Given it’s still in Early Access and will be so for a little longer, expect it to only go from strength-to-strength in the coming months. For now, it’s a PC-only title but console versions could be arriving down the line.
Although the Nintendo Switch 2’s imminent arrival will likely mean the release of a new Mario Kart game , the stalwart eighth mainline title in the series is still one of the best racing experiences out there.
Since its release on the ill-fated Wii U in 2014 and re-release as Deluxe for the Switch in 2017, MK8 has established itself as probably the strongest title in the whole series, let alone the best kart racer available on the market.
In a first for the series, it’s also had waves of DLC to keep things fresh over the last few years. Handy for the annual Christmas ‘wind your siblings up with red shells’ gatherings.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2 in-game screenshot
We said ‘driving’ games, before you get a little irate with us. Which we hope you won’t, if you’ve ever had the pleasure of playing Euro Truck Simulator 2.
It’s as it says on the tin – you simulate driving a truck around Europe. It sounds mundane, but get behind the wheel, and it’s surprisingly exceptional and chill fun. Until you download the TruckersMP mod, then the online carnage ensues.
Developer SCS Software has consistently updated the game with several expansions that now means the map almost entirely encompasses the continent. Well worth your time, and better still, it’s usually quite cheap in a Steam sale.
Platforms: PC
Wreckfest
Sometimes, you just need to indulge yourself in utter chaos. Enter, then, Wreckfest.
Although it takes a half-sim approach to its physics model, the art of banger racing is taken to the max in Wreckfest. Cars range from everyday hatchbacks to full-blown sports cars, plus a few oddities like limousines and even a toilet. No, seriously.
Racing can be as mixed as a simple circuit race, carnage-inducing figure-of-eights or last-man standing deathmatches. Get a few friends in, and you’ll have hours of fun.
Oh, and some good news in case Wreckfest becomes your next addiction – there’s a sequel coming soon .
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
EA Sports WRC
EA Sports WRC, Citroen C3 WRC
If you want an up-to-date rally fix, you can’t beat EA Sports WRC. That is partly because there have been no other major rally games recently released to compete with it (and no, for the sake of this we’re not factoring in the modded versions of Richard Burns Rally).
Although it threw away the foundations of its predecessor, Dirt Rally 2.0, the game generally feels improved in our options. Throw in an engaging career mode, a brilliant car list and even the ability to build your own rally monsters, and this becomes a must-play.
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Burnout Paradise Remastered
Although it launched all the way back in 2008, a 2018 remaster means Burnout Paradise is still brilliant to play today, just as when it first came out.
Paradise took the series into an open world location for the first time, although kept the boost-heavy, destruction-focused gameplay and placed in the fabulous backdrop of Paradise City. It’s a true classic.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
