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Best 15 Racing Games That Will Get Your Heart Racing

Racing games deliver pure excitement, whether you’re perfecting a tight corner or pushing your car to top speed in a heated competition. The combination of skill, speed, and adrenaline keeps players hooked, making every race feel like a challenge worth taking.

Over the years, the genre has evolved from simple arcade fun to realistic simulations with advanced physics, massive open worlds, and deep customization. Today, it is about more than just fast cars and sharp turns. Many racing games also bring engaging stories, stunning visuals, and intense online competition.

In this article, we are looking at the best racing games available. Whether you prefer high-speed street races, technical track driving, or just cruising through open landscapes, there is something for every kind of player.

So get ready to hit the road. Whether you are a casual gamer or a dedicated competitor, these games will test your skills and keep you coming back for more.

Top Picks: Best Racing Games 

Here’s a list of the most popular and best racing games to get that adrenaline rush. It covers most games from all genres, so we got all of you covered:  

  1. Forza Horizon 5 (2021): One of the best pen world racing games, Forza 5 features breathtaking graphics that take immersion to the next level.  
  2. Forza Motorsport 7 (2023): Motorsport captures the realism and thump of driving an actual race car with its wonderful simulator-style gameplay.  
  3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017): It’s a very fast-paced adventure targeted for casuals who want to sit out and relax.  
  4. Need For Speed Unbound (2022): Perfect for players who love to race but also keep up with a really interesting narrative. 
  5. F1 24 (2024): A wonderful pick for the fans of formula racing, F1 24 has precise controls and remarkable physics.  

Going deeper into the article I will talk about many other racing titles as well plus the score that we’ve given it based on our experiences.  

Best 15 Racing Games

A good racing game makes you forget that you’re actually in the real world and not on the virtual tracks driving your favorite motor vehicles. Naturally, solid controls, brilliant visuals, and immersive gameplay make a racing game great.  

My love for racing games began in 2012 when I first played the original Forza game. Since I’ve been into the genre for over 12 years now, I can be very critical about what and what not to have in a racing game.

What makes the finest racing games THE best is their ability to transport you to a world that’s way bigger than your TV or monitor screen. This is what has led me to create the list of the best racing games to play.

Enough talking. Let’s move to racing!

1. Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
9.5/10 PC, Xbox Series X|S 2021 Playground Games 

This title is a fantastic racing game to kick off the roundup. It is also the most popular in its genre making it a great pick for most gamers.  

Playground Games has done a phenomenal job with Forza Horizon 5. Even though it’s been over 3 years since its release, it manages to match the visuals of some newer releases. What I particularly like the most about this game is how refined it is.  

It hits perfection in almost every detail taking it to a nearly perfect score in our complete roundup. From breathtaking visuals to diverse terrains from Mexico a huge variety of cars, and a massive open world that even makes it one of the best open world games, Forza 5 sits on top of our list as the most complete racing game out there.  

Find great deals on Forza Horizon 5 >

2. Forza Motorsport 7

Forza Motorsport 7
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
9/10 PC, Xbox Series X|S 2023 Turn 10 Studios 

This title is one of the most immersive simulation games, blurring the line between gaming and reality. With stunning visuals, a massive selection of cars, and meticulously detailed tracks, it captures the thrill of professional racing like no other.

The handling feels incredibly lifelike, especially when using a full racing setup. Dynamic weather conditions add an extra layer of challenge, forcing players to adapt their driving style on the fly. The game also runs smoothly across platforms, making it accessible to a wide audience.

However, unlike the open-world freedom of Forza Horizon 5, Motorsport 7 is strictly track-based, which might not appeal to casual racers. The controls also take some time to master, but for those willing to put in the effort, the payoff is incredibly rewarding.

Forza Motorsport 7 is a must-play for anyone who loves precision racing and the pursuit of perfection on the track.

Grab a copy of Forza Motorsport 7 >

3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
9/10 Nintendo Switch 2017 Nintendo 

Nintendo’s racing game has a huge legacy as one of the oldest racing games developed for the Nintendo consoles. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a refinement in most ways with a few minor issues.

