by leandrosroc in
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As we look at a busy year ahead, here’s every new racing title to look out for in 2024.

2023 is now firmly in the rearview mirror, and so attention turns to what’s coming in 2024. From confirmed racing titles to expected releases and even rumoured new games, 2024 promises to be an exciting year for racing game fans.

Here’s the full 2024 racing game calendar for you to get excited about!

New year, new race

2023 was a mixed bag when it came to good racing titles, but there were still some gems that came out last year. The Crew Motorfest and LEGO 2K Drive gave the open-world racing genre a much-needed kickstart, with Forza Horizon 5 finally having a rival to contend with.

Elsewhere, F1 23 revolutionised the F1 series with the introduction of F1 World, while Codemasters also made their highly anticipated rally return with EA Sports WRC.

We also saw the Forza Motorsport franchise rebooted to mixed reviews, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged continue the success of the original, and TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 take us to the very limit of motorcycle racing.

Despite the highs, however, 2023 was still a disappointing year overall. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at what 2024 has to offer.

Confirmed for 2024

Trail Out

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Release date: January 2024 (Xbox)/Q2 2024 (PS5)

Before Wreckfest, Bugbear Entertainment was best known for the FlatOut series, which blended off-road racing in junk cars with demolition derby and hilarious driver-throwing minigames. Trail Out is the spiritual successor FlatOut fans have been waiting for.

Trail Out sees you pick a car from the junkyard and smash it to pieces in destructive races and demolition derbies. Taking place in locations from harbours to barnyards, the tracks are filled with shortcuts and scenery to smash into. There’s even a tongue-in-cheek story mode with cut scenes.

Since smashing onto Steam in 2022, Trail Out has garnered critical acclaim and a cult following. This year will see Trail Out get a long-awaited console port on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S bundling all previously released DLC and updates from the PC game.

Le Mans Ultimate

Platforms: PC
Release date: 20 February 2024

Powered by rFactor 2’s renowned graphics and physics engine, Le Mans Ultimate is the official game of the 2023 World Endurance Championship. The first WEC game in 20 years, this is the only game that lets you take on the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

Along with the full grid of GTE and LMP2 cars, you’ll be hitting the track in the new Le Mans Hypercar class cars, with race machines like the Ferrari 499P and Peugeot 9X8 making their racing game debuts.

Originally slated for a December 2023 release, Le Mans Ultimate is racing onto PC on 20 February, just a few days before the opening 2024 WEC race at Losail. PC will be the only platform initially, but Studio 397 is considering a console port depending on sales.

Considering that this is the only game Motorsport Games has in the pipeline after losing the NASCAR and BTCC licenses and suspending development of the IndyCar game, a lot is riding on Le Mans Ultimate to be a hit.

Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Release date: 7 March 2024

If you’ve ever wanted to live the life of a taxi driver, this is the game for you. Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is set in a stunning 1:1 recreation of the beautiful city of Barcelona, with all the sights and sounds of the Catalan city.

In the game, it’s up to you to deliver your passengers on time while keeping them happy. This means opening the window, turning down the radio, or even driving more carefully around the city.

Arriving in early March, Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator might be slower-paced than most of the games on this list, but that definitely doesn’t detract from the taxi driving fun.

Top Racer Collection

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Release date: 7 March 2024

Racing fans growing up in the 1990s will have fond memories of the 16-bit Top Gear (no connection to the popular BBC motoring show) SNES series. Top Racer Collection (renamed for obvious licensing reasons) bundles the original three games (Top Racer, Top Racer 2, and Top Racer 3000) on modern platforms remastered in HD.

Completing the package is Top Racer Crossroads, a crossover between Top Racer and Horizon Chase, which was heavily inspired by the original Top Gear games, with four new cars and exclusive content. Impressively, the compilation will include 140 tracks around the world.

With a soundtrack composed by the legendary Barry Leitch and old-school split screen and screen filters that make it look like you’re playing on a boxy CRT TV, Top Racer Collection will bring back the simple charm of 90s racers. Originally slated for release on 11 January, Top Racer Collection has been delayed until 7 March.

