If you’re a racing game enthusiast and own a PlayStation 5, you’re in for a treat. The PS5 offers a wide selection of thrilling racing games that cater to various preferences and gameplay styles. Whether you’re into realistic simulations, high-speed arcade action, or even off-road adventures, there’s a PS5 racing game that will satisfy your need for speed. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best PS5 racing games available, highlighting their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and overall quality.
Table of Contents
1. Gran Turismo 7: Overall Best PS5 Racing Games
Gran Turismo 7 is the pinnacle of racing games on the PS5. Developed by Sony’s premier racing game team, this title takes full advantage of the console’s power and delivers an unparalleled racing experience. With its realistic graphics, dynamic weather and temperature systems, and haptic feedback support, Gran Turismo 7 offers an immersive and authentic racing experience. It even has full VR support, making it one of the best PSVR2 games available. If you’re looking for the ultimate PlayStation racing game, Gran Turismo 7 is a must-play.
Related: 17 Sega Saturn Fighting Games: Unleashing the Power
2. Need for Speed Unbound
Need for Speed Unbound injects new life into the iconic racing game series. With its striking art style and fashion-focused aesthetic, this game stands out from its predecessors. While the aesthetic may not resonate with everyone, the gameplay more than makes up for it. Need for Speed Unbound features a compelling story mode, a fun open multiplayer mode, and a wide range of cars to customize and tune. It’s a visually stunning game on the PS5, combining realistic car models with flashy, cartoon-style motifs. If you’re a fan of the Need for Speed series, you won’t want to miss out on this exciting installment.
3. F1 2023
For Formula One fans, F1 2023 is the ultimate racing game on the PS5. Developed by Codemasters, a renowned studio with over 30 years of experience in the genre, this game offers the most authentic F1 racing experience to date. With its updated physics, adaptive AI, and visual enhancements, F1 2023 immerses players in the world of Formula One. The new F1 World mode provides a more engaging and fulfilling career experience, making it the perfect replacement for the previous game’s F1 Life mode. If you’ve ever dreamt of winning world championships and standing on the podium, F1 2023 is the game for you.
4. Lego 2K Drive
Don’t let the family-friendly appearance fool you – Lego 2K Drive is a surprisingly enjoyable racing game for players of all ages. This arcade-style racer offers exciting action and a variety of gameplay modes. In addition to the Mario Kart-esque Cup Series, where you compete in a series of races, Lego 2K Drive features mini-games and a story mode that will keep you entertained. The game takes you to various locations, and your vehicle can even transform seamlessly during races to adapt to different terrains. Lego 2K Drive strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted fun and thrilling racing action.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Games
5. DiRT 5
Since its debut in 2007, the Dirt series has been a go-to rally racer for gamers. Dirt 5 takes the series to new heights on the PS5, offering a complete arcade racing experience. The game features cutting-edge visuals and offers a variety of graphical options, including ray tracing and a 120FPS performance mode.
Dirt 5 is a transition from the series’ previous simulation-focused gameplay to a more arcade-style racer. While this may not appeal to everyone, those who enjoy arcade racing will be in for a treat. The game controls like a dream, and its multiple modes and activities keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. Despite some initial game-breaking bugs, Dirt 5 is now a polished and enjoyable racing game on the PS5.
6. The Crew Motorfest
For those seeking an open-world racing experience on the PS5, The Crew Motorfest is the perfect choice. Developed by Ubisoft, this game takes players to a stunning Hawaiian island and lets them explore a vast and diverse world. With hundreds of authentic cars, as well as motorcycles, boats, and planes, The Crew Motorfest offers endless possibilities for adventure.
The game’s visuals, content, and racing mechanics have received critical acclaim, making it the top open-world racing experience on the PS5. If you enjoy exploring gorgeous tropical settings, collecting a dream garage of vehicles, and racing against others online, The Crew Motorfest is a must-play.
7. TrackMania
TrackMania is a free-to-play racer that strikes a perfect balance between frustration and fun. While it may appear basic on the surface, this game offers intricate racing mechanics that require precision and skill. The gameplay revolves around hitting the right angles, carrying speed through corners, and mastering tracks created by both the community and the development team at Ubisoft.
Related: The PS5 Boxing Games: Knock Out Your Gaming Experience
While some content requires a subscription, the base game is free to try and offers hours of entertainment. TrackMania even has a competitive esports scene for those looking to take their skills to the next level. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging racing game without breaking the bank, TrackMania is a fantastic choice.
