MXGP 26 has officially opened the gates for its early-access launch, giving Deluxe Edition owners the opportunity to get onto the dirt three days ahead of the game’s full worldwide release.
Developed by Lyon-based studio Artefacts Studio and published by NACON, MXGP 26 is the official video game of the FIM Motocross World Championship. The latest entry is also promising a significant technical overhaul for the series, with Unreal Engine 5 powering the game for the first time.
To celebrate the start of early access, Alex VII and game producer Romain Paolillo have appeared in a new YouTube Premiere discussing the release. The video is available through the NACON Racing YouTube channel.
MXGP 26 Early Access Is Now Live
Players who purchased the Fox Holeshot Edition Deluxe version can now get behind the handlebars, with early access beginning 72 hours before the game’s official global launch on October 1, 2026.
The early-access period is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, giving Deluxe Edition owners three days to learn the tracks, fine-tune their bikes and get used to the new physics before the wider player base joins the championship.
For motocross fans, the Deluxe Edition also includes additional content beyond the early-access period.
- Five exclusive Fox liveries for customising bikes and riders.
- Access to MXGP-TV, the official platform for following the live action of the real-world FIM Motocross World Championship.
MXGP 26 Moves to Unreal Engine 5
One of the biggest changes coming with MXGP 26 is the move to Unreal Engine 5. According to NACON and Artefacts Studio, the technology shift has allowed the team to push both the visual presentation and physical simulation of the motocross experience further than previous entries.
The developers are targeting a more detailed and responsive racing experience, with the game’s presentation, track behaviour, motorcycle physics and rider animations all receiving significant attention.
Tracks Now Change Throughout the Race
Track deformation is one of the key features being introduced in MXGP 26. Rather than racing on a surface that remains unchanged from the first lap to the last, the terrain dynamically reacts as riders repeatedly tear across it.
Tyres dig into the dirt as the race progresses, gradually changing the condition of the track and potentially altering the racing lines available to riders. That means the surface players encounter later in a race can be very different from what they experienced at the start.
For a game built around off-road racing, this could make track management a much more important part of the experience, particularly as riders have to adapt to changing terrain rather than simply following the same line lap after lap.
MXGP 26 Introduces Reworked Physics
The physics system has also been completely rewritten for MXGP 26. The new system focuses on more realistic weight transfer, while the rider animation system is designed to react to the bumps, jumps and uneven surfaces encountered around each circuit.
The changes are intended to make the bikes and riders feel more connected to the terrain, with the effect particularly noticeable when playing from the helmet-view perspective.
Alongside the revised physics, the game is aiming for detailed motorcycle, rider and equipment models while targeting 60 frames per second for a smoother and more responsive racing experience.
Official 2026 MXGP and MX2 Content
MXGP 26 also brings the official content from the 2026 season to the game, covering both the MXGP and MX2 categories.
The game features 16 official bikes alongside major manufacturers including KTM, Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki. Players will also be able to race as some of the biggest names from the championship, including Jeffrey Herlings, Romain Febvre and Maxime Renaux.
The official championship content extends to the tracks as well, with circuits including Bariloche and Riola Sardo among the locations recreated for the game.
When Does MXGP 26 Fully Release?
Early access for MXGP 26 is available now to owners of the Fox Holeshot Edition Deluxe version on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
The full worldwide release follows on October 1, 2026, when all players will be able to experience the latest official FIM Motocross World Championship game.
With its move to Unreal Engine 5, dynamic track deformation, rewritten physics and official 2026 championship content, MXGP 26 is shaping up to be a substantial technical step for the motocross series rather than simply another annual roster update.
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