Racing games have been around since the dawn of gaming, and the genre has evolved, so there’s something for everyone.
Whether you want to relive real racing moments or fly in hoverships, you’re spoiled for choice if you know where to look.
There are plenty of gems in the Racing genre, and here are our picks for the best.
10Split Second
Blink, And You’ll Miss It
Split Secondis an anomaly as it oddly slipped under the radar when it was released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Split Secondis anarcade combat racing game, complete with powerups and weapons. Racing feels tight and responsive, but the real eye-opener is the destruction.
Environmental hazards play a massive role inSplit Second, and it’s a treat to seecourses transform in real-time.
Sadly, we never got a sequel, butSplit Secondremains a furiously addictive arcade racer.
9Assetto Corsa Competizione
A Purebred Sim Racer
Assetto Corsa Competizione
WHERE TO PLAY
Assetto Corsais arguably the authority in console Simulation Racing games. We trade destruction and wild drifting for a moregrounded experience and realism.
That realism comes in the form of one of the most impressive vehicle lineups on the market and a ridiculous amount of customization options.
Real-world tracks also make an appearance, including iconic circuits like Silverstone and the Nürburgring.
Assetto Corsa Competizioneis also one of the prettiest games on this list and is incredibly immersive if you own a steering wheel.
This isTHE title for you petrol heads out there, and you’ll love every second of it.
8Wipeout Omega Collection
Classic Anti-grav Racing
Wipeout Omega Collection
Wipeoutgames have been around since the original PlayStation, and theOmega Collectionis one of the best ways to enjoy the series.
Set in the not-so-distant future, racing has evolved, and pilots use ships instead of cars.
Racing is fast and intense, with manygravity-defying tracksto race on. Plenty of modes are on offer, including Zone Mode, where you attempt to survive as long as possible as your speed forever increases.
There’s agenerous assortment of weaponsto spice up races and plenty of teams and ships to enjoy.
TheOmega CollectionincludesWipeout HDandWipeout 2048, and while they aren’t new, the series still holds its own.
7Moto GP 23
Two Wheels Is More Than Enough
Moto GP 23is a thrilling motorcycle game that closelyfollows the actualMoto GPracing circuit.
Motorbike racing feels entirely different from driving a car, andMoto GPallows you to get pretty granular with customization.
There’s a superb selection of accurate tracks and bikes to choose from, and the title offers arefreshing change from your regular 4-wheeled racing games.
RecentMoto GPtitles are known for their savage difficulty. There’s a sharp learning curve if this is your introduction to the series, so expect to slide across the tarmac a few times.
10 Racing Games With The Best Vehicle Customization
If you’re looking for a car game with robust visual modification options, we’ve got you covered!
6Need For Speed: Unbound
A Solid Street Racer
Need for Speed Unbound
Unboundis the latest installment in an endlesslist ofNeed For Speedgames. Thetitle plays similarly to Heat, with an open-world city to explore.
The visuals are gorgeous, and there are multiple event types to enjoy.
There is also an overarching story, and while it’s cliché and cheesy, it is pretty fun. If you want thesame vibes you would find in the older Fast and Furious movies, you will love what’s on offer here.
Thestylish cel-shaded flares are adivisive design choice. Even if you’re not a fan, I urge you to try the title, as it’s a superb street racer.
5Wreckfest
Chaos and Destruction
Plenty of racing games are afraid of getting their hands dirty. If you’re drawn to the genre by carnage and destruction,Wreckfestis, hands down, the game for you.
Wreckfestis a gritty racing game wheretotaling your opponents is the ultimate goal. Cars feel rough and weighty, and there are plenty of events alongside the racing, which feels more like a contact sport.
Cardamage and destruction are second to none, and you’ve never seen a vehicle reduced to a smoking heap in such detail.
Games focusing on crashes and bangs area rarity these days, butWreckfestproves there’s still plenty in the tank for the genre.
4Trackmania Turbo
The Possibilities Are Endless
TrackMania Turbo
Trackmania Turbois a highly competitive racing game with a near-limitless skill ceiling.
Every track has a dedicated leaderboard, and competition for those perfect times is fierce. Online battles are the main focus inTrackmania, but you only ever race against ghosts, and it’sincredibly addictive learning a circuitand climbing the ranks.
Thetrack selection is second to none(it’s in the title, after all) and ranges from simple ovals to gravity-defying twisted coils of tarmac.
If you want a competitive racer without worrying about micro settings and tuning,Trackmania Turbois the best of the bunch.
More Than Just A Wipeout Clone
TheWipeout Omega Collectionis great, but the titles it includes are over a decade old.
If you’re after a new futuristic racer, you can’t do better thanRedout 2.
Redout 2is astunning anti-grav racerwith gorgeous visuals and physics-defying courses.
The focus is purely on high-octane racing inRedout. Youwon’t find any weapons to level the playing fieldand your reflexes are in for a workout.
While the inspiration is obvious,Redoutfeels uniqueto play and nails the feeling of breaking the sound barrier.
Wehaven’t had a newWipeoutgame for many years, but with games likeRedfall 2at the helm, perhaps we don’t need to.
2Ridge Racer Type 4
One Of The Best PS1 Racers
R4: Ridge Racer Type 4
Ridge Raceris another series that’s been around for a while but arguably peaked on the original PlayStation withType 4.
The title puts on a masterclass in street racing.Drifting feels incredible, and the game feels satisfyingly grounded compared to titles where you earn “magic nitro” for skidding around corners.
Type 4has a fun, cheesy story mode where you race for different teams with unique tales to share.
The graphics are fantastic by PS1 standards, and the electronic soundtrack is the icing on the cake. TheGran Turismogames tend to steal the limelight on the PlayStation, butRidge Racer Type 4is easily one ofthe best racing games on the system.
1Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
The Series At Its Best
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuitis arguablythe greatest game in the franchise.
The title feels liketwo separate games rolled into one. On the one hand, you have intense races where the police attempt to ram you off the road. On the other, there are events where you play as law enforcement trying to take down the racers.
Each gameplay style has its own progression system complete with car unlocks and unique events.
Hot Pursuitisclassic arcade-style racing at its finest. There’s no-nonsense, no awkward open world holding everything together; it’s just pure racing all the way to the finish line.
