Top 5 Free Drifting Games That Don’t Need Installing

These drifting games deliver without needing installation, offering everything from arcade-style to realistic physics and graphics that could rival consoles.

There are times when drifting fans want a quick sideways fix but can’t get to the gaming computer or console for various reasons. We can totally relate.

Sometimes, you just want to do a few quick slides and refine your sideways skills while you have a little time to burn, and you don’t want to fork out money. Let’s face it – we all know everything is after our hard-earned cash these days.

This is when these free drifting games that don’t need installing are perfect. They run right in your internet browser (typically Chrome or Firefox); no installation is required. Just click ‘Play’ and start skidding!

They’re also ideal for when you’re “doing research” at school (just keep the Alt+Tab combo ready when the teacher walks by!) or taking a “strategic break” at work. Not that we’d ever do that (or recommend you do!), of course!

Another benefit is that they’re completely safe. No sketchy downloads, no weird programs running in the background, and zero chance of getting the awkward “You’ve spent YET ANOTHER 200 bucks on a racing game?!” conversation with your parents.

Don’t let the “browser game” label fool you, either. If you’ve got a decent laptop or Chromebook, some of these games will seriously blow your mind with graphics, tuning, and physics that make you think, “Wait, this is running in my BROWSER?”

If you’re on a lower-spec computer (or mobile), don’t panic – you’ll still enjoy the awesome content and physics, even if it’s not quite as visually exciting.

Let’s look at the fan-favorite drifting games that allow you to get sideways without installing anything. We’ve sorted them in popularity order, along with links to each game.

#1 – Drift Hunters MAX

Play Drift Hunters MAX for free (No installation required!)

Platforms: PC/Laptop, Chromebook, Mobile

Remember when browser games looked like they were made in MS Paint? Drift Hunters MAX proves those days are long gone.

This game (deservedly) tops our list because it genuinely looks and feels like something you’d pay money for - except it’s completely free.

The sequel to the hugely popular Drift Hunters takes everything that made the first game incredible and then cranks it up several notches.

With 39 cars on offer, ranging from JDM legends to US and Euro tire shredders, you’ll never run out of fresh rubber to burn. (The short-wheelbase GR Yaris is my personal favorite!)

DH:MAX stands out with three different ways to play. ‘Drift Attack’ mode provides a competitive challenge, complete with clipping points and scored judging. The all-new ‘Open World’ mode also brings street drifting and AI traffic for the first time.

The tuning options are another way to lose hours without realizing it. From performance tweaks to visual mods, you can build your dream drift machine and save your progress across all your devices – a rare feature in games that don’t need installing.

If you want to target the top of the leaderboards in MAX, check out our guide on perfecting your drifting skills in the game.

Drift Hunters MAX Pros

• Graphics that’ll make you double-check you didn’t accidentally install something
• Realistic physics that rewards skill (unlike some tap-to-drift mobile games)
• ‘Drift Attack’ mode with clipping points and scoring (along with global leaderboards)
• An all-new ‘Open World’ street drifting mode, complete with AI traffic
• Cloud saving means you can now pick up where you left off at school, work, or home
• Endless car customization and tuning options to build your dream ride
• … The list goes on!

Drift Hunters MAX Cons

• Lacks online multiplayer mode
• Building your dream garage takes time
• It might push your school Chromebook to its limits or beyond (but try turning the graphics down)
• You’ll want to master manual transmission to make the most of the game

Our Rating: 9.5/10 – Drift Hunters MAX is as close as you’ll get to a “real” drifting game as you’ll get without downloading anything.

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#2 – Drift Boss

Play Drift Boss for free (No installation required!)

Platforms: PC/Laptop, Chromebook, Mobile

If Drift Hunters MAX is an all-you-can-eat buffet, Drift Boss is your favorite snack you can’t stop munching on. The screenshots might look boringly basic, but I can assure you this game has stolen more hours of my life than I’d like to count, “one more quick go” at a time!

Drift Boss strips drifting down to its absolute basics with the simplest one-button gameplay imaginable. Press to drift right, and release to drift left. That’s it!

Your only job is to navigate an endless winding track without falling off while collecting coins along the way. While this might sound easy, wait until you’re 50 corners deep and on the verge of a new record!

