Info about MXGP 26 - The Official Game:

Official game description:


Release date: Oct 1, 2026

Categories: Racing, Motocross, Sports Simulation, Single-player Racing, Multiplayer, Vehicle Customization, Physics Simulation


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The only supported metric is sessionLength. One reviewer directly reports that they 'played an hour', which supports a typical session length of about 1 hour. Another reviewer says they 'Played for 10 minutes' and plans to try 'the rest of the 2 hours', suggesting early sessions can range from minutes up to roughly 2 hours. A separate player notes it 'took a couple hours to get a bike setup and feel for different conditions', but this describes learning/setup time rather than a confirmed single-session length. No review provides evidence for game completion, story completion, or endgame hour totals, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The reports show isolated praise for track deformation and competitive AI, but ongoing physics, cornering, career-mode, and multiplayer problems dominate without any reported time-based turn to fun.
  - Stance: Never clicks
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Physics bugs bounce the rider up unexpectedly; Cornering feels awful and sluggish; Ruts and berms barely hook; No career mode; Multiplayer limitations and no compound opening in multiplayer; In-air physics problems
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: If you do not like multiplayer racing; If buying primarily for multiplayer; If a post-launch update adds compound trails
- Player Archetypes:
  - Offline AI Career Racer (sale)
    - Motivation: Competitive offline racing and career-style progression without depending on multiplayer.
    - Playstyle: Races solo against AI, values challenging opponents, and avoids online competition.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Social Multiplayer Compound Rider (no buy)
    - Motivation: Riding and freeriding with friends in shared multiplayer spaces, especially the compound.
    - Playstyle: Plays multiplayer or co-op, explores compounds with friends, and waits for updates to expand social riding.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Motocross Handling and Physics Enthusiast (sale)
    - Motivation: Authentic bike physics, weight, and handling that match real motocross or sim expectations.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on jumps, landing weight, movement feel, and direct comparisons with other motocross games.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: MX Bikes
  - Optimization-Sensitive Cautious Buyer (no buy)
    - Motivation: A smooth, well-optimized experience before committing to purchase.
    - Playstyle: Waits for patches, rates conditionally, and monitors optimization and movement smoothness.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Overall Game Enjoyment (weight 0.83): Many players express overall love for the game, appreciating the gameplay and finding it fun and enjoyable, with some calling it fantastic and a step in the right direction.
- Ruts and Track Deformation (weight 0.69): The ruts and track deformation are major highlights, with players calling them amazing, challenging in a good way, and realistic. The dynamic track conditions add to the immersion and satisfaction.
- Physics Realism and Satisfaction (weight 0.59): The physics engine is praised for its realism and as a great baseline, providing a satisfying experience, especially with 4-stroke bikes and ground physics. Rider physics and air physics are also enjoyed.
- Bike Handling Feels Great (weight 0.56): Players consistently praise the bike handling, with many noting that bikes feel good to ride and that handling is satisfying, especially when assists are turned off. The steering and cornering are also highlighted as top-notch.
- Visuals and Graphics Praised (weight 0.54): The graphics and textures are frequently described as beautiful and visually impressive, with specific mentions of track visuals and overall aesthetic quality. Performance on high-end hardware is also noted as running fine.
- AI Behavior and Competitiveness (weight 0.34): The AI is generally seen as fun and competitive, with some noting improvements after patches. However, one player mentions AI is slow, suggesting pro level from the start.
- Assist and Settings Options (weight 0.34): The game offers a good amount of assist options and settings to customize the play feel, making it accessible for various players. Steering hardness and other modifications are also adjustable.
- Developer Responsiveness and Ideas (weight 0.32): Developers are responsive with early patches and have brought great ideas that players have been asking for a decade, showing a positive direction.
- Improvement Over Previous Games (weight 0.29): The game is seen as a massive improvement over the first installment and previous entries, with players noting it's a huge step up and finally back to an awesome MXGP game.
- Learning Curve and Satisfaction (weight 0.22): The game has a learning curve that takes time to get used to, but once mastered, it is satisfying to learn and play, especially with bike setup and conditions.
- Rider Customization Options (weight 0.22): Players appreciate the rider customization, noting that it is really good and allows them to create a rider that looks as they want. Jersey color customization is also mentioned.
- Fun Air Tricks and Whips (weight 0.21): Air tricks are easy to perform and the whips and scrubs are decent and spot on, adding to the fun factor.
- Track and Compound Quality (weight 0.16): Tracks are beautiful and the compound area is good, providing enjoyable environments for riding.
- Bike and Rider Animation (weight 0.09): Bike and rider animation is spot on when not getting bounced, contributing to the overall visual quality.
- No Career Mode Accepted (weight 0.08): The absence of a career mode is actually seen as good by some players, indicating that the game focuses on other aspects.

