Two genres you wouldn’t think go together, MMO and Racing. But really why not? With “Battle Pass” systems and leaderboards, there’s no rule saying these can’t come together to make some great games; or maybe we’re just using the word “MMO” too loosely here. Either way, here’s our 10 best MMO racing games!
#10 Rocket League
Publisher: Psyonix
Developer: Psyonix
Platform: PC, Xbox One,Xbox Series X/S,PS4,PS5,Switch
Release Date: July 2015
Rocket League starts off our list, namely because it’s not quite an MMO. But with a Battle Pass (or rather Rocket Pass), and flashy cosmetics to show off, there’s no denying the social element that exists inside the Rocket League community. Like soccer with cars, I guess you could call this a Sports… MMO… Racing game? It’s not really any of those three but nonetheless the labels fit!
#9 High Octane Drift
Publisher: Cruderocks
Developer: Cruderocks
Platform: PC
Release Date: October 2016
Become the king of the drifting scene! High Octane Drift emphasizes small-scale social interaction, with players vying to become the top dog in a 32 player racing arena. Show off your stuff and team up with other racers to take on rival crews.
#8 CarX Drift Racing Online
Publisher: CarX Technologies
Developer: CarX Technologies
Platform: PC, Xbox One,Xbox Series X/S,PS4,PS5,Switch
Release Date: November 2017
I’m a bit of an amateur when it comes to racing games (Mario Kart anyone?), but man you guys love drifting. In CarX Drift Racing Online though, drifting is taken to another level. Compete with other racers, and then go back to the garage and get an in-depth analysis of your stats on the track and customize your car down to the engine details.
#7 Asphalt 9: Legends
Publisher: Gameloft
Developer: Gameloft Barcelona
Platform: PC, Xbox One,Xbox Series X/S,Mobile
Release Date: February 2018
A controversial addition to the list, Asphalt 9: Legends is one of the few games here available on mobile devices. Players in this game take to the street in multiple game modes. The game features smooth graphics, and some whacky physics, but that can be forgiven for the high octane rush it creates.
#6 Project Torque
Publisher: JOGARA
Developer: Invictus Games
Platform: PC
Release Date: April 2008
Project Torque goes the extra step of actually calling itself an “MMO Racing Game” and leans heavily into its social features. The game includes local chat with fellow racers, and the ability to make friends and rivals you can consistently play with and against. While it may be on in years, it offers a unique experience and an early look at the genre.
#5 The Crew 2
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ivory Tower
Platform: PC, Xbox One,Xbox Series X/S,PS4,PS5,Stadia
Release Date: May 2018
Now we’re really getting into titles that feel more like an MMO. The Crew 2 offers an “open-world” racing experience. Players can get behind the wheel of cars, boats, and planes for a variety of races, or just explore and encounter other players. That might sound a little subdued, but it makes for a relaxing and social racing experience.
#4 RaceRoom
Publisher: RaceRoom Entertainment
Developer: KW Studios
Platform: PC,
Release Date: February 2013
RaceRoom is another game that brings community and leaderboards to the forefront of the experience. That seems to be the trend with “MMO Racing Games”. Players can take part in special events to obtain premium unlocks and place their name at the top of the leaderboard for bragging rights.
#3 Need For Speed: World
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Quicklime Games
Platform: PC
Release Date: July 2010
Need For Speed: World brings the classic franchise to the internet and features the classic mix of racing, evading the police, and stunt-driving that fans have come to expect. Players can compete for premium cosmetics and unlocks while darting through the city.
#2 iRacing
Publisher: iRacing
Developer: iRacing
Platform: PC
Release Date: August 2008
Rather than strictly a racing game, iRacing bills itself as a “Simulated Racing League” and “centralized racing and competition service”. Now that’s a lot of big words for what basically means another social-oriented racing experience where players can become well-known in the community. I might sound flippant, but this is actually important for the racing genre.
#1 TrackMania Nations Forever
Publisher: Nadeo
Developer: Ubisoft
Platform: PC
Release Date: April 2008
If we’re going to talk about community-oriented racing games as “MMOs”, then it’s only fitting that we end with TrackMania Nations Forever (though almost any TrackMania title would work). There’s few racing games out there which have achieved the tight-knit community that TrackMania has. New racing challenges almost every day, community created maps, time trials, leaderboards, it has it all!
