The Best Drifting Games Of 2024

From free mobile games to realistic sims, here are our top picks for 2024’s best drifting games across every platform and the upcoming releases we’re hyped for.

An Introduction To Drifting Games

Drifting games have become a far more diverse genre in recent years, spanning everything from quick, free browser-based time-killers to crazy VR-based simulators used for real-world training by Formula DRIFT’s top drivers.

This guide covers what we feel are the best games on offer as we reach the end of 2024, from our favorite recent releases to the established classics that continue to dominate.

A Brief History Of Drift Gaming

Drift gaming’s roots date back to the 1980s, with OutRun in 1986 and Ridge Racer in 1993, introducing drifting (well, power-sliding) for the first time.

Things later escalated within Japan’s arcade scene, where Sega’s 1995 ‘Initial D Arcade Stage’ brought the hugely popular manga and anime series to life. The game was hugely successful, allowing enthusiasts to experience the mountain pass battles they’d read about, eventually becoming one of Asia’s most influential arcade racing series.

Gran Turismo’s 1997 PlayStation release brought realistic drifting physics to home consoles, with features like realistic weight transfer and advanced tire behavior. Its innovative arcade and simulation modes influenced racing games for years to come.

Need for Speed: Underground later transformed the landscape in 2003, bringing drift culture to the mainstream with its neon-soaked streets and deep customization systems. Fans could now build and tune their dream drift machines from the ground up for the first time.

Assetto Corsa’s 2014 release took simulation drifting to the next level. Although it is now 10 years old, its physics are so realistic, and the mod community is so impressive that Formula DRIFT champions still use AC to refine their skills between real-world events and even compete in virtual competitions.

In the decade since, drifting games have evolved with better physics and graphics, making virtual sliding more popular than ever. We’re now spoilt for choice with incredible options across every platform.

Choosing The Right Drifting Game(s) For You

With so many choices in the present day, picking the perfect game isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Your ideal choice depends on your hardware, budget, and skill level. Some drift gamers start with their phone or a basic controller on a free game, while others might dive straight in with a top-spec wheel and VR setup.

Let’s break it down by experience level:

For beginners, completely free browser games like Drift Hunters MAX are ideal. They cost nothing and let you practice basic techniques on your PC, Chromebook, or mobile, yet you can still play a variety of game modes, tune a wide selection of cars, and drift through AI traffic.

Consider adding more depth to your drifting games once you’ve got the hang of the basics. That’s where games like Forza Horizon 5 offer a sweet spot between simple arcade fun and semi-realistic physics, perfect for honing your skills.

Simulator games like Assetto Corsa are perfect when you’re ready to get serious about drifting. However, we recommend purchasing the proper gear, such as a good-quality wheel, pedals (with a clutch), and a beefy gaming PC, to get the most these.

With this in mind, let’s look at our picks for 2024’s best drifting games across various platforms, price points, and experience levels.

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Our Favorite Drifting Games For 2024

Whether you’re drifting on PC, console, or mobile, we feel each of these games deserves to be played or considered. Each offers something different, from hardcore simulators to quick tire-shredding action when you only have a few minutes to burn.

Assetto Corsa

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Best For: Advanced drifting enthusiasts

Want to know why Formula DRIFT pros are known for spending countless hours on Assetto Corsa? Despite dropping back in 2014, AC’s physics engine still sets the standard for drift simulation. Grab a wheel, and you’ll feel every bit of weight transfer and tire grip – it’s scary how realistic it feels.

While it’s available on consoles, the drifting aspect is very limited, and the PC version is where the magic happens. The AC drift modding community has gone wild over the years, creating everything from pixel-perfect drift tracks to almost every real-world drift car imaginable.

Want to throw down Naoki Nakamura’s PS13 over the jump at Ebisu or throw down backies at Meihan? Assetto Corsa’s got you covered.

Jump into multiplayer, and you’ll find tons of drift events and competitions running around the clock with incredibly talented drivers. Just remember – this won’t be an ideal entry-level game for a first-time drifter on a controller.

We feel that AC on PC with mods is hands down the best drifting simulator, but it requires practice, proper gear, and a LOT of patience to master. Even with a premium setup, it can be super frustrating when you’re starting out.