Common complaints:
- Heavy, sluggish cornering (weight 0.71): Players complain that the bike feels extremely heavy and unresponsive in tight corners, making turning difficult and exhausting. Cornering is described as awful and sluggish, often sending riders off the track.
- Unrealistic air physics (weight 0.66): The airborne physics feel weightless and nonsensical, with the bike spinning arbitrarily and feeling like it weighs nothing. Players note that jumps make the bike feel oddly light, and whips behave bizarrely.
- Suspension and ground physics issues (weight 0.62): Ground physics are problematic: suspension adjustments have no effect, ruts and berms randomly eject the bike, and random bouncing occurs while riding. Players report that the bike can crash out and bounce into the air for no reason.
- Multiplayer performance and stability (weight 0.51): Multiplayer suffers from laggy connections, absurd input lag, frequent disconnections, and host quitting that ruins races. Additionally, wrecked bikes launch across the track and cause unavoidable collisions.
- Frequent crashes and technical issues (weight 0.51): The game crashes during play, when opening settings, tabbing out, or loading certain maps, and sometimes fails to start requiring reinstallation. A loading error specifically prevents the game from opening on AMD graphics cards.
- Lack of key rebinding (weight 0.46): Players cannot change controller settings or key bindings, forcing them to use awkward default controls such as rear brake on R1 and upshift on X/A. This lack of customization is a major frustration.
- Poor graphics and optimization (weight 0.45): Graphics are considered poorly optimized and dated, with some likening them to 2012 quality despite using Unreal Engine 5. There are no upscaling options such as DLSS, and the game is described as a sloppy unoptimized UE5 title.
- No career mode or content (weight 0.45): The game lacks a career mode and offers very little content, with only 18 tracks and no aftermarket parks for bike customization. Players find it repetitive and not worth the price.
- Feels like a beta release (weight 0.4): Despite being a full release, the game feels like an unfinished beta, with numerous issues and a raw, janky experience. Many believe it should not have been released in its current state.
- Poor value for money (weight 0.34): At 50 euros, players feel the game is overpriced given its limited content, technical problems, and overall lack of polish. Some regret purchasing it even as fans of the series.
- Insufficient bike customization (weight 0.29): Bike customization is extremely limited, offering only graphics and colors for rims, tires, hubs, and seat, with no options for exhaust, bar pad, suspension, or removal of handguards. Players find this lack of depth disappointing.
- Poor sound design (weight 0.28): Sound effects are lackluster, with missing or delayed engine sounds, lack of synchronization with throttle, and overall poor quality. This further detracts from the immersion.
- Unresponsive and wooden controls (weight 0.28): Controls feel very hard to get used to, wooden, and unpleasant, with slow and heavy steering. Throttle response is delayed, and movements are sluggish.
- Uncontrollable ground handling (weight 0.28): The motorcycle is uncontrollable on the ground, with steering causing side-to-side movement and an overall lack of stability. This makes it nearly impossible to ride effectively.
- Unforgiving and punishing gameplay (weight 0.22): The game is punishing and requires immense effort to stay on track, with penalties for going off. The lack of intuitive mechanics makes it unenjoyable for many.
- Physics crashout and random bounces (weight 0.22): Physics sometimes glitch, launching the bike into the air for no reason, and ruts/berms randomly eject the rider. These unpredictable moments ruin the experience.
- Bike performance and acceleration (weight 0.16): Bikes bog down and have poor acceleration, struggling to get up hills regardless of power. This makes riding frustrating and unenjoyable.
- No tricks or spawn point options (weight 0.16): Players cannot perform tricks on jumps and ramps in the training camp, and there is no apparent way to set a spawn point. This limits the fun and practice potential.
- No feeling of speed (weight 0.09): Players report a complete lack of sensation of speed, making the racing feel dull and unexciting. This diminishes the thrill of the game.
- Player falls off bike easily (weight 0.09): A bug causes the player to fall off the bike too easily, leading to frequent crashes and frustration. This makes the game even more difficult.

