What inspired the decision to bring back a classic 1990s era franchise like Screamer?

Screamer has been a game that we wanted to bring back since its last installment. A new pitch would come around every few years, but we felt that they weren’t quite landing since we were searching for that very bold ingredient to make the game stand out in the racing game market. This all changed when we decided to power up the original idea of Screamer with our love for Japan animation and fighting games.

One of Screamer’s core mechanics is the Echo system. When did it become a central part of the project, and how did it influence the overall design of the game?

The Echo System was present since the pitch for the game, albeit in a more primordial form. Having taken inspiration from fighting games we knew we wanted an element of vehicular combat in the game and everything else needed to be designed around that, so that the racing part wouldn’t be drowned under these types of mechanics.

"Screamer has been a game that we wanted to bring back since its last installment."

In races with multiple opponents, how does the Echo system work in terms of its tug of war style gameplay?

When racing it’s quite important to engage strategically with the resources offered by the Echo System. A Boost used in the perfect track section, a Shield activated at the right time, a well-positioned Strike against an opponent, a masterfully controlled Overdrive until its end are all things that spice up racing in Screamer and can (and do) make the difference between victory and defeat.

Screamer’s story is said to be inspired by classic racing anime. What were some of the key influences behind its narrative and tone?

We took inspiration from any type of anime, not just racing anime, because we wanted our story to feel different from your standard racing game. Also, as I mentioned before, we are big fans of anime ourselves and we wanted to fully embrace that style of narrative for our game. Expect some big surprises and a plethora of mature themes.

Beyond racing and story, how important is customisation to the overall experience?

We’ve put quite a lot of effort into customization because even if our cars are designed to fit a specific character, we wanted the player to still be able to give them a personal touch. Customisation in this game doesn’t have performance modifiers attached to it, so you can customize any car with a slew of pre-made options without worrying about the handling.

The game features both a pseudo cyberpunk city aesthetic and tracks that run through natural environments like forests. How did you balance these contrasting settings in terms of story and tone?

"We took inspiration from any type of anime, not just racing anime, because we wanted our story to feel different from your standard racing game."

Balancing the variety in our environment hasn’t been easy. First, a lot of work has gone into creating background lore for everything so that our artists had a clearer picture of the mood they should strive for the tracks. Then, since the contrast between the locations wasn’t something avoidable we instead decided to embrace it and we quickly made it a keyword to use throughout the entire game as a guide; you can see this contrast in many things, like the VFX designed to look more anime-like with the realistic lighting, the almost painted skies against the realistic cars, or even the characters and how their contrasting personalities make the narrative unfolds. Quite a lot of work has been done to blend these souls together and we hope that players will appreciate that.

What core multiplayer modes can players expect at launch?

At launch players will be able to bring the competition Online in a playlist of game modes and Private Lobbies, with Ranked Team Race coming shortly after launch.

How does the Echo system function in online races where every player is managing their own Echo gauge?

Online the Echo System brings a whole new level of depth to the competition, since tricking other players into wasting their resources, by faking a Strike for example, becomes essential to come out on top at higher skill levels.

What resolutions and frame rates are you targeting on PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PS5 Pro?

The game runs at 60FPS with enhanced frame rates on Series X and PS5 Pro.

While the video starts off by showcasing a standard race in first-person view, we then get to check out more variety in the time of day in the second race. This is then followed up with some third-person racing action in the midst of heavy rains, giving us an idea of how weather will impact the game’s driving physics. The third race, once more in third-person, showcases a different discipline of bike racing, before we go back to the high-speed racing that the sport is known for, with 1000cc production bikes as part of mono-race events.

One of the key features highlighted throughout the video is MotoGP 26‘s new rider-based handling system, which was built on top of a revamped physics model. Players will have more control over their bikes in various situations, and the title features a suite of new animations for rider models. Other features showcased throughout the trailer are the new UK-based location for the returning Race Off game mode, which will include two new tracks where players can ride using Motard, Flat Track, and Minibikes. We also get a good look at tracks like the Circuit of the Americas and the Portimão Circuit in sunny conditions and Silverstone in the rain.

MotoGP 26 was officially unveiled earlier this month with a trailer, where Milestone also announced the new Racing Card feature for each rider. The system revolves around four key attributes – lap time, pace, head-to-head, and reliability – which in turn form a larger rider rating that gives players information at a quick glance before they make decisions. These values will be dynamically updated based on how well the rider performs in real-world races, and will apply to racers across game modes.

