Choose Slipstream
Choose Slipstream if you want an Indie game with Multi-player, Shared/Split Screen, and Shared/Split Screen PvP. On Steam, it's Steam Deck Verified, so handheld play works out of the box. Slipstream launched in 2018.
Slipstream vs DriveWave
Slipstream and DriveWave both land in Casual, Racing on Steam, which is why they keep getting compared. The comparison below is built from each game's Steam metadata — release year, genres, categories, Steam Deck status, price, and review score — refreshed daily by imho.run's scraper. Headline differences: Both share Casual, Racing on Steam. Slipstream (2018) is 7 years older than DriveWave (2025). Slipstream scores higher on Steam reviews (91.2% positive) than DriveWave (88% positive). No login or purchase needed — scroll for the full table, the verdict FAQ, and links to ranked similar games for both titles.
Which should you pick?
Choose DriveWave
Choose DriveWave if you want a Simulation and Free To Play game with Playable without Timed Input. On Steam, it's free to play, so the barrier to trying it is zero. DriveWave launched in 2025.
Both Slipstream and DriveWave sit in Casual and Racing on Steam and both list Steam Leaderboards, so either pick lands in the same broad neighborhood. Use the side-by-side table for the feature view, or follow the "Games like" links below to see ranked alternatives for either title.
Side-by-side comparison
 Slipstream |  DriveWave | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2018 | 2025 |
| Genres | Indie, Casual, Racing | Simulation, Free To Play, Casual, Racing |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS |
| Steam Deck | Deck Verified | Unrated |
| Price | 9.99 USD | Free to play |
| Steam reviews | 91.2% positive (696 reviews) | 88% positive (50 reviews) |
| Multiplayer | Multi-player | Single-player only |
| Developers | ansdor | Dumbbell Games |
Side by side
- Both share Casual, Racing on Steam.
- Slipstream (2018) is 7 years older than DriveWave (2025).
- Slipstream scores higher on Steam reviews (91.2% positive) than DriveWave (88% positive).
- DriveWave is free; Slipstream is paid (9.99 USD).
- Slipstream is Deck Verified on Steam Deck; DriveWave has no Deck rating yet.
Slipstream vs DriveWave — FAQ
- Should I play Slipstream or DriveWave first?
- If you want chronology, Slipstream (2018) came out before DriveWave (2025). If neither is a sequel to the other, order doesn't really matter — start with whichever fits your current mood, since both share enough on Steam to make either a reasonable opener.
- Are Slipstream and DriveWave similar?
- They overlap on Casual, Racing on Steam, so the catalogue groups them together — but "similar" depends on the specific mechanics. Use the genre + category rows above to decide whether the overlap matches what drew you to the one you've already played.
- Does DriveWave have multiplayer like Slipstream?
- No. Slipstream supports multiplayer on Steam (Multi-player), while DriveWave is listed as single-player only.
- Is DriveWave free?
- Yes — DriveWave is a free-to-play Steam title. Slipstream is paid (9.99 USD).
- Does Slipstream run on Steam Deck?
- Yes — Slipstream is rated Deck Verified by Valve. DriveWave doesn't have a Deck rating yet, so its Deck behaviour is currently unverified.