Gameplay feedback:
- Physics and Handling Criticisms (weight 0.29): Various physics issues are reported, including ground physics problems, nonsensical air physics, and suspension settings that have no effect. These contribute to an inconsistent riding experience.
- Wooden and Bus-like Controls (weight 0.23): Controls are described as wooden and the driving feel is compared to a bus on ice, indicating poor handling responsiveness. This aligns with other complaints about bike handling.
- Random and Inconsistent Ruts (weight 0.22): Rut tracking is criticized, with players noting that ruts appear random and do not consistently affect gameplay. However, some acknowledge ruts as a functional terrain feature.
- Steep Learning Curve (weight 0.22): The game requires time to get used to the physics and holding a line, with some needing hours to set up a bike and adapt to different conditions. This can be a barrier for new players.
- Limited Customization Options (weight 0.21): Bike customization is limited and mostly cosmetic, while rider customization is also mentioned. This lack of depth is a drawback for players seeking personalization.
- Air Physics Feel Light (weight 0.21): The bike feels very light in the air, and while air physics allow freedom, they are described as nonsensical. Whips and scrubs are possible but may not feel natural.
- Unpredictable Cornering Physics (weight 0.17): Cornering physics are described as unpredictable and awful, affecting the overall riding experience. This likely ties into other handling complaints.
- Bike and Rider Physics Issues (weight 0.17): Feedback highlights problems with motorcycle control physics both on the ground and in the air. Rider physics are also mentioned as a concern.
- Varied Game Modes (weight 0.17): The game offers modes such as time attacks, championship series, grand prix, and multiplayer. These provide different ways to play, though career mode is missing.
- AI and Difficulty Settings (weight 0.16): AI opponents are present and difficulty settings can be adjusted. However, some feedback suggests AI could be improved.
- Track Deformation Feature (weight 0.16): Track deformation is implemented as a gameplay feature, adding realism to the racing experience. This is positively noted by some players.
- Arcade/Sim Balance (weight 0.15): The game is described as an arcade experience by some, while others note its simulation aspects. Balancing arcade fun with realistic simulation is a challenge.
- Zero Gameplay Described (weight 0.09): One review describes gameplay as zero, indicating severe dissatisfaction. This could reflect a fundamental issue with the game's core mechanics.
- No Trick System in Training (weight 0.09): The training camp includes jumps and ramps but lacks a trick system, limiting the usefulness of the area for practicing stunts. This is a missed opportunity for freestyle elements.
- Off-Track Penalties (weight 0.09): Penalties for going off track are noted, which can affect gameplay flow. Some players may find the penalties too harsh or not well implemented.
- Unreal Engine 5 Used (weight 0.08): The game uses Unreal Engine 5, which may impact performance and visuals. This is a technical detail noted by some reviewers.
- Handling Similar to MX Bikes (weight 0.08): Handling is compared to MX Bikes, indicating a specific feel that some players may appreciate. This comparison suggests the game aims for a similar physics model.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes and freezes (weight 0.36): Players report crashes during the first hour, freezes when opening settings, tabbing out, or on specific maps. These issues severely disrupt gameplay and suggest stability problems.
- Poor optimization and performance (weight 0.24): The game is described as a sloppy unoptimized UE5 title with choppy performance even on low settings with high-end GPUs like the RTX 3070. This indicates widespread optimization issues.
- Lack of DLSS and upscaling (weight 0.17): Players complain about the absence of DLSS and upscaling options, which are expected for modern games to improve performance. This limits graphical adjustments.
- AMD GPU loading error (weight 0.1): The game does not open on AMD graphics cards due to a loading error, making it unplayable for AMD users. This is a specific hardware compatibility issue.
- Startup issues and reinstalls (weight 0.1): Some players experience problems starting the game, requiring deletion and reinstallation. This prevents access to the game entirely for affected users.
- Multiplayer lag (weight 0.09): Multiplayer sessions are reported to be laggy, affecting online gameplay experience. This suggests network or server performance problems.

Recommendations:
- Mixed Negative Purchase Advice (weight 0.49): Several clusters express strong negative recommendations, including not worth buying, cannot recommend, not recommended, and refunds. This indicates a significant portion of players advise against purchasing the game.
- Positive Recommendations Overall (weight 0.43): Multiple clusters give positive recommendations, such as thumbs up and 'just buy the damn game'. This shows a notable group of players still endorse the game.
- Targeted at Realistic Sim Fans (weight 0.27): Comments indicate the game appeals to those who enjoy arcade or simulation experiences, while not being suitable for fans of hardcore sims like MX Bikes or MX Sim. It is also suggested for cross-game enthusiasts.
- Supporting Developer Encouragement (weight 0.26): Some players recommend the game to support the developers and encourage continued improvement, with hopes for future patches and a two-year cycle. One gives a thumbs up conditionally if the game gets better.
- Needs Optimization and Polish (weight 0.23): Feedback repeatedly mentions lack of optimization, jankiness, and overall lack of polish. Players cannot fully recommend until these issues are addressed.
- Prefer Previous Installment (weight 0.16): A player recommends the previous installment as being simpler and much better, suggesting dissatisfaction with the current game compared to its predecessor. Another prefers going back to MX Bikes.