Career mode will also be getting some upgrades thanks to the introduction of a fully 3D paddock, where players can hang out or jump between their on-track and off-track lives. The latter includes new Thursday press conferences and a personal manager, with the former allowing players to set long-term and short-term goals like calling out rival racers in public. The personal manager will be the main conduit through which players will manage their progression and contract negotiations, among other things.

MotoGP 26 is coming to PC (via Steam, Microsoft Store and Epic Game Store), PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2. Interestingly Milestone has also specifically mentioned the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld gaming systems, indicating that the racing title will also feature some optimizations to be playable on the go. MotoGP 26 is also set to feature full cross-platform multiplayer for 22-player grids across PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Switch and Switch 2 players, however, will not have cross-play options, and online races on the platforms will be limited to 12 players.

One of the major new features coming to the series with MotoGP 26 is each rider getting a Rating Card built around four key attributes—lap time, pace, head-to-head, and reliability. These attributes will combine to form a larger rider rating, which players can check out before they make any decisions. The values are slated to be dynamically updated based on the riders’ real-world performances, and will apply to racers in and out of Career Mode.

Along with including the official riders and tracks that you might expect from the 2026 season for MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 categories, the title is also bringing in an enhanced physics model, referred to as a rider-based handling system. Through this new system, players will be able to control bikes throughout a race by managing how the rider shifts their weight around.

Career mode is also getting enhancements thanks to the introduction of a fully 3D paddock, which will serve as the main hub area for any given race weekend. Players can also jump into off-track life through the paddock with two new features: Thursday press conferences and a personal manager. The former allows players to set their long-term and short-term goals, which can range from calling out rivals in public, or pushing for research and development into faster bikes. The personal manager will be how players manage their progression, contract negotiations, and other important aspects of being a MotoGP rider.

The Race Off game mode will be returning in MotoGP 26 with a new location and the introduction of a new 1000cc bike category dubbed Production Bikes. The category will be available alongside others, like Motard, Flat Track, and Minibikes. Race Off mode will revolve around more relaxed racing sessions, and has been designed to be a good way to enhance training before major championship events.

The Arcade mode, introduced in last year’s entry, is being revised to be even more welcoming to players new to the world of MotoGP racing, offering simplified gameplay and more lenient physics. The Pro experience, on the other hand, will focus much more on offering realistic simulation-driven riding.

Developer Milestone has also confirmed that MotoGP 26 will feature full cross-platform multiplayer for 22-player grids for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S players. Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 will not have cross-play options, and online races will be limited to 12 players. Local multiplayer is also supported thanks to split-screen options.

While you wait for the release of MotoGP 26, take a look at our review of last year’s entry.

MotoGP 26 is expected to come to PC (priced at €59.99), PS5 (€69.99), Xbox Series X/S (€69.99), Nintendo Switch (€49.99), and the Switch 2 (€49.99). The console versions are also slated to get physical releases, with PC only getting a digital version. We will likely get more details about various editions and potential pre-order incentives alongside the title’s official unveiling, where an April 29th release date is also expected to be confirmed.

Last year’s entry, MotoGP 25, was unveiled in February 2025 before coming out at the end of April. This means that, while MotoGP 26‘s announcement is coming a bit later, its release date will fall in the same general yearly window. Much like its predecessor, MotoGP 26 is expected to bring in riders and tracks from the 2026 season of the sport.

The title will also likely see some expansion in key areas over the previous game, such as more options in Training Sessions, where players could ride for fun instead of focusing on competition. MotoGP 25, for instance, also allowed players to work on improving their skills across different disciplines like Motard, Flat Track and Minibikes.

Whether or not we’ll see changes made to the Arcade Experience remains to be seen. In its previous incarnation, it focused on providing franchise newcomers with an accessible entry point into the world of bike racing by stripping away some of the title’s simulation aspects.

For players that might find the end of April to be too long of a wait to get their hands on a new bike racing title, RIDE 6 was released on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S just last month. The title introduced an overhauled career experience that now revolves around RIDE Fest, which is described as a touring festival where players have greater control over what types of events they want to partake in.

