Mx Vs Atv All Out Is This The Only Off Road Racing Game I Need Or What

For off-road racing enthusiasts, the digital world offers a handful of titles that attempt to capture the grit, speed, and unpredictability of motocross, ATV, and dirt track action. Among them, MX vs ATV All Out stands as one of the most prominent names in recent years. But does it truly deliver everything a fan could want? Is it the only off-road racing game worth your time, or are there better options lurking beneath the surface? The answer isn’t simple — it depends on what you’re looking for in an off-road experience.

Released in 2018 by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ Nordic, MX vs ATV All Out promised a comprehensive blend of motocross, supercross, enduro, and freestyle events across expansive open-world environments. With licensed riders, realistic physics, and customizable vehicles, it aimed to be the definitive off-road racing simulation. But nearly six years later, how does it hold up against its own ambitions — and against the growing library of competing titles?

The Core Experience: What Makes MX vs ATV All Out Stand Out

At its heart, All Out delivers a robust package of racing disciplines. Unlike many niche titles that focus solely on motocross tracks, this game integrates multiple formats: traditional stadium supercross, trail riding, hill climbs, freestyle stunts, and even side-by-side UTV racing. This variety alone gives it an edge over more specialized competitors.

The open-world Freeride mode is arguably the game’s strongest feature. Set across three distinct regions — California, Arizona, and Colorado — players can explore vast desert landscapes, forest trails, and rocky mountain passes. These zones aren’t just backdrops; they’re interactive playgrounds filled with hidden challenges, jump parks, and dynamic weather systems that affect traction and visibility.

Tip: Use the terrain scanner in Freeride mode to locate hidden events and optimal racing lines during off-camber turns.

The vehicle customization system allows deep mechanical tuning — from suspension stiffness to tire pressure — giving experienced riders fine control over handling. For casual players, preset configurations offer a smoother entry point without sacrificing depth.

Realism vs. Accessibility: Striking the Right Balance

MX vs ATV All Out walks a tightrope between simulation and arcade-style fun. The physics engine leans toward realism, particularly in how bikes respond to weight shifts, landings, and throttle control. Landing a jump nose-first can send you over the handlebars; braking too hard on loose gravel results in a slide. These nuances reward skilled riders who master body positioning and momentum management.

However, the game doesn’t alienate newcomers. Assists like traction control, stability correction, and auto-recovery make it forgiving enough for beginners. You won’t feel punished for crashing every five minutes — instead, you’ll learn through trial and error, which mirrors real-life progression in off-road sports.

“Off-road gaming should reflect the chaos of nature. MX vs ATV All Out gets that balance right — unpredictable terrain, real consequences, but still accessible.” — Jordan Pierce, Motorsports Game Designer (Formerly at Ubisoft)

That said, some purists argue the physics lack the granular detail found in hardcore sims like DiRT Rally 2.0. There’s no damage modeling beyond visual scratches, and engine wear or overheating isn’t simulated. If you're seeking total mechanical immersion, All Out may feel slightly shallow.

A Comparison: How Does It Stack Up Against Alternatives?

To determine whether MX vs ATV All Out is truly “the only” game you need, it helps to compare it directly with other major titles in the genre.

Game	Strengths	Weaknesses	Best For
MX vs ATV All Out	Open-world exploration, diverse disciplines, strong customization	Limited online community now, no major updates since 2020	Casual to intermediate players wanting variety
DiRT 5	Spectacular visuals, dynamic weather, split-screen multiplayer	Less focus on authentic motocross mechanics	Players who enjoy arcade-style off-road action
Ride 4	Excellent motorcycle physics, large licensed roster	Primarily road-focused; weak off-road content	Road racers who dabble in dirt
Red Dead Redemption 2 (Horse Racing)	Immersive world, realistic animal movement	Not a dedicated racing sim; limited competitive structure	Narrative-driven players enjoying informal races
TrackMania Sunrise (Stunt Mode)	Extreme stunt creativity, fast-paced action	Artificial environments; lacks realism	Freestyle and trick-focused gamers

As shown, while MX vs ATV All Out excels in breadth and authenticity within its niche, it doesn’t dominate every category. For pure visual spectacle and party play, DiRT 5 might be preferable. For die-hard simulation fans, upcoming projects like Offroad Revolution (in early access) may eventually surpass it.

