Summary
Indie games have become all the rage, letting smaller developers make their mark in the video game industry. There are numerous popular genres that indie games revel in, so it’s genuinely surprising that the number of indie driving games is relatively sparse.
Players will have to dig around to eventually find some of the best indie driving games they can get their hands on. Thankfully, the experimental nature of indie games means that the core driving mechanic is usually paired up with something interesting, instead of just resorting to classic racing gameplay.
Hill Climb Racingis a gamethat blew up on phones before eventually making its way to other platforms. As long as players are willing to deal with the freemium gameplay, they’ll be more than happy with what’s on offer here.
Players must maintain a nice balancing act and try to reach the goal without flipping their vehicle. This is easier said than done, especially with later stages upping the difficulty to ridiculous heights.
Only in the realm of indie gaming can driving mechanics be combined with RPG systems. This is the tantalizing setup ofKeep Driving, with players loving how ingenious this gameplay loop is.
Players encounter a bevy of colorful characters in aprocedurally generated worldwhere every run boasts something unique. There are numerous engaging interactions in this game coupled with management mechanics that punish players if they don’t ensure that their car is up to snuff.
Pacific Driveis another great example of a unique indie gamethat combines driving with something completely offbeat for a unique combination. In this case, players engage in riveting survival gameplay as they maintain their vehicle and try to escape a supernatural Pacific Northwest.
With anomalies and stressful situations running amok in this title, it can often be a challenge to get through the game. However, players who give this title a shot will fall in love with the hypnotic gameplay as they strive to make greater progress in each run.
Horizon Chasestarted as a mobile game that served as an ode to retro racers. The title is approachable enough for beginners to get into the title while boasting complex mechanics that players will love to master.
As a result, it’s easy to see why this game received an updated release calledHorizon Chase Turbofor major platforms.The arcade racing is a blastto engage with, to the point where players will barely notice the grind because of all the fun they’re having.
Rocket Leagueis one of the biggest indie successesof all time, bursting onto the e-sports scene with its innovative gameplay. Players must master their control over rocket-powered cars in tense soccer matches where they must ram a ball into the goal.
Pros can maneuver their cars in the air to pull off spectacular shots and unbelievable saves. However, amateurs don’t need to worry —Rocket Leagueis approachable enough for newcomers to slowly learn the ropes before they decide to delve into ranked matches.
3American Truck Simulator
The Driving Mechanics Are Sublime In This Relaxing Sim
American Truck Simulatoris a hardcore sim that fans can check out if they want to drive a truck in realistic environments. It may not sound like a fun time, but the beauty ofAmerican Truck Simulatorstems fromhow relaxing the gameplay is.
Players with a proper driving setup will love mastering the feel of each vehicle in this game. Of course, people with controllers shouldn’t shy away from this title, which is a great stressbuster that players can sink an hour or two in before switching over to something else.
One of the most beautiful and oddly relaxing rally racing games fans can check out,Art of Rallypays homage to the golden age of this motorsport. The game has a steep learning curve, but players will find themselves charmed by this title when everything clicks.
The fact that players can explore the gorgeous world in free-roam mode and just relax as they acquire collectibles is a simple yet great way to get players attuned to the driving mechanics. With enough confidence, players should be able to tackle competitive racers in high-stakes competitions where players must emerge victorious to make progress.
Players who want to check out an over-the-top arcade racing game with innovative drift mechanics willlove whatInertial Driftbrings to the table. As one would expect from the name, a huge part of the driving gameplay is nailing ridiculous drifts using both sticks.
It takes a while to get used to, but players who giveInertial Drifta shot will be impressed with what’s on offer here. The story mode is a great way for players to familiarize themselves with the basics before checking out more complex courses to test their skills.