Top 20 Best Racing Games on PC and Consoles – From Forza Horizon to GTA Online

Forza Horizon Series
LEGO 2K Drive
Wreckfest
Burnout Paradise Remastered
Trackmania Series
Project CARS Series
GRID Series
F1 Series
WRC FIA World Rally Series Championship
Gran Turismo 7
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
iRacing
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Forza Motorsport Series
DiRT Rally 2.0
The Crew Motorfest
Assetto Corsa Competizione
DiRT Series
Need for Speed Unbound
Grand Theft Auto Online

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We've prepared an up-to-date list of racing games available for the current generation of consoles and PCs. This list doesn't include games like Need for Speed: Underground and the original Test Drive Unlimited, as they're significantly outdated, and the racing genre has evolved significantly since then. Today, there are many high-quality racing games, each offering a unique experience, requiring different skills, and often surprising the player.

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Forza Horizon Series
LEGO 2K Drive
Wreckfest
Burnout Paradise Remastered
Trackmania Series
Project CARS Series
GRID Series
F1 Series
WRC Series FIA World Rally Championship
Gran Turismo 7

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
iRacing
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Forza Motorsport Series
DiRT Rally 2.0
The Crew Motorfest
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Series DiRT
Need for Speed Unbound
Grand Theft Auto Online

Forza Horizon Series

Release Period: 2012–2021.

Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X. These gaming consoles and computer systems offer a variety of options for gamers. PC offers a wide selection of games and modifications, while Xbox consoles provide a unique experience with exclusive titles and online services. The choice of platform depends on the player's preferences and desired gaming experience.

The Forza Horizon series of games is recognized as some of the best arcade racing games in the modern gaming world. They are based on the physics of the Forza Motorsport simulators, adapted for a wider audience. The series offers a wide selection of cars, stunning cutting-edge graphics provided by the ForzaTech graphics engine, as well as an advanced car modification system. These elements make Forza Horizon a unique project, attracting both experienced racers and newcomers to the world of racing.

Horizon has gained popularity thanks to the unique atmosphere of a vibrant festival. Each game in the series offers players a real celebration. In the first Forza Horizon 5 race, we compete for speed against a plane, motorcyclists, and a wingsuit pilot, creating an unforgettable experience. The diversity of the world also plays a key role in creating lasting memories. Horizon 5's Festival takes place in Mexico, featuring a variety of biomes and locations, including lost ruins and a snowy volcano. This variety of landscapes makes the gameplay even more engaging and intense.

Forza Horizon has received high scores from both critics (92 on Metacritic) and players (88% on Steam). This is due to the variety of available cars: players can enjoy a variety of vehicles generously provided throughout the game. A variety of weather conditions, including sandstorms, create unique challenges when visibility is significantly reduced. Forza Horizon has something for everyone. This game isn't just entertainment, it's a true celebration for racing fans.

LEGO 2K Drive

Release year: 2023.

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch. This diverse lineup of gaming platforms offers players unique experiences and capabilities. PC delivers high performance and customization options, while Xbox and PlayStation consoles offer convenience and exclusive games. Nintendo Switch stands out for its portability, allowing you to enjoy games both at home and on the go. The choice of platform depends on the player's preferences and desired gaming experience.

LEGO was bound to revive its racing games sooner or later, as the last release in the genre, Lego Racers 2, was released in the early 2000s. LEGO 2K Drive is a modern product of the gaming industry, offering an open world and a variety of game modes. The game features a mode for creating cars from LEGO pieces, as well as a "race pass", which includes a variety of items, such as hats for cars. This makes LEGO 2K Drive a shining example of LEGO's innovative approach to game creation, which combines classic elements with modern game mechanics.

The arcade game offers support for the Split Screen mode, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings. Kids will quickly master the local physics and controls, and features like instantly switching between vehicles on land, at sea, and in the air add extra fun. In addition to the engaging story campaign, players can explore picturesque Bricklandia or participate in exciting races. There are also several spooky minigames, where players can shoot down zombies in a noir ghost town or battle mischievous aliens. This game guarantees hours of entertaining fun for both kids and adults.

