On Ensigame you can easily find lists of the best farm simulators, old games, and even coop games for weak PCs. But we have not yet listed the best drift simulators.
Especially for drift fans we have collected all the most interesting, fresh and unusual racing games in one article. And now we invite you not only to read about them, but also to leave in the comments your opinion about your favorite game series or solo project on this topic. Enjoy reading and have a nice game!
Interesting fact: This amazing entertainment originated in Japan. Most of the time, it was illegal races and competitions, which have now grown into an official form of racing.
Now the drift community has expanded worldwide, but the best cars are still in Japan. Who hasn't heard of legendary Toyota and Nissan? We'll mention them in the rankings several times because they appear in almost every game on the topic.
CarX Drift Racing Online
- Developer: CarX Technologies, LLC
- Release Date: November 17, 2017
CarX Drift Racing Online is quite an unusual project. Developers often port PC games to mobile, but here it's the opposite situation. Don't be scared though; they've turned up the graphics to a decent level, and there's no trace of clunky mobile controls.
The goal of all races in this simulator is not to reach the finish line but to score as many points as possible for perfect drifting and navigating turns. And you can race not only against bots or alone but also in online races.
One downside: the car lineup lacks cool real-world sports cars.
Initial Drift Online
- Developer: RewindApp
- Release Date: December 9, 2020
Next up, we have a full-fledged MMO racing game with an open world. The spirit of the project strongly resembles the cult anime about drifters — Initial D. If you're a fan, you'll immediately feel a familiar atmosphere.
Enjoyable arcade physics, responsive car controls, funk and eurobeat blaring from the speakers, and beautiful tracks in the Haruna and Akagi mountains. What more do you need from a drift simulator? Of course, a car lineup, and it won't disappoint you.
The game offers flexible car upgrades. As you level up, you'll easily reach cool cars, leaving behind the old clunkers from the '80s.
DRIFT21
- Developer: ECC GAMES S.A.
- Release Date: June 10, 2021
DRIFT21 is a somewhat controversial game made by drift enthusiasts. The major part of the game is car customization. The developers didn't just create a drift simulator but also a full-fledged car repair shop where you can assemble and disassemble cars.
In addition to messing around with sports cars, you'll find many of Japan's most famous and iconic tracks, including the Ebisu complex. These tracks will let you drive cars from Mazda, BMW, and Toyota.
On the flip side, many players were dissatisfied with the controls. Cars tend to slide like cows on ice as soon as you hit the gas. And sometimes, trying to control them is pointless — it only makes things worse.
Hashiriya Drifter
- Developer: Midnight Games
- Release Date: August 1, 2019
Next up, we have a game that originally came from mobile devices – Hashiriya Drifter. It's a project for street racing culture enthusiasts, as well as fans of drifting and car tuning. The gameplay is straightforward but very dynamic. Plus, the arcade physics are quite easy to master. You won't have to dig into car settings or relearn how to drive.
This simulator is entirely focused on online modes. Players can participate in dueling races for two or engage in PVP races with a whole crowd. Additionally, you can take part in online tournaments. Hashiriya Drifter is a full-fledged arcade game. It offers many maps, diverse tuning options, simple controls, and a huge car lineup.
Drift86
- Developer: RewindApp
- Release Date: November 20, 2019
If you're looking for drift games for weak PCs, then Drift86 is perfect for you. The excitement will be even greater if you're a fan of Initial D.
In the game, you'll find 13 incredibly cool cars, including the Supra, Civic, and even the iconic Toyota Sprinter Trueno '86. Instead of racing tracks, there are winding and deadly mountain passes. An energetic eurobeat playlist is a separate pleasure, and no race is complete without it.
Based on player reviews, the drifting controls are well-executed in Drift86. Moreover, there's multiplayer, so you can get stuck in with your friends. And the game's low price makes it accessible to everyone.
Need for Speed Underground
- Developer: Electronic Arts, EA Black Box
- Release Date: October 31, 2007
No one will argue that Need for Speed Underground is an ageless classic in the racing simulator genre. Many players were introduced to thrilling races for the first time thanks to this game.
