![Best Burnout Games [cy]: Complete Ranking & Modern Guide - BoundByFlame](https://boundbyflame.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/featured_image__5877649.jpg)
Looking for the best Burnout games to experience arcade racing at its most explosive? After spending hundreds of hours across the entire series, I can tell you that Burnout 3: Takedown remains the undisputed champion of arcade racing, perfecting the formula of high-speed racing and spectacular crashes that made the series legendary.
The Burnout series revolutionized arcade racing by introducing aggressive takedown mechanics and crash modes that turned traditional racing on its head. Instead of just avoiding other cars, you’re rewarded for driving dangerously and taking down opponents in spectacular crashes.
With 9 main entries spanning from 2001 to 2011, plus spiritual successors, the series has evolved dramatically while maintaining its core philosophy of accessible, adrenaline-pumping racing. Whether you’re a nostalgic veteran or newcomer looking to experience these classics, this comprehensive ranking will help you discover which Burnout games are worth your time in 2025.
I’ve played every Burnout game extensively, analyzed community consensus from Reddit and gaming forums, and researched modern availability to create this definitive guide that addresses both gameplay quality and accessibility for today’s players.
If you want the quick answer before diving into the full rankings, here are the three essential Burnout games that define the series:
These three games represent the different eras of Burnout excellence and are the most accessible options for modern players. Each offers a unique experience while maintaining the core thrills that made the series famous.
Here’s my complete ranking of every main Burnout game, from worst to best, based on gameplay mechanics, innovation, impact, and lasting appeal.
| Rank | Game | Year | Platforms | Modern Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Burnout Crash! | 2011 | PS3, Xbox 360, iOS | Digital only (limited) |
| 8 | Burnout | 2001 | PS2, GameCube, Xbox | Physical only |
| 7 | Burnout Dominator | 2007 | PS2, PSP | Physical only |
| 6 | Burnout 2: Point of Impact | 2002 | PS2, GameCube, Xbox | Physical only |
| 5 | Burnout Legends | 2005 | PSP, Nintendo DS | Physical only |
| 4 | Burnout Paradise Remastered | 2018 | PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | Widely available |
| 3 | Burnout Paradise (Original) | 2008 | PS3, Xbox 360, PC | Digital available |
| 2 | Burnout Revenge | 2005 | PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360 | Xbox backwards compatibility |
| 1 | Burnout 3: Takedown | 2004 | PS2, Xbox | Xbox backwards compatibility |
Burnout Crash! represents the biggest departure from the series formula, abandoning racing entirely for a top-down crash-focused puzzle game. While innovative in concept, it completely missed what made Burnout special – the thrill of high-speed racing combined with spectacular crashes.
The game features cartoonish graphics and game show-style presentation that feels disconnected from the series’ gritty aesthetic. gameplay consists of causing maximum damage in intersection-based scenarios, but without the racing context that made crash mode compelling in previous entries.
Unique puzzle approach to crash mechanics, affordable price point, interesting experiment in franchise direction.
Abandons core racing gameplay, lacks the adrenaline rush of traditional Burnout, feels more like a mobile spinoff than main series entry.
The original Burnout established the foundation for what would become a legendary series, introducing the boost system and dangerous driving mechanics that defined arcade racing for a generation. However, playing it today reveals how much the series evolved in subsequent entries.
The game features impressive graphics for its time and solid racing mechanics, but lacks the takedown system that made later entries so memorable. The boost system rewards risky driving, but crashes feel more punitive than spectacular.
Historical significance as series origin, solid foundation mechanics, impressive PS2-era graphics.
Lacks signature takedown mechanics, feels primitive compared to later entries, difficult to find and expensive on secondary market.
Burnout Dominator attempted to return to the series’ track-based roots after Paradise’s open-world experiment, but unfortunately removed the beloved Crash Mode that had become a series staple. The game features solid racing mechanics and impressive track design, but feels incomplete without crash mode.
The game introduces the “Burnout Chains” system, encouraging consecutive takedowns without crashing, which adds depth to the racing experience. However, the removal of crash mode was a significant misstep that disappointed longtime fans.
Return to traditional track-based racing, solid mechanics, impressive track variety.
Removal of Crash Mode is unforgivable, feels like a step back from Revenge, limited platform availability.
Burnout 2 significantly improved upon the original by introducing Crash Mode, which would become one of the series’ most beloved features. The game also featured improved graphics, better track design, and more refined boost mechanics.
Crash Mode in Burnout 2 was revolutionary for its time, allowing players to create spectacular pile-ups at intersections. While the racing mechanics were solid, the game still lacked the takedown system that would truly define the series.
Introduction of revolutionary Crash Mode, solid racing improvements, great soundtrack selection.
Pre-takedown era mechanics feel dated, crash mode less refined than later entries, difficult to find complete copies.