The gameplay is perfect for those looking to have a good time with a gamepad. No special skill or experience is required to enjoy the game. If you're having trouble navigating the turns, simply use powerful rockets or nets to defeat your opponents. This makes the game accessible and exciting, allowing every player to enjoy the atmosphere and dynamics without unnecessary stress.

Wreckfest

Year of release: 2018.

Game platforms include PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. The choice of platform depends on the player's preferences, ease of control, and availability of games. Each of these platforms offers unique features and exclusive games, making them attractive to different categories of users. PC provides flexibility and power, Xbox and PlayStation consoles offer high-quality graphics and a user-friendly interface, and Nintendo Switch allows you to play both at home and on the go.

Wreckfest attracts players with exciting arena battles where powerful muscle cars collide, creating chaos and destruction. But racing also offers unique challenges: after the first lap, the track is littered with tires, and then debris and the remains of crashed cars are added. In such conditions, racing in circles becomes significantly more difficult, because around every turn there may be a mangled piece of an opponent's car, ready to become an unexpected obstacle. This game combines elements of destructive action and racing, which makes it especially attractive for adrenaline junkies and dynamic competition.

The career mode in this game constantly surprises with its unique conditions. Your journey to the top begins with a lawnmower, which not only allows you to move comfortably but also literally fertilize the lawn, throwing your opponents out of the saddle. After a few races, you move on to competing in a couch car—an old couch converted into a vehicle, likely made possible by the Pimp My Ride program. Other interesting features offered by the developers are best experienced with your own eyes, as they add a special atmosphere and enjoyment to the game.

Burnout Paradise Remastered

Year of release: 2018.

Platforms for the game include PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. These devices offer a variety of gaming options, giving users access to a variety of games across different genres. The PC offers high performance and flexibility, the Xbox One and PS4 offer convenient console options with exclusive games, and the Nintendo Switch combines portability with big-screen gaming. The choice of platform depends on the player's preferences and desired gaming experience.

The original Burnout Paradise was one of the best racing games of its time, which is what attracted the attention of Electronic Arts to create a remaster. Owners of modern gaming systems now have the opportunity to enjoy the updated version, in which Burnout Paradise offers an open world with support for modern resolutions and 60 frames per second. This makes the game more attractive both for series veterans and for new players looking to experience the adrenaline of racing in high quality.

Paradise remains relevant and in demand thanks to three key features. First, the game offers a thrilling sense of speed, even in urban environments: you cover blocks in seconds, not paying attention to heavy traffic. Secondly, well-designed tracks and numerous alternative routes make each race unique. You can choose your own route rather than following a strictly defined course. The more you play, the better you learn the streets of Paradise City, increasing your chances of winning. These aspects make Paradise a must-have for racing fans looking for a true adrenaline rush.

This game world is filled with breathtaking crashes and masterful stunts. The grinding of metal and sparks flying across the screen create an unforgettable atmosphere of drive and adrenaline. The "Hunt" mode will be a true test for lovers of speed and collisions, challenging you to destroy your opponents against the clock. The game guarantees unforgettable moments and genuine emotions in every race.

Burnout Paradise attracts fans of rock music thanks to its unique soundtrack. The game features songs by iconic bands such as Guns N' Roses, Alice in Chains, and Killswitch Engage. These artists are rarely found in the playlists of modern racing games, making Burnout Paradise especially appealing to fans of hard-hitting sound and energetic melodies. The game not only offers exciting gameplay but also creates an atmosphere that perfectly combines the adrenaline of racing with powerful music.

Trackmania Series

Release period: 2003–2020.

Game platforms include PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X. These devices provide access to a variety of games and high-quality gameplay. PC offers flexibility in settings and a wide library of games, while consoles like PS4 and PS5 are characterized by ease of use and exclusive titles. Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X also have their own unique offerings and capabilities, including backward compatibility and subscription services. The choice of platform depends on the player's preferences, desired gaming experience, and the exclusive games available.