If you are on the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have, if you are a fan of racing games. It is amongst the best racing games available on the platform. The massive roaster serves me all sorts of nostalgia, plus it is perfect for casual gamers. It is also the most-sold racing game of all time.  

It has both local and online multiplayer, so it’s insanely fun with friends as well. One gripe I have with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is that it has a lot of recycled content. In addition, it doesn’t do anything too extraordinary and generally plays it very safe.  

Get a copy of Mario Kart 8 >

4. Need for Speed Unbound

Need for Speed Unbound
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
8/10 PC, PS5, Xbox Series 2023 Criterion Software 

One of the newest releases in our roundup, Need for Speed Unbound is chaotic fun with beautiful art direction.  

Need for Speed Unbound provides a very unique visual flare with anime-inspired art direction for power-ups and other in-game events. I loved the sound design as well, which makes the races feel very chilled-out affairs. It is one of the few racing story games, so if you’re into that this one’s for you.  

Other than that, the controls are pretty good. However, most of the races feel quite repetitive and despite being a story-focused title, the narrative isn’t strong enough to be considered among the best story games in the racing genre.  

Get your copy of Need for Speed Unbound >

5. F1 24

F1 24
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
8.5/10 PC, PS5, PS4 Xbox Series, Xbox One 2024 Codemasters 

F1 is the default choice for fans of Formula Racing. It is almost perfect in most major departments leading to a wonderful experience.

Overall, a great title for the fans of Formula racing, I love how immersive the career mode is in F1 2024. It offers a very realistic driving experience with tire wear, and fun pit stops, paired with outstanding visuals, and multiple game modes.  

F1 24 loses out points especially as the gameplay and races are very repetitive.  Also, it has a huge learning curve for beginners. And while it is support for last-gen consoles, the performance isn’t too good on them.

Grab a copy of F1 24 >

6. Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
9/10 PS4, PS5 2022 Polyphony Digital 

Gran Turismo is one of the longest going PlayStation exclusive racing games. It is also the most popular racing game on Sony’s consoles. 

Gran Turismo 7 is one of the most real-feeling games that I played in this roundup. The day and night cycle, graphics, and great in-game controls with wonderful simulator mechanics make it the top pick for PlayStation users. In addition, you can play it either online or offline.  

A few things that hold back Gran Turismo 7 include its limited support for cars due to licensing issues. It also takes a lot of grinding, so if you are a casual, who just wants to relax and drive, this might not be the best choice out there. The game also faces technical issues like performance problems and bugs at times as well. 

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7. DiRT Rally 2.0

DiRT Rally 2.0
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
8/10 PC, PlayStation, Xbox 2019 Codemasters 

This is a must-play for hardcore racing fans who crave dangerous terrains and wild adventures.

DiRT Rally 2.0 is brutally challenging, throwing you onto muddy trails filled with unpredictable twists and unforgiving tracks. The handling feels incredibly realistic, especially for a game that’s been around for five years. The dynamic weather system only adds to the intensity, making every race a true test of skill.

That said, it’s not without its flaws. The damage system can be punishing, sometimes leading to frustration after a single mistake. The graphics are solid but inconsistent in places, and the grind-heavy progression may not appeal to everyone.

Still, for those who love pure rally racing with no hand-holding, DiRT Rally 2.0 delivers an intense and rewarding experience.

Get a copy of DiRT Rally 2.0 >

8. Assetto Corsa Competizione

Assetto Corsa Competizione
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
9/10 PC, PlayStation, Xbox 2019 Digital Tales  

This is a hard-core simulator game that gives an unparalleled level of realism and detail with each race and track.  

Assetto Corsa Competizione is officially licensed by GT Racing which permits it to use actual racers and teams. It is specifically for gamers who want no-nonsense and just want to simulate real-life races with as much depth as possible.  

One big drawback of this title is that it is designed for racing wheels in particular. So, while it does have controller support, it doesn’t play that well with them. Also, you need some beefy specs to run it smoothly on your PC.

Get your copy of Assetto Corsa Competizione >

9. Project CARS 2

Project Cars 2
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
9/10 PC, PlayStation, Xbox 2017 Slightly Mad Studios 

Widely regarded as one of the best motorsport simulators, Project Cars 2 delivers an impressive level of realism and customization.