8. Wreckfest
If you’re in the mood for high-speed racing, crunching steel, and arcade goodness, then Wreckfest is the game for you. This game offers a fantastic mix of demolition derby-style racing and high-speed mayhem. Whether you’re grinding the AI against barriers, battling your friends, or competing against strangers online, Wreckfest delivers an exhilarating racing experience.
The PS5 version of Wreckfest features improved visuals and frames, offering a smoother and more immersive gameplay experience. While the game may not make full use of the Dualsense controller’s capabilities, it more than makes up for it with its adrenaline-fueled races and destructive gameplay. If you’re a fan of destruction and chaos, then Wreckfest is the best PS5 racing game for you.
9. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is an exhilarating and vibrant PS5 game that captures the essence of the iconic toy franchise. Developed by Milestone, this arcade racing game offers a vast garage of over 130 vehicles and dozens of diverse tracks that are sure to ignite nostalgic joy.
The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, featuring boosts, jumps, and loops that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 primarily targets a younger audience, players of all ages will find joy in this gem of a racing game.
10. Riders Republic
Riders Republic breaks the mold of traditional racing games by offering an open-world experience that combines various extreme sports. Developed by Ubisoft, this game allows you to compete in activities such as mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and wingsuit flying. With its massive multiplayer playground, Riders Republic provides a satisfying and adrenaline-fueled racing experience.
The game features a variety of modes, including fast-paced mass racing, and receives regular content updates to keep the experience fresh and exciting. If you’re looking to break free from traditional racing games and embrace extreme sports, Riders Republic is the game for you.
11. RiMS Racing
RiMS Racing is a unique motorbike simulation game that goes beyond traditional racing experiences. Developed by RaceWard Studio, this game challenges players to not only race but also adjust and optimize their bike parts for the best possible performance. By delving into the mechanics of their rides, players can gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to come out on top in races. RiMS Racing offers a refreshing blend of mechanics and racing, providing a unique and engaging gameplay experience for motorbike enthusiasts.
12. EA Sports WRC
EA Sports WRC is a rally game that captures the essence of the World Rally Championship. Developed by Codemasters, this game combines the studio’s expertise in the genre with the official licensing of the championship. Players can pilot all the cars from the 2023 season, as well as iconic classic cars.
The game features authentic drivers, teams, and liveries, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of rallying. With challenging terrains, precision-focused gameplay, and the thrill of nailing the perfect drift or jump, EA Sports WRC delivers the rally experience fans have been waiting for.
13. Destruction Allstars
If you’re looking for a racing game that combines frantic action, hectic gameplay, and multiplayer mayhem, then Destruction Allstars is the perfect choice. Although it may not be a traditional kart racer, it offers a similar feeling of exhilaration. The game features crisp, clean visuals and a lightly stylized art direction that adds to the overall appeal.
In Destruction Allstars, you choose a racer, jump into a large dome, and make your way towards the nearest set of wheels. The objective is to wreck everyone who gets in your way using unique abilities, unique cars, and your natural-born talent. The game takes full advantage of the PS5’s Dualsense controller, with adaptive triggers that enhance the controls and provide an immersive experience.
14. GRID Legends
The GRID series has always been known for striking the perfect balance between arcade fun and simulation depth, and GRID Legends is no exception. With over 100 cars and tracks, this game offers plenty of content to keep you engaged. The tracks featured in the game range from real-world circuits to off-road locations, providing a well-rounded racing experience.
Whether you prefer street racing or off-road challenges, GRID Legends has something for everyone. The game’s stunning visuals and realistic physics make every race feel immersive and exciting. With its wide variety of cars and tracks, this game is sure to appeal to racing enthusiasts of all kinds.
15. Hot Wheels Unleashed
Sometimes, the best racing games are the ones that stray from realism and embrace the unreal. Hot Wheels Unleashed does just that, combining Need For Speed-like mechanics with outrageous toybox raceways. The game features physics-defying tracks and outrageous obstacles, including giant spider webs and loop-de-loops.
One of the standout features of Hot Wheels Unleashed is its vast assortment of cars, all based on real toy cars. The game also offers several DLC packs that add esteemed classic cars and fun crossover additions, such as Ryu and Chun-Li’s Street Fighter 5 series cars. With its colorful visuals and exciting gameplay, Hot Wheels Unleashed is a must-play for fans of arcade racing.
