Motocross tracks won’t look the same from one lap to the next... MXGP 26, a racing game developed by the Lyon-based studio Artefacts Studio and published by NACON, is headed to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series in October 2026. This initial reveal highlights several technical upgrades, including dynamic terrain deformation, a new helmet-cam view, and the full official content of the 2026 season of the FIM World Championship.
The first gameplay trailer showcases several official championship circuits. Drivers navigate tracks in Bariloche, Argentina, Riola Sardo in Sardinia, Pietramurata in Italy, and Loket in the Czech Republic. Each course brings its own character, with surfaces ranging from sand and compact dirt to volcanic soil or hard-packed earth.
The images also spotlight the transition to Unreal Engine 5. In slow motion, you can see how the suspensions behave, mud spray flies, weather effects, and the level of detail on the motorcycles and their surroundings.
The video ultimately highlights a major new feature: the tracks evolve as you race. As the bikes pass, ruts form and gradually reshape the available lines.
NACON has not published a narrative synopsis for MXGP 26. The game recreates the official FIM Motocross Championship and lets players compete in the various rounds of the 2026 season with officially licensed riders, teams, and tracks.
This edition hinges on a completely reworked physics system, affecting both bike handling and the rider’s animations. The rider now tailors his movements to the bumps, jumps, turns and ruts encountered during the race.
A helmet cam view also appears to deliver a first-person perspective. Track conditions are in constant flux thanks to a dynamic deformation system. Repeated passes by the competitors gradually carve out the surface, forcing drivers to alter their lines as the laps unfold.
The weather also shapes how bikes and gear look, gradually caked with dirt, sand, or mud as the race conditions unfold.
Aside from the competitions, several modes are on offer, including Grand Prix, Championship, Time Attack, and The Compound, a large freely accessible training area. Online multiplayer will support up to ten players.
MXGP 26 will feature the official riders, teams and manufacturers from the 2026 season. Players will, in particular, be able to use Romain Febvre, Maxime Renaux, Kay de Wolf and Calvin Vlaanderen, as well as bikes from the Kawasaki, Yamaha, KTM, Honda or Husqvarna teams.
The game will also feature a rider editor that lets players tailor their gear using several official brands, including Fox Racing, Alpinestars, Scott and Airoh.
As of now, NACON has not announced a precise release date beyond the planned launch in October 2026. None of the special editions, pre-order bonuses, or subscription-service integrations have been announced.
This first reveal focuses mainly on the game's technical advancements. Further updates are expected to detail the various career modes and online features ahead of the planned release this fall.
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