For more details about RIDE 6, check out our review, where we gave it a score of 8 out of 10 thanks to its detailed roster, accessible onboarding, and meaningful momentum in progression thanks to the presence of Legendary riders. However, we also found the racing festival framing of the RIDE Fest career mode to be uninspired.

While it might not be available on Nintendo Switch, Milestone had also confirmed before release that RIDE 6 runs at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X, and 4K/90 FPS on Xbox Series S. For more on its new features and technical aspects, check out our interview with the developers. Also take a look at our tech deep dive of its PC and PS5 versions.

This quick guide for Ride 6 is a shortlist of the five fastest superbikes in their stock configuration.

Aprilia RSV4-X Trenta (2022)

326 kmph

50,000 Credits

• Acceleration 8.34
• Top Speed 9.17
• Handling 7.54
• Braking 7.49

Legendary Bike

Ducati 1299 Panigale S (2017)

325 kmph

26,440 Credits

• Acceleration 9.43
• Top Speed 8.26
• Handling 7.28
• Braking 7.28

Ducati Panigale V4 S (2025)

324 kmph

33,990 Credits

• Acceleration 8.84
• Top Speed 9.23
• Handling 7.22
• Braking 7.24

Honda CBR 1000RR-R Fireblade SP (2024)

319 kmph

23,490 Credits

• Acceleration 7.74
• Top Speed 8.72
• Handling 7.11
• Braking 7.19

Honda RC213V-S (2015)

316 kmph

203,000 Credits

• Acceleration 9.39
• Top Speed 8.55
• Handling 7.21
• Braking 7.01

Legendary Bike

Those are just five of the fastest superbikes to be unlocked in Ride 6.

After considerable time in the saddle, I can confirm RIDE 6’s ambition holds mostly true. The physics model delivers hard-earned thrills, while engaging progression keeps victories meaningful. And, despite potholes in presentation and a festival framework that never truly delivers, the game’s reverence for two-wheeled machinery is unmatched.

"With Pro style engaged, braking earlier than instinctual, measuring corner momentum, and applying throttle with deliberate restraint are essential skills."

If you’re new, to convince you of the symbiotic relationship between biker and machine RIDE 6 arrives with two riding styles: the returning Pro and all-new, beginner-focused Arcade, the latter less an opening salvo and more a push with stabilisers. While the split suggests a clear divide between accessibility and full simulation, the distinction feels only subtle in the opening laps.

Yet, where Arcade style smoothens the harsher edges of bike control, it also limits mechanical interaction, removing meaningful setup options and on-board electronics management in favour of immediacy. The result is approachable racing that rarely feels expressive. Together with RIDE 6’s Bridgestone Riding School – a series of on-track tutorials also novel to the series – the transition to Pro feels an eventual formality, given onboarding’s focus.

Purposeful accessibility options – including colour filters, one-handed control schemes, tinnitus sliders, and game speed adjustments, the latter I reduced by 15 points during my own onboarding – further widen the door for newcomers without compromising the act of riding.

With Pro style engaged, braking earlier than instinctual, measuring corner momentum, and applying throttle with deliberate restraint are essential skills. See, bikes don’t rotate like cars; RIDE 6’s physics suggest they hinge on a delicate cliff edge between speed and balance, where slowing too much dramatically sharpens lean angles, yet carrying too much speed risks understeering to your next accident. Learning to exist confidently on this boundary is where RIDE 6’s onboarding process leads you. And when it clicks, each clean lap feels earned.

Likewise, mastering mechanical setup subtly deepens your relationship with your machine. Adjustments to gear ratios, suspension stiffness, and braking stability won’t produce dramatic changes in isolation, but their cumulative effect can decide tightly contested races. Shortening high gears to extend top speed works wonders on Daytona’s long, banked curves, for instance, but it does introduce rear-end instability which must be countered with suspension damping and geometry adjustments. Even then, success depends on your skill as a rider more than pure configuration. It’s a philosophy that recognises both machinery and your ability to extract every ounce of performance.

"Bridgestone’s aforesaid Riding School is the process leading you to competence, with bitesize lessons covering the fundamentals before demystifying the more technical aspects like electronic rider aids, wet weather management, chicane handling, and beyond."