While it doesn’t match the visual fidelity of Forza Motorsport or some other titles on this list, it more than makes up for it with its gameplay. The driving mechanics feel incredibly authentic, offering one of the closest experiences to handling a real car. With a vast selection of tracks, cars, and tuning options, there’s plenty to explore.

However, it’s not without its flaws. The steep learning curve can be tough for newcomers, some additional content is locked behind microtransactions, and the AI can be inconsistent at times. But for those seeking a deep and rewarding sim racing experience, Project Cars 2 is a solid choice.

Get a copy of Project Cars 2 >

10. GRID Legends

GRID Legends
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
7/10 PC, PlayStation, Xbox, MacOS, Cloud Gaming, Meta Quest 2022 Swordfish Studios, Codemasters 

This game offers a lot of variety, and its story mode stands out more than Need for Speed Unbound, making it appealing for players who enjoy a solid narrative.

I found the story interesting, though it doesn’t go overboard. The game shines with a huge variety of race modes and the ability to create custom races, which I personally enjoyed. However, outside of that, it doesn’t bring anything too extraordinary to the table.

Unlike other games in this roundup, GRID Legends struggles with racing wheel support. The setup requires a lot of tweaking, and even after that, the experience isn’t as smooth as I hoped. It also suffers from technical issues like inconsistent mechanics and limited visual fidelity, which can take away from the overall experience.

Grab a copy of GRID Legends >

11. The Crew Motorfest

The Crew Motorfest
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
8/10 PC, PlayStation, Xbox  2018 Ivory Tower 

The main selling point of this title is the absolute number of vehicles it has to offer, combined with a massive open world.

The Crew Motorfest differentiates itself by harboring a lot of vehicles under one game. It has diverse environments and terrains with vehicles like cars, bikes, planes, and boats. While wandering the map, you can even switch your vehicle allowing for a lot of exploration.

The game isn’t specifically designed for racing enthusiasts, it is more for casuals, therefore the controls don’t feel as robust as most other titles in the list. Another huge downside is that many of The Crew’s content is locked behind microtransactions.

Get your copy of The Crew Motorfest >

12. TrackMania Turbo

TrackMania Turbo
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
7/10 PC, PlayStation, Xbox  2016 Ubisoft Nadeo  

It is a very fast-paced and vibrant game that has a futuristic setting and overall fun gameplay.

Playing TrackMania was a breath of fresh air. It does require a lot of skill but the gameplay is very fun and modern. The unique track designs, split-screen multiplayer, and extremely high replayability value make this game a lot of fun.

A huge issue with the game is that its online community has almost died due to which finding online games has become mostly impossible. In addition, it doesn’t have any car variety at all, therefore you feel very limited. Moreover, the physics in the game is also very generic.

Get a copy of TrackMania Turbo >

13. EA Sports WRC 24

EA Sports WRC 24
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
7/10 PC, PlayStation, Xbox  2023 Codemasters 

This game follows a similar concept to Dirt Rally 2.0, but with the added benefit of official licensing, offering a wider range of vehicles.

While I found Dirt Rally 2.0 more fun overall, EA Sports WRC still has some moments that made it stand out to me. The rally experience here feels much more realistic, especially with the enhanced force feedback on a compatible racing wheel, which is a major improvement.

The downside is its inconsistent gameplay. Sometimes, the mechanics act up, ruining what would have been a solid race. Plus, as typical with EA, much of the content is locked behind microtransactions, which can be pretty frustrating.

Grab a copy of EA Sports WRC 24 >

14. Hot Wheels Unleashed

Hot Wheels Unleashed
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
8.5/10 PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch  2021 Milestone 

This racing title is a surge of nostalgia combined with modern elements making it a fun game for casual racing fans.

I would assume that growing up most of you had Hot Wheels cars with extremely fun tracks that had all sorts of loops and obstacles. Hot Wheels Unleashed takes that and puts it into a video game to a great result. It is insanely fun with a roster of over 60 cars.

