Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush Adopts Open-World Format

Milestone, the developer behind recent Hot Wheels video games, is launching a new arcade racer titled "Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush." This iteration marks a significant shift for the series, moving from established tracks to an open-world playset.

The game was previewed at Summer Game Fest 2026, showcasing its departure from dedicated track settings in favor of expansive open-world zones. Players will have a high degree of freedom to navigate these environments and undertake challenges at their discretion.

"Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush" offers a selection of over 150 cars, categorized into different vehicle types such as speeder, titan, and versatile. Players can freely swap between these vehicles between missions while exploring the open world.

The open-world playset includes various mission types, such as traditional races against other drivers, time trials to reach specific destinations, vehicle delivery tasks, and destruction derby-style missions focused on environmental damage. Additionally, players can participate in missions involving finding landmarks and capturing photos.

The preview included driving through two distinct zones: Wheelworld, an open-city metropolis, and Gearworld, an industrial desert town. These diorama-style open worlds aim to evoke the imaginative playsets often depicted in toy commercials.

The game maintains a fast-paced arcade racing style, emphasizing momentum while allowing flexibility for adaptation to diverse environments. Different vehicle types offer unique strategies and trade-offs; for instance, the titan class, while heavy, requires managing a heat gauge to prevent stalling during boosts.

According to IGN, the game aims to elevate the toy car-racing series with its ambitious open-world design.