With Pro as your de facto riding style, authenticity comes with a steeper difficulty curve, but the trade-off is an experience that consistently rewards patience and mechanical understanding. When everything aligns – brake marks hit perfectly, apexes kissed, throttle feathered with control, your bike weaving smoothly through a fast sequence of corners – it’s like threading a needle at two-hundred kilometres an hour. It’s a sense of flow few racing games can match, and where RIDE 6’s bike physics are best realised.

Bridgestone’s aforesaid Riding School is the process leading you to competence, with bitesize lessons covering the fundamentals before demystifying the more technical aspects like electronic rider aids, wet weather management, chicane handling, and beyond. Just as importantly, these drills highlight the strength of the simulation’s tactile feedback, where controller vibration and trigger resistance via the PS5’s DualSense communicates grip, pressure, and surface response with remarkable clarity, elevating riding beyond raw mechanics.

However, the school’s staccato rhythm isn’t flawless. Certain exercises feel overly prescriptive, forcing rigid racing lines even when missing bollards still yields gold-tier times. Furthermore, the Riding School’s rigidity almost undermines motorcycling’s inherent freedom, where bike racing often presents multiple racing lines and opportunities for switch-backs. It’s a minor niggle, but constantly reloading lessons that you’d otherwise fly through in race conditions lead me to abandoning the school once I’d grasped the basics, opting instead to hone my development in wheel-to-wheel skirmishes.

And tapping into biking’s freedom, and communal culture perhaps, RIDE 6 now builds its career progression around a festival. It’s a framework familiar to anyone who’s played Forza Horizon, albeit, sadly, without the freeroaming fantasy. RIDE Fest guides you through a vast selection of events centred on different motorbike categories and riding disciplines. New contests arrive quickly, with the Fame Points needed to unlock more events accumulating at a satisfying pace. With a steady stream of races, superpole laps, one-on-one duals, endurance tests, and off-road challenges, there’s always a sense of momentum and growth, bolstered further by an ever-growing garage of spectacularly rendered, and reasonably priced, vehicles – given as prizes, or bought new, used, even rented by spending earned credits.

RIDE Fest’s most distinguishing feature, however, is its lineup of ten elite riders whom you’ll challenge in their own personalised events. For bike enthusiasts, there are genuine legends in two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner or Isle of Man TT lap record holder Peter Hickman, but even if you’re unfamiliar the game communicates the gravitas each icon holds in their respective formula via introductory cutscenes. With certain contests reframed as boss-style encounters, you’ll feel like you’re in genuine competition for your own place in motorcycling history. Milestone’s intent is to plant your role as the player into RIDE 6’s identity as firmly as the machines you’re racing, but it also reflects the studio’s affection for two-wheel culture clearly.

"The all-new off-road racing lacks convincing physical feedback, with minimal dirt spray and surface interaction. Ambient audio – particularly crowd noise – sounds poorly mixed and implemented, with audible cheers at sections where no spectators are present and jarring silence when its white noise loops back on itself."

The only place the festival concept weakens is in atmosphere. Despite visual flair, hot air balloons, the presentation rarely feels authentic. Its “live paddock” menu is more a cosmetic set dressing than a true motorcycling celebration. Still, as a structural package, the festival-themed career signals progression clearly, and puts a spotlight on the excellent new categories like Bagger racing and Maxi Enduro cross-country biking.

Now, whether speeding on tarmac or sliding over dirt, RIDE 6 delivers consistently tense races, even if your opponent’s racing etiquette lacks the mastery of your superbike’s engineering. Adaptive difficulty and adjustable AI aggression provide useful control over the challenge, but on-track awareness can be middling. Rivals will occasionally turn into you or collide from behind, seemingly unaware of your presence. These occasions don’t derail the experience, and they are counteracted somewhat by AI racers making unprovoked mistakes – you know, like a real human – but they chip away immersion which the bike’s physics work hard to establish.

RIDE 6’s visual presentation is spearheaded by Unreal Engine 5, its tech pushing realism with improved lighting and weather effects that add welcome depth across the entire game. Framerate performance on base PS5 is silk-smooth, displaying vibrant 4K at a consistent 60 FPS. Leading the visuals though are the bikes themselves, each modelled in striking detail. If there’s a true motorcycling celebration threading through RIDE 6, it’s this. In what are arguably the most ferociously designed, downright scary contraptions, these machines sure are stunning.