Trackmania is designed for those who prefer fast and exciting gaming time without complex car customization and exploring vast game worlds. In this game, you can immediately start racing, overcoming various obstacles on the tracks. Each next track becomes more challenging and interesting. You will accelerate, drift around turns and perform exciting stunts, which makes Trackmania unique among arcade racing games. One of the key features of the franchise is the variety of unusual tracks, as well as the ability to create your own levels, which adds additional value to the game and provides endless entertainment. Trackmania isn't just about racing; it's about creativity and a challenge for every player.

The latest installment in the series was released in 2020 and is available as a free-to-play title. The game features 25 tracks, ranked races, and a Royal mode with the ability to compete against 60 opponents. For those looking for more content, a $20 Club Pass unlocks all additional content. The "Day Cup" ranked activity, where players compete in an elimination round on a track that none of the participants have seen before the race, is particularly noteworthy.

Project CARS Series

Release period: 2015–2020.

Game platforms include PC, Xbox One, and PS4. These devices provide high-quality graphics and performance, allowing players to enjoy an engaging gaming experience. The choice of platform depends on user preferences and available features. PCs offer flexibility in customization and updates, while consoles like Xbox One and PS4 offer convenience and ease of use. All three platforms allow players to enjoy a variety of games and multiplayer modes, providing an immersive experience.

The creators of the Shift duology, supported by fans of racing simulators on the Kickstarter platform, developed the racing franchise Project CARS. Thanks to a successful campaign, $5 million was raised, which allowed the publisher, Bandai Namco Entertainment, to attract the release of the game. Project CARS offers players a realistic driving experience and a wide selection of cars, making it one of the most anticipated racing games on the market.

The new racing simulator was supposed to stand out among well-known representatives of the genre, such as Gran Turismo. In Project CARS, players immediately have access to all cars, tracks, and championships, which greatly simplifies access to game content. This approach likely helped attract a wider audience, as users no longer have to waste time on replaying Grand Prix races that lack interest. This format allows for the focus to be on engaging racing and genuine enjoyment.

The sequel was released two years later and is considered the best game in the Project CARS series. The game features realistic physics, nearly two hundred cars, and new categories such as IndyCar and rallycross. The developers took player feedback into account and significantly expanded the project. The game's graphics are stunning: the highly detailed cars and tracks, along with modern weather effects, make it one of the most beautiful racing games on the market. However, in 2022, Project CARS 2 was removed from all digital stores due to license expiration. The game is only available on physical media, but it's worth noting that the disc-based version lacks some modes, such as time trials.

The third installment in the franchise turned out to be the final one, disappointing both fans and the publisher. The game suddenly became an arcade game, which led to the disappearance of important elements such as fuel consumption, tire wear, and car damage. Fans of the series lost the ability to make pit stops and drive on favorite tracks such as Spa and Le Mans. This drastic change in gameplay caused a negative reaction, as many expected a continuation of the traditional racing simulator.

GRID Series

Year of release: 2008-2022.

This period covers many significant events in various fields, including technology, culture, and society. Over these 14 years, the world has undergone significant changes associated with the development of the Internet, the emergence of new technologies, and changes in people's lifestyles. It is important to note that this period has been a time of active innovation that has impacted every area of our lives.

Gaming platforms include PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch. These devices offer a wide variety of games and provide a diverse gaming experience. Each has its own unique features and advantages, allowing players to choose the right platform based on their preferences.

In 2008, Codemasters introduced a new series of racing games called Race Driver: Grid. This game was a unique hybrid, combining elements of a simulator and an arcade racer. Players could enjoy both real and fictional tracks and use 43 licensed cars. Race Driver: Grid offered a variety of game modes, including the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and drifting on a Detroit street circuit. One of the innovative mechanics introduced by the developers was the use of flashbacks, allowing players to rewind time 10 seconds, which helped avoid accidents. This feature quickly gained popularity and is used today in many arcade racing games, making the gameplay more exciting and dynamic.

