12 Best Racing Games for PS5

Why Are Racing Games on PS5 So Addictive? 12 Top Titles That Will Get Your Heart Racing

Have you ever wondered why racing games continue to captivate players across generations? The answer lies in their perfect blend of speed, skill, and spectacular visuals – elements that the PlayStation 5 delivers in unprecedented ways. Let’s begin our journey through the asphalt jungles and off-road terrains of the best racing experiences available on Sony’s powerhouse console.

The Evolution of Racing Games on PlayStation

The racing genre has come a long way since its pixelated beginnings. On PS5, developers have leveraged the console’s advanced haptic feedback, lightning-fast SSD, and raw graphical power to create experiences that blur the line between simulation and reality.

What separates today’s racing titles from their predecessors isn’t just visual fidelity – it’s the physical sensation of driving. Through the DualSense controller, you can feel every bump in the road, every shift in terrain, and every nuance of your vehicle’s performance.

The 12 Best Racing Games for PS5

1. Gran Turismo 7

The defining racing simulator that continues to set standards

Gran Turismo has long been PlayStation’s flagship racing franchise, and the seventh mainline entry represents the culmination of 25 years of racing excellence.

Key features:

• Over 400 meticulously modeled vehicles
• Dynamic time and weather systems that affect racing conditions
• Revolutionary haptic feedback that simulates different road surfaces
• Deep customization options for fine-tuning performance

What makes Gran Turismo 7 special is its loving dedication to automotive culture. The game isn’t just about racing – it’s about appreciating the engineering, history, and artistry behind every vehicle. From classic muscle cars to cutting-edge hypercars, GT7 treats each machine with reverence.

The “Music Rally” mode offers a refreshing twist on traditional time trials, challenging players to hit checkpoints before songs end. Meanwhile, the cafe-based campaign provides a structured progression that educates players about different vehicle classes and manufacturers.

2. F1 2023

The official Formula 1 experience with unparalleled authenticity

For fans of the world’s premier motorsport competition, F1 2023 offers the most authentic Formula 1 experience ever created.

Key features:

• All official teams, drivers, and circuits from the 2023 F1 season
• Career mode with expanded team management options
• Split-screen racing for local multiplayer competition
• Realistic damage modeling and performance impacts

The game’s attention to detail extends beyond the track. The political dimensions of team management, contract negotiations, and R&D development create a comprehensive F1 simulation. You’ll need to balance short-term results with long-term strategy to climb from backmarker to championship contender.

Weather transitions feel particularly impactful on PS5, with rain dramatically altering visibility and grip. The decision of when to switch from slicks to wet tires can make or break your race – just like in real Formula 1.

3. WRC Generations

The ultimate rally challenge for hardcore racing enthusiasts

Rally racing demands a unique skill set, combining precision driving with adaptability across unpredictable conditions. WRC Generations captures this challenge perfectly.

Key features:

• 750+ km of unique special stages across 22 countries
• 37 legendary rally cars from various eras
• Dynamic weather system affecting surface conditions
• Co-driver pace notes delivered through the DualSense speaker

What sets rally games apart is the constant battle against the environment. Unlike circuit racing, you’re often seeing the road for the first time, relying on your co-driver’s instructions to anticipate upcoming hazards. The PS5’s 3D audio capabilities shine here, creating an immersive experience where directional sound becomes a crucial navigational tool.

The career mode puts you in control of an entire rally team, managing everything from driver scheduling to sponsorship negotiations. It’s a comprehensive package that offers hundreds of hours of gameplay for dedicated rally fans.

4. Need for Speed Unbound

Street racing with style and substance

Need for Speed returns to its underground roots with a fresh artistic approach that blends photorealistic cars with graffiti-inspired visual effects.

Key features:

• Unique art style combining realism with street art aesthetics
• Extensive vehicle customization options
• Risk-reward system for building reputation
• Online multiplayer with weekly challenges

Unbound stands out in the racing genre with its distinctive visual identity. When you activate boost or drift, colorful animation effects burst from your vehicle – a stylistic choice that initially divided fans but ultimately gives the game a memorable personality.

The game’s focus on building “heat” (police attention) creates tense risk-reward scenarios. Do you continue racing to increase your multiplier, knowing that getting caught means losing everything? These high-stakes decisions make each session uniquely thrilling.

