The best free racing and drift games to play online

"Racing game" can mean very different things: a one-button drift challenge, a serious driving simulator, or a crazy demolition derby. Here is how to pick the right one, with our favourite free browser games for each style.

For the realistic driving feeling

Simulator GT Motorsport lets you choose and upgrade GT-style cars and take them onto circuits. It rewards smooth braking more than speed. For something heavier, Arctic Truck Driver sends you across frozen lakes with cargo, where the ice is part of the challenge.

Simulator GT Motorsport – free online gameSimulator GT MotorsportArctic Truck Driver – free online gameArctic Truck Driver

For pure arcade fun

Nitro Racing Gear has 40 stages across eight worlds, with nitro boosts and short races that suit a quick break. Speed Evolution makes your car faster with every metre of a sky track, and works on phones.

Nitro Racing Gear – free online gameNitro Racing GearSpeed Evolution – free online gameWorks on phonesSpeed Evolution

For chaos and laughs

Demolition Derpy is a 3D demolition derby: ram your rivals and be the last car standing. Rocket Car Football Championship mixes rocket-powered cars with football in a floodlit arena.

Demolition Derpy – free online gameDemolition DerpyRocket Car Football Championship – free online gameRocket Car Football Championship

For careful drivers

Not into speed? Midnight Valet is a parking simulator set during a busy night shift at a club. Precision matters more than speed.

Midnight Valet – free online gameMidnight Valet

Controls that work for most racing games

On a computer, the arrow keys or W A S D steer and accelerate, and Space is often the handbrake or drift. On phones, most racing games show pedals on the screen; turn the phone sideways for the best view. Find more in our racing section.

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