For racing enthusiasts, the Forza Horizon series has long represented a particular kind of joy: open roads, festival atmosphere, real-world-inspired locations, and an enormous garage of cars that can be tuned, painted, and thrown into races with arcade-friendly handling. As of 2026, that formula remains a benchmark for accessible driving entertainment, even with newer racers arriving on the scene. The appetite for games that echo that freedom is as strong as ever, and the good news is that a wide range of alternatives can satisfy different parts of the Forza Horizon craving. Some lean into pure arcade chaos, others emphasize online persistence, and a few trade festival-style exploration for simulation-minded precision or retro charm.
| Game | Best For | Standout Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Burnout Paradise Remastered | Crash-heavy open-world racing | High-octane stunts and takedowns |
| The Crew 2 | Multi-vehicle online exploration | Cars, boats, and planes in one world |
| Onrush | Team-based arcade action | Objective-driven racing combat |
| DIRT 5 | Rally spectacle | Off-road energy and customization |
| Forza Horizon 4 | Polished open-world cruising | Gorgeous UK setting and handling |
Arcade Chaos and Open Roads
Burnout Paradise Remastered brings the original open-world arcade racer back into focus with updated presentation and the same frenetic spirit. Paradise City invites players to explore at speed, with races triggered at specific intersections and rivals waiting around every corner. The Burnout series has always celebrated over-the-top crashes, and this entry lets players chase new cars, stunt off enormous jumps, and revel in pure arcade racing goodness. It remains a strong choice for those who want exploration without losing the thrill of dangerous driving.
The Crew 2 takes a broader view of open-world racing. Its massive online map draws inspiration from the United States, and players can switch between cars, boats, and planes even within the same race. The persistent world feels almost like an MMO, with activities appearing dynamically as players explore. While the sequel did not reinvent the original Crew formula, it did make the blend of vehicle types feel more seamless. The thrill of piloting a plane and then swapping into a speedboat remains a memorable highlight.
Onrush is a different beast altogether. Instead of chasing a finish line for a ranking, players work as a team to take out rival drivers or AI opponents, building boost and special meters in the process. Each customizable vehicle carries passive and offensive or defensive moves that help players stay with the pack. The courses are huge and packed with secret paths and shortcuts, making fast and fluid arcade racing feel like a team sport. For players who enjoy constant motion and tactical aggression, Onrush offers a refreshing twist.
Off-Road, Monster Trucks, and Sim-Leaning Challenges
Monster Jam: Steel Titans 2 may look like another monster truck game on the surface, but its open exploration structure hides surprising depth. Racing areas are filled with secrets and collectibles, echoing the pleasure of a 3D platformer. Beyond races across diverse environments, players can enter score events in special arenas where jumping, stunting, and crushing objects are the keys to a high score. It is a niche pick, yet it captures the joy of driving something absurdly powerful through a world designed for discovery.
GRID Autosport sits closer to simulation than arcade spectacle. It features real-world cars and locations, and it allows players to tailor difficulty and assists to their liking. Those who want realistic handling can chase precision, while those who prefer a more forgiving experience can switch on assists and enjoy a wide variety of race types. It does not have the open-world freedom of Forza Horizon, but it offers a different kind of satisfaction: structured motorsport with adjustable challenge.
DIRT 5 delivers distilled rally racing energy. From off-road truck races to traditional point-to-point rallies, the game covers a lot of ground, all with the easy-to-pick-up arcade nature associated with the series. Customization is a major draw, letting players tweak cars and create creative liveries. The events crackle with kinetic energy, making DIRT 5 a natural stop for players who love dirt, dust, and dramatic slides.
Hotshot Racing reaches back to arcade traditions with lush, vibrant graphics and a silky 60 frames per second. Traditional cups and single races keep the focus tight, emphasizing short bursts of blazing speed rather than reinvention. Its music and presentation evoke memories of racing friends in an arcade, and its straightforward structure makes it an easy recommendation for players who miss old-school racing games.
Street Racing and Series Benchmarks
Need for Speed: Payback moves the action to Fortune Valley, a Las Vegas-inspired desert oasis where street racing rules. Players and their crew set out to take down the House, an organization seeking control over the region. The story is deliberately over the top, but the frantic races and extensive car customization give the game its pulse. It is a natural pick for fans who want open-world street racing with a narrative edge.
Forza Horizon 4 itself remains essential. Set in the United Kingdom, it offers gorgeous vistas, a massive car roster, and even the pleasure of owning a countryside home. The handling balances arcade accessibility with weight and responsiveness, and the overall package still feels close to racing perfection. In 2026, it stands as both a companion to newer Forza Horizon entries and a polished reminder of why the series became so beloved.
Finally, Burnout 3: Takedown is the gold standard for pure arcade racing. It is older and perhaps a bit antiquated beside modern racers, but it still delivers high-octane fun with remarkable confidence. Takedown races combine combat with speed, requiring players to finish first while knocking out rivals to build boost. The crash mode deserves special mention, offering miniature scenarios built around sheer destructive chaos. For players tracing the DNA of arcade racing, Burnout 3 remains a landmark.
Choosing the Right Racing Fix
The ideal alternative depends on the desired flavor. Players seeking open-world exploration can look to Burnout Paradise Remastered, The Crew 2, Need for Speed: Payback, or Forza Horizon 4. Those who prefer team-based action should consider Onrush, while rally fans can turn to DIRT 5. GRID Autosport suits drivers who want adjustable realism, Hotshot Racing serves retro arcade cravings, and Monster Jam: Steel Titans 2 provides a playful detour. Burnout 3: Takedown, meanwhile, offers a history lesson in why arcade racing still matters. Across this spread, the spirit of Forza Horizon survives in different forms: speed, freedom, personality, and the simple pleasure of a great drive.