5. Dirt 5

Off-road arcade racing with spectacular environmental effects

Codemasters’ Dirt 5 takes a more accessible approach to off-road racing, prioritizing fun over simulation.

Key features:

• Dynamic weather system with impressive mud and snow deformation
• Career mode narrated by Troy Baker and Nolan North
• Playground mode for creating custom arenas and challenges
• Four-player split-screen support

Dirt 5 excels at creating memorable racing moments through its dynamic environments. Racing through a sandstorm in Arizona feels drastically different from navigating icy conditions in Norway. The PS5’s graphical capabilities shine in these weather transitions, with particles and lighting effects creating a palpable atmosphere.

The career structure offers welcome flexibility, allowing players to choose their progression path rather than following a linear series of events. This player-directed approach keeps the experience fresh, even after dozens of hours.

6. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

Childhood toy racing fantasies brought to life

The Hot Wheels franchise makes a spectacular transition to the virtual world with this imaginative racer that captures the joy of toy cars.

Key features:

• Over 130 vehicles with unique handling characteristics
• Track editor for creating and sharing custom courses
• Environments scaled to make players feel like toy-sized racers
• Split-screen multiplayer for nostalgic racing sessions

What makes Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 special is how it transforms childhood play into a legitimate racing experience. The physics system strikes a perfect balance – cars feel appropriately toy-like while still offering nuanced handling differences.

The environments deserve special mention, with tracks weaving through everyday locations like kitchens and garages. Racing around a cereal box loop or launching off a toaster creates a sense of wonder that few other racing games can match.

7. RIDE 5

The definitive motorcycle racing experience

Two-wheeled racing presents unique challenges, and RIDE 5 captures the distinct physics and techniques required for motorcycle mastery.

Key features:

• Over 200 licensed motorcycles from top manufacturers
• 35 tracks including road, street, and supermoto circuits
• Advanced physics system simulating weight distribution and tire grip
• Detailed customization for both bikes and riders

The learning curve in RIDE 5 is steeper than many four-wheeled racers, reflecting the complexity of motorcycle racing. The dual analog stick control scheme – where the right stick controls rider weight – creates a deeper connection to the machine beneath you.

Career mode offers meaningful progression, with bikes grouped into appropriate categories based on performance and handling characteristics. Starting with nimble 250cc machines before graduating to superbikes helps players develop the skills needed for high-powered racing.

8. The Crew Motorfest

Open-world racing meets festival atmosphere

Ubisoft’s racing franchise takes inspiration from Forza Horizon with this Hawaii-set celebration of car culture.

Key features:

• Vast open world encompassing diverse Hawaiian environments
• Playlist system offering themed racing experiences
• Hundreds of vehicles across multiple classes
• Seamless multiplayer integration

What separates Motorfest from other open-world racers is its playlist system – curated series of events focusing on specific automotive themes like Japanese street racing or American muscle cars. These playlists provide structure within the open world, ensuring players always have focused objectives.

The Hawaiian setting provides spectacular visual diversity, from winding mountain roads to beachside straightaways. The transition between environments feels natural, creating a cohesive world rather than a collection of disconnected biomes.

9. Wreckfest

Demolition derby meets serious racing physics

For those who enjoy the crunch of metal as much as the screech of tires, Wreckfest delivers unparalleled destruction.

Key features:

• Advanced soft-body damage modeling
• Realistic physics with meaningful vehicle weight
• Mix of traditional races and demolition events
• Unconventional vehicles including lawn mowers and school buses

What makes Wreckfest special is its commitment to physical simulations. Unlike arcade crashers where collisions feel scripted, every impact in Wreckfest produces unique results based on speed, angle, and vehicle structure.

The career mode balances traditional racing with destruction-focused events, creating a refreshing rhythm that prevents either style from becoming stale. Vehicle upgrades present meaningful choices between performance and durability – do you reinforce your chassis at the expense of speed?

10. GRID Legends

Dramatic racing with cinematic presentation

Codemasters brings narrative focus to circuit racing with this story-driven experience.

