5 Epic Skateboarding Games to Test Your Skills

Virtual skateboarding has always been a bit of a touch-and-go genre. Some time ago, skateboarding and thrill sports games in general were a widely approached subject and players had a wide variety of developers and franchises to choose from. Now? Not so much.

One of the most widespread markets for skateboarding titles was actually found on the free user-generated content platform Roblox. Unfortunately, even that vibrant community has fallen far from its beginnings. For those players looking for some new thrills or old favorites to return to, we have 5 great skateboarding games for you to try.

1: Roblox: SPLASH Skate and Music

For those players with Roblox Accounts still holding out hope for a return to better skateboarding on the platform, fear not. Though SPLASH may not be solely a skateboarding game, the world offers some of the best physics and most open-ended gameplay for skateboarding on the platform.

2: Skate 3

An old classic from 2010, Skate 3 certainly shows its age when it comes to NPC intelligence, graphics, and smoothness of play. Honestly, though, that's half the fun. Skate 3 offers a hilariously janky world for players to goof off in and get into trouble while pulling off wicked stunts and competing for the most bones broken in a single fall.

3: Skater XL

Skater XL is a lesser-known game created by indie developer Easy Day Studios. Though it can't quite compete with larger titles like Skate, this game is a passion project made for fans of the Skate series and skateboarding as a sport. Players who want something more realistic and simulated might find this to be just what they were looking for.

4: OlliOlli World

Want something more colorful and exciting? OlliOlli World is a recent and very stylish addition to the genre that takes a break from the typical 3D formula. Instead, this title offers a colorful side-scrolling adventure focused on platforming. Of course, players will still be completing challenges and trying their best to chain together tricks along the way.

5: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

One of the most beloved and longest-lived franchises in the history of skateboarding video games, many believe it was Tony Hawk's Pro Skater that first brought skateboarding to a popular position in the video game world. Though it may be difficult to even find a machine to play these titles anymore, we would be remiss not to include them as some of the all-time best in the genre.

Newer Isn't Always Better

Some of the titles included in this list are back from the time of the Dreamcast if anyone even remembers what that is. Video games as a whole have come a long way since then. But shiny new graphics and massive open worlds can't always make up for the decline of certain game genres.  

Maybe it's just nostalgia, but it's hard to compare newer skateboarding games to the depth of experiences players had with older franchises.

Images in this article © DOSE Skateboarding / 3D Modelling by Samuel Janson Twigg