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For racing with friends in the same room, Mario Kart World is the strongest all-around pick in Traxion’s 2026 split-screen ranking, while DIRT 5, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Asphalt Legends are among the options for groups seeking up to four local racers. The shortlist below focuses on local and split-screen multiplayer—not a guarantee that every mode works without internet. Check the exact game edition and platform before buying or disconnecting.
“Offline multiplayer” is often used to mean two different things: playing together on one console or PC, and playing with no internet connection at all. The games here are selected for same-device local multiplayer, usually split-screen. Their internet requirements can vary by edition, mode, setup and updates; the cited listings do not confirm offline operation for every game and mode.
The order below follows Traxion’s published 2026 ranking, rather than a new hands-on test. Player counts and features are mode-specific, so treat “up to four” as a ceiling for the stated local mode, not a promise that every race type supports four people. (Traxion’s 2026 split-screen ranking; PlayStation’s PS5 local-multiplayer guide)
Best local racing games in 2026
1. Mario Kart World — best overall party racer
Traxion ranks Mario Kart World first and describes traditional Grand Prix races and arena battles for up to four players. Its family-friendly, party-racing style makes it the broadest recommendation here for a mixed-skill group. It is a Nintendo Switch 2 game; do not assume the Switch edition or compatibility with the original Switch. The cited source establishes local multiplayer features, not that every mode works without an internet connection.
#1 Best Overall
- Race against real players in thrilling real-time multiplayer mode
- Dodge heavy traffic at insane speeds on busy highways
- Drive 30+ high-performance cars with realistic handling
- Upgrade & customize your car — engine, paint, wheels & more
- Multiple race modes — highway traffic, multiplayer clash & time trial
2. Asphalt Legends — best free-to-play-style arcade option
Traxion ranks Asphalt Legends second and reports split-screen for up to four players across more than 40 tracks. Its ranking says split-screen access requires collecting 13 flags in the single-player career first, and notes optional in-game purchases. That unlock requirement matters if you want to start couch racing immediately: confirm it applies to your current platform and edition before choosing the game for a gathering.
3. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds — best for cooperative progression
Traxion ranks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds third and reports local play for up to four people, with cooperative progression through Grand Prix cups. The ranking lists PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PS4 and Xbox One. PlayStation’s PS5 local-multiplayer guide lists two to four local players, a platform-specific confirmation for that edition. (PlayStation local-multiplayer guide)
4. Screamer — best for combat racing and a steeper challenge
Screamer is a split-screen combat racer built around twin-stick steering and drifting, with a Sync bar used for attack and defense moves. Traxion places it fourth and warns that the learning curve is steep. It is a better fit for players who want to master a more involved control system than for a quick, uncomplicated party race.
Rank #2
- Two Different Modes: 1-player against a bot and 2 players against a friend.
- Three different difficulty levels to choose from while playing against a bot.
- Many classical and party theme games to choose from.
- Tournament mode to play 10 games one after the other
- New games are added every week.
5. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged — best for toy-car spectacle
Traxion ranks Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 fifth. Its split-screen is for two players, and the ranking describes modes where ten AI opponents fill out the remaining grid. The story mode is single-player only, so this is a choice for local races rather than a shared story campaign.
6. F1 25 — best for two-player circuit racing
F1 25 supports two-player split-screen with customizable rules and race settings, according to Traxion. Do not confuse that with the online co-op career: the ranking says that career mode does not support split-screen. PlayStation’s PS5 local-multiplayer guide also lists two local players. (PlayStation local-multiplayer guide)
7. Ride 6 — best for head-to-head motorcycle racing
Ride 6 lets two riders race head-to-head in split-screen. Traxion reports the feature was added after launch, which makes the installed version important: check that the game is updated and that split-screen is available on your platform before planning to play.
Rank #3
- Play with 2, 3, or 4 players on one device — perfect for parties and family fun!
- Fast-paced mini-games with racing, survival, and obstacle challenges.
- Colorful graphics and simple controls for all ages to enjoy.
