- MXGP 26 vs MXGP 24: MXGP 26 looks and plays significantly better in virtually every category.
- Different engines: MXGP 24 runs on KT Engine (KT Racing), while MXGP 26 uses Unreal Engine (Artifact Studio).
- Biggest upgrade: Lighting and rider animation are the most noticeable improvements in MXGP 26.
- Same publisher: Both titles sit under the Nacon umbrella despite different studios.
- Community feedback: Most players agree MXGP 26 wins, though slipperiness remains a concern.
MXGP 26 vs MXGP 24: The Head-to-Head
The MXGP 26 vs MXGP 24 comparison matters because these two titles come from two different development studios under the same publisher, Nacon. MXGP 24 was built by KT Racing on the KT Engine, while MXGP 26 was developed by Artifact Studio using Unreal Engine. Despite the shared brand, the results are dramatically different.
MXGP 24 is widely regarded as the weakest entry in the series. It launched with technical problems, including a post-release update that broke the game for many players. MXGP 26, even in its early beta form, already outshines it across graphics, lighting, and rider movement.
Video Highlights:
- Same track, same bike, same weather used for both games to ensure consistency
- Third-person and first-person side-by-side footage
- MXGP 26 gameplay from an early build provided by Nacon
- Lighting emerges as the single biggest visual difference
- Conclusion: MXGP 26 is better in virtually every category
When comparing footage yourself, focus on the lighting first. Until you see the two games side by side, the poor lighting in MXGP 24 is easy to miss — it becomes obvious the moment MXGP 26 is placed next to it.
Core Comparison Table
Here is how the two games stack up across the categories that matter most to motocross fans.
| Category | MXGP 24 | MXGP 26 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | KT Racing | Artifact Studio | — |
| Engine | KT Engine | Unreal Engine | MXGP 26 |
| Graphics detail | Weak, dated | Sharper, richer detail | MXGP 26 |
| Lighting | Poor, flat | Significantly improved | MXGP 26 |
| Rider animation (ground) | Stiff, rough | More natural movement | MXGP 26 |
| Rider animation (air) | Basic | Improved whip/jump motion | MXGP 26 |
| Stability at launch | Broken by post-launch patch | Early build, playable | MXGP 26 |
| First-person view | Weak lighting hidden less | Still noticeably better | MXGP 26 |
| Overall polish | Worst MXGP to date | Promising beta showing | MXGP 26 |
All MXGP 26 impressions come from an early version without multiplayer, customization, or career mode. Core identity is unlikely to change before the October release, but expect some adjustments.
Visual & Animation Upgrades
The visual gap between the two games shows up in both camera perspectives, though it is most obvious in third person.
Lighting
- Biggest single upgrade
- MXGP 24 lighting looks flat side by side
- More natural atmosphere in MXGP 26
Detail & Graphics
- Sharper environments
- Better texture work
- Clearer track features
Rider Movement
- Improved ground control animation
- Better air and whip motion
- Some community notes on slipperiness
In first person, the gap narrows slightly because the camera hides full-body rider animations, but lighting and environmental detail still favor MXGP 26 clearly.
| Camera Mode | How It Hides Flaws | Which Game Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Third person | Hides nothing; full rider model visible | MXGP 26 (gap is largest) |
| First person | Hides rider animations | MXGP 24 (gap narrows) |
MXGP 26 is not being called the best motocross game ever made — the verdict here is simply that it is a lot better than MXGP 24, and it is not particularly close.
How to Compare the Games Yourself
If you want to run your own fair MXGP 26 vs MXGP 24 test, follow this method to keep variables consistent.
Match the Track
Select the same circuit in both games, or the closest equivalent if the track lists differ.
Match the Bike and Rider
Use identical bike class and rider settings so performance differences come from the games themselves.
Match Weather Conditions
Set identical weather so lighting and grip comparisons stay valid.
Record Both Perspectives
Capture third-person and first-person runs in each game for a full comparison.
Compare Side by Side
Review footage simultaneously, prioritizing lighting, detail, and rider animation.
Comparisons that hold track, bike, rider, and weather constant isolate the actual engine and animation differences — which is exactly how the gap between MXGP 24 and MXGP 26 becomes undeniable.
Community Verdict & Buying Advice
Community reactions to early MXGP 26 footage have been mostly positive when measured against MXGP 24, with a few recurring concerns.
| Reaction Group | Sentiment | Main Points |
|---|---|---|
| Enthusiastic | Very positive | Looks great, big step forward |
| Cautiously positive | Positive with concerns | Slippery handling, whips need work |
| Skeptical | On the fence | Waiting for full release to judge |
| MXGP 24 enjoyers | Mixed | Small group, curious how they perceive the upgrade |
Before You Buy, Verify:
- Full release reviews covering multiplayer and career mode
- Whether whip animation and slipperiness were tuned post-beta
- Official gameplay from the October release build
- Community feedback on your platform of choice
If you skipped MXGP 24 because of its poor reception, MXGP 26 is shaping up as the reason to return to the series. If you somehow enjoyed MXGP 24, MXGP 26 appears better in virtually every measurable area.
FAQ
Q: Which game is better in the MXGP 26 vs MXGP 24 comparison?
MXGP 26 is better in virtually every category — graphics, lighting, detail, and rider movement both on the ground and in the air. Even viewers who dislike both games generally agree MXGP 26 looks far better side by side.
Q: Why do MXGP 24 and MXGP 26 look so different?
They were made by different studios on different engines. MXGP 24 came from KT Racing on the KT Engine, while MXGP 26 was built by Artifact Studio on Unreal Engine. Both studios operate under the same publisher, Nacon.
Q: What are the known weaknesses of MXGP 26 so far?
Community feedback on early footage has highlighted slippery handling as the biggest concern, with some players also wanting improved whip animation. These impressions come from a beta build, so tuning may change at launch.
Q: Was MXGP 24 really that bad?
MXGP 24 is widely considered the weakest MXGP game ever made, and a post-release update broke the game for a portion of players. A small group of players still enjoyed it, but the consensus is strongly negative.