Other player notes:
- Unrealistic physics compared to sims (weight 0.27): The game is compared to MX Simulator and MX Bikes, which have the gyroscopic force dialed, and to Roblox which has better cornering physics. Some expected a Reflex style game, which was the last MX game with intuitive and satisfying mechanics.
- Massive improvement over MXGP 24 (weight 0.24): Compared to MXGP 24, this title is a massive improvement, and compared to MXGP 21 the new MX feels much different. Several reviewers see it as one of the best moto games since MXGP 2021.
- Career mode missing but planned (weight 0.23): The game currently has no career mode, and players want a career mode just like previous MXGP games. Career mode seems to be coming next year.
- Mixed review scores and expectations (weight 0.2): A reviewer rated the game 3/5. Some thought it would be the first good MXGP since 2018, and bought based on early access reviews saying it's 'not bad, quite good'.
- Lack of bike customization (weight 0.17): There is a lack of aftermarket parts to customize bikes, with only colour options available. Players wish to ride factory race bikes with their own character or have cool parts like race exhausts.
- Wants bigger compound and multiplayer (weight 0.16): Players suggest a post-launch update to add a compound in multiplayer and expand it. They also wish the compound was bigger with trails.
- Laying foundations for future entries (weight 0.16): The developers are laying the foundations for future entries in the series. The game has the potential to be the best MX game released on consoles.
- Patch added missing control options (weight 0.16): A patch was already released shortly after launch to add missing control modification options. This shows the developers actively listen to feedback.
- Previous installment considered better (weight 0.16): A comparison to the previous installment says the previous game is better. Some skipped 2024 due to bad pre-release reputation.
- Free whips like MX Legends (weight 0.15): The game is compared to MX Legends where free whips come from. Players miss that style of gameplay.
- Graphics vs gameplay trade-off (weight 0.08): In motocross games, it's either all graphics or all gameplay. This title struggles to balance both.
- Comparison to EA F1 cycle (weight 0.08): The game is compared to EA Sports F1's two-year cycle with DLC. This suggests a similar release model.
- No post-launch update yet (weight 0.08): There is no post-launch update yet, but players request one for compound in multiplayer and expansion.
- Full release includes 18 tracks (weight 0.08): The full release comes with 18 tracks. This is noted as part of the content offering.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.28): Players are frustrated by poor bike physics and controls, including uncontrollable motorcycles, erratic spinning, and awful cornering that sends them off track. Technical issues such as crashes, freezes, startup problems on AMD GPUs, input lag, and the inability to change controller settings further exacerbate the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.26): Disappointment stems from the game failing to meet expectations, especially for series fans, due to missing features like career mode and limited bike customization. Multiplayer issues, dated graphics, poor physics, and a lack of content make it feel like a sloppy, unoptimized title that is not a step forward.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.13): Satisfaction comes from realistic physics, responsive developers, and good assist options and rider customization. Once players set up the bike and adapt to conditions, the experience becomes satisfying, with improvements over previous entries and enjoyable bike handling.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Players enjoy the gameplay, finding it fun and similar to MX Bikes, with track deformation adding to the experience. Discovering tracks and appreciating the deformation and whips contributes to their enjoyment.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.04): Enthusiasm is driven by massive improvements in physics and gameplay, with players considering it the best MX game available. The fun physics and major improvements make them excited about the game.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the developers' hard work and their active listening to feedback, leading to gratitude for a great job.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Excitement stems from the game returning to being an awesome MXGP title, with track deformation, good graphics, and the potential to be the best MX game.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express love for the game due to great rider physics, track physics, and everything being great overall.
- Exhaustion of patience (weight 0.01): Poor gameplay causes players to lose patience quickly, leading to a desire to refund after just an hour of play.
- Eagerness (weight 0.01): Eagerness is simply the desire to play more of the game.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed as a desire for future updates to improve compound and multiplayer features.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is directed at the game being sold for 50 euros as a full release despite being faulty.
- Mild satisfaction (weight 0.01): Mild satisfaction comes from good track deformation, nice visuals, and the game being suitable for time attacks or championship modes.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy is derived from the ability to customize jersey colors to match old FOX gear.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is felt because players cannot get their money back.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike arises from the inability to set independent controller mapping and a bad default button layout.
- Unpleasantness (weight 0.01): Unpleasantness is caused by very slow movements in the game.
- Exhaustion (weight 0.01): Exhaustion is reported due to steering feeling exhausting.}