While AC’s successor, Assetto Corsa EVO, will arrive with early access in early 2025, whether it will be a true contender for the drifting throne remains to be seen. This is due to questions and concerns regarding the new game’s approach to modding.

Forza Horizon 5

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Best For: Beginner to intermediate players

While Assetto Corsa is all about proving your skills, Forza Horizon 5 is where you can cut loose and have fun. Want to build a 1,000hp LS-swapped AE86 for mountain runs, then switch to an FD-spec Ford Mustang RTR for some tandem action? FH5 delivers.

The physics system delivers an arcade-focused vibe that leans more toward fun than realism. You can slide with a controller pretty easily, but plug in a wheel, and you’ll discover there’s actually some decent depth in the handling.

Horizon’s tuning system lets you manually dial in everything from big angle kits to custom gear ratios or download ready-made tunes, yet it’s not too complicated.

With a crazy selection of over 825 cars on the roster, you’ll always have options to experiment with. Mexico’s vast open world provides a variety of environments, from tight city streets to winding mountain passes – perfect for high-speed tandems.

The open-world format brings endless opportunities and a dedicated festival/drift story mode, and specific drifting zones are scattered across the map.

While it’s no longer available to purchase, those who already own Forza Horizon 4 may also consider revisiting the game’s twisty British B-roads.

CarX Drift Racing Online

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Best For: Beginner to intermediate players

If you’re looking for a drifting game that won’t break the bank, CarX has become a go-to choice for many. With over 70 cars and controls that feel natural on both controller and wheel, you’ll likely start linking corners within minutes of loading up.

The physics are more arcade-based than sim but offer a satisfying middle ground where you’ll feel like a pro in no time. You won’t find Assetto Corsa levels of realism here, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing – you can focus on having fun without stressing over whether you’re the next James Deane.

Customization and convenience are where CarX shines. With over 100 body kits and over 1,000 tuning upgrades available, you can build some seriously wild drift machines. The vinyl editor lets you create custom liveries, and the tuning system is detailed enough to satisfy most enthusiasts.

CarX Drift Racing Online is perfect for those lazy evenings when you want to chill on the sofa with a controller and bang doors in tandem runs with the homies without the hassle of setting up the sim rig, offering a more realistic approach than FH5 without the seriousness of AC.

CarX Drift Racing 3

Platforms: Mobile – iOS, Android (Free). PC and consoles – Coming soon.
Best For: Intermediate players

Think of this latest update to the CarX series as CarX Drift Racing Online’s free mobile cousin but with a unique appeal. While most mobile drift games feel clunky and basic, CDR3 brings console-quality graphics, in-depth tuning, and surprisingly solid physics to your phone (assuming it’s a high-end device!)

CDR3’s standout feature? The never-seen-before damage modeling in a drifting game, similar to the soft-body physics of Wreckfest and BeamNG.drive, puts even the best PC and console offerings to shame. Every crash deforms your car in ridiculously realistic ways – doors cave, bumpers fly off, the chassis bends, and panels crumple.

The touch controls are well thought out, and it also supports controllers. You won’t be practicing for Formula DRIFT here, but the drifting is satisfyingly challenging and rewards proper technique rather than mindless sliding.

There are also licensed tracks like the legendary Ebisu Complex, complete with multiple layouts, including the famous Minami circuit. With a wide selection of cars and extensive customization options, you can build everything from clean street-style drift cars to wild comp-spec machines.

The main drawback? You can only compete against ‘ghosts’ of other players’ runs, and it’s only on mobile for now. However, true online features are planned, and are expected to be part of the game when it hits PC and consoles in the near future.

Forza Motorsport

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Best For: Beginner to intermediate players

Forza Motorsport’s latest game takes a more serious approach than its Horizon cousin. Although it might sound like the first game in the series, it’s the eighth, but Turn 10 strangely decided to take the numbering back to the start again.

While FM had disappointed drifting fans until recently, despite older games in the series known for being great, the recently added drift mode finally brings licensed Formula DRIFT cars and dedicated scoring based on speed, angle, and duration.

The physics engine has been rebuilt for the latest game and now features a more realistic track surface feel. However, it’s still not a match for Assetto Corsa if you’re looking for a drifting sim. Instead, it offers a more realistic, serious, track-based alternative to Horizon’s laid-back open-world approach.

