MXGP 26 arrives after a fairly miserable few years for fans of virtual motocross, but thankfully the series has finally remembered what makes it enjoyable. With all 19 official 2026 tracks, MXGP and MX2 classes, licensed riders and customisation, there’s plenty here to get stuck into. More importantly, it actually feels like motocross rather than someone having accidentally put a motorbike in a washing machine.
Gaming Heaven
The biggest improvement is immediately obvious. Unreal Engine 5 makes MXGP 26 look absolutely superb, with detailed tracks, convincing crowds, smoke effects and enough visual polish to occasionally make you wonder why you’re staring at mud for entertainment.
The physics are excellent too. Bikes feel weighty and responsive, while dynamic track deformation means the circuit gradually changes during races. Ruts develop, surfaces become rougher and every lap can feel slightly different. It creates a properly authentic riding experience.
There’s also plenty of content for straightforward racing fans, including Time Attack, Grand Prix and Championship modes, alongside online multiplayer. Creating your own rider and spending earned credits on equipment adds another welcome layer of customisation.
Gaming Hell
Unfortunately, the game has apparently decided that Career Mode is an unnecessary luxury. There’s no proper progression from MX2 to MXGP, no team management and no long-term career journey.
Newcomers are also thrown rather dramatically into the deep end. Tutorials are limited, the game is demanding and there’s no rewind feature to rescue you after making a spectacular attempt at impersonating a sack of potatoes.
Final Judgement
MXGP 26 is a massive improvement and easily the strongest entry in years. It looks fantastic, rides brilliantly and captures the messy, physical nature of motocross remarkably well.
It desperately needs more modes and better onboarding, but the foundations are finally solid. If Artefacts Studio builds on this rather than wandering off for another three years, MXGP could be properly back on track.