The fifth installment in the series, GRID Legends, revived interest in the franchise thanks to its diversity of content. The game offers a large number of cars and tracks, as well as multi-class online races for 22 drivers. GRID Legends features a leveling system, which makes the gameplay more engaging. While the story mode is appealing to newcomers, its narrative feels underdeveloped and the acting leaves much to be desired. However, after 36 races, players can get used to the physics and controls, allowing them to confidently transition to online competitions. GRID Legends offers a unique experience and the chance to enjoy dynamic racing.

F1 Series

Release years: 2000–2024. This period encompasses many significant events and changes in various fields, including technology, culture, and society. These years saw numerous innovations that significantly impacted people's lives and the development of industries. The releases of products and services during this period became important milestones shaping the future. Discussing these years allows for a better understanding of the trends and evolution of the modern world.

Gaming platforms: PC, PlayStation (PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5), and Xbox (Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X). These devices offer a wide selection of games and unique features for gamers. Each platform has its own features that make the gaming experience interesting and engaging. Choosing the right platform depends on the player's preferences and the games available.

Formula 1 is the "royal" discipline of motorsport, and games based on its license have been around for a long time. The first game was released in 2000, when the Jaguar Racing team and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted the US Grand Prix. F1 2000 attracted attention with its high-quality graphics and the opportunity to follow the championship path, competing with legends such as Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen. Since then, Formula 1 games have continued to evolve, offering players an increasingly realistic racing experience and a deeper immersion into the world of motorsport.

The franchise has changed several development studios over the years and has been released on various platforms, including Game Boy Advance and Apple's tvOS. New games are released annually, but their development is relatively straightforward, similar to the FC football series (formerly known as FIFA). The core gameplay remains unchanged: players race along famous tracks from around the world, striving to outpace both the artificial intelligence and other competitors.

Modern versions of Formula 1 introduce new elements, such as a story mode that, despite its comedic moments, offers a variety of challenges for newcomers. Career updates are also taking place for the first time in eight years, attracting the attention of fans. Players can fully immerse themselves in the world of motorsport, where they will not only drive Ferrari and Red Bull cars, but also constantly improve their cars and fulfill the tasks of the team's engineers. This creates a feeling of the true spirit of Formula 1 and allows for a deeper understanding of all aspects of this exciting sport.

WRC FIA World Rally Championship Series

Years of release: 2001–2023. This period covers many significant events and achievements in various fields, including technology, culture, and society. Over these years, important changes have occurred that have impacted the lives of millions of people. Every year, new trends and innovations are developing, which confirms dynamic forward movement.

Game platforms include PC, PlayStation (PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5), Xbox (Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X), and Nintendo Switch. These devices provide a variety of gaming options and support a wide range of genres, from action to role-playing games. The choice of platform depends on player preferences and available games, allowing everyone to find the right option for comfortable gaming.

The World Rally Championship (WRC) is one of the most well-known and long-running rally racing video game series and is officially licensed. Since its debut in 2001, the series has released 17 simulators. The first game offered players a career mode, licensed FIA cars, a variety of stages and drivers, and realistic visual damage simulation. WRC continues to evolve, improving the graphics and gameplay mechanics, making it attractive to both new players and fans of the series.

In 2023, the latest version of WRC from Codemasters was released. In this release, the developers have significantly improved the physics and car handling, and also introduced the ability to build a car from scratch. The game maintains the scale of its predecessors: players have access to 78 rally cars and more than 200 special stages in 18 WRC rallies. If you love the feeling of real dust under your wheels, this game is definitely for you. WRC 2023 offers an exciting experience for rally racing fans, combining realistic graphics and dynamic controls, which makes every race unforgettable.

Gran Turismo 7

Year of release: 2022.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Games on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 offer a unique experience for players of all ages. These consoles provide high-quality graphics, exciting gameplay, and a wide variety of genres. The PlayStation 4 continues to be popular thanks to its extensive library of games, including exclusive titles unavailable on other platforms. The PlayStation 5, meanwhile, offers improved performance and innovative features like fast loading times and virtual reality support. Both devices are ideal for both single-player and multiplayer, making them excellent choices for gamers.

