, the latest entry in the series, sort of shocked the world with how good it was upon its release in 2021, earning the Universal Acclaim badge on Metacritic with a score of 92…take that PlayStation fans! Console war jokes aside, it sure is nice for Xbox Series X owners to have such a fantastic car racing game on the system, but it's only scratching the surface with all the other great driving titles Series X has to offer in terms of driving and racing.

Since “racing game” can encapsulate multiples types or sub-genres, let's examine a few of the different categories of racing/driving games found on this Series X ranking.

Xbox Series X Driving Simulators: Aims to replicate the realistic physics and dynamics of driving, often featuring real-world cars and tracks to provide an authentic racing experience. Examples on the list include F1 23 and Assetto Corsa Competizione. 

Xbox Series X Street Racing Games: Feature illegal street racing settings and offer a mix between realism and arcade styles. Examples here include Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and Street Outlaws 2

Xbox Series X Kart Racing Games: A type of racing game that features simplified driving mechanics, typically with go-kart-style vehicles, and often includes whimsical tracks and gameplay elements like power-ups and obstacles. Examples from the list include Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled.

Xbox Series X Arcade Racing Games: Focus on fast-paced, accessible gameplay with less emphasis on realism. Examples represented on the list include Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged and Nascar Arcade Rush.

In addition to those categories, know that there are also some great motorcycle and bike racing games playable on Series X - keep your eye out for them if you're interested in two wheeled action specifically!