The game’s presentation is less consistent elsewhere. The all-new off-road racing lacks convincing physical feedback, with minimal dirt spray and surface interaction. Ambient audio – particularly crowd noise – sounds poorly mixed and implemented, with audible cheers at sections where no spectators are present and jarring silence when its white noise loops back on itself. Sound levels can be tailored to taste in the settings menu via sliders and presets, yet the lack of audio optimisation settings for headphones is glaring.

"When expertly carving through Suzuka’s famous Esses, or weaving down Laguna Seca’s iconic Corkscrew, RIDE 6 finds rhythm on a razor’s edge quite unlike any other racer. "

Gracefully, engine notes across all biking categories are generally convincing – from throaty, guttural Baggers, to spitting Motards and screeching Superbikes. Even Scooters sound terribly nasal, much like real life. It’s just a shame the broader sound design hasn’t received the same level of polish as the engines, as the result is a visually immersive racer with sensory elements that struggle to keep up.

Yet, for all its uneven presentation and a festival which fails to ignite, RIDE 6 ultimately succeeds where it matters the most: the act of riding itself. The game’s physics and sheer sense of speed capture the freewheeling spectacle that defines motorbike racing. Seriously, take a ride through Ulster GP’s narrow country lanes. It’s as white-knuckle terrifying as the real thing.

Accessibility improvements and structured onboarding make two-wheel mastery more approachable than ever, while there is enough varied, meaningful content here to entertain both casual and enthusiast bikers. RIDE 6 may fall short of fully realising the cultural celebration it gestures towards, but as an expression of motorcycling competition this is the series at its most complete. When expertly carving through Suzuka’s famous Esses, or weaving down Laguna Seca’s iconic Corkscrew, RIDE 6 finds rhythm on a razor’s edge quite unlike any other racer.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

RIDE 6’s biggest new addition is the RIDE Fest career mode. In what key ways does this differ from the career structures in previous RIDE games?

RIDE 6 aims to offer players a completely new gameplay experience. We have divided the progression into thematic Areas where players can freely move between, choosing the path that best suits their preferences. Compared to previous titles, there is significantly more variety thanks to the introduction of new bike categories such as Maxi Enduro and Baggers, as well as off-road racing. Players will always find fresh challenges without ever feeling bored. Additionally, champions act as objectives and rivals to beat, pushing players to become the legend of the Ride Fest themselves.

"Players will always find fresh challenges without ever feeling bored."

Another major addition is Bagger and Maxi Enduro bikes (and their dedicated events). How differently do these bikes handle compared to the more traditional classes, and how do those differences change the feel of the races?

We put a great deal of work into the physics of the new bike categories to represent them as faithfully as possible. Baggers are extremely powerful, with high torque and significant weight, making cornering a very different experience compared to a naked bike. Downshifting while leaned over is particularly challenging due to their excessive torque. Despite this, they remain one of the most fun categories and are especially well-suited for close duels with opponents.

Maxi Enduro bikes, on the other hand, are highly versatile. They allow players to race both on asphalt and off-road, offer plenty of power, and are typically twin-cylinder engines, making them less aggressive than a motard. They can reach high speeds even on dirt surfaces.

"In RIDE 6, off-road races and road races are separate, and only specific bike categories are allowed to compete off-road."

Will players have the freedom to bring a bike into events outside its intended discipline, for example, taking a superbike into a course designed for a dirt-bike race? If so, are there limits or balancing rules?

In RIDE 6, off-road races and road races are separate, and only specific bike categories are allowed to compete off-road. One of the improvements we made, however, is giving players greater freedom: competitions are not strictly tied to a single bike type. There will be events where naked bikes, sport bikes, and maxi enduro bikes can race together on the same track, based on their power.

How much did the switch to Unreal Engine 5 influence the game’s riding physics and handling model?

With the new engine, we were able to significantly increase the simulation update frequency, with direct benefits to riding responsiveness and realism. Without going into specific details, it is safe to say that the physics system now runs at a higher frequency than in the past.

This approach allows vehicles to respond more immediately to player inputs, improving the overall sense of control while riding. Physical reactions are faster and more precise, and even critical situations such as crashes or loss of grip appear smoother and more natural, positively impacting the overall experience.

"We put a great deal of work into the physics of the new bike categories to represent them as faithfully as possible."

