Racing games have become a beloved and enduring genre in the world of video games. Whether you’re playing a fun and competitive game like Need For Speed with friends or immersing yourself in the authentic and lifelike experience of driving in Forza Motorsport, racing games are a fundamental part of the gaming industry that shows no signs of fading away.
Whether you choose to play alone or with others, nothing quite matches the thrill and speed of a virtual racecar, all without the risks of real-life dangers. Racing games offer a fun and competitive experience while also presenting a significant challenge for dedicated enthusiasts.
However, these games can also have real-world benefits by improving hand-eye coordination and enhancing response times through their fast-paced gameplay. The racing game genre encompasses a wide range of options, from lighthearted go-kart games to highly realistic racing and driving simulators. In this article, we will explore some of the top racing games in 2024.
Read More:
- Best War Games
- Best Space Games
- Best Viking Games
- Best Building Games
- Best MMORPG Games
- Best Zombie Games
- Best Simulation Games
- Best Pirate Games
- Best Dinosaur Games
Best Racing Games in 2024
Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport is a popular racing video game series developed by Turn 10 Studios. It was first released in 2005 for the Xbox console and has since become a flagship title for Microsoft. The game offers a realistic racing experience with a wide variety of cars and tracks to choose from.
Players can compete in various race types, including circuit racing, drag racing, and street racing, and can also customize their vehicles to enhance performance. Forza Motorsport has gained a reputation for its stunning graphics, intricate car physics, and immersive gameplay.
The series has seen multiple iterations and has become a staple in the racing genre, attracting a dedicated fanbase of both casual and hardcore gamers.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is an open-world racing video game developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. It is the fifth installment in the Forza Horizon series and is set in a vast and diverse open-world environment.
The game offers players a thrilling and immersive racing experience with a wide range of cars, stunning graphics, and realistic physics. Players can explore a dynamic and ever-changing world, participate in various races and challenges, and showcase their skills in a variety of events.
Forza Horizon 5 also introduces a new dynamic weather system, enhanced customization options, and an expanded multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete with friends or other players from around the world.
With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and a vast array of content, Forza Horizon 5 promises to deliver an unforgettable racing experience for both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7 is the highly anticipated seventh installment in the popular racing video game series, Gran Turismo. Developed by Polyphony Digital, this game offers a thrilling and realistic racing experience to players.
It features an extensive collection of meticulously designed cars from renowned manufacturers, allowing players to choose their preferred vehicle and compete in various race events. Gran Turismo 7 also introduces stunning graphics and immersive gameplay, providing a visually stunning and dynamic environment for players to explore.
With its advanced physics engine and realistic mechanics, this game aims to deliver an authentic racing experience like never before. Whether it’s racing against AI opponents or challenging friends in multiplayer mode, Gran Turismo 7 promises hours of exhilarating gameplay for racing enthusiasts.
Dirt 5
Dirt 5 is a popular racing video game developed by Codemasters. It is the fifth installment in the Dirt series and is known for its thrilling off-road racing experience. The game offers an extensive range of vehicles, including rally cars, trucks, and buggies, allowing players to compete on various terrains, such as mud, snow, and ice.
With a wide range of locations and tracks to choose from, players can immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of off-road racing. Dirt 5 also introduces a dynamic weather system, adding an extra layer of challenge and realism to the gameplay.
The game offers both offline and online multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against friends or participate in global events. With its stunning graphics, realistic physics, and fast-paced gameplay, Dirt 5 provides an adrenaline-pumping racing experience that is sure to captivate racing enthusiasts.
Need for Speed Heat
Need for Speed Heat is the latest installment in the popular racing video game franchise, developed by Ghost Games and published by Electronic Arts. Released in November 2019, the game offers an exciting and immersive open-world experience for players.
Set in the fictional city of Palm City, players can participate in various races and challenges while trying to avoid the attention of the corrupt police force. One of the unique features of Need for Speed Heat is the day and night cycle, where players can earn reputation points during the day by competing in legal races, and risk it all at night in illegal street races to gain more rewards.