Driving simulator creators often look for ways to stand out from the competition, but Polyphony Digital continues to follow the principles established back in the 1990s. In Gran Turismo 7, the developers took an unusual approach, starting the game with a long and slow intro. The nearly eight-minute video demonstrates the creators' deep affection for car culture, and this passion is a central element they want to convey to players. This approach not only highlights the uniqueness of GT7 but also creates an atmosphere that helps players better immerse themselves in the world of racing and experience the beauty of automobile aesthetics.

Gran Turismo has been a leader in the racing simulator genre for years, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon, despite the emergence of competitors eager to catch up with GT7. The game's career mode focuses on collecting cars from various eras and types, with a total of over 400 unique vehicles. This scale and the developers' original approach create a sense of constant progression and encourage players to continue playing to acquire rare models like the 1972 Alpine A110 or modern Infiniti concepts. Gran Turismo not only offers engaging gameplay but also immerses players in a diverse world of automobiles, making it a must-have for racing simulator enthusiasts.

The developers are confident in their audience, providing a unique gaming experience without the time-rewind feature found in competitors. This solution heightens the tension and adds thrill to every corner. However, it's worth noting that the game's damage modeling isn't very realistic, which can be confusing given the game's realistic control simulation and photorealistic graphics.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered

Release Year: 2020.

The game is available on platforms including PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. This allows players to enjoy the gameplay across a variety of devices, providing wide access to content. Regardless of the platform they choose, users can expect high-quality gameplay and a user-friendly interface, making the game appealing to a wide audience.

Hot Pursuit 2010 was a real revelation in the game series, especially against the background of recent releases, starting with Carbon, which suffered from a lack of fresh ideas. The new Hot Pursuit offers a unique gaming experience, filling it with adrenaline and exciting racing. Players can choose the side of the law, participating in the role of both a racer and a police officer, which adds variety and dynamics. After each race, you can easily switch between the two careers - this allows you to fully enjoy both sides of the confrontation. If you get tired of defending yourself, simply get into a police car and go chasing violators. Police have a variety of tools to apprehend criminals, including spike strips, roadblocks, and EMPs that can slow down opponents from a distance. This game delivers unforgettable moments and intense racing, attracting both old and new racing fans.

Hot Pursuit became a shining example in the world of video games, in part due to its magnificent soundtrack, including compositions by 30 Seconds to Mars. Following the game's success, the publisher decided to launch a series of Need for Speed remasters. However, the 2020 remastered version is virtually identical to the original. It is available on modern consoles and offers improved resolution, but PC players will not see a noticeable difference. At the same time, the addition of cross-play has significantly increased online activity, making it easy to jump into multiplayer in 2024 even if you don't have friends to play with.

iRacing

The film was released in 2008.

PC platforms represent a variety of solutions designed to perform various tasks. Computers provide a wide range of capabilities, including working with text documents, graphics, audio and video, as well as games and programming. Modern PCs can run various operating systems, such as Windows, macOS and Linux, allowing users to choose the one most suitable for their needs. In addition, PCs support a wide variety of applications and software, making them a versatile tool for work, study and entertainment. The choice of platform depends on user requirements and purposes of use, be it office tasks, creative projects or gaming entertainment.

iRacing is a unique project that has been around since 2008 and is designed exclusively for PC. Users appreciate iRacing for its high-quality haptic feedback on the steering wheel, realistic driving physics, a wide selection of cars and tracks, as well as detailed simulation of weather conditions. This simulator offers players an unforgettable experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the world of auto racing and experience all the nuances of real driving.