16. MotoGP 21
For those who prefer the thrill of two-wheeled racing, MotoGP 21 is the ultimate choice. Unlike most racing games that focus on cars, MotoGP 21 puts you in control of powerful motorcycles with tremendous stonking engines and sleek frames. The game captures the essence of MotoGP with its realistic physics and attention to detail.
The PS5 version of MotoGP 21 has been optimized with cutting-edge graphics and takes full advantage of the Dualsense controller’s various functions. The haptic feedback allows you to feel every bend as you gingerly brush your knee against the tarmac. The game also offers beginner-friendly options and modes, making it accessible to both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the racing genre.
17. F1 2021
When it comes to motorsports, Formula 1 (F1) reigns supreme, and F1 2021 captures the essence of this thrilling sport. The game offers an unmatched sense of speed as you race around some of the best real-world tracks ever conceived. The level of precision and control in F1 2021 is perfect, allowing you to navigate each corner with utmost precision.
What sets F1 2021 apart from other racing games is its story-driven experience. The game comes with a narrative component that drives the gameplay forward, providing an immersive and engaging racing experience. Additionally, F1 2021 offers a wide range of accessibility options, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.
18. Moto GP 2022
Moto GP 2022 continues the legacy of its predecessor by offering an accurate and immersive bike racing experience. The game retains many of the complex mechanics that make the MotoGP series stand out. However, this sequel introduces several helpful tools for beginners, such as extensive tutorials that teach basic and advanced techniques.
One of the major improvements in Moto GP 2022 is the addition of a meaty story campaign. This mode combines documentary storytelling with in-game missions, providing an enticing throughline for the series. Alongside its 2021 prequel, Moto GP 2022 is the best PS5 racing game for bike racing fanatics who crave realism and depth.
19. Super Impossible Road
Super Impossible Road offers a unique and thrilling racing experience that is sure to challenge even the most seasoned players. In this souped-up marble racer, you control a futuristic metallic ball and maneuver it down steep, winding roads in hectic races to the bottom. The key to winning these races is to find useful shortcuts without falling into space orbit.
What sets Super Impossible Road apart is its challenging missions and short race times. Each race requires precise movements and timing, making every victory feel earned. This indie PS5 racing game is perfect for players who enjoy fast-paced and intense gameplay. With its low price point, Super Impossible Road is a game that you and your friends won’t hesitate to pick up and play.
20. Redout 2
Redout 2 takes anti-gravity racing to new heights on the PS5. This stunning racer follows in the footsteps of titles like Wipeout and advances the genre into the new age. With speeds surpassing 1,000 kph / 621 mph, Redout 2 is the fastest PS5 racing game, offering an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping experience.
Competing on the futuristic fast tracks in Redout 2 requires precise movements and timing. Changing parts of your hovercraft will make subtle adjustments to its handling, resulting in enormous consequences. This unforgiving racing game is perfect for hardcore racing enthusiasts who crave a challenge. Redout 2 is a prime example of the thrilling possibilities of anti-gravity racing.
21. F1 2022
F1 2022 builds upon the legacy of F1 2021 as one of the best PS5 racing games. With the monumental shifts in regulations coming to the sport in 2023, F1 2022 adheres to these significant changes, providing you with the same experience as the pros behind the wheel. The game introduces new tracks, including the Miami International Autodrome, and updates to existing tracks to match their real-world layouts.
For the first time in the series, players can participate in shorter-distance Sprint Races, adding a new level of excitement to the gameplay. F1 2022 offers several new features and improvements, making it one of the best PS5 racing game sequels. With its realistic graphics and immersive gameplay, F1 2022 is a must-play for Formula 1 fans and racing enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
The PS5 offers an incredible lineup of racing games that cater to every racing enthusiast’s taste. From the intense multiplayer mayhem of Destruction Allstars to the realistic and immersive experience of Gran Turismo 7, there is a racing game for everyone on the PS5. Whether you prefer arcade thrills or simulation depth, these games will unleash the thrill of speed and provide countless hours of exhilarating gameplay.
So grab your controller, buckle up, and get ready to experience the adrenaline-pumping world of PS5 racing games. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, these games will transport you to the edge of your seat and leave you craving more. Get ready to unleash the thrill of speed like never before on the PS5!