Drifting games have surged in popularity, offering car enthusiasts and gamers a thrilling experience that combines speed, precision, and style. As 2024 unfolds, a fresh wave of PC drifting games has emerged, each bringing unique features, realistic physics, and immersive gameplay to the table. From hyper-realistic simulators to arcade-style thrillers, these games cater to all skill levels and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned drifter or new to the scene, our curated list of the best PC drifting games for 2024 will help you find the perfect game to satisfy your need for speed and sideways action.
#1 CarX Drift Racing Online
CarX Drift Racing Online is a top choice for those who are passionate about drifting. Known for its realistic physics and extensive customization options, this game has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from players and critics alike.
Gameplay and Features
At the heart of CarX Drift Racing Online is its incredibly realistic drifting physics. Each car in the game handles uniquely, with distinct differences between vehicles equipped with large V8 engines and those with smaller turbocharged engines. This attention to detail ensures that every drifting experience feels authentic.
The game offers a variety of tracks specifically designed for drifting, ranging from tight city circuits to expansive open tracks. Customizing your car is a major highlight; you can modify almost every aspect of your vehicle, from engine swaps to detailed suspension tuning, allowing you to create the perfect drift machine.
Multiplayer and Community
CarX Drift Racing Online shines in its multiplayer modes. You can compete against other players in real-time, participating in tandem drifting sessions or head-to-head battles. The game also supports VR, adding a layer of immersion that makes you feel like you’re really behind the wheel.
#2 Drift 21: The Ultimate Drift Simulator
Drift 21 is a drift simulation game that allows players to immerse themselves in the world of drifting. With its realistic car mechanics and extensive customization options, it’s perfect for those who love to tweak and tune their vehicles.
Gameplay and Features
Drift 21 stands out with its detailed car customization. You can walk around your car in a virtual workshop, manually removing and installing parts. This hands-on approach helps you understand how each component affects your car’s performance. The game features a variety of real-world cars, including iconic models like the Nissan 180SX and Toyota GT AE86.
Tracks in Drift 21 are laser-scanned to provide an authentic driving experience. You can compete in single-player career modes or test your skills against other drifters online. Realistic physics and the ability to fine-tune your car’s setup make every drift feel satisfying and rewarding.
Multiplayer and Community
Drift 21 offers robust online multiplayer options, allowing you to compete against other players or share your custom car setups. The community is active, with frequent updates and new content being added regularly.
#3 RDS – The Official Drift Videogame: Immersive Drifting Action
RDS – The Official Drift Videogame boasts stunning graphics and a next-gen physics engine, making every drift feel lifelike. The game supports a wide range of peripherals, including racing wheels and VR headsets, for a truly immersive experience.
Diverse Gameplay Modes
Whether you prefer single-player challenges or multiplayer battles, RDS has something for everyone. Online PvP and the ability to drift with friends enhance the game’s appeal, making it a versatile choice for different types of players.
Competitive and Casual Play
The game’s unique features, such as latency minimization technology, make it ideal for competitive drifting. However, it also caters to casual players looking to enjoy a fun drifting session with friends. Train, race, or compete in this comprehensive drifting simulator.
#4 Inertial Drift: Sunset Prologue – A Fresh Take on Drifting
Inertial Drift: Sunset Prologue introduces a unique twin-stick control scheme that sets it apart from traditional racing games. The left stick is for steering, while the right stick controls drifting, offering a fresh and challenging gameplay experience .
Retro-Futuristic Aesthetics
The game features neon-drenched visuals that transport you to a retro-futuristic world. Two challenging tracks and a variety of cars ensure that the game remains engaging and visually stunning.
Solo and Local Multiplayer
With both solo and local multiplayer modes, Inertial Drift provides a well-rounded gaming experience. Perfect your skills alone or compete against friends in this visually striking and mechanically unique drifting game.
#5 Forza Horizon 5: Open-World Drifting Paradise
Forza Horizon 5 offers a unique open-world experience set in Mexico, where players can explore diverse landscapes while perfecting their drifting skills. The game’s semi-realistic physics provide a satisfying drifting experience that allows for creative freedom on various terrains.
Customization and Challenges
With hundreds of cars available, you can customize each vehicle extensively, including engine swaps and drift-specific upgrades. Create custom challenges and share them with others online, making Forza Horizon 5 a versatile and engaging game for drift enthusiasts.
Drifting Events
While not exclusively a drifting game, Forza Horizon 5 includes specific drift challenges and events. Finding your own lines and creating unique drift paths across the map adds to the game’s appeal, making it a great option for those who enjoy both racing and drifting.
#6 Assetto Corsa: Modding Heaven
Realistic Driving Mechanics
Assetto Corsa stands out in the world of drifting games thanks to its hyper-realistic driving mechanics. Developed by Kunos Simulazioni, this game has become a favorite among sim racing enthusiasts for its accurate representation of car handling and physics.
Extensive Modding Community
One of the key reasons Assetto Corsa is a top choice for drifting is its extensive modding community. This community has created countless mods that add new cars, tracks, and drift-specific features to the game. You can easily download and install these mods to enhance your drifting experience. Popular mods include drift cars like the Nissan 240SX and BMW M5, as well as iconic tracks tailored for drifting.
Customization and Tuning
The game’s detailed customization options allow players to tweak every aspect of their vehicles. You can modify suspension settings, tire pressure, and even engine parameters to suit your drifting style. Fine-tuning your car can make a significant difference in your drifting performance, providing a deeply personalized experience.
Multiplayer and Community Engagement
Assetto Corsa offers robust multiplayer support, where you can join online drift servers and compete with other players. The active community ensures that there are always new events and challenges to participate in, keeping the game fresh and engaging. Community-driven events and regular updates from modders and developers contribute to the game’s longevity and popularity.
Final Thoughts
For anyone serious about drifting, Assetto Corsa is a must-have. Its realistic driving mechanics, extensive modding capabilities, and active community make it one of the best PC drifting games of 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned drifter or new to the scene, this game offers an unparalleled drifting experience.
#7 Need for Speed Unbound: High-Speed Drifting Action
Arcade-Style Drifting
Need for Speed Unbound combines high-speed racing with arcade-style drifting, offering a thrilling experience for those who enjoy fast-paced action. The game’s physics make drifting intuitive yet challenging, perfect for players looking to hone their skills.
Customizable Settings
The game allows for customizable drift settings, so you can adjust the mechanics to suit your preferences. Build up boost by mastering drifts, and use it strategically in races to gain an edge over opponents.
Engaging Visuals and Storyline
With its vibrant visuals and engaging storyline, Need for Speed Unbound provides a comprehensive racing and drifting experience. The game’s dynamic environments and intense police chases add to the excitement, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
