MX Bikes

MX Bikes is a racing simulation video game focused fully on the motocross sport, with a highly advanced physics engine that calculates in real-time a wide variety of forces that affects every aspect of driving fast-paced motorcycles on a wide variety of tracks.

Built from the ground up by the indie studio PiBoSo and released to the PC games as an “Early Access” title in late 2019, this title received numerous updates that allowed sim racing fans to experience unprecedented realism and dynamic racing both in regular PC monitor play and in fully supported immersive VR gameplay on compatible VR hardware. However, in this early stage of development, the game does not feature any offline career mode or even AI opponents. So far, it focuses only on online multiplayer races.

The core of the gameplay offerings in MX Bikes is centered around a realistic lifelike physics engine, that focuses all its might on accurately calculating the state of motorcycle tires, engine capabilities, road handling, chassis flex, and other systems that may impact drivability of modern motorcycles. This even includes the bike setup, which can provide dramatic changes to the feeling of driving, enabling seasoned racers to extract everything that their hardware can deliver.

But the simulation efforts do not end with the bikes themselves, because the advanced MX Bikes game engine also places a large focus on the environments, with a dynamic terrain deformation system that can directly impact the driving and support for wet weather and advanced terrain simulation.

The only available mode for play is online racing, where players are empowered both to host servers and join active sessions. The multiplayer games can be set both in LAN and online environments, with the option to host dedicated servers for prolonged periods of time with fully customizable controls. Due to the lack of various in-game elements, users are empowered to create new mods (vehicles, liveries, and tracks) with provided documentation, although the game itself does provide a built-in livery editor for bikes, helmets, boots, and gloves.

Like many other serious simulation racers, MX Bikes does support a wide array of integrations with advanced services such as FreeTrack, EDTracker, and native support for Oculus Rift and SteamVR.

MX Bikes is an engaging sim racing title, although the dated visuals and lack of offline gameplay mods do limit its appeal to players who are still striving to learn more about the sim racing genre. The game is thankfully very light on resources, demanding truly minimal hardware to run great during multiplayer races. This makes it the perfect sim racing choice for older Windows desktop and laptop PCs.

PROS

• Highly advanced physics engine
• Realistic lifelike physics engine and terrain deformation system
• Built-in livery editor for bikes, helmets, boots, and gloves
• Supports integrations with advanced services
• Lightweight on resources, demands minimal hardware

CONS

• Lacks offline career mode and AI opponents
• Only online multiplayer races available
• Dated visuals
• Limited appeal to players new to sim racing genre

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or Windows 11
• Processor: Intel Core i5-4590 (AMD FX 8350) or better, 2 Ghz CPU
• Memory:  4 GB RAM
• Graphics: GeForce GTX 970 (AMD Radeon R9 290) or better
• Storage: 2 GB available space