With a wide range of customizable cars, thrilling gameplay, and stunning graphics, Need for Speed Heat provides an adrenaline-fueled racing experience that keeps players hooked for hours.
Project Cars 3
Project Cars 3 is the latest installment in the popular racing game series developed by Slightly Mad Studios. This game provides players with an immersive and realistic racing experience, allowing them to choose from a wide range of cars and tracks.
One of the standout features of Project Cars 3 is its extensive career mode, where players can progress through various championships and earn experience points to unlock new cars and upgrades.
The game also offers a comprehensive customization system, allowing players to personalize their vehicles to suit their preferences. With stunning graphics, realistic physics, and a wide range of gameplay options, Project Cars 3 is a must-play for racing enthusiasts.
WRC 10
WRC 10 is the latest installment in the World Rally Championship (WRC) video game series. Developed by KT Racing and published by Nacon, WRC 10 offers players an immersive experience in the world of rally racing.
The game features all the teams, drivers, and cars from the 2021 WRC season, allowing players to compete in thrilling races across various terrains and weather conditions. WRC 10 also introduces a new Historic Mode, where players can relive iconic moments from the history of the championship.
With improved graphics, realistic physics, and enhanced gameplay mechanics, WRC 10 promises to deliver an authentic rally racing experience for both seasoned fans and newcomers to the series.
Split/Second
Split/Second is an intense and fast-paced racing video game that was developed by Black Rock Studio and published by Disney Interactive Studios. The game takes place in a fictional reality television show where participants compete in high-stakes races in a variety of explosive and destructible environments.
What makes Split/Second unique is its innovative “power play” mechanic, which allows players to trigger massive environmental events, such as collapsing buildings or exploding gas stations, to strategically eliminate opponents or create new shortcuts.
With stunning graphics, adrenaline-pumping gameplay, and a thrilling soundtrack, Split/Second offers an exhilarating and immersive racing experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing
Sonic & All-Stars Racing is a popular racing video game that features characters from various Sega franchises. Developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega, the game offers an exciting and fast-paced racing experience for players.
The game includes iconic characters such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails, and Amy Rose, as well as characters from other Sega games like Alex Kidd and AiAi. With a variety of tracks inspired by different Sega worlds, players can race in vibrant and immersive environments.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing also offers a range of game modes, including single-player races, multiplayer races, and a story mode. Players can compete against friends or AI opponents in thrilling races, using power-ups and special abilities to gain an advantage.
With its engaging gameplay and beloved Sega characters, Sonic & All-Stars Racing has become a favorite among racing game enthusiasts.
Ridge Racer Unbounded
Ridge Racer Unbounded is a racing video game developed by Bugbear Entertainment and published by Namco Bandai Games. Released in 2012, the game is part of the long-running Ridge Racer series but takes a departure from its traditional arcade-style gameplay.
Instead, Ridge Racer Unbounded introduces a more aggressive and destructive racing experience set in the fictional city of Shatter Bay. Players can choose from a variety of vehicles and compete in different game modes, including races, time trials, and demolition challenges.
The game also features a track editor, allowing players to create and share their own custom tracks. With its intense action, high-speed races, and unique urban setting, Ridge Racer Unbounded offers a refreshing twist to the beloved racing franchise.
LEGO 2K Drive
Lego 2K Drive is a mobile racing game that combines the beloved Lego brand with thrilling racing action. Developed by TT Games Publishing, this game offers players a unique and immersive experience.
With stunning graphics and realistic physics, players can race through various Lego-themed tracks and environments. They can choose from a wide range of customizable Lego vehicles, including cars, trucks, and even helicopters.
In addition to racing, the game also includes other exciting challenges such as stunt jumps and time trials. Players can compete against friends or other players from around the world in online multiplayer mode, making the gaming experience even more thrilling. Lego 2K Drive is a must-play for Lego fans and racing enthusiasts alike, offering endless hours of entertainment and fun.