New Star GP

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch

Release date: March 2024

For fans of retro racing games, there’s a real treat coming this year. Developed by New Star Games, the studio behind New Star Soccer, New Star GP takes us right back to the heyday of arcade racing titles.

With a career mode starting right the way back in the 1980s, New Star GP takes players through decades of racing history up to the present day. You can also build your own team from the ground up, recruiting drivers and staff while developing the car to success.

We don’t yet have a full release date for New Star GP, but we do know the game is coming sometime in March. So we don’t have long to wait to head back to the past for some adrenaline-fuelled racing action.

Stampede Racing Royale

Platforms: PC
Release date
: Early 2024 (Steam Early Access)

Kart racers have been on the rise in recent years, with Stampede: Racing Royale set to join the list in 2024. Combining chaotic karting with a battle royale-style elimination system, Stampede: Racing Royale will offer a truly unique experience.

The aim of the game is to be the last kart racing. Racing in lobbies of up to 60 players, either on the track or in battle royale arenas, it’s up to you to beat out the other players to become the champion.

Sadly, Stampede: Racing Royale’s expected Steam Early Access date was pushed back from November 2023. The good news, however, is the game is still due to arrive sometime in early 2024.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Release date: 5 March 2024

The long-awaited sequel to SnowRunner comes charging over the rough terrain in 2024. Developed by Saber Interactive, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, as the title suggests, is more of a follow-up to Saber Interactive’s MudRunner, bringing new gadgets and vehicles to the already successful formula.

Putting you in the role of a driver on a scientific expedition, Expeditions challenges you to travel across all forms of terrain in all manner of vehicles to reach the required expedition site. Players can upgrade their base of operations, using skill points to hire staff to research new technology for the next adventure.

Drones to scan the route ahead, combined with echo scanners for traversing deep water will help you conquer anything blocking your path. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game will begin the expedition on 5 March 2024.

Horizon Chase 2

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Release date: Spring 2024

Horizon Chase was a huge hit on mobiles, leading to the enhanced Horizon Chase Turbo console port. A sequel arrived in 2022, but there was a big caveat: it was an Apple Arcade exclusive. After a long wait, Horizon Chase 2 is finally speeding onto PlayStation and Xbox Series X|S this Spring following last year’s Switch and PC ports.

Horizon Chase 2 retains its predecessor’s frantic arcade-style racing but improves on the original with a colourful 3D art style, new world locations, and car customisation. If you love retro arcade racers, Horizon Chase 2 should be high on your most wanted list.

Assetto Corsa 2

Platforms: PC (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S at a later date)
Release date
: Summer 2024

Since Assetto Corsa first sped onto the racing scene back in 2014, the question has always been how it can be topped. Well, 10 years later we’ll finally get an answer to that question.

Even with the release of the GT3 and GT4-dominated Assetto Corsa Competizione in 2018, there’s still a strong demand for an Assetto Corsa sequel. Rumours have been circulating for a while that Assetto Corsa 2 is in development, and while the game has yet to be announced, we know the release window.

Publisher 505 Games has earmarked Summer 2024 as the release window for AC2. This was revealed in a press release stating the release was delayed from spring to summer 2024. Expect to hit the track once again in Assetto Corsa 2 in June or July.

F1 Manager 2024

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Expected release date:
TBC 2024

Despite slow sales of F1 Manager 2023 leading to layoffs at Frontier, the F1 Manager series is due to continue until at least 2025. This means F1 Manager 2024 is happening this year, and it could be the best in the series yet.

Where F1 Manager 2023 excelled was by building on the foundations of its predecessor. If F1 Manager 2024 continues that trend, it promises to be the best example of a racing management title available.

Whether it’s including features that missed the cut last year, or expanding on the already extensive management aspects, F1 Manager 2024 could be the shot in the arm that the series is crying out for.

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date
: TBC 2024

While we still don’t know the exact release date, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is on track for a 2024 release. Delayed numerous times from its original 2022 release window, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown has been a long, long time coming.

