TL;DR
- Forza Horizon 6 is the best overall racing game on Xbox Series X right now — set in Japan, available on Game Pass.
- Forza Motorsport (2023) is the go-to for realistic circuit racing and car progression.
- F1 25 is the best Formula 1 experience, with a renewed My Team mode and Braking Point 3 story.
- Assetto Corsa Competizione is the top pick for hardcore GT sim fans.
- EA Sports WRC is the best rally racer on Xbox Series X right now.
- Wreckfest is the most fun crash-focused racer for casual and group play.
- Most of these are playable through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Best Racing Games for Xbox Series X in 2026
The best racing games for Xbox Series X in 2026 cover every style of racing you can think of. Open-world arcade, tight circuit sim, brutal rally, full-contact demolition — the Xbox Series X library has it all. Whether you just picked up a console or you are a longtime fan looking for your next obsession, this list covers the best options right now.
We ranked these based on gameplay quality, how well they run on Xbox Series X hardware, and what kind of racing experience they offer. Let’s get into it.
1. Forza Horizon 6 — Best Overall Racing Game on Xbox Series X
Forza Horizon 6 is the best racing game on Xbox Series X right now. Full stop. Developed by Playground Games and released in May 2026, FH6 takes the Horizon Festival to Japan — and it is the most detailed open-world map the series has ever produced.
Downtown Tokyo is dense and packed with roads to explore. The mountainous regions look like something out of a film. The marshland areas are quiet and gorgeous. Every biome feels distinct and worth exploring, which was not always the case in earlier entries.
The handling model has been improved across the board. Every car feels different behind the wheel. Drifting is smooth and predictable without losing that slight edge of chaos. The engine audio has been upgraded too — turbo flutter in tunnels, tyre squeal on late-night runs, it all adds to the immersion.
New additions like Treasure Cars (discovered via in-world poster clues) and Aftermarket Cars found in the open world give you more ways to build your garage without just browsing the Autoshow. Fast travel has also been fixed — you can just do it now, no more grinding to unlock it.
On Xbox Series X, FH6 runs in native 4K at 30fps in Quality Mode, or targets 4K with dynamic scaling at a smooth 60fps in Performance Mode. Both look excellent. It is also available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which makes it an automatic must-play for subscribers.
If you want to see how FH6 compares to the rest of the Xbox lineup, check out our best Xbox Series X games guide. For display settings to get the most out of FH6’s visuals, see our Xbox Series X display settings guide.
- Genre: Open-world arcade racer
- Available on Game Pass: Yes
- Best for: Everyone — casual players, car enthusiasts, open-world explorers
2. Forza Motorsport (2023) — Best Circuit Racing Sim on Xbox
If Forza Horizon 6 is the fun open-world counterpart, Forza Motorsport is the serious side of the Forza brand. Developed by Turn 10 Studios and released in October 2023, this is a proper racing simulation built around real tracks, real cars, and a deep progression system.
The standout feature is the car-building progression. Each car you race advances through multiple race series, and upgrades unlock as you earn XP with that specific car. It rewards you for sticking with a vehicle and learning its behaviour rather than just buying the fastest thing in the shop.
The track list includes legendary circuits like Silverstone, Laguna Seca, and Road America, all recreated in high detail. Online multiplayer has a safety rating system that rewards clean, competitive racing over aggressive moves — a nice touch for anyone who has played other sims and suffered from corner-cutting griefers.
Forza Motorsport scored 84/100 on Metacritic for Xbox Series X and 9/10 from GameSpot. It is also on Game Pass, which makes it easy to try alongside Forza Horizon 6 without paying twice.
- Genre: Circuit sim racing
- Available on Game Pass: Yes
- Best for: Players who want real tracks, real discipline, and car mastery
3. F1 25 — Best Formula 1 Game on Xbox Series X
F1 25 is the current Formula 1 game from Codemasters EA Sports, released on May 30, 2025. It is a Series X/S exclusive — no Xbox One version — which means it takes full advantage of the hardware.
The biggest addition is My Team 2.0, a rebuilt career mode where you take on the dual role of driver and team manager. Alongside this is Braking Point 3, the third chapter of the series’ story mode, which reviewers have called a solid if familiar narrative experience.
The driving model is sharper than previous entries. The cars feel reactive and precise, and the visuals are stunning — world-famous circuits are recreated with accurate environmental changes based on time of day and weather. The level of immersion is difficult to match in any other racing game on console.
F1 25 features all 24 circuits from the 2025 Formula 1 season and supports up to 22-driver grids online. EA Play is included in Game Pass Ultimate, so you can get a 10-hour trial before committing — useful if you are on the fence.
- Genre: Formula 1 simulation
- Available on Game Pass: EA Play trial via Game Pass Ultimate
- Best for: F1 fans and anyone who wants a career-driven motorsport experience
4. Assetto Corsa Competizione — Best GT Sim on Xbox Series X
For pure sim racing on Xbox Series X, Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC) is in a class of its own. Developed by Kunos Simulazioni, ACC is built around the GT World Challenge — a real-world endurance racing series — and every detail reflects that focus.
The tyre model, brake temperatures, fuel loads, and wet-weather handling are all modelled with a level of depth you will not find in Forza or F1. This is not a game you jump into casually. It rewards learning — understanding braking zones, trail braking technique, and tyre management during longer stints.
The online competitive scene is strong, and the track list includes circuits like Spa-Francorchamps, Nürburgring, and Monza. The Xbox Series X/S version was released in February 2022 and runs well on current hardware. If you pair it with a good setup, check out our best monitor for Xbox Series X guide to get the most out of the visuals.
