7.5 /10 10

RIDE 5 establishes itself as the premier motorcycle racing simulation, combining photorealistic visuals with intricate physics simulation. Since its August 2023 launch, the game has garnered 75/100 on Metacritic and 79/100 on OpenCritic, earning recognition for its refined handling model and career depth. This review explores how RIDE 5 improves upon its predecessor while establishing itself within the competitive motorcycle racing genre, examining everything from technical performance to long-term value through post-launch content.

How to Play RIDE 5

RIDE 5 combines accessibility features with simulation depth, allowing players to customize their riding experience through granular difficulty settings and AI riding aids. Core progression follows a Tour career mode structure competing in 200+ racing events against dynamically challenging rival motorcyclists.

1. Controls – Controller and wheel support with remappable layouts; initial learning curve manageable through progressive difficulty increases
2. Progression – Career mode features rival duel system where defeating competitors unlocks higher-ranked challengers in ATP-style leaderboard progression
3. Combat/Mechanics – Physics engine emphasizes weight transfer, lean angles, and throttle control; dynamic weather alters grip levels and racing lines requiring real-time strategy adaptation
4. Tips – Invest time in tutorial modes before tackling extreme difficulty; master one bike type before collecting diverse roster; utilize in-race save feature to practice challenging sections

Who Should Play RIDE 5

RIDE 5 targets multiple player segments despite its simulation focus. Career progression scales from accessibility aids for newcomers to hardcore settings for veteran sim racers seeking authentic motorcycle dynamics and extensive content libraries.

• Simulation Purists – Players seeking motorcycle-specific physics and realistic handling will find exceptional depth in weight transfer modeling and tire dynamics rarely matched in gaming
• Content Collectors – 200+ license bikes from Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Ducati and others appeal to enthusiasts wanting extensive garage customization and livery editing
• Competitive Racers – Career mode’s rival system and online multiplayer with endurance events cater to players seeking competitive progression and multiplayer challenges
• Skip if – Arcade racing fans expecting forgiving handling or casual-friendly difficulty curves will find the steep learning curve frustrating without extensive practice

RIDE 5 Platform Performance

RIDE 5 leverages current-generation console hardware to deliver consistent 60fps performance with dynamic resolution scaling. PC versions scale beyond console limitations while maintaining stable frame rates across varied hardware configurations.

RIDE 5 System Requirements

RIDE 5 demands 50GB storage and supports Windows 10/11 across minimum and recommended tiers. Recommended specifications unlock 4K resolution and maximum graphical fidelity with consistent frame rates under demanding weather conditions.

Similar Games to RIDE 5

Motorcycle racing simulators remain niche compared to automotive counterparts. RIDE 5’s nearest competitors balance arcade accessibility with simulation depth, though most lack the breadth of historic motorcycle content or career structure RIDE 5 delivers.

• MotoGP 24 – Official MotoGP franchise focusing exclusively on professional racing series; fewer bikes but authentic rider likenesses and league-style competition
• MotoGP 23 – Previous year official sim with 40+ bikes and narrative career mode; less content than RIDE 5 but stronger storytelling through rival relationships
• TT Isle of Man Ride on the Edge 3 – Street-focused motorcycle sim emphasizing open-road racing; less structured career but intense skill-based mechanics
• Monster Energy Supercross 2024 – Off-road motorcycle racing with muddy terrain physics; arcade-leaning gameplay targeting younger audiences

RIDE 5 vs Competitors

RIDE 5 competes across motorcycle racing categories against both official franchises and broader racing sims. Performance metrics reveal RIDE 5’s positioning as content-rich simulation for serious enthusiasts versus arcade-oriented competitors.

RIDE 5 Story and World

RIDE 5’s narrative centers on a Tour career mode where players establish themselves as motorcycle champions through a rival duel system. Rather than traditional story arcs, the game constructs competitive identity through AI-powered opponents who progressively challenge player skill. Dynamic weather systems and time-of-day cycling create atmospheric variety across race weekends. Track design mirrors real-world motorcycle circuits while fictional layouts test mastery across varied terrain types. The game prioritizes mechanical storytelling through progression rewards and bike collection over character-driven narratives, establishing meaning through achievement rather than dialogue.

RIDE 5 Multiplayer and Online

RIDE 5 delivers comprehensive multiplayer through split-screen local gameplay and online infrastructure supporting competitive and cooperative racing. Cross-platform connectivity enables PlayStation, Xbox and PC players to compete together across dedicated event structures and open lobbies.

• Local Split-Screen – Two-player split-screen returns after absence in RIDE 4; supports standard and custom race configurations for couch competitive gaming
• Online Racing – Up to 20 simultaneous players with endurance events supporting extended race weekends; ranked progression system with reputation tracking
• Cross-Platform Play – PS5 and Xbox Series X cross-play enabled; PC (Steam/Epic) plays separately from console ecosystems
• Race Creator – Custom event builder allows players to establish personalized racing rules, opponent categories and championship structures

RIDE 5 DLC and Expansions

RIDE 5’s post-launch strategy combines seasonal paid DLC with free content packs. Season Pass commitment provides extended content roadmap through 2024-2025 with cumulative garage expansion reaching 270+ motorcycles and 40+ total tracks.

• Season Pass – $39.99 grants access to 33 premium bikes, 6 additional tracks and credits multiplier as content releases periodically throughout seasons
• Free Content Packs – Regular free updates introduce base bikes and cosmetic items; six free packs released since launch with ongoing support
• Individual DLC – Seasonal bike and track packs available separately for $2.99-$4.99 each, providing flexibility for selective purchases
• Special Editions – $89.99 Special Edition includes base game plus Season Pass with streamlined pricing versus separate purchases

RIDE 5 Community and Support

Milestone maintains active community engagement through official forums and social channels while leveraging user-generated content systems. Livery editors and cross-platform sharing foster creative player expression across the motorcycle racing community.

• Official Channels – Milestone operates dedicated RIDE 5 website with news, patch notes and event calendars; community managers moderate official forums
• Social Communities – Reddit subreddit (r/ride5) and Discord servers host 10,000+ active players discussing setups, strategies and content updates
• User-Generated Content – Enhanced livery editor allows sharing custom designs cross-platform; helmet and rider customization systems drive cosmetic engagement
• Patch Support – Regular balancing updates address AI behavior and physics refinements; quarterly major patches introduce feature enhancements