The Tony Hawk games are the pinnacle of skateboarding. Whether you’re talking about the Pro Skate series or the more story-driven Underground games, very few games come close in terms of pure gameplay satisfaction. However, as someone who has played almost every skating game under the sun, there are a lot of great titles out there that deserve more attention.
Some of these titles, such as EA’s Skate series, are obvious frontrunners for this list. But then we have the highly realistic simulation games, the indie darlings, and even some forgotten PS1 classics. Needless to say, we’re going to be looking at a very diverse set of games in this post.
Session: Skate Sim
Initially, I was very hesitant to try this game. It’s a pure skateboarding sim, and I rarely end up enjoying simulation games. There is quite a difficulty curve here, as the controls are a lot to get used to if you’re coming from the Tony Hawk or EA Skate series. The defining feature is the dual analog control scheme, where each analog stick controls a single foot.
If that sounds daunting, you’re right on the money. This is a very difficult game to get a hold of. Even basic tricks require precise timing and coordination. The physics are the core of the game, as they are deliberate and grounded. It’s a very authentic experience, and I’m a big fan of the soundtrack, which is a mix of underground and indie hip-hop with some lo-fi beats in there.
Session won’t be for everyone. Some folks will pick it up and put it down after an hour because of the difficulty. Others will get the hang of the controls and quickly get addicted. Other than its tough nature, the graphics and skate spots are fantastic.
Skate 3
You’ve likely played Skate 3 if you owned an Xbox 360 or PS3, and if you did, you know it’s the best skateboarding game of that generation. This game popularized a new control scheme, where you can flick the analog stick to perform tricks. Somehow, it felt quite realistic while also featuring classic arcade fun. It’s less of a sim than Session, but it will still demand a bit of skill from you to land tricks and combos.
This game gained a lot of popularity on YouTube because of all the hilarious bails. You can still find a lot of those old brutal fail videos online, and they’re almost like a time capsule from another era. This cultural impact is a part of the reason why the game’s reputation has stood tall for so long.
The music here is a mix of punk rock, old school hip-hop, and a bit of metal. This is a key part of the aggressive and energetic vibe. Skate 3 is at its best when you treat it like a sandbox, a place where you go to land the silliest tricks or the nastiest falls. It is satisfying and enjoyable either way.
OlliOlli World
OlliOlli World is a lesser-known indie skateboarding game made by Roll7. It’s a 2D side-scrolling platformer that is bursting with personality, and skateboarding is its core mechanic. You get to play around with a very tight, precise control scheme where you can pull back on the analog stick to ollie and flick in different directions for tricks.
The gameplay itself is a fast, high-score chase that demands precise timing and muscle memory to chain massive combos together. If you like games with fast, fluid gameplay that you feel like you could speedrun through, this will be right up your alley. The game has a very distinct hand-drawn art style, and Roll7 stuck with this vibe for Rollerdrome, their immediate next game.
Everyone should play this game to see what indie developers have to offer in the world of skating. The soundtrack is laid-back and chill, there’s a good amount of content and challenges, and the core controls are highly satisfying.
Grind Session
Grind Session’s downfall was the fact that it was released just a month after Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2. If you’re going to compete with Tony Hawk, you’d better bring some serious heat to the table. Grind Session was the one game that came very close, and those who did play it consider it to be a better game than the first THPS.
The physics feel a bit heavier and grounded, which means the skating is less floaty and rewards more precise inputs. I revisited the game, and it truly felt ahead of its time. It also ditched the two-minute timer from the THPS games, allowing you to explore the levels at your own pace. The technical skating and exploration made it feel like a real street session.
It’s a forgotten classic that deserves to be remembered as a true competitor, not just another clone. If you have a PS1 or PS2 lying around, I highly recommend you try to somehow get this game and play it. Other than that, if you have a PC, you could try emulation to try it out.
Skater XL
Whenever SkaterXL is mentioned, people can’t help but compare it to the newer, flashier Session. Both games are realistic skateboard sims with dual analog stick controls for tricks, but they have a few key differences. The biggest one is that Skater XL has a massive multiplayer and online community element.
You can turn SkaterXL into a pure sandbox if you want. On PC, there is a massive modding community that provides a near-endless stream of user-created content, giving the game infinite replayability. The developers have even added a mod browser into all versions of the game and added a “DIY Map Editor,” acknowledging the community as the heart of the experience.
Personally, I think Session is the more polished and higher skill game, but Skater XL gives you more freedom. Both are great, though Skater XL isn’t all that intriguing if you’re on console and miss out on the modding element as a result.
Helskate
Helskate is a fantastic amalgamation of a couple of different games: Tony Hawk, Hades, and Devil May Cry. The developers define it as a skateboarding action roguelite, and it’s oozing with personality. This game takes place in the fictional world of Vertheim, where you fight demons as you power up your attacks by doing tricks on your skateboard.
Steve Swink is the lead game designer here, one of the designers who worked on Tony Hawk’s Underground. This is why a lot of the skateboarding gameplay feels so at home here. Your goal is to explore the hellish atmosphere, find new skating spots, and fight off monsters while you’re trying to maintain your combo.
It’s an idea that’s highly unique, and it manages to pay off in big ways here. This is one of the most interesting skating games out there, and one that fans of Tony Hawk should be trying.
Driftwood
Driftwood is a relaxing and immersive game that reminds me of the YouTube videos by Josh Neuman. It’s a downhill longboarding game where drifting is the core mechanic. You need to maintain speed and navigate tight corners to maintain the perfect flow on a winding downhill path. It’s also worth mentioning that you play as a super chill sloth named Eddie.
The gameplay here is simple, smooth, and almost meditative. You get a great sense of speed once you get into the flow of things, but the game is never overly punishing. It’s backed by a relaxing lo-fi soundtrack that further enhances the overall chill vibe. Sometimes, it’s good to take a break from the high-score or combo-chasing games.
It’s a pretty simple game, and not one that is overly replayable because of its short nature. Then again, sometimes that’s all you need: a good short game that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
The Ramp
The Ramp is by far the simplest game on this list. There’s no score, no challenges, and no real objectives. You simply skate around in small, beautifully designed environments that are built around the joy of vert skating. It’s a bite-sized game where the focus is pure flow and relaxation. The type of game you get into for short sessions, then bounce off.
This game feels more like a digital toy, which is why it’s best enjoyed on phones, in my opinion. I have this game on my iPhone, and I find it to be a great game for de-stressing after a long day. There’s no pressure to “compete” or chase a high score. The game is a minimalistic, artful escape into the core rhythm of skateboarding. A soft, chill soundtrack and satisfying sound effects complete the game’s zen-like aesthetic.