- Offline mode — no internet needed to have fun together!
- Compete or cooperate in multiple unique and exciting game modes.
8. WipEout Omega Collection — best futuristic racer
Traxion ranks WipEout Omega Collection eighth and describes it as a fast futuristic racer with two-player split-screen. Choose it for high-speed science-fiction racing rather than a four-player party session.
9. DIRT 5 — best for four-player off-road racing
DIRT 5 supports up to four players in split-screen, according to Traxion. The ranking also says up to three players can play career together and earn XP and currency. That progression gives a local group more to do than standalone races, although the stated career group is smaller than the four-player split-screen maximum.
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Traxion reports two-player split-screen across more than 40 circuits, with a limited selection of 13 cars available in that mode and no AI opponents. It suits two people who want direct circuit competition, but the car restriction and absence of AI are worth knowing if you expect a full-grid race.
Rank #4
- Offline Racing
- Free
- Single Player
Other local racing games to consider
Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
PlayStation’s PS4/PS5 racing guide lists one to four offline players for Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled and describes local split-screen racing. This is a useful alternative if your platform is PlayStation; confirm the listing for the exact console edition you own. (PlayStation’s PS4 and PS5 racing guide)
Disney Speedstorm
The same PlayStation guide lists Disney Speedstorm as one to four offline players on PS5, but one to two on PS4. That generation difference is a clear reminder to check the player count for your own edition rather than relying on a game-wide figure. (PlayStation’s PS4 and PS5 racing guide)
4PGP
4PGP is an arcade racing option with split-screen for up to four players. Its publisher, 3goo, lists 19 cars based on real formula cars and 14 circuits, and lists Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 editions. The official site also describes GameShare and GameChat options for Switch 2. The Canadian PlayStation Store page lists the PS5 edition with a 6 October 2026 release date for that storefront region; that date should not be generalized to other regions. These product details establish features, not a comparative ranking. (Official 4PGP site; PlayStation Store Canada 4PGP page)
Best Value
- Thrilling formula car action with intense stunts and jumps.
- Play Career, Multiplayer, and more.
- Realistic physics and immersive visuals.
- Simple to play, tough to master.
- Choose the challenge that fits your skill.
How to choose the right game for your group
- Count your players: For four local racers, start with Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Asphalt Legends or DIRT 5; for two, consider F1 25, Ride 6, WipEout Omega Collection or Gran Turismo 7. Confirm the limit for your platform and chosen mode.
- Match the racing style: Mario Kart World and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds suit kart-style party racing; F1 25 and Gran Turismo 7 focus on circuits; DIRT 5 is the off-road choice; Ride 6 is for motorcycles; Screamer emphasizes combat; WipEout is futuristic; Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 brings toy-car racing.
- Check what local play includes: Local multiplayer may be restricted to particular races or modes. Examples include Hot Wheels Unleashed 2’s single-player-only story, F1 25’s non-split-screen co-op career, Gran Turismo 7’s limited split-screen car selection, and Asphalt Legends’ reported career unlock.
- Verify offline operation separately: Local play does not by itself prove that a game launches or that its chosen mode runs without a connection. Check the exact edition’s current platform listing and publisher information, and account for any download or update needed before you take the system offline.
- Check the screen and race format: Two-player split-screen, four-player split-screen and races padded with AI opponents produce different sessions. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2’s described ten AI opponents and Gran Turismo 7’s split-screen without AI are concrete examples of that difference.
What “offline” means for these recommendations
Platform storefronts can give explicit offline player counts, as PlayStation does for Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled and Disney Speedstorm. For many titles in the main ranking, the available descriptions establish local or split-screen support but do not settle whether an internet connection is needed for every setup or mode. If you need a guaranteed no-internet session, verify that point for the exact platform and edition before purchase, and install any required updates while online.
Counts and mode descriptions in the main ten are attributed to Traxion’s ranking published 8 August 2026; PlayStation listings are platform-specific and may differ by console generation. The order reflects that publication’s editorial ranking, not a universal or independently tested score.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