Rain in the simulator appeared only in 2024. Most of the content is quite expensive: each car costs $12, and tracks range from $12 to $15. A mandatory subscription costs $52 per year, but this only gives you access to 22 cars and 32 tracks. Additional content requires an additional fee. iRacing is a serious racing simulator, featuring a cockpit-only view. All tracks are laser-scanned, ensuring high accuracy and realism. The game focuses on teaching careful driving: player progress is determined by a safety rating based on a system of penalties and bonuses for track cleanliness. Careful driving allows you to quickly earn a top-class license, opening the door to competitions with experienced drivers. High-quality physics and complex yet realistic controls motivate players to continue, despite some controversial aspects. iRacing isn't just a game; it's a complete experience that develops driving skills and allows you to compete at a high level.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Released: 2017.

The Nintendo Switch platform is a unique gaming device that combines portability with the ability to connect to a TV. It offers a wide range of games, including exclusive titles that cannot be found on other platforms. Nintendo Switch allows players to enjoy both single-player and multiplayer games, providing a varied gaming experience. Thanks to its flexibility and innovative design, Nintendo Switch has gained popularity among players of all ages. The platform's gaming capabilities are constantly expanding, making it attractive to both new users and experienced gamers.

Arcade racing owes much of its popularity to the Mario Kart franchise, which has been around since 1992 and continues to bring joy to Nintendo fans. This game offers fun and dynamic gameplay, perfect for spending time together with family and friends. Players can gather together, race on bright and colorful tracks, collect power-ups and use them to get ahead of their opponents. Mario Kart provides a lot of exciting moments and unrivaled fun, making it one of the most beloved arcade racing games in the world.

The latest game in the popular series, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, was developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch console. This platform offers four-player multiplayer via a local connection, and with more advanced features, you can race for up to eight players. For even larger groups, you can join online games that support up to 12 players. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a unique gaming experience, combining elements of racing, team play, and exciting competition.

The game is incredibly popular among Nintendo Switch owners, as evidenced by its sales of 62 million copies. It even surpasses the latest games from the Japanese publisher's iconic series, such as The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario. This is no coincidence, as the game offers the unique opportunity to drive as Link and use Piranha Plant against Princess Peach. The large amount of content available in the game allows players to enjoy it for a long time, and a variety of modes and tracks make each race unique.

Forza Motorsport Series

Release period: 2005–2023.

Platforms for the game include PC, as well as Xbox consoles such as Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.

The Forza Motorsport series is a significant piece of exclusive content for Xbox and serves as the main competitor to Gran Turismo. The game is aimed at a wide audience and provides players with a unique driving experience. Forza Motorsport meticulously reproduces the handling and characteristics of a wide range of production and racing cars, allowing players to experience the realism of racing. Much attention is paid to real-world tracks, which adds authenticity and excitement to the game. The series attracts both novice and experienced racers, offering a variety of modes and options for car customization.

In the first game in the Forza Motorsport franchise, damage to cars had a significant impact on their performance, which allowed players to customize and upgrade each car. The developers have always emphasized a vast car fleet: the number of available cars increased every year, starting with 231 in the first game and reaching 830 in the seventh. Forza Motorsport 7 is considered the pinnacle of the series thanks to its realistic physics, high-quality graphics, and a large number of tracks and cars. The game is currently only available as a physical disc.

The latest version of Forza Motorsport (2023) has received mixed reviews from players. With assist features activated, the game becomes predictable and less engaging than competitive arcade racing. Realistic handling physics make the process more exciting, but issues such as an ineffective penalty system and an unsatisfactory leveling system create a feeling of endless grinding. The number of cars has been significantly reduced, Formula 1 races have disappeared, and the selection of tracks leaves much to be desired—only 20 tracks, which can be explored in 10-15 hours. Ultimately, Forza Motorsport (2023) failed to live up to the expectations of many fans of the series, and its shortcomings stand out against the backdrop of its more successful competitors.

DiRT Rally 2.0

Release year: 2019.

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4.

WRC, which was already mentioned, is considered one of the best rally racing simulators, but DiRT Rally 2.0 comes much closer to this status. Players who are passionate about rally racing highly appreciate DiRT Rally 2.0 for its realistic physics and level of authenticity. In this game, any mistake on the track is immediately punished, which contributes to the constant development of driving skills. Narrow ruts, where asphalt gives way to gravel and off-road, as well as difficult weather conditions such as ice and rain, create a tense atmosphere. DiRT Rally 2.0 is a game that requires concentration and skill, and is definitely not for the faint of heart.