Hotshot Racing
Hotshot Racing is a thrilling racing game that combines the retro style of arcade racing with modern graphics and gameplay. Developed by Lucky Mountain Games and Sumo Digital, this game offers a nostalgic experience for fans of classic racing games.
Players can choose from a variety of vibrant and colorful tracks, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. The game features a range of different game modes, including single-player, multiplayer, and online racing, allowing players to compete against AI opponents or challenge their friends.
With its fast-paced gameplay, tight controls, and stunning visuals, Hotshot Racing provides an exhilarating racing experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats.
Dirt Rally 2
Dirt Rally 2 is a popular racing video game that was released in 2019. Developed and published by Codemasters, this game is the twelfth installment in the Colin McRae Rally series. Dirt Rally 2 offers a realistic and immersive racing experience, allowing players to compete in various off-road events across different locations around the world.
With a wide range of rally cars to choose from, players can test their skills and push their limits on challenging terrains, including dirt, gravel, and snow. The game features stunning graphics, dynamic weather conditions, and advanced physics, making it a must-play for racing enthusiasts.
Additionally, Dirt Rally 2 includes a comprehensive career mode, multiplayer options, and regular updates, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment for players.
Shift 2
Shift 2 is a popular racing video game that was developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to the original Shift game and was released in 2011. This game is known for its realistic racing experience and offers players a wide range of cars to choose from.
Shift 2 features various game modes, including career mode, where players can progress through different racing events and earn rewards. Additionally, the game also includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other online.
With its stunning graphics, immersive gameplay, and attention to detail, Shift 2 has become a favorite among racing game enthusiasts.
Art of Rally
Art of Rally is a visually stunning racing game that offers a unique and artistic take on the world of rally racing. Developed by Funselektor Labs Inc., the game combines the thrill of high-speed racing with beautifully designed landscapes inspired by real-world locations.
Players can choose from a variety of iconic rally cars from different eras, each with its own distinct handling characteristics. What sets Art of Rally apart is its handcrafted aesthetic, with stylized graphics and a vibrant color palette that immerses players in a retro-inspired world.
The game also features a dynamic weather system and a day-night cycle, adding an extra layer of challenge to the races. With its captivating visuals, immersive gameplay, and nostalgic charm, Art of Rally is a must-play for racing game enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
GRID Legends
GRID Legends is an upcoming racing video game that has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the genre. Developed by Codemasters, the game promises to deliver an immersive and thrilling experience for players.
It features a wide range of race cars, including classic and modern vehicles, and offers a variety of race modes and tracks to choose from. However, what sets GRID Legends apart is its innovative and dynamic gameplay mechanics.
The game introduces a unique AI system called “LiveTrack” that simulates real-world racing conditions, such as changing weather and track conditions, adding an element of unpredictability and challenge to the races.
Additionally, GRID Legends boasts an engaging story mode, where players can rise through the ranks of the racing world and compete against legendary drivers. With stunning graphics, realistic physics, and exciting gameplay, GRID Legends is poised to become a must-have for racing enthusiasts.
F1 23
F1 23 is a highly popular racing video game that has gained immense popularity among racing enthusiasts. Developed by a renowned gaming company, F1 23 offers players an immersive experience of being a Formula 1 driver.
The game features realistic graphics, stunning tracks, and authentic cars from the Formula 1 championship. Players can choose from a wide range of teams and drivers, each with their own unique abilities and attributes.
F1 23 also incorporates realistic physics and mechanics, providing players with a challenging and realistic racing experience. With its extensive career mode, multiplayer options, and regular updates, F1 23 has become a favorite among both casual gamers and professional racing enthusiasts.
Burnout Paradise Remastered
Burnout Paradise Remastered is a popular racing video game that has been revamped and released for newer gaming platforms. It is an enhanced version of the original Burnout Paradise game that was first launched in 2008.
The remastered edition features improved graphics, higher resolution textures, and enhanced visual effects. Players can experience the thrill of high-speed races and intense crashes in the open-world environment of Paradise City.
