REVIEW: Tour de France 2026 on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Tour de France 2026 on PlayStation 5 is a pure cycling simulation that commits fully to realism, strategy and endurance racing. Each stage is built to feel different, with changing conditions, unpredictable weather and terrain that can shift the entire rhythm of a race in an instant. From the outset it is clear this is not designed as a casual sporting experience, but as a demanding recreation of professional cycling where control, timing and decision making matter as much as speed.

The strongest aspect of the game, and something that stands out immediately, is how impressive it looks and how detailed it feels in motion. The graphics are outstanding, with every stage presented at a very high level of quality. Weather plays a major role throughout, and the fact that conditions can change mid-race adds genuine tension. A stage that begins under clear skies can turn into heavy rain, and when that happens the handling becomes far more demanding, with slippery roads and technical descents forcing careful control. The expanded calendar also adds variety, with new events like the Muscat Classic bringing punishing heat and steep climbs, while Paris-Tours introduces muddy sections that reward precise handling and positioning. Team time trials have been redesigned to focus on coordination and effort management, and the peloton feels more alive thanks to improved AI behaviour. There is also clear depth in the management systems, with a strong emphasis on tactics, pacing and long-term planning that reinforces the simulation focus. Customisation options and weather-specific equipment changes, along with national champion jerseys, help add visual variety and immersion.

Where the game struggles, and where my frustration with it really comes through, is in how inaccessible and punishing it feels to play. It is extremely difficult to win anything without already understanding the systems inside out, and the learning curve is so steep that it becomes a barrier rather than a challenge. I found it impossible to win, and that feeling of constant struggle quickly overshadows any sense of enjoyment. There is no arcade mode or simplified option, which means everything is locked into a strict simulation style that leaves no room for casual play. If you just want to ride through the Tour and enjoy it as a game, that option simply is not there. The pacing is also very slow, and while that may suit realism, it often feels restrictive rather than engaging. Commentary becomes dull and repetitive quite quickly, which only adds to the sense that long races drag more than they should. The structure can also feel rigid, particularly with systems that prevent you from simulating races or sections without affecting later events, which interrupts any sense of flexible progression.

Overall, Tour de France 2026 is a game that is clearly not made for players like me. It is built for a very specific audience that wants a strict, highly detailed cycling simulation, and it does that job with commitment and technical strength. But it is also slow, demanding and extremely niche, and unless you are already invested in this style of game, it will likely feel overwhelming and unrewarding. My view is that it is a super niche experience that will struggle to appeal to casual gamers, and it is firmly aimed at hardcore fans of cycling simulations. I score it 6 out of 10.

Out Now on PS5 - https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EP6665-PPSA35448_00-TDF2600000000000