Unlike Drift Hunters MAX, which brings insanely realistic physics and comprehensive tuning, Drift Boss is pure, quick, arcade fun. There’s also a bunch of built-in minigames to keep you entertained when you fancy a break.

Also, you know your school’s ancient computer that can barely open Word now? We bet it’ll run Drift Boss perfectly. It works smoothly on quite literally anything we’ve tested with a browser, including mobile devices.

You won’t get the cross-platform saving functionality in Drift Hunters MAX, though.

The 31 unlockable vehicles waiting to be unlocked will keep you coming back for more, but don’t expect drastic handling differences between them. (Between us, save up for the Fire Truck immediately – it’s well worth it and has bizarrely good handling!)

If you enjoy Drift Boss, there’s also a brand-new follow-up game from the same developers – Drift Donut. If you’re a motorbike fan, you’ll also want to check out Moto Boss!

Drift Boss Pros

• Loads instantly, even on the most painfully basic mobile and laptop devices
• One-button gameplay means anyone can get drifting in seconds
• Perfect for 5-minute breaks between classes and challenging your friends
• That addictive “just one more corner” feeling that keeps you coming back for more
• Ideal for all the family – even grandma will pull off sick skids in this one!

Drift Boss Cons

• Minimal rewards and progression, besides boosters and new cars
• It might get a little repetitive after long sessions
• The mini-games tease you by only being playable once per day
• It can get hugely frustrating, so take a break often!

Our Rating: 8.5/10 – What it lacks in depth, it makes up for with immensely fun simplicity. It’s perfect for all the family – even if they don’t usually like drifting!

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#3 – UNBOUNDED

Play UNBOUNDED for free (No installation required!)

Platforms: PC/Laptop, Chromebook

The first time you load UNBOUNDED, you’ll most likely check you haven’t accidentally downloaded something. The visuals are THAT good. Seriously, show this to someone and tell them it’s running in a browser – they’ll probably call you a liar!

UNBOUNDED takes you on a street-drifting journey through the visually stunning neon-lit city in the early hours. It’s giving major Need for Speed Underground vibes, and I’m here for it.

Sliding past streetlights with reflections dancing off your paint job just hits different to any other game out there that doesn’t need an install.

The real game-changer is the online multiplayer. That’s right – UNBOUNDED is a rare opportunity to show off your drift skills with real players instead of just bragging about your scores.

There’s something special about linking up with friends during lunch break for some quick tandem drifting that the other games on our list can’t match.

You’ll start with a Subaru BRZ, but we recommend upgrading to the REX. It’s based on the Veilside RX7 straight outta Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift.

The customization is also more impressive than in any other browser game, with two-tone paint options, various aero parts, and even different headlight designs.

Performance mods are equally impressive, with four-stage engine upgrades, brake improvements, and even downforce adjustments.

For visuals, tuning, and online multiplayer, we’ll admit that UNBOUNDED even manages to put Drift Hunters MAX to shame. However, while it looks incredible, we feel the actual driving physics (which is a HUGE aspect for us) aren’t quite up to the same standard.

Also, once you get past the initial “wow” factor, you might start missing the game modes and tracks that other games like MAX have to offer.

For these reasons, UNBOUNDED is perfect for jaw-dropping visuals and multiplayer sessions. However, most drifting fans return to MAX for its engaging experience.

UNBOUNDED Pros

• Graphics that genuinely look like a downloaded game
• Online multiplayer with friends (or random players)
• Night-time city environment, which is perfect for drifting
• The best customization options on our list

UNBOUNDED Cons

• The physics simply can’t compete with Drift Hunters MAX
• Limited variety in environments
• Not a huge selection of cars (even if they are PRETTY)
• Will struggle on lower-end devices because of the crazy graphics

Our Rating: 8.5/10 – Look no further if you want multiplayer drifting and eye candy. For pure drifting physics and variety, stick with MAX.

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#4 – Drift Hunters

Play Drift Hunters for free (No installation required!)

Platforms: PC/Laptop, Chromebook, Mobile

I know what you’re thinking, “Another Drift Hunters game?” But trust me, there’s a reason this series dominates the no-install drifting game sector.