The game features 50 powerful off-road vehicles and a variety of tracks located around the world. Rallycross enthusiasts will be able to test the official routes of the FIA World Rallycross Championship, including the famous tracks in Barcelona and Silverstone. For maximum immersion in the atmosphere of Rally 2.0, using the steering wheel is recommended, which will allow players to have an unforgettable racing experience.

The Crew Motorfest

Year of release: 2023.

Platforms for the game include PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4 and PS5. These devices provide an optimal gaming experience and a wide selection of games for different categories of users. The choice of platform depends on the player's preferences and available gaming features. Each of these platforms offers a unique experience and support for modern technologies, making them ideal for games of any genre.

Publisher Ubisoft aimed to create a premium racing game, and on its third attempt, it achieved this with The Crew Motorfest. The game inherits many elements familiar to fans of other Ubisoft titles: a persistent internet connection is required, an open world setting, and varied gameplay. In The Crew Motorfest, players can control not only cars but also boats and planes, which adds interesting possibilities and expands the gaming experience.

The Crew Motorfest draws inspiration from various genre games. It shares with Forza Horizon the concept of an open-world racing festival offering a variety of disciplines. The game features not only traditional street and off-road racing, but also Formula 1 racing, drifting, vintage car competitions, and a unique Demolition Royale mode, where players compete to destroy opponents' cars. The game's setting, spanning the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Maui, evokes associations with the setting of the first Test Drive Unlimited, one of the most famous races of its time. The Crew Motorfest offers players a variety of opportunities for competition and exploration adventures in a picturesque setting, making it attractive to racing fans.

The Crew Motorfest offers modern graphics technology, rich sound design, and convenient controls, allowing the game to compete with other projects in the genre. However, it is worth noting that the poor implementation of motorcycle and aircraft physics may negatively affect the overall impression of the gameplay.

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Year of release: 2019.

Available platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5.

The Assetto Corsa series occupies a unique position among fans of racing simulators. The game developers are located next to the legendary Italian Vallelunga track, which gives them the opportunity to test racing cars in various weather conditions. This directly affects the realism and quality of the gameplay, allowing users to experience the true dynamics of racing. Assetto Corsa attracts the attention of both experienced racers and beginners thanks to its high degree of realism and stunning graphics.

Competizione accurately reproduces the characteristics of real cars, which makes it attractive to racing fans. The game also offers high-quality track simulation: there aren't many of them, but each one is recreated with every nuance of real racetracks in mind, thanks to Laserscan technology. This allows players to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of real racing and experience all the complexities of driving on various surfaces.

Assetto Corsa is approaching its sixth anniversary, and its popularity remains impressive: during peak hours, the daily online traffic on Steam rarely drops below 4,000 users. These figures indicate that the simulator has found its devoted audience. After a few laps of the Nürburgring, you might also fall in love with the track's breathtaking elevation changes. Once you master the perfect passage of the Rettifiglio chicane at Monza, where you need to slow down to 80 km/h after a long straight, you'll be tempted to purchase the DLC with new tracks and cars. Assetto Corsa continues to attract the attention of both new and experienced racers thanks to its realistic gameplay and varied content.

DiRT Series

Release period: 1998–2020.

Game platforms include PC, PlayStation (PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5), and Xbox (Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X). These devices offer a wide range of features and unique gaming experiences. Users can enjoy games on various platforms, allowing them to choose the most convenient option for every gamer.

The Colin McRae Rally franchise was founded in the late 20th century and named after the famous racing driver Colin McRae. At the time, the series was renowned for its high level of realism and became a pioneer in the rally racing genre. With McRae's own guidance, the game offered players a unique and authentic rally experience. Over the years, the franchise continued to evolve, remaining popular with racing enthusiasts while incorporating new technologies and gameplay elements.

