- MXGP 26 riders: Up to 20 riders in offline MXGP class races, matching the real-world grid.
- MX2 class: Limited to 16 riders, reflecting the official 2026 season entry list.
- Online races: Capped at 10 riders to keep performance smooth with no cross-play.
- Rider control: Choose standing or sitting positions, with a HUD indicator and real physics impact.
- AI riders: Four difficulty tiers with track-specific lines and multiple racing lines per corner.
MXGP 26 Riders: Grid Sizes Explained
The MXGP 26 riders system is built around authenticity and performance. Developer Artifact Studio rebuilt the entire game on a new engine this year, and rider counts were one of the most community-requested topics before launch. The studio confirmed exact numbers for each mode, and the results differ between offline racing, official grids, and online multiplayer.
Video Highlights:
- Official rider counts straight from the lead producer at Artifact Studio
- Why MX2 is capped at 16 riders for the 2026 season
- How online limits protect frame rates during multiplayer races
- Post-launch plans driven by community feedback on Steam, Xbox, and PS5
| Mode | Max Riders | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| MXGP class (offline) | 20 | Mirrors the real MXGP starting grid |
| MX2 class (offline) | 16 | Only 16 official riders on the 2026 MX2 grid |
| Online multiplayer | 10 | Keeps the online experience smooth and avoids performance issues |
Real-life races can feature 40 riders, but simulating that many bikes with dynamic terrain deformation is technically demanding. The team prioritized stable performance for 2026, and may raise the online rider cap in future updates.
Rider Classes and Official Grids
MXGP 26 splits its roster across two official classes, and the rider pool reflects the genuine 2026 season entry lists rather than an arbitrary number. This class structure affects everything from gate density to how tightly the pack battles through the first turn.
MXGP Class (20 Riders)
- Full 20-rider starting grid
- Dense first-turn battles
- Matches premier-class authenticity
- Best mode for full-field race simulation
MX2 Class (16 Riders)
- 16 official 2026 riders
- Tighter, more personal racing
- Reflects the real MX2 entry list
- Faster to learn each rival's lines
| Feature | MXGP Class | MX2 Class |
|---|---|---|
| Offline rider cap | 20 | 16 |
| Grid basis | Premier-class grid | Official 2026 entry list |
| First-turn density | High | Moderate |
| Best for | Full-grid realism | Cleaner races |
Online multiplayer does not support cross-play between PC and consoles in MXGP 26. The studio is looking into full cross-platform play for the next installment, so for now you can only race riders on your own platform.
AI Rider Behavior and Difficulty
AI riders in MXGP 26 are not one-size-fits-all. Each of the four difficulty tiers — from Amateur up to Expert — features AI tuned track by track, so computer riders take jumps and corners the way they actually should on that specific circuit.
Key AI behaviors confirmed by the developers:
- Track-specific tuning: AI riders know the ideal lines for every jump and turn on each circuit
- Multiple racing lines: If an AI rider is near the outside of a turn, it takes the outer line, and vice versa
- Varied race dynamics: Line variety creates more realistic passing and defending
- Four difficulty tiers: Amateur, plus three higher levels up to Expert
| Difficulty | Target Player | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Amateur | Newcomers | Heavy rider assists available |
| Intermediate | Casual racers | Balanced AI pace |
| Advanced | Experienced riders | Aggressive line selection |
| Expert | Sim racers | Near-optimal lines, minimal margin |
Start on Amateur with air-control assists enabled, then disable assists one by one as you learn. The AI difficulty and assist settings are independent, so you can race Expert AI while keeping guided air control if that suits your style.
Rider Control: Stance, Whips, and Assists
Beyond rider counts, MXGP 26 gives you direct control over how your rider behaves on the bike. The standout feature is the stance input, which changes both visuals and physics.
Choose Your Profile
Select Amateur for full assistance when learning airborne bike control, or pick an advanced profile for free control from the start.
Enable Stance Input
By default, standing or sitting is handled automatically. Activate the input option to take manual control, with a HUD element showing your current position.
Use Stance Strategically
Your rider has weight. Standing up or sitting down physically changes how the bike handles, especially at low speed where you can visibly see the rider shift position.
Disable Assists for Free Whips
Once comfortable, turn off assists individually to unlock free scrubs and whips in the air — the hallmark of pro-level MXGP riding.
Rider customization has one known limit in MXGP 26: handguards cannot be removed from bikes. The developers acknowledge it is a personal choice in real life and are looking into adding the option for future titles.
Online Rider Lobbies and Ranking
Online play hosts up to 10 riders per race across two lobby types, with a competitive ranking system for public matches.
| Lobby Type | Ranked | Elo System | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public | Yes | Yes | Win matches to gain Elo and climb the ranking |
| Private | No | No | Race friends in custom sessions |
Online Racing Checklist:
- Race your first public lobby match to earn an initial Elo rating
- Test both MXGP and MX2 classes to feel the grid-size difference
- Try a private lobby with friends before jumping into ranked play
- Master stance input in offline races before competing online
Public lobbies are the only path to Elo. Since fields are capped at 10 riders, consistent top-five finishes will steadily build your rating even without race wins.
FAQ
Q: How many riders are on track in MXGP 26 offline races?
Offline MXGP class races support up to 20 riders, while the MX2 class is limited to 16 riders because only 16 official riders are on the 2026 MX2 starting grid.
Q: Why do online MXGP 26 riders max out at 10?
The developers capped online races at 10 riders to guarantee smooth performance. Simulating 40 riders like some real-life races, combined with dynamic terrain deformation, is technically challenging, so performance was prioritized for this year's release.
Q: Does MXGP 26 support cross-play between PC and consoles?
No. Cross-play is not available in MXGP 26, but the studio is looking into bringing cross-platform play to every platform in a future installment. Public and private lobbies are both available within each platform.
Q: Can I control whether my rider stands or sits in MXGP 26?
Yes. An optional input feature lets you manually control rider stance, complete with a HUD indicator. Stance affects physics because the rider has weight, and at low speed you can physically see the rider standing or sitting on the bike.