Hydro Thunder Dreamcast box art

Sega Dreamcast · Racing

Hydro Thunder

Deep cut

SystemSega Dreamcast
GenreRacing
DeveloperMidway Games
PublisherMidway Games
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesHydro Thunder
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 3

Developed by Midway Games, Hydro Thunder arrived on the Sega Dreamcast as a racing game.

It is part of the Hydro Thunder series. The series also appears on other systems with Hydro Thunder (PS1). Midway Games also made Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2, NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC and Ready 2 Rumble Boxing for the Dreamcast.

Hydro Thunder supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to race and compete
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you've played the Dreamcast hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want a story or exploration rather than laps

What playing Hydro Thunder is like

Racing games range from realistic driving to kart racers with weapons and shortcuts. Races are short, making them great for quick sessions and split-screen rivalries.

Tip for newcomers: Learn each track's racing line and braking points; in kart racers, item strategy matters as much as driving.

Hydro Thunder gameplay screenshot on Dreamcast
In-game screenshot (Dreamcast)

Hydro Thunder walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Hydro Thunder.

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Playing Dreamcast games today

Dreamcast games still feel inventive and colorful, and many have been re-released on later platforms. The console also has a remarkably active homebrew scene for a system that left shelves so long ago.

Hydro Thunder FAQ

Who made Hydro Thunder?

It was developed by Midway Games.

Is Hydro Thunder multiplayer?

Yes. Hydro Thunder supports up to 2 players.

How long does Hydro Thunder take to play?

As a racing game, Hydro Thunder typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Hydro Thunder on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you