The best racing games on PC range from timeless classics like Need for Speed and Midtown Madness to contemporary hits like Forza Horizon 5 and The Crew Motorfest. The racing genre has a rich legacy in PC gaming, offering an almost endless variety of options. To help you find your next favorite game, we’ve compiled a list of the best racing games you can enjoy right now.
Our selection includes a diverse array of racing games, from simulations like Project CARS 2 to underrated gems like Driver: San Francisco. We’ve broadened our definition of ‘racing game’ to include anything with wheels, ensuring there’s something for every type of player. Despite this wide range, all these games share one thing: they offer an exceptional driving experience.
Project CARS 2
Project CARS 2 is the ultimate racing simulator, offering a wide variety of racing experiences, from ice racing on Swedish snowdrifts to karting in the Scottish Highlands. The game features rallycross within Hockenheim’s infield, LMP1s at Imola, Indycars at Daytona Speedway, and even Honda Civics tackling Eau Rouge. The breadth of content in this game is impressive, and the quality is top-notch. Real racing drivers contributed to its development, and it shows in the game’s authenticity. Project CARS 2 also boasts a strong eSports scene, making it a great substitute for real-world track time for aspiring drivers.
iRacing
iRacing is the pinnacle of online racing simulation, known for its meticulous car and track modeling. It features regular online racing leagues, offering the closest experience to real racing available on PC. However, iRacing demands a significant investment of time and money, including subscription fees and the necessity of a force feedback wheel. Despite its challenges, iRacing stands unrivaled for sim racing enthusiasts, with many top players also competing in real motorsport.
F1 23
F1 23 continues to deliver the high-speed, technical racing experience the series is known for. The game features enhanced AI racers and photorealistic environments, immersing players in the world of Formula 1. The return of the Braking Point story mode adds a compelling narrative, building on the success of F1 21 and offering engaging characters and storylines.
MotoGP 18
For those willing to venture into two-wheeled racing, MotoGP 18 by Milestone offers an exhilarating experience. Motorcycle racing is inherently thrilling, with its extreme lean angles and daring overtakes. MotoGP 18 captures this excitement, blending career simulation with high-speed racing, allowing players to work their way up through the ranks to secure a spot on a top team.
RaceRoom Racing Experience
RaceRoom Racing Experience is the modern successor to SimBin’s legendary racing sims. It’s a free-to-play game that offers highly authentic GT racing, with well-structured online competition and a vast catalog of cars and tracks. While the game excels on the track, its free-to-play model means you’ll need to purchase additional content as you go. Nevertheless, it offers plenty of depth and specialization opportunities for dedicated racers.
These games provide a range of thrilling driving experiences, from highly realistic simulations to engaging arcade-style races. Whether you’re a seasoned racing sim enthusiast or a casual gamer looking for some high-speed fun, there’s something here for everyone.