But for those who don't know, let's dive into it a bit more. The game, like many others, revolves around illegal races in a neon-lit city. There's plenty of drifting and tuning of the coolest cars like the Nissan 350Z, Skyline, and Supra.
Players have a wide variety of modes and race types to choose from. The challenging tracks will definitely make you sweat. Moreover, the visuals still look good even today, not to mention the legendary soundtrack.
FURIDASHI: Drift Cyber Sport
- Developer: Drift Physics Crew
- Release Date: November 2, 2017
FURIDASHI: Drift Cyber Sport is a drift simulator primarily aimed at esports. The developers have added support for steering wheels, triple monitor setups, and even a VR mode. An interesting bonus: you can enable a ghost mode in the game to compete with the records of real athletes and professionals.
While the car lineup isn't huge, it's sufficient with 20 real cars from Japanese and American manufacturers. The visuals are pleasing with dynamic weather and time changes, allowing you to not only focus on racing but also admire the surroundings.
The detailed physics certainly deserves a mention. It's perfect for car enthusiasts, as every movement feels realistic.
Absolute Drift
- Developer: Funselektor Labs Inc., FlippFly
- Release Date: July 29, 2015
No list of PC drift games is complete without mentioning Absolute Drift. This arcade game stands out in the top ranks due to its unique visual style. Each map has a minimalist and highly unusual design, which is clearly visible in the screenshots.
However, don't think that the controls will be easy. Absolute Drift doesn't lean heavily into realism, but you'll still need to get used to each car and practice quite a bit. With the right skills, every race becomes an endless controlled drift.
High Octane Drift
- Developer: Cruderocks
- Release Date: October 11, 2016
High Octane Drift is a racing arcade game focused on leveling up and multiplayer competitions. You start from the bottom, but step by step, you'll unlock more new parts and customization options.
The game consists of team races in PVP mode with up to 32 racers. You can fine-tune your car to the smallest detail, thanks to a detailed and user-friendly editor. One significant advantage of the project is that the developers are still releasing updates and organizing tournaments, even though the game was released several years ago.
Drift Streets Japan
- Developer: JDM4iK Games
- Release Date: December 21, 2015
Here we have another racing simulator dedicated to illegal races in Japan. Drift Streets Japan is somewhat rough around the edges, and the developers don't plan to polish it further. However, for a small sum, the game offers quite a bit of content.
You can choose to drive on pre-made highways and mountain tracks or create your own maps in the editor and share them with the community. Besides that, the game offers decent car tuning and an online mode. And if you want to spend time with friends, you can start local cooperative play.
Inertial Drift
- Developer: Level 91 Entertainment
- Release Date: September 11, 2020
Once again, we're reminded of the iconic anime Initial D. Inertial Drift's developers were undoubtedly inspired by it or at least watched it. The neon aesthetics of the streets, a near-future setting, and, of course, retrowave and eurobeat pumping from the speakers.
You'll find 16 tuned sports cars in the garage, some of which might be hard to recognize as iconic vehicles. The tracks are unusual and quite challenging, and the speed is simply off the charts. You'll need to memorize and learn how to navigate the corners.
The only drawback of the game is the awkward keyboard controls. We recommend playing with a gamepad, as it's much more comfortable.
Star Drift Evolution
- Developer: Catze
- Release Date: August 27, 2021
Star Drift Evolution decided to stand out from the crowd and placed players in completely different conditions. There's no bright neon metropolis this time – the tracks take you through African deserts or northern coniferous forests.
Each location not only has a unique look but also specific road conditions. Players will need to develop unique driving styles and choose the right car. Somewhere, a sports car designed for smooth track surfaces will come in handy. And somewhere, a rally jeep is a better fit – precisely for mud and off-road.
The game's detail level isn't top-notch – the visuals are quite simple and optimized. But if you switch to the cinematic camera, the picture immediately changes. Moreover, you can play not only solo but also with friends in multiplayer.