Mini Case Study: One Player’s Journey Through the Dirt

Take Mark, a 32-year-old trail rider from Colorado who bought MX vs ATV All Out after a season-ending knee injury. With no access to real tracks, he turned to the game to stay connected to the sport. Over six months, he completed every career mode event, tuned his virtual YZ250F to mirror his actual bike setup, and even joined weekly online freeride meetups via Discord groups.

What kept him engaged wasn’t just the racing — it was the sense of continuity. He practiced rhythm sections until they felt muscle-memorized, used the replay tool to analyze his cornering technique, and applied those lessons when he returned to real riding. For Mark, the game wasn’t just entertainment; it was training.

Still, he occasionally switched to DiRT 5 for snow-based rally stages or when he wanted faster-paced, less technical runs. His verdict? “All Out is my go-to for motocross, but I wouldn’t rely on it alone if I wanted full off-road variety.”

Step-by-Step: Building Your Ideal Off-Road Gaming Setup

If you're considering whether MX vs ATV All Out should be your sole off-road title, follow this practical guide to evaluate your needs:

1. Assess Your Riding Interests: Are you focused on motocross, trail riding, or extreme stunts? If yes, All Out covers most bases.
2. Check Platform Compatibility: Available on PC, PS4, Xbox One. No native PS5 or Series X enhancements, so performance varies.
3. Test the Physics Settings: Adjust realism sliders to match your skill level. Disable assists gradually as you improve.
4. Explore Mod Support: On PC, community mods add new tracks, bikes, and improved graphics. This extends longevity significantly.
5. Supplement With Other Games: Consider pairing with DiRT 5 or SnowRunner for broader off-road experiences.

Tip: Install the \"Realistic Suspension\" mod on PC to enhance ride feedback and bump absorption accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play MX vs ATV All Out offline?

Yes. Career mode, Freeride, and local multiplayer are fully playable offline. Online modes require a connection, but server activity has declined since 2021.

Does the game include female riders or ATVs only?

Yes, the roster includes licensed female racers like Ashley Fiolek, and ATVs are fully integrated into specific events and customization trees.

Is there cross-platform play?

No. Cross-play is not supported between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Multiplayer is limited to platform-specific matchmaking.

Final Verdict: Is It the Only Off-Road Racing Game You Need?

The short answer: It depends on your definition of “need.”

If your passion lies in authentic motocross, trail navigation, and a mix of competitive and exploratory gameplay, then MX vs ATV All Out comes remarkably close to being a one-stop solution. Its blend of realism, freedom, and long-term engagement is unmatched in the dedicated off-road space. For solo players or small groups who love discovering new routes and mastering technical jumps, it remains a top-tier choice.

But if you crave cutting-edge graphics, active online communities, or diverse vehicle types like monster trucks and rock crawlers, relying solely on All Out means missing out. The lack of ongoing developer support limits its evolution, and newer titles offer fresher mechanics and social features.

In truth, the modern gamer benefits most from a curated collection — using MX vs ATV All Out as the foundation, then supplementing with other titles based on mood and interest. Think of it as the reliable dirt bike in your garage: excellent for its purpose, but sometimes you still want to hop in a UTV or snowcat for variety.

“We don’t look for one perfect game anymore. We build ecosystems of play.” — Lena Torres, Senior Editor at *Racing Game Monthly*

Ready to Hit the Trail?

Whether you choose to go all-in on MX vs ATV All Out or diversify your off-road library, the most important thing is to keep moving forward — both virtually and in spirit. Fire up your console, tweak your suspension settings, and find that perfect line through the dust. The trail doesn’t wait, and neither should you.

💬 Do you run MX vs ATV All Out as your main off-road racer — or have you moved on? Share your thoughts, favorite mods, or dream features in the comments below.