Ultimately, updating the physics at higher frequencies allows us to progressively reduce reliance on artificial aids, letting the vehicle’s real behavior emerge more clearly. The result is a more authentic, responsive, and believable riding experience, capable of satisfying both simulation enthusiasts and players focused on feel and control.

The game features 45 tracks, how are they distributed across the different disciplines and event types?

We tried to differentiate the tracks as much as possible in order to provide a wide variety of experiences, offering multiple circuits or circuit variants tailored to different bike categories. Each bike will have recommended tracks where players can best take advantage of its power or agility.

For players who prefer a more accessible experience, how does Arcade differ from Simulation?

The Arcade Experience is designed for players who want a more relaxed approach to the game, focusing less on pure performance and more on enjoying the ride and the race itself. We enhanced braking, increased grip, especially in corners, and enabled a range of assists that allow players to concentrate mainly on racing lines and battles with opponents.

"The Arcade Experience is designed for players who want a more relaxed approach to the game"

With this philosophy in mind, we also developed less punishing collision behavior, which in Arcade Experience helps players recover more easily from intense moments.

Riding School is great for onboarding newcomers, will it also include advanced challenges or mastery drills aimed at longtime series veterans?

We designed the Riding School as a bridge between the Arcade Experience and the Pro Experience, but it is fully accessible to anyone who wants to improve their riding skills or deepen their understanding of motorcycle handling. It is divided into three courses, each featuring specific lessons: a base course, an off-road course, and a circuit-riding course.

Each lesson is structured in three phases:

• Learn, where the instructor demonstrates the exercise
• Test, where players perform the exercise while following the instructor
• Practice, where players attempt to beat a target time

All recorded times are uploaded to leaderboards, and players can also compete against the ghosts of other players.

What are your current plans for post-launch support, new bikes, tracks, events, career additions, or other content updates?

Post-launch, we have a long plan featuring two Season Passes, six tracks, and more than 60 bikes. Each major DLC will launch alongside dedicated career events that contribute to overall progression, allowing players to immediately enjoy new content without abandoning their career.

We also plan to release several additional features, such as Split-screen and the Race creator, as well as implementing Monthly challenges.

"Post-launch, we have a long plan featuring two Season Passes, six tracks, and more than 60 bikes."

As a developer, what are your thoughts on the PS5 Pro? How does boost in GPU help in developing your game compared to the base PS5?

PS5 Pro has given us the opportunity to achieve a better frame rate on that platform, without compromising visual quality.

What are your thoughts on PSSR? What kind of opportunities will this open for the game?

We do not use it in-game, we effectively rely on Unreal Engine 5’s TSR solution.

What resolution and frame rates will the game target on PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PS5 Pro?

We target:

• 4k at 60FPS on XSX and PS5
• 4k at 90FPS on PS5Pro
• 2K at 60FPS on XSS

Do you have plans to launch the game on Nintendo Switch 2?

At the moment no, we are fully dedicated to developing PS, Xbox and PC versions

In comparison, the PS5 and Xbox Series X will run the racing game at 4K and 60 FPS. The least powerful of the bunch, the Xbox Series S, will run RIDE 6 at 2K and 60 FPS. Milestone has also confirmed that it has no current plans to bring the game to Nintendo Switch 2. Rather, the studio is “fully dedicated to developing PS, Xbox and PC versions.”

When asked about the PS5 Pro, the studio confirmed that the console’s power has “allowed us to achieve a better frame rate on that platform, without compromising visual quality.” This is without using the console’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology. Instead,
Milestone is relying on the Temporal Super Resolution (TSR) feature baked into Unreal Engine 5.

Milestone had revealed details about the new career mode in RIDE 6, dubbed RIDE Fest, which will replace the franchise’s traditional championship format with an open-ended approach that gives players more freedom to take part in the races that they would prefer. The new career mode will present players with a variety of events, from single races to championships, endurances challenges, and everything else you can think of. These events are set in themed areas based on different aspects, like bike manufacturer, category, circuit type, and weather conditions, among others.

Throughout RIDE Fest, players will also get to take on 10 real-world motorcycle legends that act as each chapter’s final boss. Each one of them will present unique challenges to players, like Guy Martin focusing on road races, for example. The main hub area of RIDE Fest, dubbed the paddock, will act as the starting point for all in-game activities. There will also be options for leisurely activities, like hanging out with other bikers and even customizing bikes and racing suits.