With a wide range of vehicles to choose from and various game modes, including online multiplayer, Burnout Paradise Remastered offers an immersive and adrenaline-pumping gaming experience. It also includes all the additional content and updates that were released for the original game, making it a complete and definitive edition for racing enthusiasts.
Horizon Chase Turbo
Horizon Chase Turbo is a retro-inspired arcade racing game that brings back the nostalgia of classic racing games from the 80s and 90s. Developed by Aquiris Game Studio, this game offers a refreshing and exhilarating experience for players of all ages.
With its vibrant and colorful graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and a wide variety of tracks and cars to choose from, Horizon Chase Turbo captures the essence of old-school racing games while adding a modern twist.
The game also features a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against their friends and other online players. Whether you’re a fan of racing games or simply looking for a fun and nostalgic experience, Horizon Chase Turbo is definitely worth checking out.
Assetto Corsa
Assetto Corsa is a highly acclaimed racing simulation video game developed by Kunos Simulazioni. It offers an incredibly realistic driving experience with its accurate physics engine and attention to detail.
The game features a wide variety of iconic race cars and tracks, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of professional racing. Assetto Corsa also supports a thriving modding community, providing players with countless additional cars, tracks, and gameplay features.
With its impressive graphics, realistic handling, and extensive customization options, Assetto Corsa has become a favorite among racing enthusiasts and continues to be enjoyed by players around the world.
Horizon Chase 2
Horizon Chase 2 is a highly anticipated racing game that has taken the gaming community by storm. Developed by Aquiris Game Studio, the sequel to the widely popular Horizon Chase Turbo offers a thrilling and immersive racing experience.
The game features stunning graphics, realistic gameplay mechanics, and a wide range of customizable vehicles to choose from. With a variety of challenging tracks set in different locations around the world, players can test their skills and compete against friends or online opponents.
Horizon Chase 2 also introduces a new multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with friends and take on other teams in intense races. With its captivating visuals and fast-paced gameplay, Horizon Chase 2 is a must-play for racing enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline-filled gaming experience.
Hot Wheels Unleashed
Hot Wheels Unleashed is an exhilarating racing video game that brings the iconic Hot Wheels toy cars to life in a virtual world. Developed by Milestone, this game offers a thrilling and fast-paced gameplay experience for both casual and hardcore racing fans.
Players can choose from a wide variety of Hot Wheels cars, each with its unique design and characteristics, and race on imaginative and dynamic tracks inspired by real-life Hot Wheels sets. The game features stunning graphics and realistic physics, allowing players to perform gravity-defying stunts, drift around corners, and engage in intense multiplayer races.
With a range of game modes, including single-player campaign, online multiplayer, and track editor, Hot Wheels Unleashed provides endless hours of entertainment and encourages creativity and competition among players.
Whether you are a die-hard Hot Wheels enthusiast or simply enjoy high-speed racing games, Hot Wheels Unleashed is sure to deliver a thrilling and nostalgic experience.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a popular racing video game developed for the Nintendo Switch console. It is an enhanced version of its predecessor, Mario Kart 8, and offers a variety of new features and improvements.
The game includes all the original tracks and characters from Mario Kart 8, along with additional content such as new characters, tracks, and vehicles. It also introduces a revamped battle mode, where players can engage in exciting multiplayer battles with friends or online opponents.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers stunning graphics and smooth gameplay, making it a favorite among both casual and competitive gamers. With its wide range of gameplay options and endless hours of fun, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has become a must-have title for Nintendo Switch owners.
BeamNG.drive
BeamNG.drive is a highly realistic driving simulation game that offers players an immersive and authentic experience behind the wheel. With its advanced physics engine, the game accurately replicates the dynamics of various vehicles and environments, allowing players to perform realistic crash tests, drive through off-road terrains, and even participate in high-speed races.
The game provides a wide range of vehicles to choose from, including cars, trucks, and even heavy machinery, each with their own unique handling characteristics. Players can also customize their vehicles and modify them to their liking, adding an extra layer of personalization to the gameplay.