Introducing the Solar Crown racing competition to Hong Kong Island, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown aims to continue the excellent Test Drive Unlimited series in style. With the luxury Solar Hotel featuring as the hub of operations for players, you’ll mix with other players before racing them to the nearest car dealership for a new set of wheels.

Solar Crown will bring the grind back to racing, but in a way unlike any other racing title before it. The Solar Crown competition is one for all racing fans to enter when Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown finally arrives in 2024.

#DRIVE Rally

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Release date: TBC 2024

A follow-up to the popular endless driving game #DRIVE, #DRIVE Rally is a throwback to 1990s rallying and gaming, featuring low-poly visuals and customisable, retro-inspired rally cars.

You’ll tear across a range of locations from woodlands to snow while following pace notes from a foul-mouthed co-driver who sounds like an angry Arnold Schwarzenegger.

From Polish developer Pixel Perfect Dude, #DRIVE Rally is skidding onto PC this year, with console versions to follow. With a comical co-driver who sounds like an angry Arnold Schwarzenegger, #DRIVE Rally is shaping up to be a fun alternative to more serious rally simulations like EA Sports WRC. Whereas #DRIVE was mobile and Switch only, the rally sequel will mark the series’ debut on PC, PlayStation and Xbox

Expected in 2024

EA Sports WRC 24

Expected platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Expected release date: Autumn 2024

After their successful reboot of the WRC series, we expect to see Codemasters continue the trend this year. We have no official confirmation of an EA Sports WRC 24 (we don’t even know if that will be the game’s title), but the series will likely continue with annual releases.

With its innovative car builder and career mode last year, EA Sports WRC showed the series was in safe hands with Codemasters and EA. It’s now down to the studio to keep the momentum going this year by giving rally fans what they want.

If they can keep innovating the rally genre, there’s no reason why EA Sports WRC 24 can’t become one of the standout racing titles in 2024.

F1 24

Expected platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Expected release date: Summer 2024

F1 23 was a return to form for the F1 series, but there’s still work to be done in F1 24. F1 World breathed new life into the series, creating a platform for new content to be seamlessly added to the game, but that now needs to continue in this year’s entry.

With no Braking Point story mode this year, the focus needs to turn back to the single-player career modes. Both My Team and Career Mode have been neglected for the last couple of years, so it’s about time some new features were added and the overall feel of both game modes is improved.

With EA Sports WRC switching to Unreal Engine, there’s a good chance F1 24 will get a long overdue engine upgrade bringing better graphics. If F1 24 can keep the handling model and F1 World from last year, plus improve the single-player experience, then the F1 series will once again triumph.

MotoGP 24

Expected platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Expected release date: Summer 2024

Much like its four-wheeled rival, MotoGP 23 was a great entry in its series. Also expected in the summer, but yet to be confirmed, MotoGP 24 will hopefully build on the success of the last couple of entries.

Cross-play multiplayer was added for the first time last year, and we expect that to carry over to MotoGP 24. We also anticipate the incredible career mode and Turning Points progression system to return, along with the ‘create your own team’ Managerial Career mode.

With an updated roster of tracks, teams, and riders, along with plucking the best features from last year, MotoGP 24 will no doubt be a roaring success.

Rennsport

Platforms: PC
Expected release date:
TBA

Things have gone a little quiet from Rennsport in recent weeks, but we’re still expecting the game to launch in 2024. Developed by Competition Company, Rennsport is the newest sim racing title.

Rennsport has been in closed beta since June 2023, with the game originally meant to launch in December. That date has come and gone, however, with Rennsport yet to hit the market. Accusations of ‘borrowed’ code from rFactor 2 may have delayed things slightly, but we’re hoping game will still launch in 2024.

With a focus on German GT3 cars and a host of real-world tracks to race around, Rennsport aims to live up to its German name and take on the likes of Assetto Corsa 2.

Wreckreation

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Expected release date: TBA

We may have to wait a while still for Wreckreation, but the spiritual successor to Burnout will surely be worth the wait.