- Genre: GT simulation
- Available on Game Pass: No
- Best for: Hardcore sim racers who want the most authentic racing experience on console
5. EA Sports WRC — Best Rally Game on Xbox Series X
Rally racing is its own thing — and EA Sports WRC is the best option for it on Xbox right now. Codemasters, who also make the F1 series, combined all of their rally knowledge from the DiRT series with the full WRC license. The result is the most complete rally experience currently available on console.
The handling is demanding. Real rally demands precise timing on braking, commitment to blind corners, and reading pace notes from your co-driver. EA Sports WRC delivers on all of that while still being accessible enough for players stepping up from arcade games.
The stage variety is strong — gravel, tarmac, snow, and mixed surfaces across real WRC locations. It currently holds a “Generally Favorable” rating on Metacritic and is considered the top rally game in the market since DiRT Rally 2.0.
- Genre: Rally simulation
- Available on Game Pass: No (check current Game Pass library for updates)
- Best for: Rally fans and players who want a more focused, technical driving challenge
6. Wreckfest — Best Casual and Party Racing Game on Xbox
Not every racing session needs to be about clean laps and perfect strategy. Wreckfest by Bugbear Entertainment is built around destruction — and it is outrageously fun for it. The soft-body physics engine means cars crumple, bend, and fall apart in realistic ways. Watching an opponent lose a wheel mid-corner never gets old.
Single-player content is solid, with challenge modes that include bizarre events like school bus races. Multiplayer is where Wreckfest really shines — it is one of the best couch and online party games in the racing genre. The customisation system lets you build a car specifically tuned for taking hits and dishing them back out.
The original Wreckfest is available on Xbox Game Pass, making it an easy recommendation. Note that Wreckfest 2 launched in early access on PC in March 2025 — a console release date has not been confirmed yet as of mid-2026.
- Genre: Demolition derby / contact racing
- Available on Game Pass: Yes (original Wreckfest)
- Best for: Casual play, group sessions, anyone who wants pure fun without the pressure
7. Forza Horizon 5 — Still Worth Playing in 2026
With Forza Horizon 6 now out, you might wonder whether Forza Horizon 5 is still worth your time. The answer is yes — especially if you have Game Pass and want to compare the two.
FH5 is set in Mexico and remains one of the best-looking open-world games on the platform. The reward system showers you with cars at a generous rate. Events, seasonal content, and online multiplayer modes still have an active player base. If you are new to the Forza Horizon series, starting with FH5 and then moving to FH6 gives you a great sense of how far the franchise has come.
- Genre: Open-world arcade racer
- Available on Game Pass: Yes
- Best for: New players wanting a deep Forza Horizon library, or anyone not yet ready to move to FH6
Which Racing Game on Xbox Series X Is Right for You?
Here is a quick way to pick based on what you are looking for:
- Want the best game overall? → Forza Horizon 6
- Want serious circuit racing? → Forza Motorsport (2023)
- F1 fan? → F1 25
- Want the most realistic sim? → Assetto Corsa Competizione
- Want rally? → EA Sports WRC
- Want fun and chaos with friends? → Wreckfest
- On a budget with Game Pass? → Forza Horizon 6, Forza Motorsport, Wreckfest, and FH5 are all included
If you are setting up your Xbox for the best possible gaming experience, make sure you have the right gear. Our best Xbox Series X headset guide and best monitor for Xbox Series X guide can help.
Do You Need Xbox Game Pass for These Games?
You do not need Game Pass to play most of these titles — they can all be purchased individually. But if you want the best value, Game Pass Ultimate gives you access to Forza Horizon 6, Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon 5, and Wreckfest as part of your subscription. That is a lot of racing content for a single monthly fee.
See our Xbox Game Pass price guide for 2026 and best games on Xbox Game Pass article to get the full picture on what is available.
Controller Tips for Racing Games on Xbox
Racing games benefit from a well-configured controller. If you are playing on a standard Xbox controller, make sure your triggers are responsive and your stick deadzones are set correctly. You can adjust these in the Xbox Accessories App — see our Xbox Accessories App guide for setup help.
For the most precise input, especially in simulation titles like Assetto Corsa Competizione and Forza Motorsport, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 with hair-trigger locks and adjustable tension is a noticeable upgrade. You can also remap controller buttons to put braking and throttle exactly where you want them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best racing game on Xbox Series X right now?
Forza Horizon 6 is the best racing game on Xbox Series X in 2026. It is set in Japan, runs at native 4K on Xbox Series X, and is available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Are there good racing games on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes. Forza Horizon 6, Forza Motorsport (2023), Forza Horizon 5, and Wreckfest are all on Game Pass. That covers open-world, circuit sim, and demolition racing in one subscription.
Is Forza Horizon 6 on Xbox Series X 60fps?
Yes. In Performance Mode, Forza Horizon 6 targets 60fps on Xbox Series X with dynamic 4K resolution scaling. In Quality Mode it runs at native 4K at 30fps.
What is the most realistic racing game on Xbox Series X?
Assetto Corsa Competizione is the most realistic racing simulation on Xbox Series X. It models tyre physics, brake temperatures, and real GT endurance racing conditions in deep detail.
Is there a good F1 game on Xbox Series X?
Yes. F1 25, released in May 2025, is the current Formula 1 game on Xbox Series X. It features a rebuilt My Team career mode, Braking Point 3 story mode, and all 24 circuits from the 2025 F1 season.