Overall, BeamNG.drive is a popular choice among car enthusiasts and gamers alike, offering a truly realistic and engaging driving experience.
iRacing
iRacing is an online racing simulation platform that allows players to compete in virtual races against other players from around the world. It offers a highly realistic racing experience, with accurate physics and realistic graphics, making it one of the most immersive racing games available.
iRacing features a wide range of racing disciplines, including NASCAR, Formula 1, GT racing, and more, allowing players to choose their preferred type of racing. The platform also offers a variety of racing tracks, both real-world and fictional, to further enhance the realism of the game.
With its competitive multiplayer mode, iRacing provides a challenging and thrilling experience for racing enthusiasts, allowing them to test their skills against other skilled players in a virtual racing environment.
Team Sonic Racing
Team Sonic Racing is a popular kart racing video game that was released in 2019. Developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega, it features characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series, allowing players to race against each other in teams of three.
The game includes a variety of tracks inspired by iconic locations from the Sonic universe, as well as a range of power-ups and special abilities that players can use to gain an advantage during races.
In Team Sonic Racing, teamwork is key, as players must work together to perform cooperative moves and strategies in order to win races and earn points. The game also offers various modes, including a story mode, online multiplayer, and local multiplayer, providing players with plenty of options to enjoy the game either alone or with friends.
With its vibrant graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and beloved characters, Team Sonic Racing has become a hit among fans of both the Sonic franchise and racing games in general.
Wreckfest
Wreckfest is a racing video game that offers a unique and thrilling experience for players. Developed by Bugbear Entertainment and published by THQ Nordic, the game is known for its intense and chaotic races that encourage destruction and mayhem.
Unlike traditional racing games, Wreckfest focuses on realistic physics and damage modeling, allowing players to witness and participate in spectacular crashes and collisions. The game features a wide range of vehicles, from rusty old cars to powerful muscle cars, each with its own unique characteristics and upgrades.
With a variety of game modes, including traditional races, demolition derbies, and figure-eight races, Wreckfest offers endless hours of adrenaline-fueled fun for racing enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy the challenge of navigating through tight corners or the thrill of demolishing opponents, Wreckfest delivers an exhilarating racing experience like no other.
Rocket League
Rocket League is a popular video game that combines elements of soccer and vehicular acrobatics. Developed by Psyonix, it was first released in 2015 and has since gained a massive following.
The objective of the game is simple – players control rocket-powered cars and try to score goals by hitting a large ball into the opposing team’s net. What sets Rocket League apart is its fast-paced gameplay, where players can perform impressive aerial stunts, drive up walls, and even fly through the air to make incredible saves or goals.
With its competitive nature and exciting gameplay, Rocket League has become a popular esport, with professional teams and tournaments held worldwide. It is a game that appeals to both casual players and hardcore gamers, offering a unique and exhilarating experience.
GT Sport
GT Sport is a popular racing video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is part of the long-running Gran Turismo series and offers a realistic and immersive racing experience.
The game features a wide range of real-life cars from various manufacturers, including sports cars, supercars, and classic cars. GT Sport offers both offline and online gameplay modes, allowing players to compete against AI-controlled opponents or against other players from around the world.
The game also includes a comprehensive single-player campaign mode, where players can earn credits and unlock new cars and tracks. With stunning graphics, realistic physics, and a dedicated focus on competitive racing, GT Sport has become a favorite among racing game enthusiasts.
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is a popular racing video game that was released in 2019. It is a remastered version of the original Crash Team Racing game, which was first released in 1999. Developed by Beenox and published by Activision, this game brings back the nostalgic charm of the original while adding modern graphics and updated features.
It offers a variety of game modes, including Adventure mode, where players can compete in a series of races and challenges to unlock new characters and tracks. The game also features online multiplayer, allowing players to race against friends or other players from around the world.
With its vibrant visuals, thrilling gameplay, and beloved Crash Bandicoot characters, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is a must-play for fans of racing games and the Crash Bandicoot franchise.
For more content on List check out the relevant links below and any of our guides, list of games, and news on Gamerode.