Developed by Three Fields Entertainment, founded by former Criterion employees, Wreckreation is a cross between the legendary Burnout series and Trackmania. Players enter the 155-square mile world of Sledgehammer County to create their own MixWorld.

In your MixWorld, you can build your own world from a blank canvas. Custom track pieces form circuits you can race on, along with the ability to place your own traffic and obstacles to make races just that little bit harder. There’s no release window yet, but Wreckreation is expected to crash onto PC and consoles this year.

CarX Street

Platforms: PC

CarX Street was originally supposed to drift onto PC back in November 2021. It’s now 2024 and the street racer is still nowhere to be seen on any platform other than iOS. With an open world to explore and in-depth car customisation, CarX Street could be a legitimate Need for Speed rival, but the constant delays are testing fan’s patience.

Developer CarX Technologies confirmed in a recent update that final adjustments are being made for a closed beta test, with a Steam Early Access release expected to arrive “soon” after. Hopefully that means PC players will finally get to explore Sunset City in 2024.

Rumoured for 2024

Need for Speed Most Wanted Remake

Ask anyone what their favourite Need for Speed is, and there’s a good chance they’ll say Most Wanted. Fans of the 2005 original rejoice because a Need for Speed Most Wanted remake is rumoured for 2024.

While EA is yet to confirm it, Simone Bailly, who voiced Mia in the original game, announced that a Need for Speed Most Wanted remake will be released in 2024 in a now-deleted X (formerly Twitter) post last year. Her post implies that Bailly will return as Mia alongside Dean McKenzie as Sergeant Jonathan Cross.

Remakes of classic games are all the rage right now, from Resident Evil 4 to Final Fantasy VII. Need for Speed Most Wanted is the best-selling game in the series by a country mile, so a modern remake of the beloved racer would be a huge hit for EA. If a Need for Speed Most Wanted remake is on the horizon, it could be announced during this year’s EA Summer Showcase and release later this year.

Forza Horizon 6

After nearly three years of exciting racing, thrilling treasure hunts, and a barrage of cars to drive, 2024 may be the year that Forza Horizon 5 bows out of the race. Rumours are swirling that Forza Horizon 6 is already in development, with the Horizon Festival relocating to another part of the world this year.

As these are just rumours for now, not much is known about the game. At the time of writing, release dates, locations, and even titles are all completely unknown. All we know for sure is that Mexico will be a spec in the rearview mirror one day, but what a time we’ve had.

Despite its rocky start, Forza Horizon 5 has been a huge breath of fresh air in the open-world racing genre. With new content added weekly, along with seasonal changes every month, we hope to see the same, if not more, wherever the Horizon Festival pitches its tents next.

Mario Kart 9

Despite being based on a ten-year-old Wii U game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is still one of the best-selling Switch games. Nintendo extended the popular kart racer’s life with the Booster Course Pass adding 48 classic courses over two years. Now that the Booster Course Pass has ended with Wave 6 last December, it could only be a matter of time until Mario Kart 9 is announced.

Nintendo is expected to launch a new console this year and we won’t be surprised if one of the launch titles for the Switch’s successor is Mario Kart 9. How Nintendo will reinvent the series remains to be seen, however.

Rumours suggest the next Mario Kart will have an all-star cast from other Nintendo franchises in the vein of Super Smash Bros. If Mario Kart 9 is due this year, it will undoubtedly be 2024’s biggest racing game.

Wreckfest 2

2024 marks the sixth anniversary of Wreckfest, and so fans are hoping for a sequel to THQ Nordic’s smash hit. That wish might come true this year.

Last year, Bugbear Games hinted that Wreckfest 2 was in the works when the studio shared a photo of the team recording car audio. If Wreckfest 2 is coming, we’re hoping it will feature new game modes, more track variety, and even better damage modelling.

With the Finnish studio teasing some “new surprises” this year in a New Year’s Day message on X, formerly Twitter, we should find out what Bugbear is cooking up soon.

What are you most anticipated racing games in 2024? Let us know in the comments below.

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