Virtual cars sometimes look better than the real thing these days.
Car video games have long been some of the most visually impressive games ever made, often becoming the standard-bearers for graphics on new hardware generations. But as the years have gone on, car games have advanced beyond just visual powerhouses, with driving games getting incredibly close to mimicking the real thing. So much so that the best players in top racing games have gone on to compete in the highest levels of real world motorsport. But for most players, they aren’t training devices for real life competition, but a fantasy where we can safely drive the cars of our dreams at high speeds without the fear of sending thousands of pounds to the scrapyard. They offer a kind of fantasy few other games can, and the best driving video games can truly take over your gaming life.
Top Racing And Driving Games
Racing games are, of course, their own genre which is generally split into simulations, which try to mimic real life as closely as possible, and arcade games, which take things in a more fantastical style. However, there are some games that straddle both sides of the line, and others that fit into neither category.
Not every car game is a racing game, with some cleverly using cars in unique ways across other genres, but for the most part the top car games typically feature some kind of racing. Many are simply all about the racing, with no story or meta game, whereas some have full narratives around racing or set you on a quest to build the car collection of your dreams. You’ll find all kinds of car games in this list, which is made up of the best ones based on critical reception, fan appreciation, longevity and obviously a bit of personal bias.
15. TrackMania (2020)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
The 2020 reboot of this iconic Ubisoft franchise took TrackMania back to basics; putting fast cars on otherworldly racetracks that would not be possible in this world. This is all about precise control, with some tracks taking players thousands of tries to complete, making it great for perfectionists and those with a lot of patience.
14. Le Mans Ultimate
Platforms: PC
Still in early access, Le Mans Ultimate is the official WEC game, so fans of WEC will find a lot to love in this simulation from Studio 397 that is still improving each patch. It’s still a little ropey in places, but has a lot of potential to become a great racing sim.
13. EA Sports WRC
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
If rally is your thing, this is for you. EA’s 2023 WRC game is the best rally game in years, and features a ton of licences to make it realistic. Hardcore rally fans will obviously love this, but anyone looking for a fun rally game will also find a lot of fun on the dirt.
12. BeamNG.drive
Platforms: PC
2015’s BeamNG by BeamNG GmbH is all about crashing, with a physics engine that will totally destroy your car in seconds. It’s always satisfying, and if you venture into the world of mods and custom content there are a lot of fun things to do, including car obstacle courses! One for people who love destruction.
11. Forza Motorsport (2023)
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Another series reboot, this 2023 game from Turn 10 is a solid motorsport sim that isn’t quite as hardcore as others, making it great for those looking for a way into sim racing. There’s a solid amount of tracks and cars, meaning there really is something for everyone… if you have a Microsoft device.
10. Assetto Corsa
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, iOS
Kunos Simulazioni’s sim racer is something of a cult classic, with a dedicated fan base keeping it going with custom content and mods since it released in 2014. The console ports are dated, but on PC with some mods this is a great sim racer perfect for those looking for rarer cars or tracks.
9. Burnout Paradise Remastered
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Arguably Criterion’s best game, Burnout Paradise is perfect if you want to drive fast cars around a cool location with an epic soundtrack and just have a good time. The 2018 remaster only improves things, and it’s so easy to pick up and play, this is one all gamers should experience at least once.
8. The Crew Motorfest
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Similar to the last entry, this is another game where you can ride around an open world in fast cars doing cool things. However, Ubisoft’s 2023 take on the open world racing genre has some more modern improvements and multiplayer functionality that will make it easier for a lot of younger players to enjoy.
7. Assetto Corsa Competizione
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
2019’s ACC from Kunos Simulazioni doesn’t try to do too much, focusing on GT3 racing with some other categories, but it does it incredibly well, making this one of the best simulators. If GT3 is your thing then ACC will provide everything you could want, but it gets complex, so may be daunting for newcomers.
6. F1 24
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Codemaster’s annual F1 games are the perfect virtual F1 experience, going from pick up and play style for newcomers down to impressive sims for the most experienced players. They may not quite stand up to the super realistic simulators, but if you love F1 you’ll struggle to find too many faults here.
5. Forza Horizon 5
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Very different to the other Forza on this list, Playground Games’s Horizon series is an open world arcade racer, with 2021’s fifth instalment really perfecting the formula. You race around a fictionalised Mexico in fast cars doing cool things, and it's easy to play, making it great for all ages. What more could you want?
4. Gran Turismo 7
Platforms: PS4, PS5
Perhaps the most iconic racing series ever, Polyphony’s 2022 iteration is arguably it’s best, bringing an incredible motorsport simulation to Sony consoles. Of all the simulators, it's the easiest to get into, but has enough depth to become the only game you’ll ever play. If you want a racing game on PlayStation, get this one.
3. Rocket League
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
A rare non-racing game, Psyonix’s Rocket League launched in 2015 and changed what car games can be. It’s car football, or soccer if you must, and that’s basically all you need to know. It’s close to perfect and incredibly easy to pick up and play, but impossible to master. It’s a must-play.
2. iRacing
Platforms: PC
iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations’ self-titled game from 2008 is barely a game, it’s the most hardcore racing sim ever and will take over your life… and wallet. If you want a racing sim as close to real life this is it, but you might want to get started with a slightly less intense one first.
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Platforms: Switch
If a kart counts as a car, then this is the best racing game ever. Nintendo’s 2017 package of all the Mario Kart 8 content on the Switch is, quite simply, flawless. It’s perfect for literally anyone that understands what a car is and that going quicker than your pals is fun.
Bottom Line
In the virtual world, there’s a lot you can do with a car, and these games have just about thought of it all. From close to real life simulations to fantastical sports games and everything in between, you can find almost anything you can imagine on this list.
Escape From Tarkov Unheard Edition controversy</a>, major esports events such as The International and is doomed to write League of Legends and Valorant patch notes every two weeks. Follow Mike Stubbs for continued coverage of the esports industry, the creator economy and competitive games. </p>">
