Indie Racing Games That Deserve More Attention

AAA big-budget racing games are everywhere, and while they’re in a league of their own, sometimes they can start to feel a little samey with all the same old licensed cars and tracks you’ve memorized every corner of. Some of the best indie games that deserve more attention offer something fresh for racing die-hards to experience.

Bigger studios just can’t afford to experiment with innovative ideas without testing them first, be it wild art styles, unusual mechanics, or just pure focus on fun racing. In contrast, indie devs usually have the freedom to take risks and be creative with such ideas. 

Over the past few years, such smaller studios have released some of the most addictive and downright creative racing games, building a vibrant community around them along the way.

 The list below helps you pick out the next indie racing game you play when you’re bored with the usual racing games.

1. Horizon Chase Turbo

If you miss the classic ’90s arcade racers like OutRun and Top Gear,  Horizon Chase Turbo revives that arcade magic with straightforward controls and pure speed thrills. It’s a simple, pick-up-and-play type of fun that will teleport you back to the golden era of arcade gaming.

Game modes like World Tour, Endurance, and Tournament add variety to the game, and the four-player split-screen feature makes it an absolute gem for couch gaming sessions.

Whether you’re just cruising down the vibrant tracks or competing for first place, this unique and colorful indie racing game never forgets what made those ‘90s arcade racing games special.

2. Slipstream

Slipstream may look simple on the surface, but don’t be fooled, it’s one of those games that hooks you the second you pull that handbrake and start drifting. Built by a solo indie dev, this game nails the retro-arcade vibe with colorful pixel art, smooth, responsive driving, and a killer synthwave soundtrack to get you going.

The controls are sharp, or maybe too sharp, but it’s the slipstream and drifting mechanics that make every race whole. Trust me, you’ll find yourself restarting over and over again trying to get that perfect slip. 

Offering several modes to try out, a bunch of unique cars, and supporting four-player split-screen, it’s the perfect jump-and-go racer for weekend battles or quick sessions.

3. Victory Heat Rally

Victory Heat Rally doesn’t focus on realistic simulations or anything like that. It’s a simple arcade-style rally fun at its best. It’s all about drifting hard, slipping through colorful tracks, chasing the speed rush.

The controls are responsive, and the boost-on-drift mechanic is the cherry on top; it makes every turn satisfying to watch. Multiple game modes, such as Championship, Grand Prix, and Time Trial, add to the variety of gameplay it offers.

With the four-player split-screen feature supported, it’s a bright, energy-boosting racer that just begs you to pair up with your friends and have a blast.

4. Hotshot Racing

Hotshot Racing is the ultimate throwback to ‘90s arcade racers: Flashy, low-poly visuals, angular cars, and sharp drift-heavy racing. Its simplicity sits well with the multiplayer chaos it offers.

It rewards players who perfect powerslides through neon-lit, vibrant tracks, providing a satisfying skill ceiling while never demanding hardcore commitment. Game modes include Time Trial, Grand Prix, Cops & Robbers, and the thrilling Drive or Explode mode.

It supports local four-player split-screen and online races, which keep gaming sessions alive. It’s best described as fast, fun, and nostalgic above all.

5. Japanese Drift Master 

Japanese Drift Master (JDM) is a passion-project drifting/racing indie game centered on the Japanese street racing scene, set in a fictional slice of Japan. It heavily leans towards drifting mechanics with an immersive and detailed map, almost letting you get lost drifting away in the streets of Tokyo.

The career mode delivers a solid story-focused experience, with hand-drawn manga cutscenes and simcade-style handling that works for most, no matter what you’re playing on. The JDM world offers scenic mountain passes, dynamic day-to-night cycles, and a wide range of weather conditions.

The good thing is that devs are committed to improving the game further, rolling out more content, and fixing existing issues within the game, such as uneven traffic, dead-end roads, and unpredictable AI. Features like split-screen, more tuning options, and UI improvements are expected over the coming months.

6. Electro Ride: The Neon Racing

Electro Ride: The Neon Racing throws you into a neon-lit, synthwave-soaked futuristic world. It feels slick and visually unique, featuring over 20 retro-themed cars and vivid tracks to race on.

Game modes like Last Man Standing and Time Attack keep things lively with the cyberpunk-themed visuals and addictive gameplay. 

The overly sensitive handling may annoy some players, but that’s the challenging style that makes it a standout in a sea of indie racing games.

7. Redout 2

Redout 2 is a blisteringly fast anti-gravity racer that carries the torch for fans of WipEout and F-Zero. Its tracks run through neon-lit cities and alien landscapes at galloping speeds, and the twin-stick controls allow for precise control of the cars at such a pace.

The learning curve is steep; push too hard, and you might just overheat and crash, but once the rhythm clicks, the flow rewards substantially. Featuring a massive career mode, pounding soundtrack, and plenty of online competition, it’s a classic indie racer that keeps adrenaline junkies hooked. 

Among futuristic racing fans, it’s praised as one of the best in the genre today.

8. Art of Rally

Art of Rally feels just as good to look at as it does to play. It’s clean, low-poly art style turns rally stages into mini worlds. The chill synthwave soundtrack makes every race feel meditative. It’s one of the best indie racing games I have played on my PS5.

The driving is approachable yet challenging; cars have weight, grip, and momentum, so you’re gonna have to put some time in learning the ropes. It’s a top-down view game, and sliding through those corners smoothly gives joy like no other.

If you’ve ever wanted a rally game that combines racing and daydreaming, this is your go-to.

9. Super Woden Rally: Edge

Super Woden Rally: Edge feels like a love letter to old-school rally games; it offers a blend of top-down arcade racing, car collecting, and upgrades that keep you coming back for “just one more run.” 

The driving offers a nice balance, easy to get the hang of, but tricky to master. The retro-themed visuals give it a nostalgic charm, while the career mode adds real depth to the game beyond quick races. 

If you’re after gritty, pull-up-and-go rally action that captures that ’90s vibe, this one’s worth a spin.

10. Absolute Drift

Absolute Drift is a minimalist drifting game played from a top-down view. It challenges you to slide your car around various tracks, airports, and mountain roads. The details aren’t much, but the zen-like visuals paired with a chill soundtrack create a strangely soothing vibe.

Driving is pretty easy to learn, but near impossible to master, and the game rewards smooth, consistent lines and drift style points over pure speed. 

Anyone into skill-based driving challenges? Here’s a boredom buster indie racer for you.