The series gradually transformed, becoming more arcade-style and aimed at a wider audience. After the death of Colin McRae, the series name was changed to DiRT, and the focus shifted from suspension tuning to player entertainment. DiRT 3 debuted Gymkhana, where players performed spectacular stunts, including figure eights. In DiRT: Showdown, gamers were able to participate in arena battles, where the goal was not to finish first, but to destroy rival cars. These changes have made the series more accessible and fun for a wider audience, while maintaining the competitive spirit.

Compared to the classic games in the series, DiRT 5 feels like a more cautious project. However, the game features over 70 tracks, including ice races and the new Pathfinder mode, which offers challenging mountain routes. This variety will provide players with interesting and exciting races, making DiRT 5 worthy of the attention of racing fans.

Need for Speed Unbound

Release year: 2022.

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 5

The availability of games on various platforms such as PC, Xbox Series S and X, and PlayStation 5 gives players a wide choice. Each of these platforms offers unique features, graphics, and performance. The PC allows you to customize settings for maximum performance, while the Xbox Series S and X and PlayStation 5 offer a console-like experience with exclusive games and ease of use. The choice of platform depends on the player's preferences and gaming needs.

EA hasn't released a new installment in the Need for Speed series for several years, and now the developers have an opportunity to create something new that will attract players. Sales of previous games have noticeably declined, and that's why Need for Speed Unbound was created. This game is aimed at a younger audience, including fans of TikTok and anime, making it attractive to a new generation of gamers. The game's visual style stands out against the realistic cityscape thanks to vibrant animation effects, such as dynamic acceleration and smoke from under the wheels. The characters in the story campaign have a cartoon-like appearance, which, combined with a modern soundtrack featuring tracks by A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, and Tyler, the Creator, creates a unique atmosphere. Need for Speed Unbound promises to be a breath of fresh air for the series and will attract the attention of both old and new players. Unbound is a truly enjoyable racing experience, both against bots and other players. Unlike previous games in the series, such as Payback and Heat, where players had to spend a lot of time grinding to be competitive on the track, in Unbound everything depends on skill, knowledge of the car's strengths, and the characteristics of the road. Each car model has unique handling characteristics, making it possible to clearly differentiate between a 1998 Nissan Silvia K and a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16. The game features a wide selection of cars—over 160 models—and players will have to put in the effort in online competitions to earn the most valuable cars. Unbound offers a unique racing experience where skill and strategy are key to achieving victory. Street racing has received a lot of attention, and fans of the iconic Need for Speed: Underground series will be delighted with a multiplayer playlist that evokes the atmosphere of older games. Exciting night races under the moonlight and neon city signs create a sense of nostalgia, immersing players in the world of street racing. This return to the series' roots will attract both long-time fans and new players seeking adrenaline and speed.

Grand Theft Auto Online

Release year: 2013.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X.

GTA 5's online mode holds a special place in the racing world thanks to constant content updates and active support from Rockstar. The best-selling game of the last decade, GTA 5 has been delighting players with a variety of racing modes for almost 11 years, many of which are inspired by other popular arcade games. For example, fans of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed and the Trackmania series will notice familiar elements in the racing DLC. It's the diversity of racing activities that keeps GTA Online engaging and relevant, demonstrating its immense popularity among gamers worldwide.

GTA 5's arcade physics strike a balance between realism and playfulness, attracting players in multiplayer. Every six months, the developers add new vehicles and activities, many of which are related to racing or exploring the game's vast world. In 2021, GTA 5 introduced street racing, allowing nearly 200 million players to customize their cars and engage in exciting races. A key feature of the game is the ability to not only race but also battle opponents, making gameplay even more engaging. GTA 5 will likely remain the most popular multiplayer game until the release of GTA 6 thanks to its large online community.

We've only covered a fraction of modern racing games, but we've tried to reflect the current state of the genre. Now all you have to do is choose a game and fully immerse yourself in its world. Please note that about half of the games presented can be found on the Game Pass and PS Plus subscription services, which makes them accessible to a wide range of players.