Our 5 Favorite Free Offline Car Racing Games of 2025

Fulfill your need for speed with these racing games that don't need Wi-Fi

By
Brad Stephenson
Brad Stephenson - Lifewire Writer
Brad Stephenson
Contributor
  • Western Sydney University
Brad Stephenson is a tech and geek culture writer with 12+ years' experience. He writes about Windows 10, Xbox One, and cryptocurrency.
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Updated on January 8, 2025
Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr
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Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr
    Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.
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    Forza Motorsport 6: Apex free offline racing car video game

     Microsoft Studios
    Mobile

    One of the best innovations in free car racing video games has been the addition of online leaderboards, multiplayer races, and even persistent open worlds for players to explore in their virtual cars.

    However, these exciting features have a cost in that their implementation requires that the games be online at all times to function correctly.

    Thankfully, several good offline racing games are still worth playing on smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles. Here are five free offline titles worth downloading today.

    01
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    Most Popular Free Racing Game: Asphalt 8: Airborne

    A screenshot of Asphalt 8

    Gamesloft
    What We Like

    • An impressive amount of content for a free game.

    • Good variety of locations for each race track.

    What We Don't Like

    • Younger players may tap in-game ads accidentally.

    • The realistic art style may not appeal to all players.

    The Asphalt racing games are easily some of the most popular offline car games on iOS and Android. Asphalt 8: Airborne is one of the best in the series, as it features over 220 cars and bikes and lets players play entirely offline.

    A newer Asphalt game, Asphalt 9: Legends, is available, but it requires a constant online connection.

    Asphalt 8: Airborne does contain an online multiplayer mode, but its single-player career mode is entirely playable without connecting to a Wi-Fi signal.

    Download For:

    02
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    Racing Game for Advanced Drivers: CarX Drift Racing 2

    A screenshot of CarX Drift Racing
    What We Like

    • Focus on drifting sets this game apart.

    • Cool music with a high production value.

    What We Don't Like

    • Casual gamers will find this game hard or frustrating.

    • Main menu can be a bit confusing to navigate at first.

    CarX Drift Racing 2 features a realistic visual style that resembles the Forza and Asphalt car racing games but sets itself apart by its challenging driving style that incorporates slippery roads and requires frequent drifting to make it to the finish line.

    Naturally, online multiplayer is unavailable while offline, but the Drift, Time Attack, and Training modes are fully accessible and provide a lot of content for those who like this particular driving style.

    Download For:

    03
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    Easiest Offline Racing Game: Traffic Racer

    A screenshot of Traffic Racer.

    Soner Kara
    What We Like

    • Game modes and upgradable vehicles offer variety.

    • Easy controls make it great for younger players.

    What We Don't Like

    • The environments are a bit boring to look at.

    • No actual race tracks.

    Traffic Racer is like an endless runner video game but with cars. Players can choose from over 30 vehicles to drive on a freeway and must dodge traffic by swiping left or right on the screen or tilting the smartphone or tablet to steer.

    This offline car game appears to be very basic at first glance, but it offers some customization options for the cars and various upgrade options that encourage players to keep racing.

    Download For:

    04
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    Most Stylish Racer: Hovercraft: Takedown

    A screenshot of Hovercraft: Takedown

    High Score Hero
    What We Like

    • The iOS version also works on Apple TVs.

    • Encourages creativity in younger players.

    What We Don't Like

    • In-app purchases for rare hovercrafts.

    • The number of ads can be annoying.

    Hovercraft: Takedown is a fun, free-to-play racing game that lets players create custom hovercrafts. Vehicles can change their colors and shapes, and even the type of weapons.

    While Hovercraft: Takedown is one of the few racing games that doesn't require Wi-Fi to access most of its content, those wanting to play its multiplayer must go online.

    Download For:

    05
    of 05

    Best Educational Racing Game: Great Race — Route 66

    A screenshot of Great Race - Route 66

    Part Time Monkey Oy
    What We Like

    • Controls are very easy to pick up.

    • You learn about real locations while playing.

    What We Don't Like

    • Gameplay can get a little repetitive.

    • Graphics are very simple compare to other titles.

    Great Race — Route 66 is a very simple car racing game that takes players through the real-world Route 66 road in the United States. Short swipes of the finger to the right or left control the vehicles, and there are 15 classic cars to unlock.

    While Great Race may have a very simplified design, there's a strong focus on realism with a real-time day/night cycle that changes while you play and a variety of real locations to unlock.

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