At the end of November 2023, sales of the Cybertruck, a Tesla model that looks like it belongs in a sci‑fi future, began. At first glance, it evokes associations with classic cyberpunk cinema and games—from Blade Runner to Deus Ex. With that in mind, this piece recalls other futuristic vehicles from the world of video games.
In a nutshell about Cybertruck
The rise of Cybertruck is tied to Elon Musk. He helped popularize electric cars across the globe. Yet the production Teslas released from 2012 to 2022 resembled conventional passenger vehicles. The idea behind Cybertruck was to create a pickup that prioritized safety for the driver. Achieved through a stainless steel body, exceptionally tough glass, and a bold, angular silhouette, the result is a vehicle with a striking, unconventional look.
Cybertruck appearance
Cybertruck isn’t the first flamboyant concept to become real for Musk. A separate article covers other bold ventures in his portfolio.
Batmobile from Batman: Arkham Knight
Batmobile stands out as the flagship innovation of Batman: Arkham Knight, setting a new bar for speed, handling, and versatility. It can unleash a grappling hook to scale vertical surfaces and can transform into a lightweight tank. In tank mode, top speed drops, but it gains the ability to shoot and maneuver to fend off drones with a powerful cannon.
Mech Guyva from FAST RMX
Among the fifteen racers in FAST RMX, Mech Guyva is notable for its otherworldly design. These vehicles float above the ground, blasting off at staggering speeds and turning the track into a gravity‑defying stage of performance.
Light cycle of Tron 2.0
Tron 2.0 places players in a virtual realm where a mini‑game, light bikes, tests speed and strategy. Rather than racing to overtake, the objective is to trap opponents by employing lines drawn by the bikes. Rivals anticipate this tactic and try to block it, turning the race into a strategic duel.
Fatshark from F-Zero GX
This classic hovercraft racing series pushes local control to the edge at high speeds. Once mastered, players can overtake rivals and even push them off the track, showcasing precision and nerve under pressure.
Of all the futuristic rides in the game library, Fatshark stands out for its chariot‑like silhouette drawn by twin mechanical sharks, visually striking on the track.
Xerxes 3 from Rage 2
A sports car that doubles as a tank. Xerxes 3 is the most armored option in Rage 2, trading speed for heavy firepower. It’s a solid pick for dispatching convoy targets, assaulting bases, or taking down strong bosses.
The Pegassi Tezeract from GTA Online
Grand Theft Auto Online features futuristic hypercars, including the Pegassi Tezeract. It ranks among the fastest and best‑handling machines in the game, and it carries an eco‑friendly edge as a high‑tech electric model.
Mako from Mass Effect
The original Mass Effect frequently requires crossing vast distances. The six‑wheeled Mako SUV, armed with a machine gun and a cannon, serves as a rugged transporter. Its life support system keeps the crew safe, while powerful engines deliver solid speed and occasional vertical leaps when terrain demands it.
Rayfield Arondite and Guinevere from Cyberpunk 2077
In Night City, a mix of real and fantastical cars populate the streets. Guinevere stands out as a futuristic luxury car that signals wealth and status. The vehicle embodies a future‑forward aesthetic that complements the world of Cyberpunk 2077.
Dragoon from Redout 2
Redout 2 continues the tradition of flying racing, bringing futuristic vehicles to multiple platforms. While many cars share a similar silhouette, Dragoon is celebrated for its stylish design and performance on the track.
Cyclone from Borderlands 3
Borderlands features a grab bag of extraordinary vehicles. The Cyclone stands out as a large, wheel‑based ride with a driver’s seat at the center. It carries weaponry like explosive gadgets, saws, and heavy cannons for a battle‑ready experience.
Regalia from Final Fantasy 15
Regalia is Noctis’s luxury car on the world of Eos. Its exterior is understated by comparison, but upgrades can transform it into an airborne vessel. Racing through the skies with Regalia is far more thrilling than cruising roads on land.
Anakin Skywalker’s vehicle from Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer
Star Wars: Episode I Racer consistently appears on best‑of lists. It isn’t merely a licensed title; it’s a high‑octane racing experience with physics that faithfully render flying cars with massive engines. The young Anakin Skywalker’s vehicle stands as a memorable symbol of a bright, futuristic era.
DZS-90 from Sleeping Dogs
This vehicle resembles a near‑future sports car, armed with electromagnetic cannons, turrets, and a robust bumper that doubles as a ram. When needed, autopilot can take over, letting players focus on combat while the computer steers the ride.
StealthBender from Unreal Tournament 3
The StealthBender SUV features a stealth mode that makes it invisible for a tactical edge. It can then deploy a turret or time‑dilation device. Note that this vehicle appeared with a post‑launch update, not in the original game.
G-6155 Interceptor from Spy Hunter
Spy Hunter lets players drive a transforming sportscar that becomes a motorboat on water. The ride is armed with machine guns, a rocket launcher, mines, smoke bombs, and even a flamethrower for dramatic showdowns on shore and sea alike.
Which futuristic cars from games stay in memory? Share thoughts in the comments.
What is your favorite racing series?
Thoughts on these machines help paint a broader picture of how virtual design shapes real-world expectations.
Vivid explorations of speed and style reveal a common thread: imagination pushes the envelope for automotive design, both on screen and in reality.
Note: the list above blends notable visuals, performance traits, and practical in‑game capabilities to illustrate how future vehicles are imagined across titles.