Car customization focuses more on the motorsport aspect rather than street style. The Formula DRIFT car pack adds some licensed pre-tuned drift cars, but the emphasis remains on track-spec parts and precision tuning rather than wild body kits.

For Xbox players seeking something more serious than Horizon but not as hardcore as PC simulators, Forza Motorsport fills an important middle ground. We’d class FM as a track-focused racing game that supports drifting rather than a dedicated drift simulator.

If we’re on the Xbox, we usually play CarX Online instead, with the occasional FH5 hoon for chilled sideways fun. If we head to the PC, AC is always the game of choice, so FM rarely gets a look in!

Gran Turismo 7

Platforms: PS4, PS5
Best For: Beginner to intermediate players

Gran Turismo 7 is PlayStation’s answer to Forza Motorsport, sharing many similarities in its approach to track-based racing. Like FM, it’s more focused on racing authenticity than the fun, casual drifting games like Horizon.

For those interested in minor visual details, GT7’s physics and graphics have been proven to outperform Forza Motorsport in several areas. GT’s car models are more detailed, and the track surfaces feature higher-quality textures, offering a more polished overall package.

While drifting isn’t Gran Turismo 7’s main focus, it handles similarly to Forza Motorsport – you can drift, but it’s not as drift-friendly as dedicated games like CarX or Assetto Corsa. The key difference? GT7 supports PSVR2, Sony’s VR, for almost everything except split-screen mode, while FM doesn’t offer any VR support.

Interestingly, while rumors suggest Forza Horizon 5 might soon be coming to PlayStation, there’s no word on Forza Motorsport making the jump. The likely reason is that GT7 already fills that niche for PlayStation owners.

However, there’s no “true” FH5 alternative for PlayStation gamers besides offerings such as The Crew: Motorfest and Test Drive Unlimted: Solar Crown, which isn’t without its controversies!

Drift Hunters MAX

Platforms: Browser, Mobile (Free)
Best For: Beginner to intermediate players

Drift Hunters MAX is mind-blowing for a free game you can play in your browser, taking the classic ‘Drift Hunters’ fan-favorite to the next level. It recently received a major update that added an even bigger selection of cars, tracks, game modes, and tuning options.

The in-game physics are simpler than many other drifting games but satisfying and rewarding, making it perfect for beginners learning the basics of drifting. The new ‘Drift Attack’ mode even brings premium-style features like clipping points and scored challenges, letting you compete on global leaderboards.

One of the game’s unique new features is the free-roam mode with AI traffic, where you can practice your street drifting skills through the city. There’s also cloud saving and cross-platform progress between mobile and browser, so you can pick up where you left off on your phone on your PC or Chromebook – a first for browser gaming.

DHM is perfect for quick sessions because of how fast it loads – you can be drifting within seconds on almost any device with a web browser. There’s no need to boot up your gaming PC or wait through long loading screens.

MAX is ideal for sneaking in some drifting practice between classes or during lunch breaks. While it won’t replace Assetto Corsa or CarX for serious sim racing, it offers a surprisingly satisfying and fun drifting experience that’s always just a few clicks away.

BeamNG.drive

Platforms: PC
Best For: Beginner to intermediate players

While BeamNG.drive is typically best known for going viral countless times for its incredibly realistic crash physics, the development team has recently focused on improving the game’s drifting aspect along with the new freeroam mode.

Surprisingly, the latest updates now bring dedicated drift zones, scoring systems, and even a completely revamped UI specifically for drifting.

The game’s standout feature remains its soft-body physics engine. When you crash, parts deform, bend, and break with unmatched realism. If you enjoy this level of destruction physics, Wreckfest offers a similar damage modeling system with more arcade-style gameplay, and CarX Drift Racing 3 is the best mobile alternative.

Recent updates have also dramatically improved the force feedback for drift sessions. When paired with the new quick-ratio steering rack option, the drifting experience is far better than before. The game now recognizes smaller, more technical drifts rather than big-angle sideways action.

The new drift-specific UI shows detailed information about your current and previous drifts, including angle measurements and scoring. When you start showing off your skills, you’ll also see new aspects such as “Long drift!” and “Close call!” messages.

