The way Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be, it seems like it’s going to be the epitome of racing games upon its launch in 2026. That itch for open-world races and the shiniest new rides is real, but it’s getting hard to wait for the game.
You don’t have to worry, though; there’s a whole world of indie racing games out there that will definitely make waiting for Horizon 6 bearable. These games don’t have the largest of budgets, but they sure offer gameplay worth spending your time on.
These games? Pure chaos, some are all about tuned-to-the-neck driving, and a few just let you mess around and have a fun time. Extensive customizations, responsive controls, atypical and engaging gameplay, these small-shot indie racers have got it all.
So, instead of twiddling your thumbs and waiting around impatiently, check out these banger indie racing games below that are sure to keep the car enthusiast in you alive.
JDM: Japanese Drift Master
JDM: Japanese Drift Master has you feeling like a part of a manga, in the world of a high school student, Hatora Hasashi, who is crowned as the underground drift king. The game totally nails the drifting part, living up to its name with impressive drifting mechanics and physics.
Yeah, it doesn’t chase ultra-realism like Forza does, but the art style is unique in its own way with the Japanese street setting, neon-lit signs, and diverse open-world areas. The roads are fun just to put on some music and cruise on, just as I would in Forza Horizon.
The dynamic day-night weather cycles add to the immersion of the game, along with working turn signals and realistic traffic, which makes the world feel more lived-in, just as it does in Forza.
The customization options are vast, letting you build the ride of your dreams out of a virtual garage. It might feel like an unfinished gem of a racing game after some playtime; however, it remains worth trying out because of its potential in the upcoming updates.
It’s fun, fast, and above all, free. I’d recommend trying it out if you wanna play a chill, laid-back racing game that replicates the vibes of Forza Horizon, but only through a filtered lens of Japan.
Car X Drift Racing Online
CarX Drift Racing Online is the epitome of tuning when it comes to racing games. Offering over 80 customizable parts for each car, it’s a haven for tuning enthusiasts and drift lovers both. The only letdown? It’s not an open world.
The physics are realistic and focused more on drifting. Adding on, the track selection varies, from closed, tight circuits to wider, open tracks. There is no open world, but the variety of tracks keeps players engaged without feeling the need for one.
Whether you’re a tuning junkie or a casual Mr. Smooth Waves, Drift Racing Online is set to make you a fan of its satisfying car dynamics and tuning depth. It has a free-to-play version on iOS and Android, if you are looking for some mobile gaming.
If you loved the depth Forza Horizon offered with tuning and customizations, this game is absolutely going to impress you, and it should definitely be on your bucket list.
Circuit Superstars
Circuit Superstars proves that it doesn’t take hyper-realistic visuals for a racing game to be considered good. It brings intensity to the racing course with proper tire wear, racing lines, pit stops, and fuel management, all wrapped up in a cartoony art style with a top-down view and bright tracks.
It aims to achieve a mix of arcade-like accessibility and sim-like gameplay depth, which keeps players on a competitive and challenging edge while not gatekeeping too much. There’s a career mode, classic race formats, and even local multiplayer.
Yeah, it doesn’t have those sprawling wide wide-open-world areas like in Forza Horizon, but it retains the refined racing feel with intense gameplay that Forza offers. Trust me, this one’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something fresh, out of the ordinary, and beloved by all.
Don’t let the cute visuals fool you; this one demands respect and has well earned its place.
CarX Drift Racing: Street
Craving that open-world freeroam which Forza Horizon offers? Car X Street does a pretty decent job at that. It’s all about perfecting the balance of being a simcade and featuring solid gameplay mechanics.
The driving is responsive, presenting a challenge yet leaving room for mistakes. While the drifting mechanics aren’t as good as Drift Racing, it balances out with its open-world city racing vibe. CarX Street keeps you engaged, offering countless hours of gameplay for both speed thrill lovers and casual playlist cruisers.
The customization is another big thing in this game, offering plenty of modifications to fine-tune your rides to the absolute core. Definitely a hot pick to try, with newer updates rolling out regularly, adding even more depth to the game.
Perfect if you’re craving that casual-meets-competitive vibe, especially with its core focus on multiplayer, the game makes it easy to find races and roam around chilling, just like in Forza Horizon.
Why These Games?
To be honest, it’s not just about passing the time till Forza Horizon 6 finally launches. These indie racing titles actually bring some fresh ideas to the table. I mean, a cartoony racer having real tire wear? That’s commendable for sure.
These games essentially capture the spirit of why Forza Horizon 6 is such a highly anticipated title. They don’t have the fanciest of studios, but they still manage to capture that open-world racing vibe a lot better than some AAA titles out there.
Don’t forget, every time you check out one of these games, you’re actually supporting the small-time devs actually taking the risks with creative ideas. You never know, your next favorite racing game might be hiding in this list and not on the front page of Steam.
