Every Tony Hawk skating game ranked from worst to best

Tony Hawk achieved widespread recognition not just for his skateboarding skills, but primarily due to his video games. The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series was a global phenomenon in the late ’90s and early ’00s, and the recent remakes of 1 + 2 and 3 + 4 demonstrate that Tony Hawk is still relevant and will continue to be a part of the gaming scene.

As a dedicated fan of the legendary skater Tony Hawk, I’ve taken it upon myself to revisit and rank every single game that carries his name. This ranking takes into account the initial impact each game made when it first dropped, as well as how enjoyable they are to play now. From the odd mobile releases that never quite took off, through the sequels that left us wanting more, to pitch-perfect remakes and even the exclusive Xbox gem that was never replicated elsewhere – here’s every Tony Hawk game, rated from worst to best in my humble opinion.

Shred Session, the worst Tony Hawk’s game

Tony Hawk’s Shred Session, a game similar to Temple Run in the endless runner genre, was initially released in certain regions during mid-2014. However, by November of the same year, the game was discontinued and removed from stores. Since I haven’t had a chance to play it myself, my assumption is that it might not have been well-received by players.

Skate Jam

You can still download Tony Hawk’s Skate Jam, but you won’t find it using Tony Hawk’s name directly. During a brief period when Activision no longer held the Tony Hawk license, Maple Media seized the opportunity to release the game. It’s still playable under the title “Skate Jam – Pro Skateboarding,” although it’s not strongly recommended.

Motion

The initial Nintendo DS models featured a Game Boy Advance slot on their underside, which developers could leverage as an accessory port for playing DS games. However, Tony Hawk’s Motion utilizes a basic gyro sensor, but it performs quite poorly. There’s no compelling reason to revisit

Vert

Back in 2009, Tony Hawk’s Vert might have been an enjoyable game during the pre-smartphone times. However, if you’re considering playing it today, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Ride

During the peak of Guitar Hero’s popularity, Activision heavily invested in large plastic accessories and games designed around them. Games like Tony Hawk: Ride are a part of this category, and the motion-controlled plastic skateboard leaves much to be desired. It barely functions as intended, and even though it may have provided some amusement for children or adults after a few holiday drinks, it’s not worth engaging with seriously.

Pro Skater 5

Pro Skater 5 resembles the Tony Hawk series you’re fond of, however, its physics and mechanics fall short significantly. The audio may glitch, skaters can contort unnaturally without any apparent reason, making the overall experience rather unenjoyable. Compared to earlier games we’ve discussed, it might seem improved, but it unfortunately feels more like a letdown instead.

Pro Skater HD

Initially, Pro Skater HD wasn’t popular upon its release, but the longing for past favorites significantly improved its reception. Similar to Pro Skater 5, the physics are flawed, the final product feels glitchy, and the combos can be unreliable. However, there are several intriguing game mode concepts in it.

Shred

After manufacturing all your plastic skateboards, you’ll have to find a market for them. If sales don’t pick up with the first attempt, perhaps the second try will be more successful. Tony Hawk: Shred is essentially an enhanced version of Ride, utilizing the same skateboard, and it significantly improved the user experience. The game offers a more guided experience, which was crucial for making the skateboard controller feel functional. While it’s not yet at par with traditional Tony Hawk games, it’s the only one using a questionable skateboard controller that can be considered playable.

Downhill Jam

In essence, Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam deviates from the conventional skating games associated with the Tony Hawk series. Instead, it focuses on the thrill of skateboard racing, emphasizing speed over other aspects. While you can perform grinds on rails and execute tricks to score points, these moves are primarily used for navigating tight paths to outmaneuver opponents, much like in Mario Kart World. However, this game may not align with the expectations fans have from a traditional Tony Hawk game.

Project 8

In a new generation, the debut of Tony Hawk’s Project 8 introduced innovative trick methods and physics that felt more authentic. At the time, it seemed like a significant advancement for the franchise, but in hindsight, it appears as one of the oddest and most distinctive games within the series. It wasn’t a poor game, but its impact was forgettable, leaving many who appreciated the series’ arcade-style controls and combos feeling let down.

Proving Ground

Neversoft’s final production, Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground, has an air of melancholy, marking the conclusion of an esteemed studio. In many ways, it’s a follow-up to Tony Hawk’s Underground, reintroducing the character Eric Sparrow who was once a traitor. While it’s not a poor game in itself, it seems as though the fresh features are attempting to compete with EA’s Skate series.