Key features:

• “Driven to Glory” story mode with live-action cutscenes
• Race Creator tool for custom events
• Dynamic weather changes during races
• 130 routes across real and fictional locations

What distinguishes GRID Legends is its commitment to storytelling. The “Driven to Glory” mode features professional actors in a documentary-style narrative, bringing personality to a genre that often lacks character development.

Beyond the story, the race creator offers unprecedented customization, allowing players to set weather conditions, time of day, and even place ramps and obstacles on traditional circuits. This tool extends the game’s life well beyond the structured campaign.

11. Assetto Corsa Competizione

Simulation racing for the most dedicated enthusiasts

For those seeking the most authentic GT racing experience possible, Assetto Corsa Competizione sets the standard for simulation.

Key features:

• Official GT World Challenge license with accurate teams and drivers
• Extraordinary attention to physics details like tire temperature
• Dynamic day-night transitions and weather systems
• Detailed telemetry for analyzing performance

Competizione isn’t for casual players – it demands dedication, study, and practice. The learning curve is steep, but mastering a clean lap in challenging conditions provides satisfaction few games can match.

What separates ACC from other simulators is its focus on GT racing specifically, rather than trying to cover multiple disciplines. This specialized approach allows for deeper simulation of the unique characteristics of GT3 and GT4 machinery.

12. Burnout Paradise Remastered

Classic arcade chaos with modern visual polish

While not originally developed for PS5, this remastered classic delivers arcade thrills that still feel fresh today.

Key features:

• Open-world design with emergent gameplay opportunities
• Spectacular crash physics and slow-motion sequences
• Seamless online integration
• Complete freedom in approach to progression

Paradise’s enduring appeal comes from its perfect balance of freedom and structure. The open city design allows players to discover events organically, while the “smash through gates” and “beat billboard scores” collectibles provide constant engagement between formal races.

The crash mechanics remain unmatched in the genre, with the slow-motion “takedown” camera creating cinematic moments of destruction. Despite its age, the fundamental gameplay loop still delivers pure arcade joy.

What Makes a Great PS5 Racing Game?

The best racing games on PS5 take advantage of the console’s unique capabilities:

• Haptic feedback that communicates road surfaces and vehicle dynamics
• Adaptive triggers that simulate resistance in braking and acceleration
• Lightning-fast loading that eliminates downtime between races
• Ray-traced reflections that enhance the visual appeal of automotive surfaces
• 3D audio that positions engine sounds and environmental effects

These technical advantages combine with thoughtful game design to create experiences that weren’t possible on previous generations.

Finding Your Racing Style

With such diversity in the racing genre, identifying your preferences can help determine which games will resonate most with you:

• Simulation enthusiasts should prioritize Gran Turismo 7, F1 2023, and Assetto Corsa Competizione
• Arcade action fans will enjoy Need for Speed Unbound, Burnout Paradise, and Hot Wheels Unleashed 2
• Off-road specialists should consider WRC Generations, Dirt 5, and Wreckfest
• Open-world explorers will find the most value in The Crew Motorfest

Many players enjoy variety, switching between simulation and arcade experiences depending on their mood. There’s no wrong approach – the racing genre’s diversity is part of its strength.

The Future of Racing on PS5

As developers continue to master the PS5’s capabilities, we can expect even more impressive racing experiences. Future trends likely include:

• More sophisticated weather and surface modeling
• Expanded career modes with deeper team management
• Enhanced online communities and competitive structures
• Greater integration between virtual and real-world motorsport

The racing genre’s consistent popularity ensures continued investment from publishers, making it an exciting time for fans of virtual motorsport.

Start Your Engines!

The racing genre on PS5 has never been stronger, offering experiences ranging from approachable arcade fun to demanding simulation. Whether you’re looking to master the nuances of vehicle setup or simply enjoy the thrill of high-speed competition, there’s something for every type of racing enthusiast.

The games highlighted represent the pinnacle of racing on PlayStation 5, each offering unique approaches to the fundamental joy of controlling powerful machines at speed. From the meticulous authenticity of Gran Turismo 7 to the stylized destruction of Wreckfest, these titles demonstrate why racing games continue to capture our imagination.

So, which racing experience calls to you? Will you pursue lap time perfection, embrace chaotic competition, or explore vast open worlds? Whatever your preference, the PS5’s exceptional hardware ensures your journey will be smoother, faster, and more immersive than ever before.