Wreckfesta racing and demolition video game originally released in 2018, just debuted its Nintendo Switch version, allowing even more players the chance to engage in either single or multiplayer car racing (and crashing) hijinks.
But for those who have loved Wreckfest and want to find other games which provide the same types of thrills while not feeling like clones of the experience, there are plenty of games out there that can provide similar but not identical fun. Whether they’re focused on racing, vehicular combat, or both, these games have it in spades.
Forza Horizon 5
An Xbox exclusive franchise, Forza Horizon is one of the most popular racing games of all time, making its most recent entry, Forza Horizon 5a perfect choice for Xbox gamers who are particular fans of Wreckfest‘s racing elements, and even though collisions aren’t its emphasis, it does feature realistic vehicle collision.
With a massive Mexico-based map and unprecedented vehicular customization, Forza allows players to really immerse themselves in the game’s world while crafting their own experiences. The multiplayer functionality brings the best of Wreckfest‘s social aspects to this game as well, meaning even far apart, friends can connect through the game.
Gran Turismo 7
Luckily for PlayStation 4 or 5 players, however, Sony has a franchise equivalent to Forza that’s been going strong since 1997: Gran Turismo. The most recent entry, Gran Turismo 7did have some issues at launch that tanked its review score, but it has since recovered and provides one of the best racing experiences gamers can ask for.
With some of the franchise’s fastest cars introduced in Gran Turismo 7there’s plenty of high-speed racing players can engage in while competing with friends, and just like with Forza, fast cars also mean intense collisions as part of the deal. Whether it’s an accident or intentionally trying to get competitors out of the lead, Gran Turismo 7 makes it a fun activity either way.
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Along with Forza Horizon 5 and Gran Turismo 7another one of 2022’s most popular racing games is Assetto Corsa Competizione, available for PC as well as both Xbox and PlayStation consoles. The game also features realistic racing physics, and thanks to a licensing agreement it features official Grand Touring 3 and 4 category cars to play out its physics systems with.
The game’s main draw, however, is how many different multiplayer modes exist in the game, like Superpole and Hot Lap. There are also three types of multiplayer servers: Public Multiplayer for beginners and those who want variety, Competition Servers for longer and more intense races, and private servers run for the express purpose of forming leagues, according to 505 Games.
Grand Theft Auto Online
Grand Theft Auto Online translates the world established by the single-player Grand Theft Auto V experience into a multiplayer online mode that can be enjoyed with friends or those who happen to be part of the game at that particular time. Even just spending time in a session can allow for all sorts of vehicular mayhem that fits right along with the GTA brand.
However, GTA Online also allows for impromptu races to start between players, as well as features modes specifically dedicated to competitive racing wherein combat plays a major part. New racing modes were being added as recently as last year. The game may have been out for nearly a decade, but there’s still plenty for players to enjoy, both new and old.
Guts and Glory
Released in 2018, Guts and Glory is most easily described as the 3D equivalent of the once-popular Let’s Play game Happy Wheels. Featuring community-designed levels and cartoony violence seen when players crash into or encounter a deadly obstacle, the single-player game sells itself on its ridiculousness.
The biggest appeal behind the game is how off-the-wall its physics system can get when the player collides with certain obstacles, and some of the car-based levels feel like they could’ve come straight out of Wreckfest itself, including a few that are specifically derby-based. Unlike racing sims, Guts and Glory is decidedly not realistic, and that’s the whole appeal.
iRacing
Released all the way back in 2008, iRacing has the unique distinction of being a subscription-based game in the same way that EVE Online or World of Warcraft are, yet that hasn’t kept it from continuing to be the best racing simulator ever offered, as opined by Screen Rant.
In the same line as many other subscription-based games, iRacing places a focus on players leveling up on skill level, and thus gives the feeling of character progression. Skill level also determines which racers a given player will be competing against, allowing for fairer online matches than ones that randomly place players into lobbies based on availability. For the multiplayer fans, this one is a nice if higher-priced pick.
BeamNG.drive
The developers of 2015’s BeamNG.drive, BeamNG, put a heavy emphasis on developing a physics system that would simulate “the most realistic and violent car damage to appear in a game,” a bold claim to make even at the time. Of course, most racing sims put emphasis on the competition, but when accidents do inevitably occur, looking realistic immerses players more.
But the Microsoft Windows game delivers. While it’s fun to compete in the races, the vehicle damage it’s possible to create with the player car, and against the cars of other players, it’s quite satisfying. The only downside is that the multiplayer is local-only, though there is a single-player mode as well.
Saints Row
What makes it clear Saints Row was modeled on Grand Theft Auto is how satirical in tone it is, and also how much damage someone can do with the vehicles in the game. The most recent entry, 2013’s Saints Row IV, only upped the ante. Its similarities to GTA are what make its games such fun follow-ups for fans of GTA.
The good news for players is that a complete Saints Row reboot is in the works and will be coming to PC, and cross-gen PlayStation and Xbox consoles on August 23, 2022. Its car combat and driving systems look like they could’ve been lifted straight from Wreckfestso fans of that game should definitely check it out.
Dirt Rally 2.0
One of the best games in the series, Dirt Rally 2.0 released in 2019 and differentiates itself from other racing games by maintaining the focus on “rallying”. Established by 2015’s Dirt Rallyit involves racing against opponents while also contending with limitations such as hard-to-navigate terrain, a required average speed, or being able to find the waypoint amidst driving.
Cooperation is a core component of the game alongside competing against others, which is the other unique selling point of the game.
Destruction AllStars
The closest recent game to Wreckfestthough, is Destruction AllStars, a PlayStation exclusive which PS4 and PS5 players can access through PlayStation Plus. With 16 characters known as “all stars” and their specific vehicles for players to choose from, the goal is to wreck opponent cars and then eliminate players whose vehicles have been destroyed and have to navigate on foot.
Mixing elements of arena games like Overwatch with the demolition aspects of Wreckfest‘s predecessor, Demolition Derby, Destruction AllStars allows players to play a more frenetic game of bumper cars all from the safety of a controller.
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