American Wasteland

Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland is frequently regarded as the ‘final installment’ in the classic series, though this isn’t entirely accurate. However, it certainly carries the essence of the original games. Released on Xbox 360, it was essentially designed for the previous generation, which is evident in its presentation. The game offers an expansive open world with lengthy corridors dividing levels instead of a traditional menu system. Essentially, it’s more of a skating-themed RPG adventure than a conventional Tony Hawk game. It retains the classic two-minute mode, but it doesn’t top the favorites list. Still, it remains a solid entry in the series.

Pro Skater

The game that sparked the skating craze is the original one. To be frank, in today’s world, there might not be much incentive to revisit the original game compared to many others available now, given its lack of certain moves essential for prolonging combos, which are now iconic within the series. However, it’s undeniably a classic, and if you’re new to it, a dose of nostalgia makes it worth revisiting.

American Sk8land

American Sk8land isn’t something we’ve discussed before. This unique Nintendo DS exclusive is a special take on the American Wasteland series, offering a distinct gaming experience that sets it apart from other Tony Hawk games. It’s a classic 3D Tony Hawk game designed for handheld devices, and it boasts features exclusive to the DS. The controls are smooth, the performance is impressive given the system, and it includes the complete Tony Hawk moveset. In essence, American Sk8land offers a standalone Tony Hawk experience with an original feel, and it was even one of the pioneering Nintendo DS games to support online multiplayer. Although many might not have played it, I can attest that it was a refreshing discovery for me.

Pro Skater 4

In a new twist for the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, the timer has been eliminated in game 4, and larger stages are now available for the first time. This iteration introduces some fresh tricks and mechanics, yet maintains a familiar feel to previous classic versions of the game. However, the elimination of a timer means that the engaging, time-bound challenges have been swapped out for less engaging missions. Despite its appeal in the past, on reconsideration, it may not rank as the best of the Pro Skater games.

Pro Skater 3 + 4

The recently released reimagining should be included in our list, and it’s quite impressive. The Pro Skater 3 & 4 collection brings together these timeless games with contemporary graphics and controls, and it delivers. It’s the game fans have been eagerly anticipating, and if you’re yearning for a more updated Tony Hawk experience, this is the title for you.

Underground

The first game in the Tony Hawk series to incorporate a genuine storyline was “Underground.” In this game, you’ll have the chance to design your own skater and show off your skills to join Tony Hawk and his crew on their skate tour. It’s an unforgettable adventure that includes some surprising betrayals to keep things interesting, making it a must-play experience.

Pro Skater 2x

Among all Tony Hawk games, this one could be considered the most unusual, yet it’s essentially a refreshed version of the original – we call it Pro Skater 2x. In essence, it’s the same as Pro Skater 2, but it incorporates every level from the first Pro Skater and five brand new levels specifically designed for this game. This exclusive title was available only on the original Xbox. It hit the market simultaneously with Pro Skater 3 and even incorporated some of the innovative features introduced in that game. The new stages haven’t been seen again in any later games, likely due to valid reasons. However, Pro Skater 2x offered an unparalleled Tony Hawk gaming experience until the release of the 1 + 2 remake. It’s a surprising and undervalued gem.

Pro Skater 1 + 2

This re-creation revitalized the popularity of Tony Hawk games, marking over a decade since any game in the series was well-regarded. It’s an exceptional reboot and a pleasant continuation of quality for Tony and his friends. Now, we have remakes of the first four Pro Skater games available, and I’m optimistic that we’ll also see remakes of the Underground duology in the future.

Underground 2

In reference to the Underground duology, Underground 2 shifts focus onto Bam Margera and transforms skating challenges into an array of outrageous and zany stunts reminiscent of Jackass and Viva la Bam. This marks the pinnacle of the Tony Hawk narrative, though its style may seem somewhat divergent from contemporary tastes, it remains a timeless favorite among young millennials who played it back then.

Pro Skater 2

The original Pro Skater was remarkable, but it was Pro Skater 2 that truly captivated the masses, making skateboarding a cultural phenomenon for an entire generation. This game was as influential as Mario, Pokémon, Call of Duty, and many others. Pro Skater 2 propelled Tony Hawk into mainstream fame, and its impact remains significant to this day.

Pro Skater 3, the best Tony Hawk’s game

As a die-hard fan, I can confidently say that Tony Hawk’s final game with an enforced timer is undoubtedly the best in the series. The Tony Hawk games have always shone brightest under the two-minute timer, and Pro Skater 3 manages to keep this timer while enhancing core mechanics such as reverts, lip tricks, manuals, and many more.

In essence, every Tony Hawk game that followed has been modeled after Pro Skater 3, and for good reason – it’s lean, mean, and packed with action. This gaming experience is simply sublime, and in my opinion, the best Tony Hawk game ever made.

2025-07-24 16:17