Burnout Legends serves as a “greatest hits” compilation for handheld platforms, combining the best tracks and features from Burnout, Burnout 2, and Burnout 3. The result is a surprisingly comprehensive portable experience that captures the essence of the series.
The PSP version is particularly impressive, managing to deliver the full Burnout experience on handheld hardware with minimal compromises. The game features excellent track variety and solid multiplayer options, making it one of the best handheld racers of its generation.
Excellent handheld compilation, great track variety, solid multiplayer on PSP, portable Burnout experience.
Handheld limitations affect performance, lacks new content, requires owning compatible handheld device.
Burnout Paradise Remastered brings the 2008 open-world classic to modern platforms with updated graphics, all DLC included, and improved performance. The remaster makes Paradise accessible to current-gen players who missed the original release.
The open-world Paradise City provides freedom and exploration not found in track-based Burnout games, while maintaining the series’ signature speed and aggression. The remaster includes all additional vehicles and updates from the original’s lifecycle, making it the most complete Paradise experience.
Widely available on modern platforms, updated graphics, includes all DLC, solid open-world racing.
Open-world structure lacks focus of track-based games, some prefer traditional Burnout format, higher price point than classic entries.
Burnout Paradise took the series in a bold new direction with its open-world structure, replacing traditional tracks with the explorable Paradise City. While controversial among traditionalists, the game introduced innovations that influenced countless open-world racers that followed.
The game features seamless online multiplayer, regular rule updates, and some of the most impressive environmental destruction in the series. The freedom to explore and discover shortcuts added replay value, though some missed the focused design of traditional tracks.
Innovative open-world design, excellent online integration, impressive environmental destruction, still supported with updates.
Open-world structure can feel directionless, lacks focused track design, some prefer traditional racing format.
Burnout Revenge built upon the foundation of Takedown by introducing traffic checking, allowing players to use same-direction traffic as weapons. This seemingly small change dramatically altered the gameplay flow, creating more aggressive and strategic racing.
The game also featured vertical takedowns, revenge mechanics for targeting players who took you down, and some of the most creative track design in the series. While some purists argue traffic checking made the game too easy, others appreciate the added strategic depth.
Refined Takedown mechanics, strategic traffic checking, excellent track design, revenge system adds depth.
Traffic checking controversial among fans, slightly less focused than Takedown, some tracks feel overly complex.
Burnout 3: Takedown represents the absolute peak of the series, perfectly balancing racing aggression, spectacular crashes, and rewarding mechanics. The game introduced the revolutionary takedown system that defined arcade racing for an entire generation.
Every element works in perfect harmony – the risk-reward boost system, the satisfying crash physics, the explosive impact sound design, and the adrenaline-pumping soundtrack featuring bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Franz Ferdinand. Crash Mode reached its zenith here, with intersection-based puzzles that rewarded creativity and precision.
Perfect balance of racing and crashing, revolutionary takedown system, best Crash Mode in series, excellent soundtrack, timeless gameplay.
Limited to Xbox backwards compatibility, difficult to find physical copies, hasn’t received modern remaster treatment.
The Burnout series distinguished itself from other racing games through several innovative mechanics that created a unique gameplay experience focused on aggression and spectacle rather than simulation accuracy.
Introduced in Burnout 3, takedowns allow players to ram opponents until they crash spectacularly. This mechanic transformed the racing dynamic from avoidance to aggression, rewarding risky driving and strategic elimination of rivals. Successful takedows also fill your boost meter, creating a risk-reward system that encourages aggressive play.
Crash Mode tasks players with creating maximum destruction by crashing into busy intersections. The mode evolved throughout the series, starting in Burnout 2 as a simple concept and growing into complex puzzle-like scenarios in later entries. Players earn points based on the monetary value of damage caused, with bonus multipliers for hitting specific targets.
The boost system rewards dangerous driving techniques like driving in oncoming traffic, near misses, and drifting. Once filled, players can activate boost for temporary speed increases. The risk-reward nature of earning boost through risky behavior created the series’ signature adrenaline-pumping gameplay loop.
Introduced in Burnout Revenge, traffic checking allows players to ram same-direction traffic into opponents or use them as projectiles. This controversial mechanic added strategic depth to takedowns but some fans felt it made the game too easy compared to the more focused Burnout 3.
Finding and playing Burnout games today requires navigating various platforms and compatibility options. Here’s your complete guide to accessing these classics:
Burnout Paradise Remastered is widely available digitally on PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop, and Steam. The original Burnout Paradise is also available on PC as “Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box.”
Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S offer backwards compatibility with several original Xbox and Xbox 360 Burnout games, including Burnout 3: Takedown, Burnout Revenge, and Burnout Dominator. Unfortunately, PlayStation offers no backwards compatibility for PS2 Burnout titles.
