RIDE 6 — A Massive Shift for Bike Gamers?

By Ben Grayson – Get Ben Riding

Well, strap on your helmet. The next chapter in bike-racing simulators is almost here and, if you’re like me and your blood runs on petrol and pixels, you’ll want to pay attention. Let’s talk about what’s coming with RIDE 6, what looks exciting, what we’re cautious about — and whether you should be lining up for day one.

What’s the Game?

For those who haven’t been watching every press release: RIDE 6 is the next big outing from Milestone S.r.l. in their motorcycle racing series. They’re promising a leap in visuals, wider categories, more bikes, and a career mode that isn’t just “work your way up the ladder”.Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:

• Release date & platforms: Slated for 12 February 2026 (with some early access editions ahead). Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam/Epic). No PS4/Xbox One version announced.

• Cost & editions: Standard edition (base game + core content), Deluxe/Ultimate editions (season pass + early access + extra bike packs). Pre-order bonuses include extra bike packs (e.g., “Made in Japan” pack).

• What’s new in gameplay:

  • Unreal Engine 5 build = sharper visuals, better lighting, more immersion.

  • “Festival-style” career mode (sometimes referred to as RIDE Fest) gives you paths and identity rather than a fixed ladder.

  • Huge bike roster (300+ machines, many manufacturers), new categories like baggers and maxi enduro.

  • More tracks (45+) including some off-road terrain for the first time in the series.

  • Accessi­bility: dual physics modes (Arcade vs Pro) mean you can pick your flavour of ride.

  • Multiplayer features: full cross-play, bike/suit/helmet customisation, Race

    
    

    Creator mode; split-screen post-launch.

Why You Should Be (Mildly) Excited

Here’s where things get interesting: this isn’t just “new paint job, new bikes”. From what’s been shown, Milestone are pushing to transform the experience.

• The jump to Unreal Engine 5 means visuals may finally reflect the real-world bikes we drool over. If done well, bikes will look and sound closer to the machines you ride or dream about.

• The career mode refresh means you’re not just “go to 125cc → 1000cc”. The festival-style format suggests freedom, flavour, and perhaps more storytelling.

• Inclusion of off-road categories and newer bike types expands what the game can offer. It’s not just superbike vs superbike anymore — more variety = more fun.

• Dual physics modes make it easy for both casual riders (who just want to ride and feel good) and for simulation buffs who want realism.

• Community modes + cross-play = if Milestone get the backend right, RIDE 6 could become the go-to for online bike racing again.

  
  

The Big “But”s

Let’s keep it honest — no game is perfect, and we’ve seen past series stumble in spots. Things to watch:

• Price creep: Deluxe/Ultimate editions + season passes + bike packs can add up. If you’re not careful you could spend more than you bargained for.

• Implementation risks: New features are great on paper – but if baggers/off-road feel tacked on or shallow, they’ll feel like gimmicks.

• Multiplayer & longevity: If the player base splinters (no PS4/Xbox One players), or if post-launch content is thin, you could be left playing solo.

• Bike and track depth: 300+ bikes and 45 tracks sound huge — but if many are just “variations” with little difference, the gloss fades fast.

• Platform limitation: For players still on previous generation consoles, being cut off may weaken overall community strength.

  
  

Final Word

If I had to summarise: RIDE 6 feels like the right kind of evolution for the series. It doesn’t scrapped everything and start from zero—rather, it builds on what worked and tries to broaden scope. For fans of two-wheels and racing games, this one belongs on the radar.

If you’re going all-in on this kind of game: preorder (if you trust the devs to deliver). If you’re cautious: wait for review week one.Either way, mark 12 February 2026 on the calendar — it could be the day that bike racers swap garage for headset, throttle for thumbstick.

Ride hard. Play hard. We’ll see how the virtual asphalt stacks up.