If you enjoy crashing and watching your car deform and get mangled with each collision with the wall, BeamNG.drive is undoubtedly worth checking out. We hope to see the drifting aspect continue improving throughout 2025, as it has heaps of potential!

FR Legends

Platforms: Mobile – iOS, Android (Free)
Best For: Beginner to intermediate players

FR Legends might look a bit excessively ‘cartoony’ to most die-hard drifting fans, but don’t let that fool you – it’s one of the most fun and addictive drifting games available.

While games like Drift Hunters MAX offer browser-based convenience on your mobile, you’ll need to install FR Legends, but it’s still free and well worth the storage space.

The physics perfectly balances arcade entertainment with real-world technicality. Tandem battles demand real skill, and while it’s clearly not trying to be a simulator, there’s enough technique required to keep you hooked.

The featured tracks include the legendary Ebisu Minami circuit and Gunsai Touge, alongside other popular options such as ‘Drift School’ and even a recreation of Irwindale Speedway (RIP.)

Building your perfect drift car is half the fun. From engine swaps to suspension setups, the tuning options actually make a noticeable difference in how your car handles. Plus, the visual customization lets you create some awesome drift builds.

For a mobile game, FR Legends nails that “just one more run” feeling that keeps you coming back. We often play the game during long flights or car journeys (but obviously not when driving a real car!)

GTA 5/GTA Online

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Best For: Beginner to intermediate adults

Grand Theft Auto delivers the ultimate gaming package if you want more than just drifting. When the Chop Shop DLC was released, it introduced new JDM cars and finally properly embraced drifting (without mods) by introducing a proper drift tuning system. Several vehicles received improved handling physics, a new drift camera, and access to dedicated drift races across Los Santos.

PC players get even more options through the modding community. From handling tweaks to complete physics overhauls, mods can transform Story Mode into a much-improved drifting experience – just make sure you keep the mods offline to stay on Rockstar’s good side!

Beyond drifting, GTA V remains gaming’s ultimate playground, but there’s also a reason it’s unsuitable for kids. One minute, you’re linking corners through Vinewood Hills; the next, you’re carrying out heists or racing stolen supercars.

With GTA VI’s recent announcements and teasers shattering every social media record in existence, we sure hope the latest game will deliver for drifting fans, as there’s heaps of potential.

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Future Drifting Games We’re Excited About

Here are the games expected to arrive soon that we’re most looking forward to. Hopefully, we might get to see all of these in 2025!

Forza Horizon 6

While still not officially announced, rumors suggest Japan could be the next location. We’re hyped at the prospect of drifting through the streets of Tokyo or shredding tires on the touge mountain roads in what would undoubtedly be the best Horizon yet.

Assetto Corsa EVO

Kunos will deliver a completely new physics engine and a bonkers 1,600 km open-world experience on January 16, 2025. However, we’re still yet to find out whether it will surpass the legendary Assetto Corsa when it comes to drifting.

Wreckfest 2

Following the announcement, the sequel will bring even more satisfying crash physics and improved drift mechanics, again making it the ultimate destruction derby drifting game.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master

Bringing authentic Japanese drift culture with real mountain passes, detailed car tuning and customization, and a focus on the JDM lifestyle. While we’re still waiting on an exact confirmed release date, it will be in 2025. In the meantime, you can enjoy the free prologue – JDM: Rise of the Scorpion.

CarX Drift Racing 3 (Consoles)

Already proving itself on mobile with incredible damage modeling and advanced surface physics, the expected 2025 PC and console releases could shake up the drift gaming scene.

CarX Street (Consoles)

The open-world street racing-focused spin-off is expected to bring CarX’s proven drift mechanics to console players, emphasizing night-time street culture and underground drifting. While PC players are already enjoying the game, there’s still a huge demand from Xbox and PlayStation drifting fans.

Night Runners

This exciting lesser-known title aims to recreate Japan’s golden age of drifting, complete with realistic touge battles and period-correct car modifications.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer

The revival of this PS2-era classic is expected to bring modern graphics to those legendary highway battles, though details on how much drift-focus we’ll see remain scarce.

Underground Garage

Another promising up-and-coming game that focuses on building and maintaining your drift car while exploring local spots – think Assetto Corsa meets Car Mechanic Simulator.

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