Laily UPN
By Jake Valentine
Published May 28, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT
Forza Horizon 6 has captivated players with its expansive open world, exhilarating races, and endless automotive pursuits. As players immerse themselves in its vibrant landscapes, from the thrill of discovering hidden barn finds to the satisfaction of smashing regional mascots, the question inevitably arises: what’s next? For those who find themselves thoroughly enjoying the latest installment in the beloved Forza Horizon series, the craving for more open-world racing action or finely tuned arcade experiences will linger. Fortunately, the racing game genre is rich with titles that offer similar, yet distinct, thrills.
This article delves into a curated selection of games that capture the spirit of Forza Horizon 6, offering diverse gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and engaging content that will keep racing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. From the playful creativity of LEGO to the intense realism of simulation racing, and the pure, unadulterated fun of arcade classics, there’s a perfect next destination for every player.
Embracing the Lego Universe: A Creative Take on Open-World Racing
LEGO 2K Drive: Where Imagination Meets the Open Road
For those seeking a whimsical yet deeply engaging open-world racing experience, LEGO 2K Drive presents a unique and surprisingly robust proposition. While it may not boast the granular car customization or realistic driving physics of Forza Horizon, it excels in its boundless creativity and family-friendly appeal.
A World Built from Bricks: Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K, LEGO 2K Drive arrived on May 19, 2023, and immediately stood out for its distinctive LEGO aesthetic. The game allows players to construct their own vehicles from a vast array of LEGO bricks, offering an unparalleled level of customization that extends beyond mere performance tuning to the very structure of their rides. This inventive approach to vehicle design ensures that no two cars are alike, fostering a sense of personal investment and imaginative expression.
Gameplay That Pops: The core gameplay loop revolves around a vibrant open world filled with diverse biomes, challenges, and secrets to uncover. Players can freely explore, participate in a wide variety of races, and engage in numerous activities designed to entertain. The freedom to build and then immediately drive your creations in races adds a unique layer of fun and unpredictability. While its gameplay depth might be less profound than some of its more serious racing counterparts, LEGO 2K Drive’s charm lies in its light-hearted, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable experience. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the LEGO brand, proving that fun and creativity can be powerful drivers in the racing genre.
The Festival Vibe: Live-Service Racing with a Competitive Edge
The Crew Motorfest: A Direct Competitor with Its Own Unique Flair
Ubisoft’s The Crew Motorfest has emerged as a significant contender in the open-world racing space, directly challenging the dominance of the Forza Horizon series. Since its release on September 14, 2023, Motorfest has cultivated a dedicated player base through its engaging festival atmosphere and robust live-service model.
Hawaiian Paradise, Accelerated: Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hawaii’s O’ahu and Maui islands, Motorfest immerses players in a vibrant festival celebrating automotive culture. This setting immediately evokes a sense of exotic escape and thrilling exploration, mirroring the allure of Forza Horizon’s diverse locales. The game’s design philosophy centers around offering a broad spectrum of vehicles and racing disciplines, from street racing and off-roading to the adrenaline-pumping world of professional motorsports.
A Live Service, Evolving Experience: At its core, The Crew Motorfest is designed as a live-service game, with a strong emphasis on multiplayer events and ongoing content updates. This approach ensures a constantly evolving game world with new challenges, vehicles, and community-driven activities. While an offline mode was eventually added, the heart of Motorfest beats strongest in its online interactions, fostering a competitive yet communal environment. For players who enjoy the social aspect of racing and the continuous drip-feed of new content, Motorfest offers an experience that can rival the longevity of Forza Horizon 6.
Cinematic Racing with a Story to Tell
GRID Legends: Storytelling Meets High-Octane Action
Codemasters, a studio renowned for its prowess in racing game development, delivers a cinematic and compelling experience with GRID Legends. Released on February 25, 2022, this title offers a unique blend of accessible arcade racing and a surprisingly engaging narrative.
Beyond the Track, Into the Story: While GRID Legends might initially appear to lean more towards the simulation aspects of racing, akin to Forza Motorsport, its true appeal for Forza Horizon fans lies in its ability to blend iconic cars with stunning locales and a diverse array of race types. The game seamlessly integrates street circuits, challenging off-road tracks, and various other racing disciplines, providing a varied and exciting gameplay experience.
A Narrative-Driven Experience: What sets GRID Legends apart is its "Driven to Glory" story mode, which offers a cinematic presentation rarely seen in the genre. This narrative focus provides context and emotional weight to the races, making each event feel more significant. The stunning visuals and immersive presentation, a hallmark of Codemasters’ work, further elevate the experience. While it may not feature the sprawling open world of Forza Horizon, GRID Legends successfully captures the thrill of speed and competition within beautifully crafted environments, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-told story alongside their racing action.
The Evolution of Formula 1: Precision and Speed
F1 25: The Pinnacle of Grand Prix Racing
Codemasters, now under the umbrella of Electronic Arts, has consistently pushed the boundaries of Formula 1 simulation with their annual releases. F1 25, released in 2026, stands as a testament to this dedication, offering an unparalleled simulation of the pinnacle of motorsport.
Refined Handling and Stunning Visuals: F1 25 builds upon the successes of its predecessors, delivering a racing experience that is both visually spectacular and incredibly tactile. The car handling is a standout feature, meticulously recreating the nuanced feel of driving a Formula 1 car at its absolute limit. This attention to detail ensures that every turn, acceleration, and braking moment feels authentic and rewarding.