However, playing it for a while, it feels repetitive and there are various inconsistencies with the AI. The gameplay doesn’t have too much depth either. But these are minor gripes as it isn’t targeted towards hardcore racing fans.

Get your copy of Hot Wheels Unleashed >

15. MotoGP 24

MotoGP 24
Our Score  Platforms Year Developer  
6.5/10 PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch  2023 Milestone 

There aren’t too many options in motorcycle racing, which gives MotoGP 24 an automatic win.

On the brighter side, MotoGP 24 has ultra-realistic graphics, making it one of the most legitimate motorcycle racing experiences. The weather system nicely complements the graphics. The customization it offers is also plenty.

However, the game has a lot of issues. For one, the career mode feels very bland and the gameplay is so repetitive that it quickly becomes boring. Moreover, it’s not too different from its predecessor to call it an actual upgrade.

Get a copy of MotoGP 24 >

Best Racing Games For PC

If you’re through with our list and just want to find out which are the best PC games for racing, here is a small list that covers each genre:

  1. Forza Horizon 5: For most casual as well as hardcore gamers, Forza provides the best overall experience. We discussed it in detail above, but in short, it has wonderful visuals, great steering wheel support, and a huge open world.  
  2. Assetto Corsa Competizione: This is a complete simulator for all PC players. You can mod the game to your liking and it has such a huge variety of cars and tracks, that you can practically keep on playing for the longest time.  
  3. Need for Speed Unbound: It might not have the best of narratives but it certainly has a very charismatic gameplay that I highly recommend especially to casual racing fans.  

A few honorable mentions also include; Burnout Paradise, and Project Cars 2.

Best Racing Games on Xbox  

Most of the games available on PC are available for Xbox and vice versa. So, here is a brief list of Xbox games other than the ones mentioned above to experience the best racing games on Xbox:  

  1. Forza Motorsport: Easily the best modern simulator game out in 2024 is Forza Motorsport. Out of all the games I tested, I found it the most refined and most consistent in almost every way.  
  2. Dirt Rally 2.0: The perfect title for rally racers, Dirt 2.0 is very challenging, and has a bunch of cars and tracks that keep you on the edge of your seats because of the adrenaline rush.  
  3. F1 2024: It might not be a huge upgrade over the last game, but F1 2024 is the most complete formula racing game. It has a great roster and while the controls are a bit tough, they feel very precise.

FAQs

What are the different kinds of racing games?  

Different kinds of racing games include arcade racing, sim racing, story-based, rally, and formula racing. 

Which game is the best fit for someone who wants casual gaming but a hint of sim-racing too?  

Forza Horizon is perfect for both casual and hardcore racing fans.  

What is the most realistic racing game? 

Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo 7, and F1 24 look the closest to real life with immensely detailed landscapes and tracks. 

Which game provides the best rally experience?  

Dirt 2.0 overall wins the category, EA WRC has support for a lot more licensed cars. 

Which game provides the most variety in terms of gameplay?  

Crew Motorfest has different vehicles with a big open-world making it highly diverse.  

What is the most selling racing game? 

Mario Kart 8 (Deluxe) is the best-selling racing game of all time. 

Dani Khan

Dani Khan

Contributor | Dota2 devotee

I’ve been gaming since before I could properly tie my shoes, which might explain why I can nail a mid-lane gank in Dota 2 but still trip over shoelaces on occasion. With over 12,000 hours in Dota 2, I’ve probably spent more time defending the Ancient than I have doing anything remotely “productive,” unless you count explaining to my team why “mid or feed” is a valid strategy.

When I’m not casting spells or clashing swords in Assassin’s Creed (I like to think I’d make a decent assassin in another life), I’m likely trying to save my team in Fortnite or squeeze in a quick game of Padel to balance out all those hours in front of a screen.

Writing about video games was a natural career choice—someone had to make sure Dota players got some representation, after all. Over the past decade, I’ve cranked out close to 10,000 articles for some of the biggest names in gaming journalism, covering everything from meta shake-ups to the eternal mystery of why my support always forgets to buy wards.

When I’m not typing, playing, or yelling at my screen, I’m usually watching anime and dreaming of a life where respawns are real.