After more than a decade on the track, Real Racing 3 is officially heading for the finish line. EA has confirmed that the long running mobile racing game will be sunset in stages, with full server shutdown scheduled for March 19, 2026.

📣 Important Announcement:

Dear Racers,

The last twelve years have been a remarkable journey with all of you on Real Racing 3. Unfortunately, we’ve decided to retire from the race now.

We’ve made the difficult decision to sunset Real Racing 3. The game will be delisted… pic.twitter.com/b3dMmGmGF8

— Real Racing 3 (@realracing) December 18, 2025

The announcement was shared directly with players alongside a heartfelt farewell, thanking the community for twelve years of races, rivalries, and unforgettable moments on mobile.

A 12 Year Run Comes to an End

First released in 2013 as the sequel to Real Racing 2, Real Racing 3 quickly became one of the most recognisable and ambitious mobile racing games ever made. Over the years, it expanded with real world tracks, officially licensed cars from major manufacturers, and online races supporting up to eight players.

Despite controversy surrounding its freemium model, the game remained hugely popular, reaching over 200 million downloads and setting a benchmark for realism on mobile racing platforms. After twelve years of continuous updates, EA says the time has come to step away.

Shutdown Timeline Explained

The sunset process will roll out in two main phases, giving existing players time to enjoy the game and use their remaining resources.

December 18, 2025 – Delisting and Purchases Disabled

• Real Racing 3 has been removed from the App Store and Google Play for new players
• In app purchases are now disabled, no real money can be spent
• Existing players can still re download the game from their app library
• A final update grants all players 1,000 Gold, an Audi S1 e-tron quattro, and a 2023 Rimac Nevera
• Players who already own the cars will receive extra Gold instead

March 19, 2026 – Server Shutdown

• All servers will be permanently shut down
• The game will no longer be playable
• Any unused in game currency will expire

EA strongly recommends that players spend their remaining currency before the shutdown date.

What Delisting Means for Players

Delisting means Real Racing 3 will no longer appear in digital storefronts for new downloads. However, if you have downloaded the game before, you can still reinstall it from your account history until March 19, 2026.

All purchases made before December 18, 2025 will remain usable until the servers go offline.

A Farewell Gift to the Community

To mark the end of the journey, EA is rolling out one final reward package to every player. This includes 1,000 Gold, the Audi S1 e-tron quattro, and the 2023 Rimac Nevera, a fitting send off for a game built around high performance machines.

EA thanked the community for every lap and victory, calling the decision a difficult one after such a long and passionate run.

Part of a Larger Wave of EA Shutdowns

Real Racing 3 now joins a growing list of EA titles confirmed to be shutting down in 2026. Other games set to go offline include Anthem, The Sims Mobile, and NBA Live 19.

The closure has once again sparked discussion around game preservation, especially for online only titles that disappear completely once servers are turned off. For many fans, Real Racing 3’s sunset highlights how much of gaming history can be lost when live service games reach the end of the road.

One Last Chance to Race

While it is never easy to say goodbye, players still have a few months left to take one last drive, unlock cars, and relive memories before the checkered flag falls for good. After twelve years, Real Racing 3’s legacy as one of mobile gaming’s most influential racing titles is firmly secured.

The post Real Racing 3 Is Taking Its Final Lap After 12 Years, Servers to Shut Down in 2026 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.