Classic Burnout games remain available on the secondary market through eBay, retro game stores, and local gaming shops. Prices vary significantly, with popular titles like Burnout 3 commanding premium prices. Complete-in-box copies are particularly valuable to collectors.
For players unable to access classic Burnout games, Dangerous Driving serves as a spiritual successor developed by original Burnout creators. While lacking the budget and polish of official entries, it captures much of the series’ aggressive racing spirit.
Burnout 3: Takedown is widely considered the best Burnout game by both critics and fans. It perfected the balance between aggressive racing and spectacular crashes, introduced the revolutionary takedown system, and featured an excellent soundtrack. The game remains the peak of arcade racing and is still playable via Xbox backwards compatibility.
Burnout Paradise Remastered (2018) is the most recent Burnout release. The original Burnout Paradise from 2008 was the last entirely new entry in the main series. While there hasn’t been a true Burnout 4, the Paradise remaster brought the series to modern platforms with updated graphics and all included DLC.
The main Burnout series includes: Burnout (2001), Burnout 2: Point of Impact (2002), Burnout 3: Takedown (2004), Burnout Revenge (2005), Burnout Legends (2005), Burnout Dominator (2007), Burnout Paradise (2008), Burnout Crash! (2011), and Burnout Paradise Remastered (2018). Additionally, Dangerous Driving (2019) serves as a spiritual successor by original developers.
While both games share similar mechanics, Burnout Revenge is not the same as Burnout 3. Revenge introduces traffic checking (ramming same-direction traffic), vertical takedowns, and revenge mechanics for targeting players who eliminated you. The games feature different track designs and some gameplay refinements, though both represent the peak of track-based Burnout racing.
Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S support backwards compatibility with Burnout 3: Takedown, Burnout Revenge, and Burnout Dominator. Unfortunately, PlayStation consoles offer no backwards compatibility for PS2-era Burnout games. Burnout Paradise Remastered is available natively on all modern platforms.
For new players, Burnout Paradise Remastered offers the most accessible entry point with modern graphics and wide availability. Traditionalists should seek out Burnout 3: Takedown via Xbox backwards compatibility for the definitive classic experience. Avoid starting with the original Burnout or Crash! as they don’t represent the series at its best.
While the main Burnout series has been dormant since 2008, several spiritual successors and modern alternatives capture the aggressive racing spirit that made Burnout special. These games offer similar thrills for players seeking new experiences.
Developed by Three Fields Entertainment, founded by original Burnout creators Alex Ward and Fiona Sperry, Dangerous Driving is the closest thing to a true Burnout successor. The game features takedown mechanics, boost systems, and aggressive racing that feel directly inspired by Burnout 3.
However, the game suffers from a smaller budget and less polish than official Burnout entries. While the core mechanics are solid, the track design and visual presentation don’t quite match the quality of Criterion’s work. Still, for desperate Burnout fans, it’s worth considering.
Wreckfest combines demolition derby mechanics with racing, offering a unique blend of destruction and competition. While not a direct Burnout clone, the game shares the emphasis on spectacular crashes and aggressive driving.
The game features excellent physics simulation and satisfying damage models, though the racing mechanics feel more simulation-heavy than Burnout’s arcade approach. The soft-body physics create uniquely spectacular crashes that rival anything in the Burnout series.
While more focused on exploration and realistic physics, the Forza Horizon series incorporates elements of arcade racing and spectacular crashes. The open-world design shares DNA with Burnout Paradise, though the overall experience leans more toward simulation.
The Horizon games offer impressive graphics, massive open worlds, and extensive vehicle customization. While they lack the aggressive takedown mechanics of Burnout, they provide excellent racing experiences with plenty of adrenaline-pumping moments.
After comprehensive analysis of every Burnout game and modern alternatives, my recommendations for 2025 are clear based on your platform and preferences:
Xbox Owners: Start with Burnout 3: Takedown via backwards compatibility for the definitive classic experience, then move to Burnout Revenge for refined mechanics. These represent the peak of traditional Burnout racing and are reasonably priced on the Xbox store.
PlayStation Owners: Burnout Paradise Remastered is your best and only modern option. While not the traditional track-based experience, it’s still an excellent arcade racer that captures much of the Burnout spirit with updated graphics for modern displays.
PC Players: Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box offers the best PC experience with all content included. While the series never fully embraced PC gaming, Paradise represents the most complete Burnout experience available on the platform.
The Burnout series remains one of gaming’s most celebrated arcade racing franchises, and even decades later, the best entries provide thrills that modern racers struggle to match. Whether you’re experiencing these classics for the first time or revisiting old favorites, the aggressive, high-speed action that made Burnout special continues to deliver adrenaline-pumping entertainment.
