TL;DR — Star Wars Galactic Racer
- Launching in 2026
- Developed by Fuse Games (ex-Criterion devs)
- Set in the New Republic era
- Vehicles include podracers, landspeeders, speeder bikes & skimspeeders
- Up to 12-player online multiplayer
Criterion alumni usually mean one thing: speed, tight handling, and track design built around risk and recovery rather than heavy simulation detail.
The game is confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows, and runs on Unreal Engine 5. It’s described as a Racing Adventure, meaning structured story-driven events instead of disconnected cups and arcade-only progression.
The Setting — New Republic Racing League
Galactic Racer moves beyond the prequel era. The story takes place during the New Republic period after Return of the Jedi.
Races unfold under the banner of the Galactic League, founded by Darius Pax in the Outer Rim. The league is controlled by rival figure Kestar Bool and his clan.
The campaign follows a partnership between the player character and a loner named Shade, who seeks revenge against the Bool family.
Fan-favorite podracing characters Ben Quadinaros and Sebulba are confirmed to appear, linking the project to classic Episode I Racer history.
Tracks, Vehicles & Gameplay Systems
Confirmed race locations include:
- Hoth
- Endor
- Tatooine
- Jakku
- Ando Prime
- Sentinel One
Fuse Games claims there is no single ideal racing line, suggesting branching routes, shortcuts, environmental hazards, and reactive track design.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Types | Podracers, landspeeders, speeder bikes, new skimspeeder class |
| Garage System | Performance tuning & custom builds |
| Multiplayer | Up to 12 players online with ranked progression |
If Fuse leans into its Burnout-style design roots, expect high-risk cornering, aggressive overtakes, and momentum-focused handling.
The Legacy of Star Wars Racing
Star Wars Episode I: Racer (1999)
The gold standard. It translated the podrace from The Phantom Menace into blistering speed, punishing collisions, and a momentum-heavy handling model. Upgrades mattered, and precision was rewarded.
Super Bombad Racing (2001)
A more arcade-focused spin with exaggerated character designs and kart-style mechanics. Accessible and chaotic, but never reached long-term cult status.
Racer Revenge (2002)
A sequel to Episode I Racer that added more combat and aggressive mechanics. Reception was solid, but it never achieved the same legendary reputation as the 1999 original.
Galactic Racer now carries the weight of that legacy — especially among fans who still consider Episode I Racer one of the best arcade racers of its era.
What Else Is Coming to Star Wars Gaming?
Galactic Racer joins a busy lineup of Star Wars projects:
- Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic (FOTOR) — RPG-focused project
- Star Wars: Zero Company — still under wraps
- Star Wars Jedi 3 — continuing Cal Kestis’ story
Two high-profile projects remain uncertain:
- Knights of the Old Republic Remake
- Star Wars Eclipse
Both are officially in development but have faced extended delays.