Electronic Arts has announced that Grid Legends, the racing title developed by Codemasters, will lose its online functionality later this year. The decision will impact PlayStation and Xbox players, bringing an end to multiplayer racing and several connected features that have been part of the game since launch.
The shutdown comes just over four years after the game’s original release, sparking discussion among racing fans about the growing trend of online service discontinuations in modern gaming.
Grid Legends Servers Going Offline on September 11
According to an official notice published by Electronic Arts, the online servers for Grid Legends will be permanently shut down on September 11, 2026.
Once the shutdown takes effect, players on PlayStation and Xbox platforms will lose access to all features that rely on EA’s online infrastructure.
Features Being Removed
The server closure will disable:
- Online multiplayer races
- Cross-platform matchmaking
- Quick Race online functionality
- Dynamic Events
- Online leaderboards
- Community challenges
- Other internet-dependent services
After the shutdown date, these features will no longer function regardless of platform.
Single-Player Content Will Remain Available
The good news for existing owners is that Grid Legends will not become entirely unplayable.
Electronic Arts has indicated that the game’s offline content will continue to function normally.
Players will still be able to access:
- Story mode
- Career mode
- Offline races
- Local gameplay features
- Single-player progression
This means those who purchased the game primarily for its campaign experience will still be able to enjoy most of the core content.
Which Platforms Are Affected?
Current information indicates that the shutdown primarily affects online services on:
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox One
Reports suggest that the PC and Nintendo Switch 2 versions are not currently included in the announced server shutdown plans.
However, Electronic Arts has not provided extensive details regarding platform-specific differences, and future updates could clarify the long-term status of additional versions.
A Look Back at Grid Legends
Developed by Codemasters and published by Electronic Arts, Grid Legends launched in February 2022 as the latest entry in the long-running Grid racing franchise.
The game expanded on previous entries by introducing:
- A cinematic story mode
- Expanded racing disciplines
- Dynamic event generation
- Larger race grids
- Cross-platform multiplayer support
At launch, Grid Legends received generally positive reviews for its accessible racing mechanics and diverse content offerings.
Review Scores
The game currently holds:
- Metacritic Score (PS5): 76
- PlayStation User Rating: 4.02/5
- More than 7,000 verified player reviews
While it never achieved the commercial visibility of franchises such as Forza Horizon or Gran Turismo, it maintained a dedicated community among arcade-simulation racing fans.
No Delisting Announcement Yet
One key question surrounding server shutdowns is whether affected games will remain available for purchase.
At the time of writing:
- Grid Legends remains available digitally
- EA has not announced a delisting date
- Physical copies continue to function offline
- No official end-of-sale notice has been issued
This means new players can still purchase the game, though they should understand that online features will cease to exist after September 11.
Switch 2 Version Arrived Recently
The timing of the announcement is particularly notable because Grid Legends Deluxe Edition was released for Nintendo Switch 2 earlier in 2026.
The newer version introduced the racing title to a fresh audience, making the online shutdown announcement somewhat surprising for players who recently entered the ecosystem.
Whether additional support plans exist for the Switch 2 edition remains unclear.
Why Publishers Shut Down Game Servers
Online server closures have become increasingly common across the gaming industry.
Publishers typically evaluate:
- Active player counts
- Server maintenance costs
- Infrastructure expenses
- Licensing requirements
- Technical support demands
As player populations decline, maintaining dedicated online services often becomes financially difficult.
Recent years have seen numerous multiplayer-focused games lose online support as publishers redirect resources toward newer projects.
What Grid Legends Players Should Do Before September
Players who still enjoy Grid Legends’ online content may want to take advantage of the remaining months before the shutdown.
Recommended actions include:
Complete Online Achievements
Some trophies and achievements tied to multiplayer modes may become unobtainable after September 11.
Save Leaderboard Records
Competitive rankings and leaderboard placements will disappear once servers go offline.
Enjoy Cross-Platform Multiplayer
The remaining online community will only be accessible until the shutdown date.
Download Any Available Content
Players should ensure all purchased downloadable content is properly installed and linked to their accounts.
The Future of the Grid Franchise
Electronic Arts has not announced a successor to Grid Legends.
The future of the franchise remains uncertain following Codemasters’ acquisition by EA and the publisher’s increased focus on Formula 1 and other racing properties.
While Grid remains a respected name in racing games, no official plans for a new installment have been revealed.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Grid Legends server shutdown on September 11, 2026, marks the end of the game’s online era just over four years after its launch.
While the single-player experience will remain intact, multiplayer racing, cross-platform matchmaking, online events, and leaderboards will disappear permanently for PlayStation and Xbox players.
For fans who still enjoy the competitive side of Grid Legends, the next few months represent the final opportunity to experience the game’s online community before the servers go dark.
As live-service and online-connected games continue to dominate the industry, the shutdown serves as another reminder that digital multiplayer experiences often have a limited lifespan—even for well-regarded titles from major publishers like Electronic Arts.
