The Best Racing Game of 2026 Isn’t What You Think

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2025 saw some fantastic racing games like Mario Kart World and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which really energized the genre. Next year looks promising too, with upcoming titles like Star Wars: Galactic Racer set to deliver even more fast-paced action. However, one game is already generating buzz and is available to add to your wishlist now!

Games like Gran Turismo and Forza focus on realistic racing with actual cars, but some players find them a bit restrictive. Other racing games spice things up by mixing in elements from different genres, creating experiences you wouldn’t get in real life. Whether it’s the explosive action of Twisted Metal or the extreme speed boosts in Need for Speed, these additions make for incredibly fun gameplay.

Carmageddon: Rogue Shift Creates A Roguelike Racing Title With Exciting Progression

I’m really excited about this new racing game coming to Steam, Carmageddon: Rogue Shift! It’s a super-fast racing game, but with a cool twist – it’s designed like a roguelike, kind of like Dead Cells or Hades 2, so every run will be different. The story is set in a crazy post-apocalyptic 2050, where these zombie-like creatures called Wasted are trying to wipe out humanity. Apparently, the Carmageddon race is the only hope anyone’s got – the winner gets enough power, fame, and rewards to try and escape the planet before it’s completely destroyed. Sounds intense!

You begin the game as a rookie racer with very little – just a basic car, a small amount of fuel, and a simple weapon to protect yourself from opponents and dangers. But with each crash, you’ll improve and become more powerful. By defeating gangs and destroying zombies, you’ll earn parts to upgrade your car, turning it into a serious threat in the world of Carmageddon.

Carmageddon: Rogue Shift revives the classic high-octane racing game with updated graphics and gameplay. Players will experience intense vehicle combat with a dynamic day/night cycle and a selection of 15 customizable cars. The game features realistic damage to vehicles, making every crash and collision feel impactful as you race to the finish line.

Every Crash Makes You And Your Ride Stronger

The core of Carmageddon: Rogue Shift’s gameplay is its campaign mode, which really showcases its roguelike elements. Each time you start a new campaign, the game creates a unique road network for you to navigate. As you race, you’ll earn in-game currency (Credits) based on how well you drive. You can use a map to plan your routes, aiming to reach shops along the way and spend your Credits on upgrades.

Like many roguelike games, this one gets harder with each attempt, leading up to challenging boss races. When you lose, a new driver takes your place, starting the race all over again. You’ll earn Beatcoins after each run, which you can use to unlock permanent upgrades and new content in a central hub, making future races a little bit easier.

Carmageddon offers tons of replay value because you’ll constantly be customizing your experience and revisiting the Black Market. Each new attempt lets you learn more about your enemies – the crooked police, dangerous gangs, and competing drivers. This is crucial because you’ll face increasingly difficult opponents, known as Wasted, who can either hinder your progress or evolve into even bigger threats for your car.

Apocalyptic Maps & Endless Customization Might Create A Sleeper Hit For Racing Fans

Carmageddon: Rogue Shift offers deep customization options. Players can choose from over 80 Perks to modify their vehicle with new abilities, and equip weapons from 13 different classes. This allows for countless unique combinations, letting you build a powerful racing machine to handle the challenges ahead. Plus, bonuses from the Black Market add even more unpredictability to every race.

With its promising mechanics, Carmageddon: Rogue Shift is shaping up to be a game to watch in 2026. Like other popular racing games, its success will likely depend on how fun the core driving experience is. The game appears to deliver the over-the-top chaos that fans of the genre love, making it ideal for those who enjoy causing destruction during high-speed races.

We don’t have a firm release date for this game yet, so it might be a while before it comes out. It was first announced in December 2025 with an expected release in early 2026, but there’s still a chance players will be able to play Carmageddon: Rogue Shift later this year. It promises a fun racing experience with the engaging elements of roguelike games.

Ready to dive into Carmageddon: Rogue Shift? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-09 02:10