Think of DH as the OG – the classic game that started it all before MAX came along with all its fancy new features.

Drift Hunters is MAX’s reliable, lighter older brother. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it runs smoothly on practically any device, which is why it’s maintained its popularity over the years.

The old laptop your parents handed down to you? It might handle this just fine, but it’ll likely struggle with MAX.

Many still return to the original for other reasons, too. For starters, the physics just feel “right.” Some drifting purists (the kind who argue about camber angles online) prefer the handling they’re used to in this version. It’s a bit more “twitchy” than MAX but still requires a certain level of skill and talent.

With 26 cars compared to MAX’s 39, you still get plenty of rides to slide around in. Each vehicle has unique physics and can be customized with performance and visual upgrades, but not as extensively as in MAX.

The 10 tracks on offer (13 for MAX) give you plenty of variety without overwhelming you with options. Plus, the game loads noticeably faster than its bigger brother – perfect for only a few minutes between classes.

We’ve written guides for mastering Drift Hunters, earning money quickly in the game, and other alternatives you consider that also won’t need installing.

If your device can handle Drift Hunters but struggles with MAX, we highly recommend Drift Hunters 2025, which offers a middle ground with performance requirements.

Drift Hunters Pros

• Runs smoothly on lower-end devices
• Similar physics to MAX, just slightly simplified
• Still has plenty to choose from when it comes to cars, tracks, and tuning
• Loads faster than MAX
• All the tuning options you need without being too overwhelming

Drift Hunters Cons

• No save transfer between devices (unlike MAX)
• Missing the newer features like Drift Attack and AI traffic
• Graphics won’t impress anyone who’s seen MAX
• No global leaderboards to show off your skills
• It can feel a little basic after you’ve experienced MAX

Our Rating: 8/10 – A fantastic option for those looking for the ultimate drifting experience on less powerful devices. Think of it as 75% of the MAX experience with half the system requirements!

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#5 – Arcade Car Drift

Play Arcade Drift for free (No installation required!)

Platforms: PC/Laptop, Chromebook, Mobile

You might remember the ‘Micro Machines’ series if you’re old enough. (No, just us?) Uhh, well, anyway… Arcade Car Drift is like they took the tiny cars and taught them the art of going sideways!

This game is a little different from everything else, combining racing and drifting into one adrenaline-fueled package.

Unfortunately, you’re only able to play against AI players (there’s no online multiplayer), but they’re not shy when it comes to putting up a fight!

The concept is brilliantly simple yet super hard to master. Since the cars can’t drive straight, they’re permanently in drift mode, but it’s still a race to the finish.

When you get started (before you get the hang of it), you’ll probably feel like someone replaced all the tires with bars of soap! Your first few races will likely be a complete disaster, with the car bouncing off walls (and other vehicles) more than actually driving.

With enough practice, you’ll start to understand the fast-paced momentum and weight transfer, and something clicks. Suddenly, you’re nailing perfect drifts and backward entries while bashing doors with your opponents through the tight corners, and it feels SWEET.

You’ll probably celebrate when you complete your first clean lap, so make sure you’re not in the classroom!

The (admittedly limited) selection of cars spans JDM legends and muscle cars, with a BMW M5 thrown in for good measure. Each car brings noticeably different handling characteristics.

You might be surprised how difficult it is to get the hang of the physics for a browser game. While it doesn’t provide Drift Hunters MAX levels of simulation, there’s a real learning curve to master.

Don’t expect much beyond the racing once you’ve started perfecting the sideways challenge. Everything’s already unlocked, and there’s no tuning or upgrades like other games.

Arcade Car Drift Pros

• The racing and drifting combo creates a unique challenge
• All of the game’s features are unlocked right away
• Each car has totally unique physics
• AI opponents are aggressive and difficult to beat
• Works smoothly on most devices

Arcade Car Drift Cons

• Only two tracks, so you might get bored quickly
• The initial learning curve might frustrate beginners
• No tuning or customization options
• Limited long-term progression

Our Rating: 7.5/10 – Overall, we feel it’s a hidden gem worth checking out. Just don’t expect to be playing it for days on end. (This might be a positive if you’re strapped for time!)

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