The manga-inspired racer is free for just a few days
After 2025 was all about the kart racer, this year is primed for racing games to stage a comeback, with games like Forza Horizon 6 and Star Wars: Galactic Racer on the horizon. But if you don’t want to wait for them, you can get your racing game fix via a game on Steam that’s currently available for free.
Initial Drift Online sends racers to Japan to drift around the country’s mountain passes, like in the racing manga series Initial D. It’s multiplayer-focused, and you’ll compete against other players in races across its semi-open world, which features the iconic locales the route to Irohazaka, Mt. Haruna, and Mt. Akagi. Like Takumi in the manga Initial D, you can make tofu deliveries in Initial Drift Online to earn money for new customizable cars.
You can play in third-person or in first-person behind the steering wheel. Initial Drift Online promises “realistic but dynamic physics” to ensure top-notch drifting gameplay. It also includes Eurobeat or Phonk playlists, a day/night cycle, global rankings, and player chat.
Released in 2023, Initial Drift Online has mostly positive reviews from more than 800 players. Recent reviews are more mixed, however.
If you want to check Initial Drift Online‘s racing gameplay, you can snag it on Steam. It’ll be free until Sunday, Jan. 18.