Peak Angle: Drift Online
- Developer: Peak Angle Team
- Release Date: November 25, 2016
This time, we have a good online racing game with decent visuals, low hardware requirements, and straightforward gameplay. Peak Angle: Drift Online can't be called a racing or drifting simulator. This game is designed for relaxation after studies or work. Floor the pedal and enjoy high speeds and controlled drifts.
The gameplay is quite standard and unlikely to offer anything unusual. However, for drift enthusiasts, the game features iconic cars like authentic BMWs and 350Zs. All of this is complemented by a wide range of customization options, a large selection of tracks, and a ranking system.
The only downside is the monetization, which isn't entirely clear for a paid game.
Retro Drift
- Developer: Meng Games
- Release Date: August 13, 2020
Retro Drift is an extremely simple and casual racing game that you can play with your eyes closed. I included it to diversify the list of top-notch simulators. Sometimes you just want to relax and enjoy pleasant drifts.
The game offers both single races and competitions against bots. You can choose the number of opponents yourself. The graphics are simple and minimalist, as is the gameplay. In the end, Retro Drift is the perfect option to cruise to some uncomplicated background music.
DiRT 5
- Developer: Codemasters
- Release Date: November 5, 2020
Continuing the streak of unrealistic arcade racing games is DiRT 5. The developers didn't aim to make this game a simulator for esports athletes. The fifth part in the series smoothly continues the core vibe and offers players even more beautiful landscapes, neon lighting, and unreal dynamics.
The project has a range of unique features that players will surely appreciate. Many racing categories, tracks with locations from around the world, high-quality voice acting for characters, and over 130 different challenges. Moreover, you can make your car slide even off-road.
rFactor
- Developer: Image Space Incorporated
- Release Date: August 31, 2005
rFactor is incredibly unique even among other drift simulators. The project not only survives but continues to receive new content even many years after its release. Fans create modifications for new maps and cars, and the community still organizes tournaments and races with real racers.
The technical side of the game is solid as well. Many consider the physics to be exemplary, as well as the car tuning. Developers and modders have added a lot of content to the game, ensuring you won't get bored. Plus, a big advantage from my side – the game is suitable for low-end PCs.
Project CARS 3
- Developer: Slightly Mad Studios
- Release Date: August 28, 2020
Once again, we have an arcade game that incorporates vibrant visuals and simple controls. It's a game for those who just want to pick up a steering wheel, gamepad, or keyboard and immerse themselves in the gameplay. No complex control combinations, car damage, or extensive learning required.
The game stands out with its high pace – hardly any race will last more than a couple of laps. No time to think. No pit stops or tire changes. No refueling. The developers have confined players to a small world consisting of roads and a garage.
Moreover, Project CARS 3 offers users a choice of over two hundred cars that can easily be thrown into controlled drifts.
V-Rally 4
- Developer: KT Racing
- Release Date: September 25, 2018
In this ranking, we've already seen some interesting rally simulators, but V-Rally 4 stands out among them. It offers hardcore races in various disciplines: classics, buggy competitions, extreme Gymkhana races, and many more.
The game's physics doesn't quite reach the level of the incredibly popular DiRT series, but the visual aspects and location designs are top-notch. The developers have prepared Japanese mountain tracks, Kenyan jungles, and even the vast expanses of California.
Assetto Corsa
- Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
- Release Date: December 19, 2014
Last but certainly not least is the hardcore simulator Assetto Corsa. The developers went all out, focusing on driving physics and detailed car damage. There's almost no arcade feel – you'll need to concentrate fully, trying not to break the gearbox or burn out the brakes.
Each car in the game is unique. Kunos Simulazioni has faithfully recreated them down to the tiniest detail from the real world. Plus, you can customize any sports car to your liking. Change tire stiffness, behavior during drifts, and many other parameters.
Here the list of fantastic PC drift games ends. We're confident you've found a couple of games in our article to enjoy for an evening. Thanks for reading!
Main image: wallpaperflare.com
0 comments