RIDE 5: Everything We Know

Well, as it turns out, MotoGP 23 won't be the only motorcycle racing game gearing up for a 2023 launch, as made evident by Milestone's recent RIDE 5 reveal. This'll serve as the first next-gen entry in the series, and will be coming to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC later this year.

So, how will RIDE 5 differ from RIDE 4, and what will developer Milestone be getting up to ahead of its summer launch? Well, here's everything we've been able to gather on the subject, from its modes to its motorcycles, and everything that derives from the asphalt kingdom. RIDE 5: what is it, and what can you expect to see this August?

What Is RIDE 5?

RIDE 5 is an upcoming motorcycle racing simulation game by Milestone. According to the team, the latest instalment will boast “an adrenaline-filled gaming experience that is so authentic it will make you feel like you’re truly racing at break-neck speed.” What's more, it'll feature a solid collection of over 200 motorcycles, all of which will stem from real-life world-renowned manufacturers. So, clearly quite the step up from its previous chapter that debuted back in 2020, then.

In addition to the revised next-gen visuals and smoother mechanics, RIDE 5 will also feature an all-new Career Mode—a “zero to hero” tale that will foster over 200 unique events, as well as a leaderboard that'll keep you climbing for days, weeks, and maybe even months. Add the fact that it'll also include a split-screen option and a variation of other unique modes, and you've got yourself a full-fledged motorcycle racing sim with all the bells and whistles to rival its alternatives.

Story

RIDE 5 won't feature a story, as such, but more a rags-to-riches journey that depicts an unknown rider working to ascend the local and global rankings in a bid to become legend. This'll come packaged in a pretty standard yet familiar timeline of events that'll see you competing against various foes of distinct skill levels and backgrounds.

In other words: “Start out in your garage, climb the ranks and become the best world racer in the new Career mode. Race against increasingly skilled Rivals, true obstacles who will stand between you and the finish line. Learn to master different bikes and handle every situation.”

“It won’t be easy though… The road to victory is laden with challenges and it’s up to you to decide which one you want to take – the harder the challenge, the greater the reward!”

Gameplay

Going by what's been said, RIDE 5 “rewards perseverance and strategy”—primarily in its Endurance Mode, which will allow for you to make strategic pitstops, frequent saves, as well as utilize a rewind feature to help navigate tougher sections. Besides this, RIDE 5 will very much foster the same asphalt-heavy gameplay style as seen in its previous entries. To this end, you can expect numerous high-octane head-to-head races on a plateau of circuits and trails.

This time around, you'll have to learn to withstand the elements and test your riding skill as the weather conditions shift in patterns. Whatever the scenario, dry or wet, you will need to adapt to the courses, bend by bend, and ultimately do all in your power to maintain your balance and precision as you thrash it out for the podium.

In addition to all of this, RIDE 5 will also see in a Race Creator mode—a suite that will give you the chance to customize your bikes, tracks, and even assemble events and tournaments. What's more, you'll also have the opportunity to lay down your own rules as Race Director, a position that you can take up either with your friends or online. So, evidently there'll be plenty to wrap your head around in the forthcoming iteration.

Development

Milestone has been on the circuit for the best part of twenty-plus years now, during which the studio has reinforced the racing scene through the likes of MotoGP, Gravel, and Hot Wheels Unleashed. RIDE 5 will serve as the developer's second racing game of 2023, with the first (that being MotoGP 23) due out on June 23.

RIDE 5, despite not having a formal announcement until April of this year, was always in the cards. Having been received as one of the most popular motorcycle racing series in gaming history, a fifth entry was predicted long before Milestone officially lifted the veil earlier this week. And while it won't support ex-gen hardware, it will pave the way for a new era for the IP—a goal that its developer will no doubt want to continue for several years to come.

Trailer

Ready for more? If so, then you'll no doubt be wanting to catch a glimpse of what Milestone has been cooking up from behind the scenes? Well, fortunately for avid petrolheads, the team did actually release a sneak preview of the game earlier this week. Need we say more? You can see it for yourself in the video embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

RIDE 5 will be heading to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on August 24, 2023. It hasn't been said yet whether or not it'll gear up for an eventual ex-gen release, though given the details that have been provided so far, it seems unlikely at this moment in time.

Outside of the standard copy that'll be available on both consoles and PC, RIDE 5 will also be eligible to pre-order as a Special Edition. This edition will come with not only the base game, but a Season Pass, four additional bikes, and two add-on packs: Far East, and Rebel. You can go ahead and add it to your wishlist on the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Steam, or Epic Games Store today.

If you're wanting to keep tabs on the RIDE 5 launch, you can follow the official social feed here. If anything interesting pops up ahead of its August 24 release, we'll be sure to fill you in on all the key details right here on gaming.net.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of the next RIDE instalment when it drops? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.