Along with the new career mode, RIDE 6 will also bring with it new event types through the introduction of the Maxi Enduro and Bagger bike categories. At launch, it will feature over 340 motorcycles from 21 manufacturers. There are 7 distinct categories, with special event types dedicated to each of them. Players can take these bikes on a spin across 45 different track layouts set in locations from all over the world. It will include fictional tracks and iconic world-class circuits, alongside off-road races, where players will have to adapt to entirely new track conditions and the challenges of riding a high-speed motorcycle on gravel and dirt.

RIDE 6 is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on February 12. Thanks to Unreal Engine 5, there will also be an added emphasis on ensuring that the bikes are as lifelike as possible through upgraded visuals and new bike sounds.

Unreal Engine 5

If there’s one thing that the RIDE series has been known for, especially in recent years, it’s the visuals. Flashback to RIDE 4 and all the videos about its realism. With RIDE 6, Milestone is upgrading to Unreal Engine 5, which should allow for even more realistic detail. Granted, there’s always the concern about performance, but RIDE 5 was pretty well optimized. And what better way to ring in a new engine than with a revamped Career Mode?

RIDE Fest Career Mode

Have you ever wanted to roam an open world on motorbikes a la Forza Horizon and take on events at your leisure? Well, too bad, because RIDE 6 sticks to the linear Career Mode. That said, RIDE Fest definitely offers a more festive atmosphere compared to previous entries with more structure and freer progression, as you take control of a professional rider and grind to the top spot. There’s just one problem – your opponents aren’t exactly in the same skill bracket.

Challenging Real-World Racing Legends

To reign supreme in RIDE Fest, you’ll need to take on no less than ten legendary racers. These include two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner, three-time Superbike World Championship winner Troy  Bayliss, and even Isle of Man TT veteran Guy Martin. Given their range of experiences across all the different motorcycle classes available, you’re in for a challenging journey to the top.

Over 280 Motorcycles

Speaking of motorcycles, RIDE 6 offers 289 on day one across seven categories from 21 manufacturers. It’s like the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate of bikes with Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, and more brands available to race with. However, alongside the familiar, there are some new types, including…

New Bagger and Maxi Enduro Bikes

You’ve probably seen these on and off in real life, but the time has finally come to race them professionally (in-game, of course). The Bagger with its saddlebags alongside the Maxi Enduro and their off-road capabilities present a unique alternative to the usual sport bikes, dirt bikes, and so on, and should make for some interesting challenges when attempting to master them.

39 Tracks on Day One

The bike-riding is only as enjoyable as the tracks allow, and thankfully, RIDE 6 promises a pretty healthy variety of vistas to race through. You’ll be able to pick from 39 tracks on day one, including the Daytona International Speedway, Fuji International Speedway, Brands Hatch Circuit, 24 Heures du Mans Bugatti Circuit, Suzuka, and of course, Nürburgring Nordschleife. Plenty of other tracks spanning locations like Spain, Canada, South Africa, and more will be available, but they won’t all focus on asphalt.

Off-Road Races At Last

RIDE 5 kind of indulged in the Supermotard world with the Short Track Pack, which included Blue Wave Arena. However, for the first time in the series, RIDE 6 introduces off-road tracks for some proper dirt racing. Is it somewhat concerning that the racers look as clean entering an off-road race as they do leaving it in pre-release footage? Sure, but hey, it’s the thought, atmosphere and winding paths that count (plus you can probably expect those details at launch).

Arcade and Pro Settings

With racing sims like this, there’s always a concern over whether it’s realistic enough to appeal to purists while remaining accessible enough for newcomers. In that respect, you have two core settings to choose from here – Arcade and Pro. The former allows for racing “without thinking too much about the technicalities,” as the developer puts it, while the latter is for those seeking a “pure simulation.” But there are also other settings to tinker around with, including weather, lighting, and time of day. Race with the sun shining high or during a downpour at night – the choice is up to you, and you can fine-tune the difficulty as well.

The Return of Riding School

Of course, for those who want to learn the fundamentals and gradually work their way towards mastering the art of motorbiking, there’s the Bridgestone Riding School. If it’s anything like RIDE 5’s Riding School, expect to tackle various challenges with set bikes to earn different medals, gradually working your way up to the Golds.