A New Benchmark for the Series: F1 25 has been lauded as the best F1 game to date, a significant achievement considering the franchise’s history. While its price point might be a consideration for some, for dedicated racing enthusiasts seeking the most authentic Formula 1 experience available, F1 25 is an exceptional choice. Its realistic car physics and immersive presentation offer a thrilling contrast to the more arcade-focused nature of Forza Horizon, providing a different, yet equally captivating, form of racing adrenaline.
The Karting King: Accessible Fun for All
Mario Kart World: A Universe of Fun and Collectibles
While seemingly a departure from the realistic automotive simulation of Forza Horizon, Mario Kart World offers a surprisingly comparable experience in terms of sheer fun and content. Released on June 5, 2025, this title brings the beloved Mario Kart franchise into a more expansive, albeit still stylized, world.
Open-World Charm, Iconic Races: Mario Kart World introduces an open-world element that, while perhaps not as vast or detailed as Forza Horizon’s, serves as a brilliant playground for its signature kart racing. The open-world design fosters exploration and discovery, leading to memorable race moments that mirror the spontaneous excitement found in the Forza Horizon series. The familiar yet fantastical environments provide a vibrant backdrop for the chaotic and exhilarating races that Mario Kart is known for.
Content Galore: The true strength of Mario Kart World lies in its incredible wealth of content. With numerous gameplay modes, a plethora of collectibles, and the iconic power-ups that define the series, players will find themselves with an abundance of activities to engage with. While it may not possess the same depth of automotive realism as Forza Horizon, Mario Kart World’s accessibility, vibrant presentation, and sheer fun factor make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a racing game that prioritizes pure enjoyment and replayability.
The Ultimate Simulation: For the Dedicated Racer
iRacing: The Unrivaled Sim-Racing Experience
For those who crave the ultimate in racing simulation and competitive online play, iRacing remains the undisputed champion. Launched in 2008, this PC-exclusive title has stood the test of time, consistently offering a deeply immersive and challenging sim-racing experience.
Realism Without Compromise: iRacing is not for the faint of heart. Its subscription-based model and extensive catalog of purchasable cars and tracks reflect its commitment to authenticity and ongoing development. The game meticulously recreates real-world race tracks and vehicles with an unparalleled level of detail, demanding precision, skill, and dedication from its players. The competition on iRacing is fierce, comprised of highly skilled drivers who take the sport seriously.
A Community of Champions: While the barrier to entry can be high, the rewards are immense for those who invest the time and effort. iRacing offers the most authentic racing experience available, making it the go-to platform for aspiring professional racers and sim-racing enthusiasts alike. It represents a stark contrast to the more casual arcade style of Forza Horizon, offering a deep, rewarding, and endlessly challenging pursuit of virtual motorsport perfection.
Pure Speed, Pure Fun: Nostalgia and Adrenaline
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered: A Timeless Arcade Classic
The thrill of high-speed chases and exhilarating pursuits is expertly captured in Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered. Released on November 6, 2020, this updated version of the beloved 2010 classic brings Criterion Games’ iconic arcade racer to modern platforms with enhanced visuals and all the original downloadable content.
Unadulterated Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered excels at delivering pure, unadulterated speed and action. From the moment you start a race, you’re thrust into the heart of high-octane chases, with no unnecessary downtime or lengthy road travel. The game prioritizes immediate gratification, offering a streamlined experience focused on the thrill of the chase, whether you’re playing as the racer or the pursuing officer.
A Nostalgic Gem: While its open world may be less expansive than Forza Horizon’s, the focused design of Hot Pursuit allows for a more intense and immediate gameplay loop. The remastered visuals make this classic even more appealing, offering a vibrant and engaging experience that still holds up today. For players who appreciate the sheer joy of driving at maximum velocity and engaging in thrilling pursuits, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered is an essential addition to their library.
The King of Open-World Mayhem
Burnout Paradise Remastered: The Ultimate Open-World Playground
Topping our list, and often considered a spiritual predecessor to the open-world formula that Forza Horizon has perfected, is Burnout Paradise Remastered. Released on March 16, 2018, this remastered edition of the 2008 classic revitalizes a beloved open-world racer, bringing its anarchic charm and exhilarating gameplay to a new generation.
A City Built for Speed: Burnout Paradise presents a sprawling, vibrant cityscape that serves as an open-world playground. The game encourages constant driving and exploration, rewarding players for taking risks and embracing the chaos. The sheer freedom of Paradise City is intoxicating, much like the diverse landscapes of Forza Horizon, and it leads to organically emergent moments of pure vehicular mayhem.
The Heart of Burnout: While it may not feature the same level of car customization as Forza Horizon, Burnout Paradise’s strength lies in its raw, unbridled fun. The core gameplay loop revolves around aggressive driving, spectacular crashes, and thrilling pursuits. The "Takedown" mechanic, where players deliberately wreck opponents, adds a layer of satisfying aggression. The remastered visuals make Paradise City shine, and the constant encouragement to simply drive and explore ensures that players will easily lose track of time, much like they do in the latest Forza Horizon installment. Burnout Paradise Remastered remains a benchmark for arcade racing, offering an experience that is both timeless and endlessly entertaining.
The world of racing games is vast and varied, offering experiences for every type of player. Whether you crave the creative freedom of LEGO, the competitive thrill of live-service titles, the cinematic narrative of story-driven racers, the precise realism of simulations, or the pure, unadulterated fun of arcade classics, there’s always a new horizon to explore. After your adventures in Forza Horizon 6 conclude, these titles stand ready to offer equally unforgettable journeys on the open road and beyond.
Ammar Sabilarrohman
Raul Delapena Setiawan