Full Crossplay (But No Day One Splitscreen)

Unfortunately, local split-screen won’t be available on day one, but RIDE 6 will support full crossplay for online multiplayer. Leaderboards are also available, so you can measure your efforts against the best in the world (and show off your immaculate fashion while doing so).

4K/60 FPS on Consoles

If it’s anything like its predecessor, you probably shouldn’t expect separate graphics modes on the regular PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, according to the Xbox Store listing, RIDE 6 will support 4K Ultra HD and 60+ FPS alongside HDR10. Expect the same settings for the PS5 version.

DualSense and PS5 Pro Enhanced Support

Haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support feel like they would be a given for a game like this. It’s the most literal mirror of handlebars out there (aside from a proper racing set-up). But to further sweeten the deal for PlayStation players, RIDE 6 is PS5 Pro Enhanced. Details are scant, yet you can likely expect a higher frame rate mode.

PC Requirements

In an age where RAM is a precious commodity, it’s good to see RIDE 6 keeping its PC requirements relatively accessible. At the minimum, you’ll need an Intel Core i5-9600K, an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 or something similar; an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, an AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT or equivalent; and 16 GB of RAM. The recommended requirements include a Core i3-12100F (yes, they still make those) or a Ryzen 5 2600X with an RTX 2080 or a Radeon RX 7700XT, and 16 GB of RAM. Installation space is a little hefty at 60 GB, but it’s a small price to pay.

Accessibility Features

The full suite of accessibility features has yet to be outlined, but on PS5, it’s possible to play without button holds or rapidly mashing buttons. You can also opt out of simultaneous button presses, motion controls, touch controls, vibration and the adaptive trigger effect if you so wish.

Bike Packs and Season Passes

It wouldn’t be a racing sim without additional content, especially post-launch. To start with, pre-orders for any edition of RIDE 6 will receive the Made in Japan Bikes Pack for free, which includes the Honda CBR 600 RR (Racing Modified) 2024 and Yamaha YZF-R1M 2024. However, the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions also receive the Made in Italy Bikes Pack featuring the Ducati Panigale V4 S EM (2025) and Aprilia RSV4 Factory E5 (2024). And while you’ll get the Season Pass Vol. 1 with the Deluxe Edition, the Ultimate Edition includes Vol. 1 and 2 (meaning even more bikes) alongside a Credits Multiplier.

To start things out, players will get to pick from a variety of events, from single races to championships, time attacks, endurances challenges, and everything in between. Each of these will be organised into themed areas based on a variety of criteria, from bike manufacturer and category, to circuit type, and even weather conditions. On top of that, there will also be legendary championships for players to take on.

RIDE 6 is set to include 10 real-world motorcycle legends that will act as final bosses of their respective chapters. These legends include Troy Bayliss, Casey Stoner, and James Toseland, Niccolò Canepa, Peter Hickman, and Ian Hutchinson, among others. Each legend will offer challenges to players in their appropriate race types. For example, Guy Martin will focus on road races. Defeating these legends will reward players with things like their signature bikes and equipment. To take them on, however, players will need to build their reputation by taking part in the appropriate events and earning Fame Points.

The trailer also gives us a look at the main hub area of the RIDE Fest mode in RIDE 6. Dubbed the Ride FEST paddock, the place will act as the main location from where players can access just about all in-game activities, as well as partake in other leisurely activities like relaxing with other riders and customizing their bikes and racing suits.

RIDE 6 was officially unveiled back in November, and is slated for release on PC (via Epic Games Store and Steam), PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on February 12. Milestone has also confirmed that there will be a way to get advanced access to the title. Whether this involves pre-ordering or buying a Deluxe Edition is currently unknown, however.

The racing game will introduce a host of new features. Alongside the new RIDE Fest career mode we just got details about, the title will also bring in new event types that revolve around taking bikes off the road for some new racing experiences. RIDE 6 will launch with more than 340 motorcycles across 21 manufacturers, which will then be split into 7 distinct categories, each with their own event types.

Race events can take place across 45 different track layouts set in locations from all over the world. Along with fictional race tracks, the title will also include some iconic world-class circuits that will put players’ skills to the test. Off-road races will also be well-represented, forcing players to adapt to the harsh realities of going fast on dirt and gravel.

For more details about RIDE 6, check out the new Maxi Enduro and Bagger races in last month’s gameplay deep dive trailer.